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A Comprehensive Study

Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place. Give unto the LORD, ye
kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. Give unto the LORD the glory due
unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
Fear before him, all the earth: the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved. Let the heavens be
glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth. Let the sea
roar, and the fulness thereof: let the fields rejoice, and all that is therein. Then shall the trees of the
wood sing out at the presence of the LORD, because he cometh to judge the earth. O give thanks unto
the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. And say ye, Save us, O God of our
salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to thy
holy name, and glory in thy praise.

Christ’s humble servant, David Neal


Blind to the world, led about by the Holy Ghost
January, 2005

I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in
darkness. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved
darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. But to the sincere and
contrite of heart: To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from
the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance
among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

An Electronic Book
Microsoft Word Format

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Introduction

Many ask, “what is the meaning of life?” They are perplexed (puzzled, confused,
confounded, baffled, mystified, bewildered) because they seem to find no answers. The
cause for this is due to (by reason of, rationale) their fallen nature; they are focused upon
the meaning of life as pertaining to “self” and the “creation” (with regard to) rather than
the Creator. The meaning of life can only be understood from the perspective of the
Creator – who is the Giver of life. Perspective is crucial to understanding life and how
you fit into God’s eternal purpose. Pilate asked Jesus, “what is truth?,” but was of no
mind to really hear, even though he was looking the very embodiment of the truth in the
eyes (Jn 18:38). Dear reader, are you of the mind to hear the truth or do you just ask the
question?

Jesus came as a bright light in this dark world and brought “the truth” to those living in a
great lie in the shadow of death (the condemnation, a false reality). Like a fool who
cannot receive correction (Pv 9:7-8, 12:15, 15:10, 12, 17:10, 23:9), those living in the
darkness and bound under the devil’s lie, lashed out in fury when confronted with the
truth. The light exposed great wickedness. Proverbs 18:2, “A fool hath no delight in
understanding, but that his heart may discover itself (seek his own way).” God’s Son was
made flesh and dwelt among men (Jn 1:14). John 1:10-11, “He was in the world, and the
world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his
own received him not.” The darkness is opposite of the light (as is Satan’s lie from God’s
truth) and at great enmity with it. Men love the darkness (the nature of the lie) and will
not come to the light (the truth, Jn 3:19). The darkness responded to the light by putting
out the light - killing God’s Son. The prophets of old had met the similar fate as they
were imprisoned, mistreated and killed (hated) by rebellious mankind who was
comfortable in the darkness (Js 5:10). However, many lights were lit (those coming out
of the darkness and grasping God’s truth) as they now abide in “The Lord” (Jesus, the
Word) and have come forth from the darkness into the light to proclaim the eternal truth
(Php 2:15). The darkness hates the light and always seeks to put it out (Pv 29:27, Jn
8:40, Gal 4:29). Wherever there is light, the darkness is overcome (Jn 1:5). This book
proclaims the truth (light) that Jesus Christ brought. Do you have the courage to hear the
truth? A wise man receives correction and becomes all the wiser (Pv 1:5, 8:33, 9:8-9,
10:8, 17, 14:6, 15:31, 18:15, 19:20, 22:17). A wise man will consider his ways and
embrace that which is of God. Psalms 119:59, “I thought on my ways, and turned my feet
unto thy testimonies.” Those who have a heart to embrace the truth will not be
disappointed (1 Cor 2:9). Proverbs 3:35, “The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be
the promotion of fools.”

The author’s background is irrelevant (neither here nor there), for I do not come in my
own name nor seek my own glory, but rather come in the name of my Lord Jesus and
give Christ all the glory (Ps 115:1, Jn 7:18). The author desires: 1 Timothy 4:16  Take
heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt
both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” The merit of this work will have to be judged
solely by the Spirit and the Word. This book may come as a great shock to you if you are
living in the flesh – the fallen nature and darkness. Perhaps you too will cast this light

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aside? Christ’s message has always been met with great resistance by those whose eyes
are on self. On many occasions man sought or plotted to kill Christ after hearing God’s
message or witnessing God’s works (Mt 27:1, Mk 3:6, Lk 4:29, 22:2, Jn 5:16, 18, 7:1,
8:59, 10:31, 11:53, 18:14). Will you consider the truth that most could not bear to
tolerate? Perhaps you will be one of the few who deny self, take up your cross (death to
your will) and follow Jesus right out of the darkness into the Father’s glorious light (1
Tim 6:15-16)?

The message of this book is quite simple. You must come out of the darkness (Satan’s
lie) and into the light (God’s eternal immutable truth) - meaning that you must forsake
your self-centered life (your way, seeking of self) and fully surrender (dying to self) to
God by living lovingly and obediently in His truth – Word (known as faith). The purpose
of this book is to provide full understanding of man’s fallen condition and God’s merciful
offer for reconciliation. This is a message for whosoever will, particularly the religious
man who self-righteously believes he needs no such message, and will be more relevant
to your eternal future than anything this world has to offer. This book will take a
scriptural look at God’s purposes for man and how the Lord intends (determines with the
ability to execute) to reap an acceptable harvest from the earth and reconcile a “portion”
of man back to Himself. God the Father speaks of filling His house (Lk 14:23). How will
this be accomplished and who will be worthy to enter in? When Jesus came, He often
spoke about the kingdom of God. Christ was referring to a literal kingdom that now
exists. Many are called to populate this kingdom, but few are chosen (Mt 20:16, 22:14).
Let us examine why…Ecclesiastes 3:14, “I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be
for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men
should fear before him.” Whose word will ultimately stand (Jer 44:28) –God’s or man’s?

This book will reveal how God’s truth and Satan’s lie are opposites. Therefore, those
who follow God will demonstrate an opposite nature than those who follow Satan
(acknowledged or not). Since the world is mostly in darkness, those who follow God will
seem quite odd and not be understood by those who walk in darkness. To sincerely
follow Christ will almost always require you to do the opposite of what is being done in
the world. You cannot be found in the truth if you are walking in the lie.

The time is now: 2 Corinthians 6:17, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye
separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.”

 
January 2005

This book is freely given and may be reproduced in its entirety and freely distributed (without charge). No
permission is given to change the contents in any way.

This book makes no judgments and just presents the truth. You must decide whether or not your daily
practices/lifestyle or religious observances are found within the truth – light. You must work out your own
salvation (Php 2:12) – but make sure it is found in truth!

Scriptural references are from the Authorized King James Version Bible.

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Chapter 1 - The Darkness
Before we can truly (sincerely, faithfully and genuinely) begin to approach unto the light,
we must understand the darkness that separates us from God. The “issue” is: who will be
Lord (authority) of your life, and of the creation of man, and of the entire creation as a
whole? Will the Creator or the creation govern, and whose will (rule) shall prevail?
Whose nature shall be followed (practiced, lived by, adhered to) both now and
forevermore? The answers to these questions will either leave you in darkness or draw
you to the light. Don’t answer to quickly because your life (as being lived out) may tell a
different story. Many may determine that although they assume (think, presuppose)
themselves to be in the light, in reality (in actuality) they have a love of darkness and are
dwelling comfortably therein – and worse, may not desire to come out, but rather justify
their evils. The great hope of this book is to compel you to genuinely and sincerely come
to the light in truth and the practice thereof. To send you running into the loving arms of
the Lord.

Isaiah 1:2, “Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have
nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.” Psalms 5:10-12,
“Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the
multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee. But let all those that
put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let
them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous;
with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.”
The Nature of the Rebellion

The Lord God reigns from heaven and has a host of angelic beings that minister to and
serve Him (Ps 68:17, 91:11, 104:4, 148:2, Mt 4:6, 11, 13:41, 49, 16:27, 18:10, 24:31,
36, 25:31, 26:53, Mk 8:38, Lk 9:26, 12:8-9, 15:10, Jn 1:51, 2 Thess 1:7, Heb 1:7, 12:22,
1 Pt 3:22, Rev 5:11). Psalms 103:20, “Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in
strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.” Lucifer
(meaning, light-bearer) was a much anointed (set apart for the Lord’s service) Cherub
and was given great authority by God (Ez 28:14). Lucifer was full of wisdom, and perfect
in beauty (Ez 28:11, 13, 17) and was perfect (absolute, faultless) in his ways until
iniquity was found in him (Ez 28:15). His wisdom became corrupted (evil, depraved,
wicked) by reason of his brightness (beauty and superior qualities, Ez 28:17).

Lucifer (created being) was originally fully submitted to the will of God (The Creator,
Ps 146:6). True wisdom is the fear (submission to the will) of God. Psalm 111:10, “The
fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do
his commandments: his praise endureth for ever (also Ps 19:9, Pv 1:7, 9:10).” The fear of
God is to willingly surrender to His will in absolute obedience – to walk in the Lord’s
truth (Rev 14:6-7, Deut 8:6). To be perfect is to fear God, and eschew evil (Job 2:3, Pv
3:7, 4:27, 8:13, 1 Pt 3:11). Job 28:28, “…Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom;
and to depart from evil is understanding.” What this is saying is that there must be a
sincere love for God and His eternal truth (nature, character) such that one would hate or
shun any evil that would dishonor God or detract from the truth – that which would keep

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one from cleaving (adhering, uniting) to the Lord in perfect obedience. Some might say
there was no evil in heaven, but there was the potential for evil of which Lucifer partook -
did not eschew or abstain from. The creation must walk in the nature of the Creator, for
God is of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look upon iniquity (Habk 1:13).

Lucifer was originally perfect in executing the commands of the Lord and fully
submitting to God’s will – he was declared so by the Lord (Ez 28:15). However,
Lucifer’s wisdom became corrupted. He no longer feared God and the foundation of
Lucifer’s wisdom was destroyed. Lucifer was as one who pursues a course contrary to the
dictates of wisdom (i.e. the fear of the Lord). His heart was lifted up, and he said: “I am a
God, I sit in the seat of God” (Ex 28:2) – he set his heart as the heart of God and lifted
himself up in height (Ez 28:6, 31:10). Lucifer now sought his own will (way, path) –
independent of God (Pv 1:29). This was a disregard of God’s will and authority. One
cannot seek their own will and yet be totally submitted to God’s will at the same time
(Mt 6:24, Lk 16:13). This was disobedience to the commands of God which is
transgression to the will of the Lord – known as Rebellion. Rebellion is the renunciation
of God’s authority! God’s authority is His truth which is His Word.

God had wonderfully provided for Lucifer – he had beauty, wisdom and position
(authority, place). There was no reason he should have transgressed God’s will – he gave
in to selfish desire. God’s nature is love which focuses on the needs of others. Lucifer
chose to be the opposite, which focuses on the needs or desires of self (prideful, egoistic).
Lucifer became the opposite of God and an “adversary.” An adversary is opposed or
opposite to, and hence the name - Satan – an enemy or foe that has enmity at heart (1 Pt
5:8). Lucifer who was the light bearer (truth-bearer) now became filled with darkness
and is opposite of God – the corrupter with “the lie.” He now vitiates or injures the
qualities of the Lord’s truth (or nature) and creation in order to impair its value, to render
defective, and to attempt to destroy the truth. The devil is the king of all the proud (Job
41:34). There is no communion (unity, empathy, relationship) between light and darkness
(2 Cor 6:14). Consider Lucifer’s boasts: Isaiah 14:13-15, “For thou hast said in thine
heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit
also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the
heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell,
to the sides of the pit.” These statements reveal Lucifer’s fallen (corrupted) nature – the
nature of SELF (“I”). This is an evil heart that directly challenges God by saying: “I am,
and there is none beside me” (“Me” comes foremost, Zeph 2:15, Is 47:8, 10). The Lord
deservedly declares the same of Himself regarding His divine authority (Is 45:5-6, 21).
Psalms 89:6-7, “For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? who among the
sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD? God is greatly to be feared in the
assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.”

Lucifer, who is a created being, denies God, by saying, “there is none beside me,” and is
thus in disregard for God’s authority (the Creator of all). True love, which is the
characteristic of God, denies self. The rebellion seeks self and says to God, “depart from
us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways;” and propounds: “what is the Almighty,
that we should serve Him” (Job 21:14-15, 22:17)? Lucifer, now known as Satan, the
devil, the dragon, the serpent, and prince/god of this world (Rev 12:9, Jn 12:31, 14:30,

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16:11, Eph 2:2, 2 Cor 4:4) abode not in the truth and left his first estate (Jn 8:44, Jude
1:6). An “estate” is a fixed condition or status; rank, condition of circumstances – an
order in creation. Lucifer exalted (pride) himself above his created position in seeking his
own will. In doing so, he left his habitation (state of dwelling, Jude 1:6). To no longer
abide in the truth is to abide in “The Lie” which is opposite of the truth. What is the Lie?
The Lie is the alternate reality that Lucifer hoped to establish that proposed the creation
could live (ye shall not surely die, Gen 3:4) independent of the Creator – to seek its own
will (to be as gods, Gen 3:5). The lie is outwardly manifested as pride, which is self
exaltation. This is seeking your own way in your own authority. The lie disobeys the
commands of the Creator and disregards His authority. God hates pride! Proverb 8:13,
“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the
froward mouth, do I hate.” Is there any question as to why God would hate pride? Pride is
an affront to the very “being” of God. The Lord’s kingdom operates in self denial –
placing God foremost and others above self. The Lord’s nature is meekness or self denial.
Lucifer attempted to change (destroy) the very nature and order of creation by exalting
self (pride) – placing self foremost (in God’s place) and above others. This is opposite
the nature of God. This was an attempt to destroy the very truth of God – His nature or
“being.” To deny God’s authority, Word or truth is to deny God (they can’t be
separated).

God is the Creator of all things (Deut 10:14, 32:4, 39-40, Col 1:16) and gives life to His
creation – thus the Lord is the Giver of Life (Ps 33:6, Pv 8:35, Is 42:5, 45:12, 18, Jer
10:12) – for all live unto Him (Lk 20:38). By the Lord all things consist (Col 1:7); For of
him, and through him, and to him, are all things (Rm 11:36). There is no life apart from
the Creator (Job 33:4, Ps 36:9, Eccl 12:7). God puts His spirit in us that we may live (Ez
37:14). The creation derives (obtains, receives) its very being (existence, spirit, soul, self,
nature, breath) from the Creator and must submit in obedience to the Giver of life from
which it is sustained (upheld, kept, Job 34:14-15) – this is wisdom (Ps 111:10). This is so
important to understand. John 5:26, “For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he
given to the Son to have life in himself.” The Lord God Almighty has life within Himself
and needs nothing external – He says, “I AM that I AM” (Ex 3:14). God is truly
independent of everything, but the creation is very dependent upon God. Jesus (the Son)
also has life within Himself and this places Him as God (Jn 1:1-3, 10:17-18, see Chapter
Six) – in Him was life; and the life was the light (example to follow, truth to be observed)
of men (Jn 1:4). Lucifer is a created being and does not have life within himself. God
shall one day gather unto Himself His spirit and His breath (the life He has given) and all
flesh shall perish and man will return to the dust (Job 34:14-15, Gen 2:7).

As Author of all creation, God has established truth and is the keeper of it (eternal, Ps
117:2, 119:151, 146:6). God’s Word is truth (Jn 17:17, Ps 119:151, 1 Pt 1:23, 25).
Psalms 119:89, “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven (also Is 40:8, 1 Pt
1:25).” AND Psalms 119:160, “Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of
thy righteous judgments endureth for ever (also Ps 100:5, Mt 24:35, Mk 13:31, Lk
21:33).” God’s way is perfect and His Word is tried, pure and right (Ps 18:30, also Ps
12:6, 19:8, 33:4). The Lie proposes that there is life independent of the Creator and that
one may disobey the authority of the Creator to seek their own will and authority – that
they have life in “self.” The Lie proposes that the creation or “creature” can be as a god

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(Gen 3:5). Lucifer attempted to change the truth of God into a lie, but was unable to
perform his desire (Rm 1:25, Ps 21:11). A God determines and executes his own will.
The Lord God Almighty is sovereign over His creation and has stated His will (Word)
and has the power and ability to carry out that will/Word – to put into effect (He spake it
and it was done, Ps 33:9). Isaiah 55:11, “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my
mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it
shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” AND Isaiah 45:23, “I have sworn by myself,
the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me
every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.” None can stay his hand, or say unto
him, What doest thou (Dan 4:35)?

The Lord God and His truth have and will continue eternally (Job 36:26, Ps 102:27, Heb
1:12). The Lord is He which is, and which was, and which is to come (Rev 1:4, 8).
Lucifer left the truth and now abides in “the lie,” which is opposite of the truth. As author
(seeking reality apart from God) or father of “the lie” (Jn 8:44), Satan (meaning,
adversary) has sought his independence from God to seek self, but has no ability to carry
it into effect (Ps 21:11). He was cast down (Ps 21:9, Is 14:12, 15-16, Ez 28:13, 31:16, Jn
12:31)! For a time, awaiting his judgment and ultimate condemnation or penalty, the
devil is only allowed to do what God allows – he operates within limitations set by the
Lord (Job 1:6-12, 2:1-6, 1 Cor 10:13, consider Lk 22:31). The devil dwells within the
shadow of death, which is just a step away from eternal damnation, which is the second
death (Job 10:21-22).

God’s truth states that to disobey Him: “thou shalt surely die” (Gen 2:17). The Lie
proposes that you can disobey (transgress the will of) God and: “ye shall not surely die”
(Gen 3:4). We shall shortly understand which of these two statements proved true (the
reality of how things are). Lies always compete with the truth for reality (realism,
actuality, certainty, veracity, 1 Jn 2:21). Only one proposition can hold true because a lie
is the exact opposite of the truth. Is the truth to be found in the will of the Creator or the
creation? God’s Word states that the Lord cannot lie (Ti 1:2, Heb 6:18) – its impossible.
This makes sense when you consider that lies are opposite of the truth and compete with
it – no lie is of the truth (1 Jn 2:21). If God lied then He would contradict the truth which
He established and this would be total confusion. This would also render the truth
unstable – for it would be ever changing or relative. Satan has no such restrictions and
will gladly contradict the truth or manipulate it to establish his alternative (i.e. the devil’s
wiles). The devil operates (maneuvers, functions) outside the truth (opposite).

Satan considers the truth to be whatever satisfies self at any given moment – instability
and confusion - relativism. Whereas the truth must be singular and unchanging
(consistent). A lie can take a multitude of directions and be constantly changing (its all
relative to the whims of the propagator). God says there is one way that man must travel.
The devil will invent a thousand alternate ways and say they are all valid given your
particular inclination (leaning, preference, liking, proclivity). The “lie” denies reality and
proposes false alternatives which ultimately are found invalid (much to the dismay of the
adherents). This is why there seems to be so much confusion in the world today. The
waters have become very muddied (murky, not clear). God allows this because those that
sincerely seek Him will find Him.

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The one who holds to “the lie” becomes a deceiver to those who seek the truth. A liar is
one who leads astry, misleads, is false, and makes believe what is not true (Pv 12:22).
Thus, Satan is the great deceiver (Rev 12:9). To espouse (advocate, champion) “the lie”
as the truth is to deceive one concerning reality. To propose the lie (alternative) is equally
valid or will prevail is also deceptive. The devil practices his “wiles” which are tricks or
stratagem (subterfuge, devices) practiced for ensnaring or deception; a sly, insidious
(sinister, subtle) artifice - to deceive; to beguile (Eph 6:11). To live opposite of the truth
is to live opposite of the nature of God. Therefore, Satan took on the opposite nature of
God. Consider some of the attributes (qualities, characteristics) of the nature of God (Ps
86:15): love, contentment, righteousness, truth, meekness, longsuffering, self control,
goodness, sacrificing, giving, judgment, mercy, patience and forgiveness (Ps 25:10, Num
14:18, Gal 5:22, Eph 5:9). Conversely (on the contrary), the attributes of the nature of
Satan (which is the nature of the lie) will always manifest as the opposite of God’s
nature, namely – hate, evil, lust, wickedness, lies, pride, impatience, incontinent/
intemperance, selfishness, greed, confusion, incompassion, mercilessness, impulsiveness,
unforgiveness, and intolerance (Gal 5:19-21, Rm 1:24-32, 2 Tim 3:3). God dwells within
the light (truth, Dan 2:22). Psalms 104:2, “Who coverest thyself with light as with a
garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain.” Those that follow Satan (adhere
to the lie) dwell within darkness. Job 10:22, “A land of darkness, as darkness itself; and
of the shadow of death, without any order, and where the light is as darkness.” To follow
the lie is to live within the lie or darkness – to practice, adhere to, demonstrate through
actions. This is to seek your way and disregard God’s way.

The established truth (settled, tried and pure) is that all of creation will fear (love, submit
to, obey, honor, be loyal to, and trust) the Lord God (Creator). This is a free-will (not
coerced) surrender to the will (purposes, commands) of God. A heart that is forced
(pressured, compelled, driven) to obey is nothing more than suppressed (concealed,
censored) rebellion. A heart that serves for anticipated gain is nothing more than one set
on “self” rather than the Lord or others – which is the nature of the lie, which is darkness.

Satan would force the servitude of others through deceit and bring his subjects into
bondage. He would entice them to transgress God’s will through alluring with selfish
benefit. Once separated from God, through disobedience, and thus made an enemy, there
would be no choice but to serve him. The devil would rule through hate which is the
sacrifice of another for the benefit of self – this is witchcraft. Since the subjects of this
kingdom of darkness would be proud (self exalting) and rebellious by nature, authority
must be maintained through bondage (superior strength, forced allegiance) and
intimidation (Eph 6:12, Col 1:13, 1 Thess 5:5). This is a harsh world of hostility and
confusion. The Lord God will not give His glory to another and thus Lucifer and all those
who have freely followed him will be greatly cast down and separated from God into
eternal torment (Is 42:8 2 Thess 1:9).

Isaiah 14:12, “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art
thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!” Woe to Lucifer and all
who join him!
The Rebellion Spreads

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In keeping with his desire (lust) to rule as a god and to exalt his throne above the angels
(stars, Rev 1:20), Satan quickly spread his rebellion throughout God’s creation. This
began in heaven with the angels of God. We can ascertain from the devil’s dealings with
man (to be discussed later), that the mechansim employed was deceit through enticement
or beguiling – through his wiles. The devil allures through lusts (2 Pt 2:18). Satan
appeals to selfish want (lust, desire) of that which is forbidden (prohibited, not allowed)
to bring about and propagate discontentment such as to draw one into a wrongful course
of action – to seek a selfish benefit. These enter into “the lie” or darkness, which is to
seek self in disregard to the commandments and authority of God, and are trapped
(snared) in bondage – burdens and servitude. Once one yields to a temptation and crosses
the line into disobedience to God, they become corrupted and an enemy of God. These
are then transgressors and rebellious (at enmity with God). That which the devil corrupts
becomes in servitude to him. Satan knows that it only takes one instance of disobedience
to bring one into his bondage (Heb 2:2). Once one falls from grace with God, he has no
choice but to submit to that which opposes God (the rebellion). God is reality and that
which opposes God is a temporal false reality – these are the present choices. The false
reality will soon be forever separated and disposed of.

The devil attempts to instill dissatisfaction with one’s present state by interjecting desire.
Desire is a wish to possess some gratification or source of happiness (possession of
something from which pleasure, sensual, intellectual or spiritual, is expected) which one
does not presently have but is supposed to be obtainable. A wish may exist for something
that is or is not attainable. Desire is further an internal act, which, by influencing the will,
makes us proceed to action. Therefore: Satan nurtures dissatisfaction (discontent) by
propagating desire which influences the will (that faculty of the mind by which we
determine either to do or forbear an action) with intent to result in a wrongful action or
violation of God’s truth.

Why was Lucifer the head and not some other? Lucifer was created with perfect beauty
and great wisdom. All of the other angels envied him for his beauty (Ez 31:7-9) and his
height was exalted above all others (Ez 31:5). Satan lifted himself up in height and his
heart was also lifted up in height (Ez 31:10). This all suggests prior position, authority
and power (which he hands out, Rev 13:2, 4), which he must to some degree still
maintain. Given the corrupted nature of the kingdom of darkness, only force and power,
that is superior strength, could sustain Satan as head over darkness - over his captives.
Also, Satan is the father of the lie which opposes the truth and God. The Lord God
allowed this rebellion to run its course. This was a shaking of that which could be shaken
– a sifting and separation of opposites (Heb 12:27, Rev 6:13).

The devil, through his deception convinced a third of God’s angels to join in his revolt.
Revelation 12:3-4, “And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red
dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail
drew the third part of the stars (angels) of heaven, and did cast them to the earth…” It is
important to note that not all of the angels joined Lucifer’s rebellion. Fully two thirds of
the angels remained loyal to the Lord and thus the angelic community was fractured –
divided or split. Satan lost place in heaven. Revelation 12:7-9, “And there was war in

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heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his
angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the
great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth
the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”
Jesus said: “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven (Lk 10:18). These angels were
cast to the earth because there was no other place for them to go and this most certainly
occurred after the fall of man – to be discussed. Some of these angels are now reserved in
chains awaiting the great judgment (2 Pt 2:4, Jude 1:6, Job 21:22). These fallen angels
form the hierarchy or chain of command, of Satan’s kingdom of darkness. Ephesians
6:12, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in
high places (also Dan 10:12-13, 20-21).”

We can now conclude that there was a great rebellion in heaven orchestrated by Lucifer
(Satan, the devil) which attempted to turn the truth of God into “the lie.” Satan and a
multitude of angels believed (false faith, unbelief) they could disregard the will and
authority of God and exalt (pride) themselves to independently seek their own way (Pv
13:13). The devil would be their god. There was war (Rev 12:7-9)! – but Satan did not
prevail. Satan disrupted the harmony of the established and adhered to order that existed
in heaven - God’s dwelling place. Satan attempted to establish a new paradigm (model,
reality) in heaven, placing himself as a god. The devil challenged the authority of the
Creator and the truth of God’s Word. Through his heart and actions, Satan proposed a
great lie that he did not have the power or ability to inclusively enact in an all
encompassing way. The corrupted fruit of the lie resulted in the opposite characteristics
or nature of the truth, which is known as sin or iniquity – specific violations of the truth.

Please take note as you continue to read: If you think that Jesus came to justify (look the
other way, give license, tolerate, ignore, overlook, make place) you to do these things
(walk in “The Lie”) in whatever form of “religion” (denomination, sect, doctrine, etc.)
you practice, then you “exceedingly” err and do not know the nature of Christ’s kingdom
(i.e. the scriptures, Mk 12:24) nor walk therein - to be discussed within this book. Many
profess Christ yet walk in the nature of self, which is the darkness or the lie.
The Fall of Man

Psalms 8:4-8, “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou
visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him
with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands;
thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of
the seas.”

Prior to the fall (rebellion) of Lucifer, God created the earth and established a new
creation which He called “man” (Gen 1:26-27, Is 45:12, Ps 33:6). God sent forth His
Spirit and they were created (Ps 104:30). We can know that the fall of Satan occurred
after the creation of man because Lucifer was an anointed Cherub that walked in Eden,
the garden of God and provided a spiritual covering over the earth (Ez 28:13-16). The
garden of Eden was planted by the Lord upon the earth and that is where God placed man

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(Gen 2:8, 15). The most likely mechanism that initiated events in heaven was probably
(perhaps speculation, but the Spirit speaks this to my heart – for consideration) the
creation of man – jealousy, which is the fear or certainty of giving place. God had placed
His attention (interest, notice, good pleasure) upon man and had made man in His image
(Gen 1:26-27). God also gave man authority over the earth! Genesis 1:28, “And God
blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth,
and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air,
and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” Man was crowned with glory
and honor and set over the works of God’s hands (Heb 2:7, Ps 7:6). All things were in
subjection under him (Heb 2:8). Psalms 115:16, “The heaven, even the heavens, are the
LORD’S: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.”

Therefore, man was made in the image of God and was given god-like authority over
man’s realm (the earth, Ps 8:6-8). Please note: man was not intended to be a god, but was
rather under the authority of God (Ps 82:6, Jn 10:34). Most likely (perhaps speculation,
but the Spirit speaks this to my heart – for consideration), Lucifer became jealous and
then exalted his heart to seek his own authority – he was self-conceited: which is having a
high or overweening opinion of one’s own person or merits/attributes (Ez 28:17). He
probably considered his wisdom and perfect beauty and felt he also should have such
authority - or greater. We know that the fall of Lucifer occurred sometime between the
creation of Eden, which he walked in (Ez 28:13-16), and the time when he entered the
garden in the form of a serpent to tempt and deceive man. This was almost certainly a
short period of time because Adam and Eve had yet to be fruitful and multiply in
obedience to God’s command (Gen 1:28). Our surest understanding that man’s time in
Eden was short is that there were no children born in Eden. Man was also given the
authority to multiply himself (only through God) – the angels had no such authority (Mt
22:30, Mk 12:25). This understanding provides additional reason for Satan’s hatred of
man.

It was mentioned earlier that Satan and his angels were cast to the earth (Lk 10:18, Rev
12:4, 9, 13). This must have occurred after the fall of man because the Lord would not
have cast Satan and his corrupted horde (multitude, host) to compete with man (created
in God’s image) otherwise (Ps 125:3). This is not to say that God would not have
allowed the devil to test or prove man for the Lord’s purposes - allowing him to enter
Eden as a serpent. Had Lucifer fallen long before the fall of man, then God would have
had no reason not to have immediately sent him to the lake of fire. In other words, there
would have been no reason to allow Satan to continue in his rebellion and thus prolong
carrying out sentencing of the just condemnation. God allowed the devil to try the hearts
of both angels and man. The removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that
are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain (Heb 12:27, also Mk
13:25). The Lord now allows Satan to try the hearts of man for God’s own purposes.

God’s Word only defines life as existing in the realm of heaven and on the earth. The
stars and planets were formed to complement (supplement) the earth – to provide light,
times, and seasons (Gen 1:14-18). So when Satan fell he did not go to Mars or Jupiter –
they are desolate and there is nothing there. The devil corrupted life on earth (man), for
there was none other. There were no other worlds (civilizations, peoples, etc.) to conquer.

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Satan’s kingdom was established on the earth in the midst of a corrupted and rebellious
creation (Lk 4:5-6, Rev 2:13).
Disobedience

Even though man was given great authority, he was clearly under God’s authority (Gen
1:28). Genesis 2:8-9, 16-17, “And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden;
and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground made the LORD
God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also
in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. And the LORD
God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But
of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that
thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” God gave man one commandment and that was
not to eat fruit from the forbidden tree. The penalty for disobedience would be death. God
is life and anything contrary to God is death (opposites). To disobey and remove yourself
from God would be to cut yourself off from the source of all life. Life cannot exist apart
from the Giver of life (Gen 2:7, Pv 8:35). The creation is not self-sustaining nor can it
usurp the place, position and authority of the Creator. If there is one thing we must
understand it is this: disobedience to the will of God always results in death – the second
death. God has deemed it so and this is found in God’s eternally established truth.

The commandment God gave man resounds (resonates) throughout the ages (eternity): if
you transgress the will of God, “thou shalt surely die.” The wicked are under the
condemnation of death (Ez 33:14). In this particular case the command was not to eat the
forbidden fruit. The same understanding applies to any command of God. Take note that
God’s decree applied for just one violation – one single act of disobedience. Also notice
that God had abundantly provided for all of man’s needs and there was no reason to
disobey the Lord. God always provides for the needs of His creation. Discontentment for
the “provision” is what leads to selfish want (pride, self seeking, Is 2:11-12).
Discontentment is the desire or lust for that which is not yours – to covet (consider the
discontentment of the children of Israel in the wilderness, Ex, Lev, Num, Deut, Ps, Neh).
Contentment (satisfaction, happiness) and thankfulness are characteristics of the nature
of God (1 Tim 6:8, Php 4:5, 11). We must always be content with God’s provision (1
Tim 6:8, Heb 13:5, Php 4:11). As created, man only knew “good” or God’s truth. To
transgress God’s command and eat of the forbidden fruit would open man’s
understanding to the evil of which Lucifer had partaken. Knowledge of evil also comes
with a disposition (inclination, tendency) to be overcome by it – for to partake of evil is
to reject truth.

Man was originally created perfect in that he feared God and eschewed evil (i.e. did not
disobey God). God considered that His creation of man (and woman out of man) was very
good (Gen 1:31, 2:20-23). Genesis 3:1-5, “Now the serpent was more subtil than any
beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea,
hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the
serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree
which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye
touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For

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God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall
be as gods, knowing good and evil.” Man was now faced with a dilemma. God told man
that if he transgressed His will that man would surely die. The serpent (Satan) told man
that he could disobey God, to receive fleshly benefit, and not die. Whose word (will,
authority) would man obey; submit to through action? The answer was that man sought
self and submitted to the lie of Satan. Man disregarded God’s Word (Gen 3:17, Pv 13:13,
Is 43:27), but regarded Satan’s word, the one who is in rebellion and opposed to God.
Can you see how incredibly dishonoring this was to God, the Creator? Perhaps you can
now understand how grievous this violation of the will of God actually was? Let’s put
this in terms that Americans can easily understand. Man sought his “independence” from
God to seek his “freedom” for self, which are Satan’s declared inalienable rights. Man
wanted the freedom or unhampered ability to seek self or liberty, to fulfill his dreams – to
walk in his own will. Therefore, man entered the darkness: Psalms 107:11, “Because they
rebelled against the words of God (transgressed God’s truth), and contemned (rejected,
disregarded, despised) the counsel (commandment – do not eat of the forbidden tree) of
the most High.”

Now perhaps man did not have full understanding of the magnitude of what was
transpiring, However, man did have explicit (clear, plain, precise, frank, exact, candid)
understanding of God’s commandment regarding the forbidden fruit. The woman
repeated God’s commandment to the serpent prior to hearing his proposal (Gen 3:1-3).
Man was clearly and knowingly transgressing God’s law. So what did all this mean? Man
fell from the image or nature of God and aligned with that which opposes God - the
darkness, which is the lie. Man took on the fallen nature of the devil. Man submitted
himself to Satan’s rebellion and relinguished authority to him (Mt 4:8). Consider what the
devil later told Christ: Luke 4:5-7, “And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain,
shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said
unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto
me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be
thine.” This is the dominion man once had – the devil usurped (seized, took over,
assumed, commandeered) it by bringing man into his bondage. Man willingly submitted
to the devil! The devil rules over the darkness and the subjects contained therein. Jesus
referred to him as the prince of this world (Jn 14:30). In accepting Satan’s lie, man made
a covenant with death and with hell an agreement (Is 28:15). A covenant is a solemn
agreement (serious) to follow in a certain prescribed way. In this case the agreement is to
live in the nature of Satan’s proposal. The Lord God Almighty says that this covenant
shall not stand (Is 28:18) – for the Lord cometh out of His place to judge the wicked for
their iniquity (Is 26:21).

Notice also that the devil blasphemed the Lord, which is to speak evil or reproachfully of,
to revile God’s righteous character in suggesting that the Lord was denying them the
ability to become as gods and thus deceiving or misleading man for evil intent. Satan
slandered the Lord, which is to injure by maliciously uttering a false report respecting
one; to tarnish or impair the reputation of one by false tales, maliciously told. The devil’s
nature is blasphemy – he is malignant, having evil intentions, extreme ill will and
personal hatred or enmity, unpropitious, and is always hostile to God and His people.
Therefore, the lie basically tells you to disregard the will of God (disobey, transgress)

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and seek your own will or way – your hopes, dreams, wants, opinions, desires and lusts.
Since the lie is always opposite of the truth, you must understand that the truth is actually
to die to your will or way (sacrifice, give up) and absolutely surrender to that of God – to
fear the Lord God. This is really not that complicated to understand if you do not
embrace the lie. Psalms 33:8, “Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of
the world stand in awe of him (also Ps 33:18, 34:9).”
Understanding the Effects of the Lie

Let us consider the truth regarding Satan’s lie to man (Gen 3:4-5). The serpent told man
that he could transgress God’s will (His command) and he would not die. Well, death did
enter into the world and man does die. This is easily observable to us all – there is much
death and misery in the world. The “fact” of death exposed the lie - error, fallacy of the
statement. Despite the consequence, man still holds to the lie and seeks his selfish way.
Man still mostly considers the perceived benefits of seeking self, irregardless of the
misery, to outweigh the surrender (loss of self) required to abide in God’s will. The
serpent told man that his eyes would be opened. Actually, man became blind to the truth -
very obscure, difficult to understand, ambiguous, murky, unclear, little known. If you do
not believe the truth of this statement, then consider the fact that we have God’s Word
(the Bible). Now ask yourself how many different religious denominations (sects, groups)
there are and consider all the conflicting opinions, doctrines, creeds, teachings, etc. Why
is the truth so unclear to man? Man entered into the darkness where he could no longer
see clearly. Why did man enter into the darkness? Because man sought self in
disobedience to God. Now we can understand why there is so much religious confusion
and blindness in the world – Man interprets God’s Word through self - the flesh and lusts
thereof. Christ said of the very religious men around Him: John 9:39, “And Jesus said,
For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they
which see might be made blind (also Jn 12:40).” We must become blind to the flesh. To
understand God’s Word we must die to self and surrender to God – to His Spirit. Man
certainly understands evil (the Holy Spirit convicts), but has no discernment (apart from
God) between good and evil (Heb 5:14). Jeremiah 4:22, “For my people is foolish, they
have not known me; they are sottish (stupid) children, and they have none understanding:
they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.” Man loves his evil
nature (the darkness) and will not entirely seek the good (the light). This will be
discussed more thoroughly in Chapter Four.

Lastly, the serpent told man ye shall be as gods. He was telling man that he could decide
for himself if he wanted to live in good or evil. Man could be his own authority and seek
his own way. If we are honest with ourselves, we have found that all our efforts (ways)
lead to misery and to death. Man is no god, but thinks he will become one as he seeks to
solve all his problems that inhibit him from further seeking self – such as comfort, ease,
long life, pleasure – overcoming God’s curse (Gen 3:17-19). We will discuss in Chapter
Two that Jesus gives (from the Father, Jn 15:26), His Holy Ghost (the Spirit of Truth, Jn
14:17, 15:26, Eph 5:9) to teach those who will obey the gospel (Jn 14:15-17, Acts 5:32,
Ps 25:5). We know God’s truth through the Spirit: John 16:13, “Howbeit when he, the
Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself;
but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come

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(also 1 Jn 5:6, 1 Pt 1:22, 2 Thess 2:13).” For those who seek their own way: God will
recompense you according to your way (Ez 11:21) – thou shalt surely die (Gen 2:17, Ez
3:18, 33:8, 14-15).
The Devil is a Thief and a Robber

Satan came down to earth and stole God’s creation of man by corrupting it with his lie
(Gen 8:21). The devil intends evil against the Lord: he imagines mischievous devices,
which he is not able to perform (Ps 21:11). The devil could never defeat God (the Lord is
Almighty) in a direct challenge, so he turned God against the object of his desire - man.
He brought a separation between man and God through iniquity (corruption), which is
disobedience to the will of God. The devil taught rebellion against the Lord by enticing
the people to trust in a lie (i.e. Jer 28:15-16, 29:31-32). Once man became an enemy of
God (Gen 3:17, Is 63:10, Rm 5:10, Col 1:21), Satan easily overcame man and brought
them into his house of bondage – into the rebellion and darkness. The bondage is under
the elements of the world (Gal 4:3). An enemy is one that is in the other camp (the
darkness) – opposed to God’s truth (the light). The devil stole the heart of man through
the enticement of his lie.

The devil enticed man, who was created in the image of God, and corrupted (infected
with error, vitiate or deprave – change from good to bad; defiled, perverted, debased,
rendered impure) him into the devil’s fallen image – allured to evil or darkness. The devil
injured the substance, character, and qualities of man so as to impair his value – the good
qualities were lost. Man ceased to be what he was created to be and no longer conformed
to the image of God. The Lord God intends to reconcile a portion of man back to
Himself, but this must be done in keeping with the Lord’s righteous character.

The Lord cannot simply open His arms to those who are corrupted, because then the truth
becomes a lie (overcome by) and the creation usurps the place of the Creator. The Lord
God provides a way whereby man must return through truth and righteousness. This is a
much harder path than if man had continued in obedience in Eden. Man must now go
against (do the opposite) the fallen nature of the flesh, the fallen world and the wicked
influence of Satan and his horde – this is a rugged and narrow path. This is like going
against gravity – it takes effort and ability beyond “self.” This requires faith, which
reaches beyond self (its control, way or ability) to God alone. The Lord has designed a
path that leads to Himself, yet tears down the flesh along the way, such that no flesh will
glory in his presence (1 Cor 1:29). That which is opposed to God will not gloat (glory,
rejoice, revel, exalt itself) or boast (brag, claim) in His presence. The Lord’s path is only
entered through Jesus Christ, the strait gate (Mt 7:13-14, Lk 13:24). Corruption must put
on incorruption (Rm 8:21, 1 Cor 15:42, 50)! God renews man in the image of God for
which he was created (Col 3:10). To renew is to restore to a former state, or to a good
state, after vitiation or depravation. Jesus comes and says to the prisoners, Go forth
(come out); to them that are in darkness, Show yourselves - come into the light (Is 49:9).

Jesus proclaimed: Isaiah 61:1, “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the
LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind
up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to
them that are bound.” Those who respond to the deliverance Jesus offers shall be called,

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The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD (Is 62:12). Satan is the thief that comes to
steal, kill and destroy God’s creation of man; Jesus came that you may have life (Jn
10:10). This will be discussed in Chapter Two, “The Light.” The devil binds and Christ
sets free (Jn 8:36). Jesus once told a group of men, who believed on Him, (Jn 8:31) that
if they continued in His Word, they would know the truth and the truth would set them
free (Jn 8:31-32) - Christ came to set the captives free (Ps 107:13-14, 146:7, Is 42:7,
49:9, 61:1, Lk 4:18). Set them free from what? Satan’s (the adversary and accuser’s) lie
which keeps them in bondage and iniquity! The truth will expose the lie and lead you to
the light if you will receive it (Jn 5:40). The men responded to the Lord that they were
never in any bondage. John 8:34, “Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you,
Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” What Jesus was telling them was that
their sin was a reflection of their nature – the darkness and bondage to Satan’s lie. This
nature is opposite God’s truth and keeps them in transgression to God’s will.

Christ said: John 8:36, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
Jesus was trying to bring them out of the darkness (the bondage, transgression,
disobedience and sin) and into His light (truth). Due to their actions, Christ said His
Word had no place in them (Jn 8:37, Jer 8:9) – they wouldn’t receive it! This applies to
the majority of man today! Man defends his love of darkness (Jn 3:19). Jesus told them:
John 8:44, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was
a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in
him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”
This may seem harsh, but lets consider what Christ was telling them. Man chose (free-
will) to “obey” or “follow” Satan (the serpent) in Eden. In doing so, man chose (free-will)
to “disobey” or “disregard” God’s will in Eden (Pv 13:13). Thus, the devil became man’s
father in a sense. Man obeys or follows the lusts of Satan in seeking his own way with
presumed authority. So, man seeks what is right in his own eyes or the imaginations of
his own heart. Man lives within Satan’s nature which is the lie, for there is no truth in
him. The devil is a murderer because he brought death (the second death, discussed
below) to a multitude of angels. Satan is a murderer because he brought death to man
(physical and possibly eternal, also discussed below). The reason the devil brought such
death is because he did not remain in God’s truth, but became the father (author and
champion) of the lie in seeking his own will - rebellion. The devil became a great
adversary to the truth. Because of this, multitudes have suffered - even so, they freely
chose to join Satan and are without excuse. The devil is also a murderer because of his
hate for others (1 Jn 3:15). This is perfect hatred (witchcraft) – to sacrifice others and
cause untold suffering, all for the benefit of self – to seek your own selfish way. When
the serpent lied to man (in Eden…and continuing) he was speaking of his own, meaning
of what he had done. Specifically, to transgress the will of God to seek his own way and
become as a God (Gen 3:4-5). The devil misled man through the great “lie” for he is the
father of it! He holds to the tenets (principles, ideology, desires, pillars) of his rebellion.
Now can you see the truthfulness of what Jesus was telling these men? John 8:45, “And
because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.” These men then lashed out at Jesus with
name calling (Jn 8:48) and looked for stones to cast at Him (Jn 8:59), which only
revealed the truth of their nature (darkness) that Jesus had pointed out. Examine your
own heart dear reader! We must also strongly consider that if there is no truth in Satan,
then it can be equally said that there is no truth in those who walk in his nature following

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him - through their selfish lusts. Thus, the whole world lieth in wickedness mostly void
of any truth (Jn 1:10, 1 Jn 5:19).

Jesus said: John 12:46, “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me
should not abide in darkness.” The following is equally true of Satan: I am come a
darkness into the world, that whosoever believeth (follows) on me should not abide in the
light. Jesus said: “I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me
(Jn 5:30).” Satan proclains: “I seek my own will and not that of the Father.” Scriptures
state: John 3:16-17, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not
his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be
saved (discussed fully in Chapter Four).” Satan came that whosoever believeth in him
(his way) shall perish and have everlasting torment. The devil came to condemn the
world (accuse, destroy, wreak havoc) that the world through him might be damned. Jesus
gave Himself for man’s benefit. Satan destroys man for his benefit. The natures of Jesus
and Satan are opposite. However, Jesus is God and Lucifer is a creation of God. Jesus has
all authority in heaven and on earth. Satan only has that which he is allowed. Whom do
you yield to???
Understanding Death

God made all of His creation with eternal spirits. These spirits do not die with respect to
nonexistance. There is only one type of death for Satan and the fallen angels and this is
eternal separation from God into never-ending torment. This is a physical place of eternal
confinement known as the lake of fire. This place was not in existence prior to Lucifer’s
rebellion, for there was no need for such a place. Jesus gave us insight when He said:
Matthew 25:41, “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye
cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels (also 2 Pt 2:4, Jude
1:6).” God is going to grant those who have chosen to live opposite of the truth and
opposite of the nature of the Lord just what they have sought after. They will be eternally
seperated from the God they abhorred into an exact opposite place or abode. This will be
a hellish nightmare that is completely opposite of everything good – it cannot be
comprehended, but will be experienced by all of those who walk in darkness or the lie. In
God’s timing, Satan will be thrown into this torment. Revelation 20:10, “And the devil
that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the
false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”

The devil shall be a great terror and then he shall be no more (Ez 28:19). Satan is aware
of this, but is driven to destroy and cause havoc in God’s creation. Revelation 12:12,
“Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the
earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he
knoweth that he hath but a short time (also Jn 16:11).” The devil may consider that he
might somehow turn things around to his favor (delusion), but he most assuredly
understands the power of God and his separated and fallen condition. At the end, no one
will exalt themselves for height anymore, but shall be delivered unto death – to the nether
parts of the earth – in the pit (Ez 31:14, 16).
First Death

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There are two types of death that concern man. Man is also a spirit that resides in a vessel
of clay – a container or body (Job 10:11). Man’s body was made from the dust of the
earth and God breathed man’s spirit (breath of life) into him and he became a living soul,
which is body & spirit – the essence of who you are (Gen 2:7, Ps 104:30). Man’s body
was to be perpetual, but needed the tree of life - fruit, leaves; found in the midst of Eden
(Gen 2:9, Ez 47:12, Rev 22:2). When man transgressed God’s will, he lost access to the
tree of life (Gen 3:22-24). So, the first death is the loss (destruction, malfunction) of the
physical body, which is that which was made from clay (Eccl 9:2-3).

Man lives upon the earth for such a short time (Js 4:14, 1 Pt 1:24-25, Job 8:9, 14:2, Ps
78:39, 103:15-16, 144:4, 1 Chr 29:15). Our days upon the earth can be thought of as a
time of testing (trial of your faith or lack thereof), which most will fail because they live
in the nature of Satan’s rebellion (Ps 7:9, 11:5, 26:2, Js 1:12, 1 Pt 1:7). Jeremiah 17:10,
“I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his
ways, and according to the fruit of his doings (also Jer 21:12).” The “reins” are what one
is controlled or guided by – the darkness or the light? Man is on earth for such a short
time. Psalms 90:9-10, “For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years
as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason
of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon
cut off, and we fly away.” Job 7:1, “Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth? are
not his days also like the days of an hireling?” Job 14:1-2, “Man that is born of a woman
is of few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he
fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.” Job 16:22, “When a few years are come,
then I shall go the way whence I shall not return.”

Once dead, this body returns to the clay from which it was taken - for dust thou art, and
unto dust shalt thou return (Gen 3:19). Ecclesiastes 12:7, “Then shall the dust return to
the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.” God gathers His
Spirit and his breath and man shall turn again unto dust (Job 34:14-15). When God takes
their breath, they die, and return to their dust (Ps 104:29). This is an appointment that all
will keep (Heb 9:27). Ecclesiastes 8:8, “There is no man that hath power over the spirit to
retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in
that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.” But what will be
your spirit’s record of a life lived? This first death sets the stage for the potential for the
second death. To live or die, what will the record of your life upon the earth reveal? –
self-centered or God-centered?
Second Death

The second death is eternal separation from God into never-ending torment and is this
same place where the devil and his angels will be (Mt 25:41) – the hate, pain,
hopelessness, separation and misery will be unbearable, yet will never end. The first
death seals the fate for what follows - eternal life or the second death. We will all be
judged according to our works or ways upon the earth (Job 34:11, Eccl 3:17, 11:9,
12:14, 2 Kg 8:39, Ps 62:12, Pv 24:12, 29, Is 59:18, Jer 17:10, 25:14, 32:19, Ez 7:3-4, 8-
9, 27, Oba 1:15, Zech 1:6, Mt 12:36-37, 16:27, Jn 5:29, Rm 2:6, 16, 14:12, 1 Cor 3:13,

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4:5, 2 Cor 5:10, Col 3:24-25, 2 Tim 4:1, 1 Pt 1:17, 4:5, Jude 1:15, Rev 2:23, 20:12-13,
22:12). This judgment will render either eternal life or the second death.

Scripture defines the second death as a part (place) in the lake which burneth with fire
and brimstone (Rev 21:8). The judgment will be based upon God’s “truth” (Rm 2:2) –
and certainly not yours (as in opinions and sentiments, what you just “feel” is right,
human reasoning, etc., Is 65:2). Those who choose God’s path and come out of the
darkness and into the light will be granted the “promise” of eternal life (1 Jn 2:25),
having their names in the lamb’s book of life, and will dwell with God forever - opposite
of the second death. Those who remain in the darkness and die in transgression and
rebellion will receive the second death - what else is God to do with those corrupted
spirits that return to him?; they freely “chose” their way (Is 1:28) – to reject God through
their actions.

Consider the following carefully and thoughtfully: Revelation 20:11-15, “And I saw a
great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled
away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand
before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book
of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books,
according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and
hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man
according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the
second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the
lake of fire.” Many may ask, where does one reside after death while awaiting the
judgment? Those found in Christ will be in paradise (Lk 23:43, Rev 2:7). Those
iniquitous and rebellous ones (revolting heart, Jer 5:23) will go to a horrific holding
place known as death and hell (Rev 20:14). This is past the shadow of death and through
the gates of death (Job 3:5, 10:21, 12:22, 16:16, 24:17, 28:3, 34:22, Ps 9:13, 23:4,
107:14, 18, Is 9:2, Jer 13:16). Job 10:22, 38:17, “A land of darkness, as darkness itself;
and of the shadow of death, without any order, and where the light is as darkness. Have
the gates of death been opened unto thee? or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of
death?” These are: Psalms 107:10-12, “Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of
death, being bound in affliction and iron; Because they rebelled against the words of God,
and contemned the counsel of the most High: Therefore he brought down their heart with
labour; they fell down, and there was none to help.” Isaiah 5:14, “Therefore hell hath
enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their
multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth (in his own way/path), shall descend into
it.”

What awaits those disobedient rebellious ones is much worse than nonexistence - by far.
These will be eternally separated from their Creator, which is a condition we cannot fully
grasp at present, into a horrific indescribable place of torment to realize the worst effects
of the darkness they loved (2 Thess 1:9). Those who follow Christ in faith (love,
surrender, obedience, trust, loyalty) will be restored to the tree of life (Pv 13:12, Rev 2:7,
22:14). Man lost access or rights to the tree of life through “disobedience” to the
commandment of God. Man regains access to the tree of life through “obedience” to the
commandments of Christ (Lk 6:46, Jn 14:15, 21, 24, 1 Jn 2:3-5, 3:23-24, 5:2-3, 2 Jn 1:6,

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Rev 2:26, 12:17, 14:12, 22:14) – which are all contained in the canon of “love” (Mt
22:36-40, Mk 12:28-31, 33, Lk 10:27, also Deut 6:4-5 and Lev 19:18).

The devil hates man! Man was the apple of God’s eye (Ps 17:8, Zech 2:8) and the devil
wants to corrupt and destroy those things that bring God pleasure. Oh Lord, for thy
pleasure they (man) are and were created (Rev 4:11). The devil also wants to destroy
those things that incite his jealousy! – that being the creation of man. God has also placed
enmity (hostility, hate) between Satan and man (Gen 3:15). Man is in bondage to Satan’s
rebellion and it is definitely a hate relationship. The devil does not open the house of his
prisoners - those rebellious ones (Is 14:17). Satan sacrifices man for the benefit of self.
He does this through death.

Satan has the power of death, let us consider why. The devil is not affected by the first
death as man is and is allowed to maneuver, within limitations set by God, until his fate -
the second death. Satan is the “tempter” and this is what he does; he tempts with the
objective to destroy. The devil destroys man through death by keeping him in
transgression and rebellion (the darkness) against God until the first death. Satan entices
you to seek your lusts and desires – this is all that is necessary to destroy you. He keeps
you in slavery to iniquity unto death, and the wages or pay-off of sin is death (Rm 6:23).
Once dead, the rebellious man’s fate is sealed for the second death. Your time of testing
will have ended and you will then be judged by the results. Thus, the devil eternally
separates and destroys man from God. All Satan has to do is keep you in the darkness and
away from the light (truth). Hebrews 2:14-15, “Forasmuch then as the children are
partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through
death he (Jesus) might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And
deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Jesus
delivers us out of the darkness and back to God (the light, through reconciliation) and
thus destroys the devil’s power which is death. This will be discussed in more depth
throughout this book.
Sin

All sin is resultant from Satan’s lie; that you can disobey God, which was rooted in pride,
known as self exaltation. Sins are the outward manifestations of living in the nature of the
lie – the corrupt fruit. These are specific violations of God’s Word or will (1 Jn 3:4) – all
unrighteousness is sin (1 Jn 5:17). 1 John 3:8, “He that committeth sin (transgresses
God’s commandments) is of the devil; for the devil sinneth (transgressed God’s
commandments) from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested,
that he might destroy the works of the devil (continued transgression of God’s
commandments).” For example: God’s Word says that you are not to commit adultery
(Ex 20:14, Gal 5:19). If you have participated in the act of adultery, then you have
sinned. However, the Lord also considers one’s heart or nature. If you have looked upon
another with lusts and thoughts of adultery, then you have just as much done the act in
your heart (Mt 5:27-28). So you are responsible for what you put into your heart and
mind, such as magazines, television, movies, etc. – what you think upon. 2 Corinthians
10:5, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the
knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”

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This is why we must abstain, abhor, eschew, refrain, depart, hate, cease, reprove and
cleanse ourselves from all evil and wickedness (Eph 5:11, 1 Pt 3:11, 1 Thess 5:22, Rm
12:9, Ps 34:19, 37:27, 97:10, 119:101, Pv 3:7, 4:14-15, 8:13, 14:16, 16:17, Is 1:16,
Amos 5:15, 2 Cor 7:1). Ye that love the Lord, hate evil (Ps 97:10).

Jesus came to destroy the working of Satan’s lie in you! Sin results from “your” specific
preferences as you go about seeking “your” own way (path, will) – as you seek the
imaginations of your own heart. Sin is the natural result from the fallen nature, or
darkness and is the fruit of your doings (Pv 1:31, Is 3:10-11, Jer 17:10, 21:14, 32:10, Mi
7:13). Your path will always be a very “broad way” based upon your imaginations,
opinions, feelings, and sentiments and is forged through the principles of the lie (Is 65:2,
Mt 7:13, Col 2:20, Pv 15:26). God’s path is a very “narrow way” entered in only through
Christ and followed in truth (Mt 7:14, Jn 14:6). Walking by your own way via Satan’s lie
(our fallen nature) is walking in darkness. Obediently walking in God’s truth is walking
in the light. God calls us into His light (truth). The problem is that most live by the
precepts (nature of conduct) of the lie in their daily lives under a covering of religiosity.
Many feel the Lord’s conviction, but rather than come to the light and surrender of self-
will, they attempt to reform their own darkness. Maybe “religiously” with a form of
godliness, and continue in their own darkness – to serve God through the flesh. They will
try and overcome a specific outwardly manifested sin or bondage - e.g. alcohol, drugs,
cigarettes, language, impure actions, etc.

The problem is that they are addressing the symptom and not the cause. If you are
continuing in your own way, seeking self, then overcoming one sin will just produce
another (maybe a different type) and you will most likely return to that which you
overcame - as a sow/pig to the mud (2 Pt 2:22). The reason the sow returns to the mud is
because it is the nature of the sow. Conversely, a cat will continually clean itself because
that is its nature. The sins proceed from the fallen nature – the darkness of seeking your
own way in disregard which is disobedience to God’s truth. Jesus said we must change
natures or be “born again” (Jn 3:3, 2 Cor 5:17, Eph 4:24, 1 Pt 1:23, 1 Jn 2:29, 5:4).
What is in your heart and mind must change. We must die to the fallen nature of seeking
self (Satan’s lie, the darkness) and be born again with the nature of God which is dying
to self and surrendering to God (the truth, the light). This will be discussed in Chapter
Two, “The Light.”

The sinful fruit is the outward manifestations of the “root” which is pride - self over God.
You can pull off all the corrupted fruit, but eventually more will appear in its place. You
must go to the “root” of the matter, which is the seeking your own way, and destroy it
such that you are totally submitting to God’s way. When you yield to God’s working in
your life then righteous fruit springs forth (see Chapter Three, “The Fruit”). It should be
noted that cigarettes, alcohol, drugs and such things soothe, pacify and comfort the flesh -
particularly in times of stress. The “follower” of Christ is given a different kind of
Comforter known as the Holy Ghost (sent from above) – discussed extensively in Chapter
Two.
Self

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Habakkuk 2:4, “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall
live by his faith.”

Since one of the main pillars (principles, main beliefs, ideologies, focus) of the darkness
is “self,” it would behoove us, with respect to necessity, to consider just what this means
(Col 2:20-21). Pride is the root of all evil or sin and is the exaltation of self – it goeth
before destruction (Pv 16:18). This is the opposite of God’s truth which focuses on the
principle of self-sacrifice for others. Those who live in the darkness will live (exhibit,
love the darkness) in the nature of self (subtly or overtly) rather than dying to it and
coming out of the darkness. Job 34:9, “For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he
should delight himself with God.” Those who seek self are looking for personal benefit or
what profits “me.” Those living in the darkness will basically seek self as a lifestyle, with
higher regard to their flesh than anything else - God or others; they will never view
themselves this way though. This may be evident in relationships with others, such as
marriage – consider all the divorce. This will be the underlying motivation in most things
they do - whats in it for me? Most walk in self-esteem which is to show regard (respect)
for “self.” Those who regard “self” over God will be separated from the Lord eternally
and given over to their own desire. 2 Corinthians 3:5, “Not that we are sufficient of
ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God.”

Please consider the following manifestations, realizing that some are very similar: 1) Self
– The total essential, or particular being of a person; all the essential qualities making up
one’s person. 2) Self-willed – gratifying one’s own desires/lusts. Governed by one’s own
will; not yielding to the will of God; not accommodating or compliant - froward. 3) Self-
asserting – Defending one’s own qualities, rights or opinions - usually to justify the
sacrifice of anothers; arrogance. 4) Self-assured – Having or exhibiting confidence in
oneself. 5) Self-centered – Concerned with oneself and one’s own interest. 6) Self-
abandoned – Abandoned or unrestrained in oneself such as yielding to one’s impulses. 7)
Self-confidence (also self-reliance, self-trust, self-dependent) – Confidence in one’s or
own abilities or judgments; reliance on one’s own opinion or powers. 8) Self-conceit –
High opinion of oneself or abilities; vanity. 9) Self-sufficient (also self-contained) -
Having full confidence in one’s own strength, abilities, competence or endowments;
independent; haughty. 10) Self-deceit (also self-deceiving) – Deception respecting
oneself, or that originates from one’s own mistake - illusion or error; self-deception. 11)
Self-directed (also self-driven) – Guided or led by oneself - what you want or desire. 12)
Self-gratification (also self-indulgence, self-pleasing) – The act or process of giving
oneself pleasure or gratification. 13) Self-interest – Selfish regard for one’s own
advantage or interest; personal advantage. 14) Selfish – Primarily concerned for oneself
without regard for others. 15) Self-justifying – Making excuses for oneself. 16) Self-
ordained (also self-proclaimed, self-assumed) – Ordained by oneself rather than another;
assumed by one’s own act without authority. 17) Self-respect – Due respect for oneself or
one’s character and conduct. 18) Self-righteous – Smugly convinced of one’s own
righteousness; seeking self with presumed justification from God. 19) Self-satisfaction
(also self-praise) – Satisfied with oneself or with one’s actions or accomplishments.
Perhaps building idols to oneself such as the display of trophies, accomplishments, and
awards; use of titles (Job 32:21-22), which is a form of self exaltation - doctor, reverend,
honorable, etc. 20) Self-seeking – Concerned with or pursuing only one’s own interest.

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The lusts of the eyes, pride of life, cares of this world, etc. 21) Self-love – The love of
one’s own person or happiness. 22) Self-opinioned – Valuing one’s own opinion highly.
23) Self-preference – Preferring one’s self above others. 24) Self-exalting – Placing one’s
self and desires above others - always wanting your way. Perhaps you dress a certain way
such as designer clothes, expensive jewelry, hairstyles, and perfumes (1 Tim 2:9, 1 Pt
3:3) to draw attention to self and portray an image of superiority? Perhaps you volunteer
for things or seek place to gain advantage over others - for self, children, etc.? Perhaps
you are always concerned with winning and find it hard to lose gracefully? More specific
examples are given in Chapter Four, “What is Walking in Darkness?”

When one seeks self above another, then all manner of sin manifests. Perhaps you can
see how one who is mainly concerned with self would rob another - theft? In similar
manner those who exalt self will murder, inflict violence, commit adultery, bear false
witness, lie, etc. They do not care that they sacrifice others as long as “self” prevails. This
is a form of control – exerting your will. This also applies to collective groups of people
such as races, nationalities, nations, etc. (Ps 9:17, 20). This disregards the lives of others
– their thoughts, feelings, needs, situations, etc. The higher regard one has for self, the
more control they will seek to exert over others. Those with high regard for self will also
have contempt or disregard for God through their actions – self always takes priority.
These will blaspheme God and seek their idols - money, possessions, entertainments,
people, hobbies, etc.

Those who forsake the darkness must die to the things of self and surrender to the will of
God – to be poor in spirit, mournful, and meek. Ephesians 5:17, “Wherefore be ye not
unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” We must place God foremost in
our lives and walk in His ways in truth, righteousness, and uprightness of heart – with a
full heart! We must learn to place others first – love which is the sacrifice of self for the
benefit of others. The more self dies, the more trust, faith and reliance there is upon God.
The more self lives, the less trust, faith and reliance there is upon God. Those who love
God place Him foremost and then others (neighbors) above self. In other words, they
walk in the two great commandments (Mt 22:37-39, Mk 12:29-31, Lk 10:27-28).

Self-sacrifice and self-exaltation are mutually excluding or annihilating – one excludes


the other (prohibits, eliminates, prevents, rejects, reduces, abolishes). To seek self is to
lessen God – to reduce in authority and importance in your life. The creation has rebelled
against the Creator in seeking freedom, liberty, and independence for self. Those who
walk in darkness are wicked, stubborn, stiff-necked, froward, hard-hearted, obstinate,
pertinacious, headstrong, double-minded, hypocritical, impenitent, impudent, rebellious
and have a whorish heart toward God, and will not yield to the Lord’s working in them to
conform them to His nature and expectations (froward, Pv 3:32, 11:20, Ez 2:3-4, 7, 27).

The Lord God would have us be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the
corruption that is in the world through lust (2 Pt 1:4) and behave in manners that fallen or
corrupted self abhors (hates, detests, loathes, despises, dislikes). We are to be humble
(meek), patient, loving, surrendered (yielding), forgiving, self-sacrificing (self-denial,
unselfish, sacrifice of one’s own interests or well being for the benefit or sake of others),
self-controlled (temperance, restraint), giving, longsuffering (forbearing), contrite

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(repentant, self-examining), virtuous (conformity to divine commandments, high regard
for God’s Word), likeminded (unified in the Spirit), believing (faithful, looking beyond
the flesh), godly (loving observance of God’s will, obedience), and must show brotherly
kindness (good will, benevolence, contributing to the happiness of others). This is a dying
to individual desire and lusts. God’s Spirit will work to transform those who “come to the
light” into the image of the Lord (truth, His nature and expectations). You as an
individual only become important when things are put into right order - God, others, and
then you. Once the emphasis of your life is correct (seek ye first the kingdom of God) and
God’s nature is restored and reflected in you, then “self” takes on new meaning.
Forgiveness

There has been no forgiveness, restoration or reconciliation offered by God to Satan or


the fallen angels that joined him in his rebellion. This is most likely because they have all
seen God and dwelt in His presence and have known of his truth and glory, yet willingly
forsook the light (truth) to seek their own selfish lusts (angels in God’s presence - Mt
18:10, 25:31, Lk 1:19, 9:26, 12:8-9, Jn 1:51, 2 Thess 1:7, Heb 1:6, 1 Pt 3:22, Rev 3:5,
Job 4:18). How could such be restored again to have a willing loving heart of obedience?
They were perfect and chose imperfection – forever corrupted - tainted with wickedness.
The Lord has revealed to man: Hebrews 6:4-6, “For it is impossible for those who were
once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the
Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to
come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to
themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.” Similar can be said of
the devil and his angels; they were once enlightened in the truth, have tasted of heaven,
having been directly in God’s presence, were partakers of the Holy Ghost; and walked in
the good Word of God and His power. These angels chose to leave the light and enter
into the darkness. It is impossible to renew them again!

Satan and the fallen angels most certainly blasphemed the Holy Ghost by their actions
(Mk 3:29, Lk 12:10). Satan’s nature is manifested through the beast or antichrist spirit,
and it is blasphemy (Rev 13:1, 6) – the devil has a mouth (and heart) that speaks great
things and blasphemies against God (Rev 13:5-6). These are condemned to eternal
destruction. The Lord God in His great mercy has offered man a way of forgiveness and
reconciliation – the only way, which is His way. This will be discussed in Chapter Two,
“The Light.”

Man comes from a slightly different circumstance than the angels did. No man hath seen
God at any time and must approach the Lord through faith (Jn 1:18, 1 Jn 4:12, Heb
10:38, 11:6, Habk 2:4, Rm 1:17, Gal 3:11). Man is born into transgression and rebellion,
but must choose to leave the darkness and come to the light. Man is born imperfect, but
must choose perfection. Man must forsake his darkness by forfeiting his self seeking
ways, and abide in Christ (enter the strait gate, Mt 7:13-14, Lk 13:24, Jn 10:9) to be
cleansed from unrighteousness and forgiven of sin (1 Jn 1:7, 9). Man must then walk in
faith (surrender, love, obedience, trust, humbleness) as led by the Spirit (follow the
narrow path, Mt 7:14) to be reconciled to God (Acts 3:21). The path back to God is

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impossible for one living in the flesh, because this path will pull down and destroy the
things of the flesh. Only the sincere and genuine will be able to walk this path.

The narrow path back to God is ruggedly designed to yield (produce) the Lord what He
desires – one who is sincere; has a true heart of love for God; is surrendered (meek) and
obedient; and trusts in God for all things. One can only tread this path by leaving the
world behind and “following” the Lord (to avert all the obstacles along the way) in His
truth (light). Can anyone deny that God’s will shall absolutely be performed throughout
eternity? Satan and his minions (subordinates, followers) of fallen angels have been
denied any reconciliation with God. Man has been offered reconciliation under the
conditions set by God. Satan (adversary) hates God and man and is determined to keep
man from understanding (finding) or following God’s path. The devil, who has the power
of death, (Heb 2:14) will mislead you down a multitude of wrong paths until death
forever separates you from God. He draws you further into the darkness (lie) and then
accuses you before God for not being in the light (truth, Rev 12:10). The path for those
who “follow” the father of the “lie” ends in death (Mt 7:13-14).
How Satan Overcomes Man

God has made a way, Jesus Christ – The Way, to restore and reconcile man to Himself
(defined in Chapter Two, “The Light”). However, Satan does not want to release any of
his prisoners from his house of bondage (the darkness) – they are appointed unto death
(Ps 102:19-20). The devil wants to destroy man! He is a great adversary to man and
walks about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Pt 5:8). The Lord will not
allow Satan to violate your free-will if you choose to serve God. Therefore, the devil
must keep you from seeing the way God has provided (the light, truth) and certainly
hinder you from walking it. Satan does this through enticement and deceit. Satan is
referred to in scripture as “the tempter” (Mt 4:3). To tempt is to incite or solicit to an evil
act; to entice to something wrong by presenting arguments that are plausible or
convincing, or by the offer of some pleasure or apparent advantage as the inducement.
The devil tempts you into a wrongful course of action; he then accuses you before God;
demands the full penalty (death, eternal separation); and thereby makes you an enemy of
God (Rev 12:10). The devil does this by appealing to your own lusts - which war against
the soul (the essence of who you are, 1 Pt 2:11). He lures you to seek your own way and
thus disregard God’s will (commandments, Word, truth, authority). James 1:13-15, “Let
no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with
evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of
his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin,
when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”

The devil simply determines the lusts of your own heart and then appeals to these lusts to
foster (promote, advance, cultivate, encourage) desire. Satan leads man to doubt God’s
Word or truth, then to disbelieve or disregard God’s truth, and finally to disobey God’s
truth. This is the “working of Satan” to deceive and entice into a wrongful (fatal) course
of action (2 Thess 1:9). The great condemnation is that the choice to walk in the darkness
is your own – you are not forced, just tempted. So, men are enticed and drawn away by
their own lusts in seeking the things of the flesh (seeking their own way, Js 1:14). Satan

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keeps you in the darkness through the principles of the lie (self seeking, the way of the
flesh). By keeping you focused on your lusts and desires, even when you hear the Word
of God, then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they
should believe and be saved (Lk 8:12). He takes the Word by keeping you focused on and
in love with other things (you pay it no mind, cast aside, don’t take it seriously). Notice
the process: lust, appeal, capitulation (giving in), sin and death. This is a wicked method
of keeping your eyes on self (and off of God) which will result in your own destruction
(demise, death) and it is all based upon your own free-will. This is a set trap baited with
selfish benefit. No one is forced to step inside the trap and take the bait, but Oh how
many do! 2 Timothy 2:26, “And that they may recover themselves out of the snare
(baited trap) of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” Those who seek their
selfish desires do the will of the devil! – they “know” the depths of Satan (Rev 2:24, 3:9).
In doing so, they violate (transgression, sin, iniquity, unrighteousness, unbelief) the will
of God. They are easily overcome (duped, suckers).

The devil brings you into bondage by continually appealing to your fleshly weaknesses
(preferred lusts) such that you continue in them (repetitive sins) – and fall therein
(slippery ways in the darkness). Those who continue to seek self find it difficult or
impossible to break free of these things. The bondages are built upon strong desire and
you may find yourself justifying or defending the wickedness such as addictions, habits,
behaviors, preferences, compulsions, and obsessions. Psalms 107:17, “Fools because of
their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.” For of whom a man is
overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage – servants of corruption (2 Pt 2:19).
Examples of such bondage might be: cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, foul language (profanity,
cursing, Ps 141:3), lewd behavior, fornication, idolatry (television, money, etc.),
obsession (with someone, sports team, hobby, etc.) and covetousness (not content -
always wanting things). These types of bondages are sometimes referred to as “living in
sin” since they become such a part of your lifestyle (your deeds/actions).

The Lord gives a way of escape to those who truly seek Him. 1 Corinthians 10:13,
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful,
who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation
also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” God has set limits on Satan
such that the temptations cannot be overwhelming. This way of escape is absolutely not
through the flesh! The temptation is directed at the flesh (that which seeks it’s will over
God’s). We are not to put our trust and faith in our flesh such as will-power, which is
your resolve or forced ability to overcome. The only way to avoid such temptation is
through the denial of self (forfeiture of your way) and surrender to God by yielding to His
way. You must give up what man rebelled against God to obtain which was “self
independence.” You must do the opposite of the lie! The way back to God (to the light,
truth) is denying self daily, taking up your cross (death to the things of the flesh) and
“following” (walking as) Christ (Mt 10:39, 16:25, Mk 8:35, Lk 9:24, 17:33, Jn 12:24-25,
Rm 8:13, 2 Cor 5:15, Gal 2:20, Eph 4:24, Col 2:6, 3:2-3, Ps 119:3, 128:1, Hos 14:9, 1
Thess 2:12, 1 Jn 2:6, 2 Jn 1:6). This is to lose your life (your way) for Christ’s name sake
such as to find your life (walking in the truth, eternal life) in Him (Mt 10:39, 16:25, Mk
8:35, Lk 9:24, 17:33, Jn 12:25).

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You must abide in Jesus (He that is holy, and He that is true, Rev 3:7) or there is no
hope. If you are truly fearing God (cleaving to Him) and eschewing all evil (abstaining
from), then you will not be overcome (Ps 119:101). 1 John 5:18, “We know that
whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten (born of) of God keepeth
himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.” We must acknowledge the truth (coming
to the light) and this is the way to be free from the snares of the devil (2 Tim 2:25-26).
The truth will set you free (Jn 8:32). Satan compels man to exalt his way and the things
he seeks after above the Lord God. What we are talking about here is the lusts of the
eyes/flesh, the pleasures/pride of life, and the deceitfulness of riches – the fruits thy soul
lusteth after (Mk 4:19, Lk 8:14, 1 Jn 2:16, Rev 18:14). We are even talking about the
necessary things (cares of this world, Mk 4:19)! Most do not consider that “their” day to
day life (way, path) could be a great violation of God’s will. God must be foremost in our
lives, but Satan lures us by our own lusts to place our own way (and that which we fill
our lives with) above God.

Those who walk in darkness will never clearly see the path to the light. You will never
understand the concept of “denying self” because you live by and are blinded by the
nature of the lie which says to “seek self.” The seeking of self is the very thing that keeps
you in bondage – this is the chords and chains of sin that bind you. 2 Corinthians 4:4, “In
whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the
light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”
To “believe not” (see Chapter Four) is to walk in your way and disregard God’s way (as
lived daily, applied). Satan blinds these through their fleshly lusts such that the gospel
message, or truth of Christ, will not shine unto them and they won’t “know” it or
understand it. This is why when one sincerely turns to God in repentance and starts
forsaking the darkness, the Lord will have to lead them out. Your fleshly understanding is
flawed and will continue to seeks it’s own and thus remain in the darkness – you do not
know the way out. We must obediently “follow” Jesus. If you do not obediently follow,
then the whole premise (basis) for coming to the light has been undermined
(compromised) and you will remain in the darkness. How do you obey? When the Lord
reveals wrongful things in your life, you must start correcting them. You yield in
obedience to God’s truth. You must forsake wicked behaviors. The Lord will recompense
(reward, return an equivalent) you according to your ways; according to your doings
(Hos 12:2). Every forsaken wicked behavior is one more step toward the light. The more
evil you forsake, the less power it has over you. You give up self and surrender in
obedience to God and this is where the victory is.

The author once read the account of a woman who said she had a vision. In the vision,
the devil, who was a sort of a wretched imp, went about a broad way/path with a prideful
arrogant look (as if wanting to do evil) and was covered with jewels and trinkets that
represented the things of the world that men lust and desire after. Satan would come up to
the various people who traveled the path and would take off a jewel and offer it to them
or they would take it from off of him. They would gladly receive these trinkets because
this was where their heart was - their motivation. Rarely, but occasionally someone who
was offered a jewel would refuse it and then would diverge off of the broad path onto a
narrow one. This vision certainly represents a very undeniable (valid) reality. Most
people in this world are motivated by money, possessions and desires (1 Tim 6:10). The

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devil told Jesus, when referring to the riches and glory of this world, “for that is delivered
unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it (Lk 4:6).” Satan may give fleshly things, but
they come with a heavy and eternal price. Con artists have understood this very well and
have taken advantage of people for centuries by appealing to their lusts. Satan is supreme
in this area and we must not be unwise to his devices (2 Cor 2:11). These types of fleshly
things are not of God (1 Jn 2:15-17, Js 4:4). Do not allow the flesh to control your
actions. The flesh will follow its inclination (nature, proclivity, preference) away from
God. Will it not be shocking (dreadful) and very revealing to find out that the things that
you love are coming from Satan and not God? The Lord God does not cater to the flesh!
The desires of the flesh is what drove man from God and keeps him in the darkness.

We must understand that the power of darkness lay in the desires of the flesh. The
darkness is founded upon self seeking and exaltation (pride). The Lord says we must
escape the corruption that is in the world through lust and partake of His divine nature (2
Pt 1:4). You have now been warned: 2 Corinthians 2:11, “Lest Satan should get an
advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” The devil’s wiles (tricks or
stratagem practiced for ensnaring or deception) are directed at the flesh, but can be
overcome through the Spirit. Ephesians 6:11-13, “Put on the whole armour of God, that
ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh
and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of
this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the
whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done
all, to stand.”

Our ability to stand is found in the provision given by God to those who love Him by
obeying and keeping His commandments. This is a spiritual war and your eternal
destination is at stake as well as your family’s – its way past time to get serious.
Ephesians 6:14-18, “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having
on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel
of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all
the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the
Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the
Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” We
must come out of the darkness (lie) and walk in truth - you are upheld by the truth. To be
in the darkness is to be living in defeat (corrupted, overcome, lost).

If you cannot embrace and walk in the truth then there is no hope in you – you sit in
darkness refusing to see the light (Is 9:2, Mt 4:6). Christ came: Isaiah 42:7, “To open the
blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of
the prison house (because of rebellion, Ps 107:9-10).” You must “follow” Jesus (the
truth) out of the darkness. Slightly restated: Luke 1:79, “To give light to them that sit in
darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” The way of
peace is reconciliation to God, where there is now enmity due to disobedience (Is 59:2) –
thus your feet must be shod (shoed) with the gospel of peace, which is God’s offer of
reconciliation through Jesus. Why shod? Because you must now walk the narrow way
that leads to God (as Christ did). We must walk in righteousness (obedience to God’s

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will) which results from our faith (Rm 1:17, 3:22, 4:13, 9:30, Gal 5:5, Php 3:9, 1 Tim
6:11, 2 Tim 2:22).

You cannot stand on the side or look from the broad way. Salvation (the helmet) is the
hope we have in Christ (endurance, 1 Thess 5:8, Mt 10:22). Application of (walking in)
the Spirit and the Word in our lives gives us the ability to strike back – hence, the sword.
Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any
twoedged 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.” You must
constantly examine your heart whether you be in the faith and prove your own self (2
Cor 13:5). Ask the Lord to do the same: Psalms 139:23-24, “Search me, O God, and
know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in
me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Our trust must be in the Lord’s leading. We
must examine ourselves to ensure that we are “following.” Are you in the flesh or the
Spirit? We must also be in constant communication (prayer) with our Lord. This armor
forms our relationship with Christ, who is our strength. Preparation is continual and must
start before the battle. Dear Lord, lead us not into temptation (that which self desires), but
deliver us from evil (the evil one, Satan): For thine is the kingdom (of light and truth),
and the power, and the glory (to God and not self), for ever. Amen.
Man Always Seeks Selfish Benefit

Man’s greatest weakness is in the flesh (selfish want, lusts). The deception and blindness
keeps man in the flesh and thus “weak.” Man is motivated by the principles of the lie
(darkness) which always desires selfish benefit or “gain.” The kingdom of God operates
under the principle of self-sacrifice, which is the giving up of self for the benefit of God
(foremost) and then others. Self always comes last. For to be great in the kingdom of
heaven you must become a servant to all. He that is least of all, the same shall be great
(Lk 9:48). To be first you must be last and a servant to all (Mk 9:35, Lk 22:26-27). To be
greatest/chiefest, you must be servant of all (Mt 23:11, Mk 10:44). God’s kingdom
operates the opposite from the kingdom of darkness! In the Lord’s kingdom, you must be
motivated by sacrifice (which results in loss to self) which is manifested as love and
humbleness (meekness). Love is the voluntary sacrifice of self for the benefit of others.
To be humble is to understand your shortcomings, be modest and unpretentious, and to
not be self assertive (or proud). To be meek is to be patient, gentle, kind, mild,
submissive (to the Lord’s will) and to have forebearance (command of temper, restraint
of passions) under injuries.

Jesus (our example to follow) absolutely exhibited these attributes in all that He did.
Christ always put the needs of others first – through teaching, healing, deliverance,
feeding, etc. Christ forbear all the challenges and indignities that religious man threw at
Him. Jesus came as a servant: Philippians 2:7-8, “But made himself of no reputation, and
took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being
found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the
death of the cross.” AND Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of man came not to be
ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Jesus, Who is

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greatest (Php 2:9-11, Rev 5:12-13), became least for our benefit at great sacrifice to
Himself.

Those in the darkness do not understand these concepts of submission, sacrifice, and
denial because these things go against their fallen nature. They do not seek to bring glory
to the Lord, but rather desire glory for themselves (their flesh). Let us consider the meek:
Meekness is submission to the divine will of God and not to be self sufficient (Ps 22:26).
Psalms 25:9, “The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way
(also Is 61:1).” Judgment is the discerning of right from wrong and choosing the right.
So, God reveals discernment of right and wrong to those who are humble and rely upon
the Lord. You must become meek to understand God’s way. As stated earlier, the proud
and self seeking could never understand something that does not provide them with
selfish gain or fleshly benefit. Psalms 10:4, “The wicked, through the pride of his
countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.” God resisteth the
proud (self seeking), but giveth grace (Holy Spirit working in your life to bring about
God’s purposes, Heb 13:21, discussed in chapter two) unto the humble (those who deny
self, Js 4:6). God’s grace is for the lowly (Pv 3:34). Psalms 37:11, “But the meek shall
inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace (which Jesus
reiterated - Mt 5:5, Ps 149:4).” The peace comes about when God brings all things back
into right order and truth governs all. When you do not obey the voice of God, then truth
perishes with respect to you (Jer 7:28).

We must understand that you can be religious and still live by the precepts (of men, Is
29:13) and principles of the world (darkness). This is to be self seeking and desirous of
selfish benefit or gain with a form of godliness or religion. In other words, many live very
similar (alike, comparable, akin) to the world with the justification (absolution from
guilt) that they “profess Christ” and attend church, which is defined as being a member of
some religious organization and regular attendence at services at some facility. This is the
deception whereby one believes he is serving God, when actually he is serving the
darkness - self, the lie, living in Satan’s nature.

Many will maneuver through religious means to allow for the selfish benefits that they
seek. This is done by either the twisting of God’s Word (handling the word of God
deceitfully, 2 Cor 2:17, 4:2) or through the purposeful selection of a religious
organization that lines up with their desired lifestyle – allows for what they want; there
are so many flavors to choose from. 2 Timothy 4:3-4, “For the time will come when they
will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves
teachers, having itching ears. And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall
be turned unto fables - lies, falsehood, deceit, and fabrication.” These only deceive
themselves – for God has forever settled the way in which man will approach Him, and
the challenge of this book is to convey just that - how one approaches God. These are
froward, which is a refusal to do what is required (unyieldeing, disobedient). We must be
led of the Holy Spirit. 1 John 2:27, “But the anointing which ye have received of him
abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing
teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye
shall abide in him.” The “promise” of God is the Holy Spirit, Who teaches and leads in
truth such that we abide in Christ (Lk 24:49, Jn 7:39, 14:26, Acts 1:4-5, 8, 2:33, 38, Rm

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5:5, Gal 3:14, Eph 1:13, 1 Thess 4:8, Ti 3:5, 2 Tim 1:14). The Holy Spirit is discussed in
Chapter Two, The Light.”
Insights from Job

The book of “Job” gives us insight into the dark workings of Satan and the Lord’s
sovereignty over all. Let us consider how the devil manuevers against man. Job 1:1,
“There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and
upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.” The perfect and upright (honest,
just, adhering to God’s will) man considers the Lord in all his doings and avoids evil and
wickedness at all cost. To fear God is to walk in His ways and do what is pleasing in His
sight. As a result of Job’s devotion, the Lord blessed him in his ways (Job 1:2-3). God
does not serve man, but may in his good pleasure, reward those who are faithful and
obedient. Its like this: sometimes the author asks one of his older sons to watch the
younger. The son does this in love (sacrifice of self for another) both for his father and
brother, and does not expect to receive payment – for then it would not be love, but hire
(a hireling). However, sometimes the father rewards the son, in his good pleasure, due to
the son’s love and obedience to the father. The important thing is the love of the son for
the father and brother, and not any potential reward that may be received – although one
may be given.

Job 1:6-7, “Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves
before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan,
Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro
in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.” The devil walketh about as a roaring
lion seeking whom he may devour - an adversary to man and the Lord’s purposes (1 Pt
5:8). Job 1:8, “And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that
there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God,
and escheweth evil?” In stating this, the Lord was pointing out to Satan his horrendous
and tremendous failing. Satan rejected the fear of God and embraced evil in seeking his
own selfish way. The devil is no longer perfect and upright (as he once was, Ez 28:15)
and has fallen to the lowest degree. Job’s uprightness is a condemnation to Satan’s
wickedness. Job walks in the light (God’s truth, Deut 32:4) and Satan walks in the
darkness, which is a lie of his own making. When man walks in his own way, this is also
a lie of his own making as per the nature of his chosen father, Satan. “The Way” or truth
of God will stand eternally, all other ways will perish. Take heed to the way in which you
go.

Job 1:9-11, “Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?
Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath
on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in
the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee
to thy face.” This verse clearly shows that the Lord God protects those who are faithful
and obedient to Him. God has also seen fit to reward Job’s devotion toward Him. Notice:
Satan’s obvious jealousy and desire to harm or bring ill will upon Job. Satan accuses Job
with no basis of proof. The devil is the great accuser (Rev 12:10) – he seeks to destroy.
The devil accuses Job of only loving God for selfish reasons. Satan is trying to bolster

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(give creedance, strengthen, reinforce, augment, sustain) the foundation of his “lie.” The
devil proclaims that Job’s only motivation is self – just like Satan’s was. The devil wants
to show that all of creation is basically motivated by self for benefit; and Satan also wants
to destroy Job in the process.

Job 1:12, “And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only
upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the
LORD.” This reveals that Satan is clearly limited in what he is allowed to do by God’s
will and authority. The devil would have destroyed Job already, but was constrained by
the power of God. The Lord allows Job to be tested and proved for His glory - the same
can be said for everyone of us – you will be proven (Ps 7:9, Jer 20:12)! Jeremiah 17:10,
“I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his
ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” However, Satan is restricted or limited
and only allowed to remove Job’s possessions and cannot touch Job personally. Satan
immediately goes out and devastates all that Job has including the taking of the lives of
his children. The devil has no problem sacrificing the life of another if he will selfishly
gain place. For those who walk in darkness, this is the cruel taskmaster that you serve –
survival of the fittest (strongest and most powerful); dog eat dog. So how did Job react?
Job 1:20-22, “Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down
upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb,
and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed
be the name of the LORD. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.” Job
worshipped and blessed the name of the Lord! He recognized that all things are in God’s
hands – the good and the bad. This is meekness! Job maintained his fear of God and
uprightness. This was a crushing defeat for Satan – the accuser. In Job’s suffering, the
Lord received glory! We must realize that when we deny (die to) the flesh (our will, way,
wants, lusts, etc.) and surrender to God in all things, the Lord receives the glory – His
truth is upheld! We profess our love for God in our willingness to suffer for Him (2 Tim
2:12). Job 13:15, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine
own ways before him.” The foundation of Satan’s lie began to crumble. There are those
who sincerely love the Lord above all – with all their heart, mind, soul and strength. Now
consider how incredibly dishonoring it would have been to God if Job had lashed out at
God in seeking his own way and thus sinning. Then Satan would have boasted of his lie
and flaunted it in God’s presence. Everyone of us in our lives are either honoring God or
bringing dishonor to him through our actions. When you seek your way, the devil flaunts
it before God and greatly accuses you. He does this to bolster his lie. Satan wants to
justify his rebellion and prove to God that the Lord’s creation ultimately wants its
freedom and independence to determine its own course - their own way. When you die to
self and surrender to God’s will, even to the loss and sacrifice of the flesh, then God
receives glory. We must grasp this and take it to heart.

Does Satan just accept defeat? Job 2:1-3, “Again there was a day when the sons of God
came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to
present himself before the LORD. And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest
thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and
from walking up and down in it. And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered
my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one

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that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou
movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.” The Lord is pointing out Job’s
superior wisdom (recall, Lucifer was very wise, but became corrupted, Ez 28:12, 17),
because he continues to fear God and eschew evil – this is great wisdom (wisdom is the
fear of the Lord, and the knowledge of the holy is understanding, Pv 9:10). Satan’s
assault (without cause) on the Lord’s beloved and God’s truth has failed – he is a liar and
the truth is not in him (Jn 8:44).

The Lord said that Job had maintained his integrity; but what does this mean? Integrity is
the entire and unimpaired state of purity, uncorrupted – uprightness and honesty. Job
stood strong for the Lord; Satan did not and was greatly corrupted. Job 2:4-6, “And Satan
answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his
life. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee
to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.”
The devil does not admit defeat, just manipulates the rules (terms) of the original
accusation. Again, the Lord gives Satan permission (the devil is restricted by God’s will)
to inflict harm upon Job – this time his person (self). Satan is not allowed to take Job’s
life! Those who do God’s will shall have life! Notice: that again, the basis of Satan’s
charge is that Job will seek “self” over God. Seeking self is disregard for God! This is so
important to understand! The devil insists that when things get difficult enough for “self”
that man will always choose the love of the flesh (his way, will, comfort) over God. In
other words, the devil is saying that Job’s wisdom shall also become corrupted when
enough pressure is brought to bear to reveal that his true devotion (bottom line) is to self.

Having obtained permission from God, the devil goes off and inflicts Job with painful
disease. Job 2:7, “So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job
with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.” This time the devil also uses
Job’s wife to bring pressure to bear through bad advice and negative encouragement –
Satan does not play fair. Job 2:9, “Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine
integrity? curse God, and die.” Our loved ones can be a source of great encouragement or
a source of great failure. Remember that it was Adam’s wife who offered him the
forbidden fruit in Eden (1 Tim 2:14). Consider what happened to Solomon – his wives
turned his heart away from God to false gods (1 Kgs 11:3-4, Neh 13:26). The devil often
uses family members for his wicked purposes. We have been instructed to place our
relationship to God above everything and everyone. Luke 14:26, “If any man come to
me, and hate (place as higher importance) not his father, and mother, and wife, and
children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.”

We must be willing to sacrifice everything for the benefit of God – true love. So, how is
Job to react to the unbelievable (enormous) pressures and pain of body? Job 2:10, “But he
said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we
receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin
with his lips.” Next, three of Job’s friends came to comfort him, but were miserable
comforters through their bad advice (Job 16:2-5, 20, 19:1-3, 21-22, 42:7-8). Job loves the
Lord, but hates his life (Job, Chapter Three). The Lord God received the glory over Satan
– and so it shall always be! We must be willing to receive the bad with the good and still
give God the glory. Self must die and the nature of the darkness (Satan’s lie in us). In the

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end, the Lord rewarded Job’s selfless faith with twice the possessions, more children and
long life (Job 42:10-17). Job had been proven and the Lord rewarded him good according
to the fruit of his doings (Jer 17:10).

Satan is an adversary and an accuser who destroys you before God by compelling you to
seek self and disregard the will of the Lord - through whatever means he is allowed (Eph
5:17). If you walk in “self,” then you are in bondage and awaiting final condemnation
before the throne of God – you are already guilty (Jn 3:18). You have no idea just how
dangerous the path really is that you are walking. The Lord God will condemn the
wicked, to bring his way upon his head; and justifying the righteous, to give him
according to his righteousness (1 Kgs 8:32).
God’s Perspective

The Lord God is your Creator and as such has every right and ability to take your life
from this earth at any moment. You are already living under the condemnation (sentence)
of death. The Lord can exercise His right to implement your sentencing at any moment –
your next breath or heart beat. Why does God continue to endure you? Because God is
longsuffering and loving and desires to bring you to repentance (godly sorrow) in an
effort to preserve you eternally (2 Pt 3:9, 2 Tim 3:10, Eph 4:2). God forbears your
injuries (meekness) to His Majesty and righteous character! The Lord forbears your
injuries to His due honor and glory! The Lord sacrifices for your benefit (love) – for this
present moment. However you are not guaranteed the next moment – woe! Some die
young and some die old, but none has a guarantee of either. Once taken, you will stand or
fall based upon your deeds (or works) and not your religious mental agreements. The
devil has spread his poison and lies throughout God’s creation. The Lord will prevail in
His truth as exercised through His righteous character or nature (Rm 9:22). In other
words, God’s actions will always be in harmony with His truth. Thy will shall be done on
earth as it is in heaven (Lk 11:2). Restoration of all things will be done in God’s truth and
never through Satan’s lie.

Consider God’s ultimate purpose: Ephesians 1:10-12, “That in the dispensation of the
fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in
heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an
inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things
after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first
trusted in Christ.” Multitudes will perish because God’s truth will prevail and they will
not be found in it – they are vessels of wrath fitted to destruction (Rm 9:22)! Irregardless,
the Lord God Almighty will go forward (new heavens and a new earth, Is 65:17, 66:22,
2 Pt 3:13) with multitudes who are sincere and loyal in their love and obedience to Him –
those who actually walked in faith in following Jesus, their Lord. These are those who
have been tested and tried upon the earth (such as Job) and have prevailed to choose the
truth and have life in it (see chapter three). Those who perish will have done so in their
own stubborn will and choice to live in darkness. These are those who were overcome by
the world – the darkness, which is Satan’s lie.
Believe a Lie?

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The darkness that man walks in will keep him from seeing the truth. 2 Thessalonians
2:10-12, “And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because
they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God
shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be
damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” Let us fully
examine the meaning of these verses. Deceivableness is one (Satan) who knowingly
utters falsehood with the purpose to deceive; one (the devil) who declares to another as a
fact what he knows to be not true, and with an intention to deceive or mislead him.
Unrighteousness is the violation of God’s commands (will, purposes, covenant) – a
habitual course of wickedness or it could be only one single unjust act. So, the
“deceivableness of unrighteousness” is one (Satan) who knowingly utters falsehood
(maliciously – deliberate intention to injure) with the intent to deceive one (man) to
habitually (regularly) violate God’s will. This is what the devil does – “the workings of
Satan” (2 Thess 2:9). To walk in such darkness is to know the depths of Satan (Rev 2:24).
It only takes one violation of God’s will to damn you to hell, but Satan’s intention is to
keep you consistently (routinely as a lifestyle) in violation (eyes on self) such that you
never understand God’s path of mercy and forgiveness, which is the narrow way to
reconciliation with God. With the “deceivableness of unrighteousness,” Satan causes man
to perish! Why is man so gullible (naïve, susceptable)? Because he receives not the love
of the truth that he might be saved – for Jesus calls you out of the darkness and into His
light. The truth (light) is specifically discussed in Chapter Two, “The Light.”

To “love” the truth is to sacrifice “self” for the benefit of the truth, and the only way you
can walk in the truth is to die to self. Self is in opposition to the truth. What is the
condemnation or blame? Men love the darkness – the “deceivableness of
unrighteousness,” and will not come to the light (truth, Jn 3:19). They regard lying
vanities (Ps 31:6). Therefore, God sends rebellious man a strong delusion that they
believe a lie. What is the lie? The lie is what Satan told man in Eden (that reflects his
nature/image), which states that man can seek self (lusts, desires, flesh) and not die – and
shall be as a god in determining his own way (path, will). A delusion is error or mistakes
leading from false views; misleading of the mind. The strong delusion is that man thinks
he is right and justified in seeking his own way to satisfy self, his lusts, his will, etc. –
religious man thinks he can seek self and serve God; and is blessed in it, when self gets
what it wants/craves. The strong delusion is that while one walks in the darkness, they
believe that they are in the light – not comprehending the truth. Why would God do that?
Because “they believed (followed) not the truth” and worse – they took “pleasure” in their
unrighteousness, which are violations of God’s will. Perhaps they felt justified in
violating God’s will because they once “professed Christ” and considered themselves
immune (protected, legally resistant) to such things as having to obey Christ’s commands
(Jn 14:15) – thus the strong delusion! They s-t-r-e-t-c-h God’s grace into license to seek
their will and oppose the Lord’s purposes. Man doing what is right in his own eyes;
seeking the imaginations of his heart - his opinions and sentiments (Pv 3:7, 6:18, 12:15,
16:2, 21:2, 30:12, Is 5:21, Deut 12:8, 29:19, Jdg 17:6, 21:25, Ps 36:2, Gen 6:5, Jer
3:17, 9:14, 11:8, 13:10, 16:12, 18:12, 23:17, Rm 1:21). Many a man follows “the lie”
today and believes that all is well. Proverbs 1:7, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning
of knowledge: but fools (one who pursues a course contrary to the dictates of wisdom)
despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:29-31, “For that they hated knowledge, and

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did not choose the fear of the LORD: They would none of my counsel: they despised all
my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their
own devices.” Woe! Great woe!
Demonic Possession (unclean spirits, devils)

The spirit of man dwells within a vessel of clay which you know as your physical body
(Eccl 3:20, 12:7). This is a temporal body composed of the dust of the earth (Gen 2:7,
Job 10:9). Scripture is very clear that your body can be co-inhabited. In other words,
more than one spirit can inhabit your vessel of clay. When we forsake the darkness and
come to Christ’s light in obedience, the Lord gives us His Holy Spirit to dwell within us
(1 Cor 6:19, 2 Tim 1:14). 1 Corinthians 3:16, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of
God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? (also 1 Cor 6:19, Rm 8:10, Jn 14:20)”

The Holy Spirit is very benign (kindly, gentle, caring, compassionate) and respects your
“person” – is very beneficial. This means that the Lord’s Spirit respects your free-will to
choose. The Holy Ghost only works through your free surrender and obedience in order
to comfort, lead, guide, teach, empower, convict, etc. One of the fruits of the Spirit is
“self control” and the Holy Spirit will never interfere with your ability to control
yourself. That which the Spirit gives, such as boldness, wisdom and empowerment, will
accentuate your abilities and not detract from them. The Spirit is advantageous, positive
and helpful. The Holy Spirit is more fully discussed in Chapter Two. Jesus provides
(from the Father), the Holy Spirit to enable you to travel the narrow way that leads to life
and to complete this rugged course. The Holy Ghost is truly expedient or appropriate to a
given purpose (Jn 16:7). This is the positive and essential side of the co-habitation of
your physical body (Rm 8:9).

The other side of this, “the dark side,” is the possession of one’s physical body by
unclean spirits or devils. This is a very real circumstance and is talked about extensively
in the New Testament (Mt 4:24, 8:16, 28-30, 9:32-33, Mk 1:27, 32-34, 39, 3:11, 5:2-13,
7:25-29, 9:17-26, 38, 16:9, Lk 4:33-36, 41, 6:18, 8:2, 27-33, 11:14). Whereas the Holy
Spirit comes into you very gently through a yielded contrite heart; the unclean spirits will
force or barge their way into you through your own free-will exposure to the darkness,
perhaps through deception – you open yourself up to them. This is a very present evil and
you must beware. Those who walk in darkness will not have the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of
God and unclean spirits will never occupy your body simultaneously – you may have one
or the other or neither. Jesus spent a lot of time delivering people from such unclean
spirits through His heart of love and compassion (Mt 8:16, Mk 1:23-26, 32, 34, 39, 3:11-
12, Lk 4:41, 13:32). Christ was even accused of having a devil – a grievious blasphemy
of the Holy Ghost (Mt 12:24, Mk 3:22, Lk 11:15, Jn 7:20, 8:48-49, 10:20). Does anyone
suppose these unclean spirits have just gone away and no longer exist? They are very
active in this present world; you only have to know what to look for to see their very
destructive workings.

Whereas the Holy Spirit is beneficial, these devils are detrimental and destructive. The
Holy Ghost does not interfere with your self control, but unclean spirits do! These are a
bondage and horrible grievous vexation of spirit (Mt 15:22). These devils will interfere
with your self control and even force you to cause harm to yourself or physical body.

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Unclean spirits live under the principles of Satan’s lie and will gladly sacrifice others for
the benefit of self – this is opposite of love. Just as your spirit controls the functions of
your body, the devils can interfere and usurp control. Consider this example: Mark 5:2-5,
“And when he (Jesus) was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the
tombs a man with an unclean spirit, Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man
could bind him, no, not with chains: Because that he had been often bound with fetters
and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in
pieces: neither could any man tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the
mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.” Notice that this
person dwelt among the tombs – among the dead; very symbolic. The account in Luke
says the man was driven there by the devil (Lk 8:29). This speaks of torment of mind and
soul – forced will. This man had superhuman (unnatural) strength and this is also a sign
of demonic activity. The man cried and cut himself with stones. Self destruction always
accompanies demonic possession and oppression (i.e. suicide). The devils are out to
wreck, destroy and kill. Jesus confronted these spirits whose name was legion – for they
were many (Mk 5:9). This man was possessed by a “multitude” of unclean spirits.

Now let us consider another account: Mark 9:17-27, “And one of the multitude answered
and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; And
wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth,
and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they
could not. He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with
you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me. And they brought him unto him:
and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and
wallowed foaming. And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him?
And he said, Of a child. And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to
destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. Jesus
said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And
straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou
mine unbelief. When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the
foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him,
and enter no more into him. And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him:
and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. But Jesus took him by the
hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.”

This was a case where the young man was totally given over to the influence of this foul
(unclean, unpleasant, horrible, vile, defiled, offensive) spirit. Notice how the evil spirit
forced his will on the young man – he teareth him and tries to cause him to jump in fires
and water for the purpose of self-destruction. The young man was losing health and
vitality from such grief – pining away. This evil devil just took control of him and put
him in great bondage – loss of self control. These unclean spirits will also take control of
one’s speech (Mt 8:29, Mk 1:23-24, 3:11, Lk 4:33-35, 8:27, 29). So, it can be said that
some of the signs of demonic possession would be (in wicked ways): torment of mind;
loss of self control; loss of bodily function; self-destructive behavior; unnatural abilities;
and distraught negative thoughts and behavior – great worry (bad outlook).

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The author will state that although most are demonically influenced, not all are
demonically possessed. Many things that have been termed medical conditions, with
ascribed names, are actually possession by unclean spirits. The author once heard of a
woman who was very distraught and convinced that her son suffered from a disease
termed, “Tourette Syndrome” because he had all the symptoms. The symptoms are
uncontrolled movement of body parts (head jerking, body twisting, etc.) and/or
uncontrollably uttering strange and unacceptable sounds and phrases such as profanity
and grunts/barkings. This condition seems to fit very well with possession by unclean
spirits and most likely is.

Satan can also bind people in physical ways – perhaps also through possession by devils.
Consider: Luke 13:11-13, “And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of
infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.
And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed
from thine infirmity. And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made
straight, and glorified God.” The religious men questioned Jesus doing this on the
Sabbath and He replied: Luke 13:16, “And ought not this woman, being a daughter of
Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on
the sabbath day?” The Lord specifically said that Satan had something to do with her
infirmity – a spirit of. Jesus was often accused by the religious men of His day of having
and unclean spirit and being allied with Satan (Mt 9:34, 12:24-28, Mk 3:22-30, Lk 11:15-
20). On another occasion: Matthew 9:32-33, “As they went out, behold, they brought to
him a dumb man possessed with a devil. And when the devil was cast out, the dumb
spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.” The devil
was the sole reason that the man could not speak. Possession by unclean spirits or devils
was very prevalent at the time of Christ. If anything, it is worse today – although mostly
disregarded.
How is One Possessed by Unclean Spirits?

Having stated the reality of demonic possession, many will ask, how does it occur?
Should this not greatly concern us all? Demonic possession occurs at your invitation as
determined through your own actions. You do not necessarily consciously have to invite
them in, but rather open yourself up to them through your wicked actions – doing that
which God has forbidden (such as Ex 22:18, Lev 19:13, 26, 31, 20:6, 27, Deut 18:9-12, 2
Kg 21:6, 23:24, Is 8:19, 19:3). One receives the Holy Ghost through sincere surrender
and obedience to Christ. Similarly, one receives unclean spirits or devils through
surrender and obedience to the darkness, which is Satan’s kingdom, way, or path. What
does this mean? When you participate in evil or wickedness there are consequences. Do
you think you can play with fire and not eventually get burned? Similarly, you cannot
love the darkness and not partake of all its evils. Participate in evil and something wicked
your way will come!

No doubt these things can happen in a myriad of ways, but the author will attempt to
offer some things for consideration. Any involvement with the occult will open yourself
up to demonic possession. This could be seances, ouija boards, automatic writing, spirit
guides, movies and television shows, books, haunted houses, crystals, horoscopes

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(astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, Is 47:13), fortune telling, good
luck trinkets, familiar spirits, herbs/potions, divination, hypnosis, getting in touch with
yourself, contacting the dead, etc. Another form of occult that is widespread and perhaps
the quickest way to being possessed is through the use of “drugs” – narcotics, getting
high! This includes legal drugs that affect the mind. Many of the violent and sensual
video games are also full of the occult (symbology, spells, witchcraft, etc.). Books,
television and movies are another source of great evil – even commercials are very
manipulative and a type of witchcraft (tempt you to seek the flesh).

Consider the very popular children’s book series known as Harry Potter (and movies).
These are full of actual witchcraft and spells – they are wicked and evil. Children or
adults can easily be possessed through such media. Then there is the equally popular
Lord of the Rings books and movies. All of these things also have play toys (use your
imagination and open your heart) such as magic wands, riding brooms, and action
figures that include representations of demons from hell. There are evil fantasy games
such as Dungeons and Dragons and so many spin offs and variants that it is impossible to
keep track of them. These are perhaps some of the more evil because they actually
compel one to invite such spirits into oneself and practice spells. In these games you are
always sacrificing another for the benefit of self (hatred, a pillar of darkness) – to think it
in your heart is to do it. There are also children’s play cards such as Pokeman, magic and
Dragon Ball Z. These cards also lure, tempt and entice many children into the darkness
where possession can be a very real consequence. So, all of you parents that think these
things are just fun imagination, this is what you are exposing your precious children to.
Its like letting your children out to play when there are packs of vicious and hungry
wolves roamning all about.

Other ways to be possessed might be found in your day to day lifestyle, such as filling
your mind and heart with the wickedness that flows through televisions, radios, rented
movies, romance novels and popular magazines. What we are talking about here is a love
of the darkness. It doesn’t matter that it is so incredibly widespread these days and that
everybody’s doing it. Darkness is darkness! It is truly amazing how the occult has
worked its way into so many common things (cereal boxes, fast food restaurant toys,
children’s books, business practices, church growth methodologies, etc.). The world is
being prepared for the arrival of the devil’s son (the beast, son of perdition).
Additional ways of demonic possession might include blasphemy, alcoholism,
pornagraphy, gambling (even video games), Halloween activities (dress up),
covetousness, cruelty toward others or animals (Pv 12:10), “self” help type psychology,
etc. What all of this is saying is that you must be very guarded as to what you put into
your heart – and you’re children’s. The author has had encounters with devils and will
say this is very real and ever present – eschew all evil! Can someone who has “professed
Christ” be possessed? Yes, if they are walking in darkness. It is not about words, but
rather actions. If you love the darkness then that is your lifestyle. If you play in the mud,
then you will get dirty. You must realize that just having such evil in your home is like
having portholes or gateways into the darkness and wickedness. These are things you
willingly open yourself up to or bring into your home. There is no doubt that there is
heavy deception involved, but this is also a pillar (great principle) of the darkness. When

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you walk in the darkness you are “bound” by its rules. So, just having magazines with
horoscopes in them lying about are potential portholes for evil to manifest. A television
literally spews (floods) evil and wickedness into your home at your willing exposure. If
one is not literally possessed, then they may be highly influence or obsessed from
demonic activity. The point is that Satan wants to keep you bound in darkness and
destroy your life and others by way of you. The devil cannot make you partake of his
evil, but he sure will entice you to through your own lusts. Once in the devil’s sandbox,
you will play by his rules.

A few of years ago, my son requested to spend the night at a friend’s house. I knew the
family well, but was a bit uneasy. Due to some family pressures, I caved in and let him
go - not my brightest moment. After he left, I knew almost immediately that I had done
the wrong thing. I went and prayed and asked the Lord’s forgiveness and petitioned that
the Lord would bring my son back home. Not very long afterwards, I received a
telephone call from my son wanting to come home. Once home we talked about what had
transpired. My son told me that his friend’s room was full of evil things. There were Lord
of the Rings games, and posters on the walls; pokeman and Magic cards; Harry Potter
books and a movie; and all manner of occultic things strown about. The environment was
one of witchcraft and sorcery. My son said that he got a sick feeling in his stomach and
felt very uneasy – a heaviness. That is when he called to come home. These things are
very real and those who do not walk in darkness are sensitive to them. My children no
longer spend the night with others. You just have no idea what others allow in their
homes and how they truly live. A parent has a responsibility to protect their children from
spiritual wickedness.

You may be concerned about how one is delivered from such evil possession. This is
discussed somewhat in the next section. Any true follower of Jesus who is filled with the
Lord’s Spirit has the power and authority to cast out devils. Of course this power is not
their own, but is enacted through faith. Such faith bypasses the capability of the flesh and
relies soley upon God. Those living in the flesh would not be able to execute such
authority. There is one thing you must understand! If you are delivered from devils and
do not eliminate the reason or cause for your initial possession, then they will only return
in force. Matthew 12:43-45, “When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh
through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my
house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and
garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than
himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the
first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation (also Lk 11:24-26).” You must
stop loving the darkness! You must forsake the wicked things in your life!

How quickly would a reformed (delivered) alcoholic succumb if he filled his house with
liquors and related drinking paraphernalia? Could someone who stopped smoking expose
themselves to smoke filled environments and not be adversely affected? It should be
noted that there are demons associated with alcohol abuse and smoking. There must be a
deliverance and then a great clean up in your life! Jesus said it like this: “sin no more, lest
a worse thing come unto thee (Jn 5:14).” If you come to the light, then you must rid
yourself of all darkness.

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Power Over Satan’s Kingdom

Those who forsake the darkness (self over God) and come to the light are actually given
power over the powers of darkness. It was stated earlier that Satan came down to earth
and stole man from God by corrupting him and thereby making him vile and useless. The
devil then usurped man’s authority upon the earth (all this power will I give thee, and the
glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it., Lk 4:6).
When man humbles himself in love, surrender and obedience to God, the Lord restores
man’s authority and gives man power over Satan; places the devil in subjection, but only
to the extent that man is following in God’s purposes. Jesus sent out his disciples to
practice what He had taught them. The lord always gives his disciples power over
unclean spirits to cast out these devils (Mt 10:1, 8, Mk 3:15, 6:7, , Lk 9:1). Luke 10:17,
“And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto
us through thy name (also Mk 6:13).” When we are walking in God’s will, the Lord gives
us authority. Luke 10:19, “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and
scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt
you.” This is one of the reasons the adversary (Satan) does not want man to walk in the
light. Man then becomes a threat to his very kingdom. When we are walking in obedience
to the truth, we have power over the enemy. The power comes from the God we serve
and the gates of hell will not prevail against us (Mt 16:18). Mark 3:14-15, “And he
ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to
preach, And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils (also Mk 6:7, Lk
9:1).” Jesus gave this authority to all who will follow: Mark 16:17, “And these signs shall
follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils…” Another consideration
is that those men who are reconciled to the Lord will participate in God’s justice: 1
Corinthians 6:2-3, “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world
shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that
we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?”
Understanding the Unseen

All men are influenced by the Holy Ghost. This may be in a limited way (Jn 3:34). The
Holy Ghost is that which restrains men from becoming totally wicked and evil. John
16:8, “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and
of judgment.” To reprove is to convince of a fault and excite a sense of guilt. Most refer
to the Spirit’s workings as their conscious. This is a restraint of wicked imaginations and
pending actions through the conviction of guilt and error – to manifest silent
disapprobation (influence of the mind, which condemns what is suppose to be wrong).
The Holy Spirit’s influence on the actions of men is the only thing that restrains the evil
from degenerating into conditions as were seen just before the flood. Genesis 6:5, “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.” If such evil were allowed to go
unchecked, then all the godly men would surely perish at the hands of the ungodly. This
is because those who have God’s nature walk in love, which sacrifices self for the benefit
of others – humbleness and meekness. Those who walk in darkness have the devil’s
nature of hate, which sacrifices others for the benefit of self – pride and violence (Pv
8:36).

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All men are also influenced by spiritual wickness known as devils or unclean spirits.
Rather than restrain, these wicked ones compel (coerce, induce) one into evil through
enticement and temptation. Capitulation (surrender, submission) to these wiles
(stratagem for ensnaring, deception), which are aimed at the flesh soon become bondages
and addictions. These unclean spirits operate in an opposite manner of the Holy Ghost.
They put evil thoughts or ideas in your mind and lead you to error – which is iniquity or
sin. The Holy Ghost will lead you to deny the things of the flesh. The unclean (corrupted)
spirits will lead you to embrace the things of the flesh.

Even though all men are presently (through God’s mercy and for God’s purposes)
influenced by the Holy Ghost, not all men are filled with the Holy Ghost – a well of
water springing up into everlasting life (Jn 4:14, 7:38-39). There is a big difference! To
be filled with the Spirit, one must surrender their life to Jesus and walk in obedience to
His will – Word or light. The filling of the Holy Spirit is discussed in Chapter Two. To be
influenced by the Spirit is to have your heart persuaded or affected from without. To be
filled with the Spirit is to be empowered from within and is our assurance of right
standing with God (Eph 1:13, 4:30, 2 Cor 5:5). 2 Corinthians 1:22, “Who hath also
sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.”

Even though all men are influenced by devils or unclean spirits, not all men are
possessed by devils or unclean spirits. Those who have opened themselves up to evil or
submitted to it become possessed by such evil spirits. This could be thought of as a
sealing of Satan. Whereas the Holy Ghost works to restrain evil in the world and lead
men unto Christ; the devils labor just as hard to corrupt man to remain in wickedness.
Both work through the free-will of man. Notice how we are always dealing with
opposites – light and darkness are always opposite.

God hardens the heart of man by withdrawing the influence of the Holy Spirit. In such
cases, man then seeks the lusts of his heart unrestrained. God hath mercy on whom he
will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth (Rm 9:18). The more one sins against
God, the harder their heart grows (Ex 9:34). Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit will result in
such a hardened heart (Mt 12:31-32, Lk 12:10). Beware lest ye be hardened through the
deceitfulness of sin (Heb 3:13). God’s mercy is His drawing you, by the Spirit, to
reconciliation through Christ (Jn 6:44, 65, 14:6). We are told in scripture: Ephesians
4:27, “Neither give place to the devil.” The devil gains place when you seek the things of
the flesh – through carnal means, which is the power of darkness. This is why you must
walk in faith toward God. Faith bypasses the flesh in obedience and trust in the Lord.
You must become blind to the things of the flesh and be led about by the Holy Ghost –
the very essence of faith (Pv 3:5-6)!

This can be understood by what lies ahead. We are fastly approaching the Great
Tribulation – a time of much wickedness. During this time, the Lord will remove the
influence of the Holy Spirit from those men who do not serve Him (He who restrains) –
the vast majority. The Holy Spirit will not be removed from God’s people. Consider how
the beast comes forth: 2 Thessalonians 2:6-10, “And now ye know what withholdeth that
he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he

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who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be
revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy
with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan
with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of
unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that
they might be saved.”

The Wicked that is to be revealed whose working is that of Satan has the same nature of
the darkness that men love. The beast will exalt self and appeal to the lusts of the flesh.
The Holy Spirit will be removed from those who received not the love of the truth. They
love the darkness (Jn 3:19); they do not love the truth! The truth spells death to the ways
of the flesh. They do not come to the light (Jn 3:20-21). That which is restraining will be
removed. Those who make a covenant or agreement with the beast through his mark or
sealing (Rev 13:17-18) will loose the influence of the Holy Spirit and be hardened and
eternally doomed – without any hope of repentance. Revelation 14:9-11, “And the third
angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his
image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the
wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his
indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy
angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for
ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image,
and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.”

You must gain victory over the beast’s mark and image (Rev 15:2, 20:4). When the Holy
Ghost’s influence over rebellious man is removed, then things will degenerate very
rapidly into total wickedness, destruction and death. Many will be sacrificed for the
benefit of the self-centered. The ungodly will persecute and destroy the godly during this
time period (Dan 7:20, 8:24, 11:33, 35, Rev 6:9, 11, 12:17, 13:7, 10, 14:13, 20:4).
However, these saints will prevail and overcome the beast by not submitting to him or his
system of iniquity, by standing firm for Jesus and not loving their lives unto death.
Revelation 12:11, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of
their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” AND Revelation 15:2,
“And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the
victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his
name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.” – yet they were killed in
tribulation! Revelation 14:12, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep
the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” The Spirit influences to lead you to
the truth. Those who love the truth will die for the truth! Those who love the lie will find
themselves hardened in it. Those who love the darkness will feel its full effects.
Opposites

We have discussed the nature of Satan. The devil is sort of the antithesis (direct opposite,
converse) of God, except that he is no god. He is a created being who pridefully,
arroganty and haughtily thought to change the truth of God – the ultimate in self
exaltation. He wants to be worshipped as a god with all focus upon himself and his way –
the principles of the lie. The devil will gladly sacrifice all of creation for his own selfish

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benefit. Satan has no particular concern for the misery and suffering he causes or if
multitudes perish. The devil entices, beguiles and allures God’s creation to his path,
which is the sugar-coated way of bondage. He takes focus off of God and His will and
places it on “self” or the “flesh” (Satan’s way, the darkness) in order to disregard God’s
will. Thus, the devil exalts himself to be a god or king (authority, ruler) and brings
multitudes into the bondage of his way, which is the great lie – opposite of the truth of
God. Those who disregard God’s way are given over to a strong delusion (a misleading
of the mind, error or mistake proceeding from false views) to believe “the lie (2 Thess
2:11).”

Jesus (Who is God, Jn 1:1-2) came down to earth and is also a king (descendant of
David, Mt 21:5, 27:11, 29, 37, 42, Mk 15:2, 32, Lk 19:38, Jn 1:49, 18:33-34, 37, 19:3,
14, 19, 21) – born very meekly as king of the Jews (Zech 9:9, Mt 2:2, 15:9, 12, 18, 26, Lk
23:3, 37-38, Jn 18:39). Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I
born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth.
Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice (Jn 18:37).” Jesus is the King of kings,
and Lord of lords (1 Tim 6:15, Is 9:6-7). Jesus is the guardian of truth.

Let us consider the completely opposite natures of Jesus and Satan, which also reveals
the opposites of light and darkness and the truth verses the lie. Jesus is the Word, the
Truth, and the Light (Way, Truth and the Life – Jn 14:6). Jesus is the lamb that was slain
for the benefit of all men (Rev 5:6, 12, 13:8) and taketh away the sin of the world (Jn
1:29). The devil is the tempter (deceiver), accuser and adversary – prince of this world;
liar and murderer (Jn 8:44). Satan is roaring lion seeking to devour all men (1 Pt 5:8) and
seeks to fill the world with sin (transgression against the will of God). Jesus came as a
true king and led by example. Christ walked in humbleness and meekness, meaning that
He never exalted self. The devil is full of arrogance and pride, which is self exaltation.
Jesus always sacrificed Himself for the benefit of all the people (known as love) –
including the giving of His life. John 10:15, “As the Father knoweth me, even so know I
the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.” AND John 10:11, “I am the good
shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” Satan is not a good shepherd
because he lays down the lives of the sheep for himself (known as hate, darkness). The
devil is as a wolf in sheep’s clothing who leads to the slaughter (Mt 7:15).

Christ always pointed the people to the Father (Mt 11:27, Lk 10:22, Jn 1:18, 3:35, 5:19-
20, 23-24, 30, 37, 7:28-29, 8:19, 27-29, 10:15, 32, 37-38, 12:49-50, 14:9-13, 31, 16:25-
28, 17:21, 25). Satan points people to the lusts of the flesh (and ultimately himself) and
hinders the people from coming to the Father. He keeps you busy seeking self (always
needing entertainment) such that you do not become idle to the flesh and think of God
(Ex 5:8). Jesus completely obeyed the will of the Father and spoke God’s Words and
worked God’s works (Deut 18:18, Lk 2:49, Jn 3:34, 5:17, 36, 6:38, 7:16-17, 8:28-29, 38,
9:4, 12:49-50, 14:10-11, 31, 17:4-5, Heb 10:7, 9). Satan is completely disobedient to the
Father and only seeks his own selfish will and to be the focus of all others – to be a god.
Jesus was tempted of Satan, but never sought the way of the flesh (Mt 4:1-11, Mk 1:12-
13, Lk 4:1-13) – the devil had nothing in Christ (Jn 14:30). Satan became the father of
the lie, which is the way of the flesh – and has nothing in God (no influence of the Holy
Spirit – totally hardened).

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Christ walked in the opposite nature than that of Satan. Jesus is the author of salvation to
them that obey Him (Heb 5:9). Satan is the author of death (ye shall not surely die???) to
all whom he entices to disobey God. Satan is a created being and does not have life
within himself – he cannot offer it. Jesus is God: John 1:4, “In him was life; and the life
was the light of men.” Therefore, Jesus was meek, humble, self sacrificing toward God
and others (loving), surrendered and obedient to the will of God and walked totally in
God’s truth. Conversely, Satan is proud, arrogant, self-centered, disobedient and
rebellious to God and walks totally within his lie. He destroys the lives of others for self.
Summary

The Lord God requires perfect surrender and obedience to His will in heaven. Every
transgression and disobedience will receive a just recompense (Heb 2:2, 10:30) – you
must be in the righteousness of faith – for scarcely can the righteous be saved; great woe
to the ungodly (neglecting the fear and worship of God; violating His commands;
contrary to God’s will) and the sinner (1 Pt 4:18)! Many a religious man talks of
salvation and going to be with the Lord (i.e. heaven), but do they really understand what
this means or the way things are to be? The Lord will surely reward His faithful, but you
must realize that heaven will not revolve around your will - far from it. In heaven, self
comes last! Many now live their lives on earth seeking their own will and are quite
comfortable as such. This is an aberration (abnormality) derived from Satan’s lie. This is
not truth or reality and is transgression against God’s will - rebellion. You must
understand that what you consider normal (commonplace) and natural (just doing “your”
thing everyday) “is” the rebellion. To walk in your way (even religiously) is disregard to
God’s way (truth). Disregard (known as “unbelief”) of God’s Word is an extremely
serious matter. To disregard is to omit to take notice of; to neglect to observe; to slight as
unworthy of regard or notice. Those who disregard God’s Word have no delight in it (Jer
6:10). This is the nature of Satan (Jn 8:44).

You can say you believe in Christ, yet walk in “unbelief” through your daily actions. If
you cannot voluntarily come out of such darkness and into the light (truth) there will be
no reconciliation between you and God. Coming out of the darkness means that you must
actually forsake the evil and live (practice, apply) in the truth. You must really “do” the
will of God. The Lord works through such faith to transform you into the image
(reflection, same nature/characteristics) of Christ. This only happens as you yield self-
will - your way. This is a constant process of dying to self (your way or path, opinions,
desires, etc.) in sacrifice to the Lord’s will. Sacrifice is the giving up of something
(valuable) for the sake of something or someone else. We must sacrifice that which we
rebelled against God’s will to obtain (self seeking nature) to gain that which we lost in
the process (relationship and right standing with God). This is a tearing down of the
things of the flesh, which are resultant from the darkness, or Satan’s lie. The Lord’s will
is to reconcile all things unto Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ for His glory (2 Pt
3:9, Col 1:20, Eph 2:16). God’s will shall ultimately prevail and order will be restored
(Ps 103:19). Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the
heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”

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Jesus spoke of being “born again” (Jn 3:3). What He was saying is that your nature is so
corrupt that it cannot be reformed. You must be re-created as a new creature with God’s
laws written in your heart and mind (Heb 10:16). John 3:6, “That which is born of the
flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore
if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all
things are become new.” The old life must completely die. The new life must be totally
opposite of the old life – just as darkness is opposite of light or as the truth is opposite of
the lie. This means that there will be substantial “change” in one who is truly “born
again.” This change begins inwardly as you yield and obey the Lord and then manifests
outwardly in your actions. The objective of this book is to bring you to complete
understanding of what this means. If you do not have new life in Christ, who is the truth
and the light, then you have old life in Satan, who is the lie and the darkness. To be found
in the truth is to forsake the lie.

The Lord tells man that if he refuses to lovingly surrender in obedience to God’s Word
that: “Thou shalt surely die” (Gen 2:17). Man often tells those who bring the truth of
God’s Word the same: Jeremiah 26:8, “Now it came to pass, when Jeremiah had made an
end of speaking all that the LORD had commanded him to speak unto all the people, that
the priests and the prophets and all the people took him, saying, Thou shalt surely die.”
The rebellious do not want to hear the truth and will separate God from “their way.”
Those who love the darkness will silence those who bring the truth (light). The truth of
God always comes against the ways of man. Only one way will prevail. The interesting
thing is that Jeremiah’s message was for those who had gathered to worship in the house
of the Lord (Jer 26:2) – the good (or not so) religious folks. Jeremiah responded to these
men: Jeremiah 26:13-14, “Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey
the voice of the LORD your God; and the LORD will repent him of the evil that he hath
pronounced against you. As for me, behold, I am in your hand: do with me as seemeth
good and meet unto you.” Those with a form of godliness are often the hardest to reach.
This is because they have tied (linked) “their way” as being God’s way. This deception
says the two are equal – so how could they be wrong? Obviously, anyone who questions
them must be the one who is wrong.

The Pharaoh in Egypt was a representation of Satan (in his image). He exalted himself
and greatly resisted God’s purposes. The Lord said of him: Exodus 9:16, “And in very
deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name
may be declared throughout all the earth.” It could be equally said of Satan: And in very
deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name
may be declared throughout all the creation.

The darkness has now been sufficiently defined. Let us next consider “The Light”….
End Statement

Hosea 14:9, “Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall
know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the
transgressors shall fall therein.” Psalms 5:10, “Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by
their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have

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rebelled against thee.” Psalms 2:2-3, “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the
rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us
break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.” Rebellious man does not
want to be under the authority of God. Man wants to seek his selfish way as per the
principles of the great lie (Pv 1:24).

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Chapter 2 – The Light

Isaiah 60:1-2, “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen
upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people:
but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.” The darkness
is past and the true light now shineth (1 Jn 2:8). In thy light shall we see light (Ps 36:9).
John 9:5, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” Yet a little while is
the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that
walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the
light, that ye may be the children of light. (Jn 12:35-36).
God is the Light (Truth)

The Lord God is the truth, which is the reality of how things are – the Word which
governs and holds up all creation – the power (Jn 1:1-3, Ps 33:4, Heb 1:3). The Hebrew
word for truth is “Emeth” ( ‫ )אמת‬which means certainty (confidence, assurance), truth,
faithfulness, and sure (indisputable, definite, unquestionable, guaranteed). The Greek
word for truth is al-ay’-thi-a (ἀλήθεια) which means verity, proposition to fact,
consonance of a statement. I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are
right (Is 45:19). My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure (Is 46:10).
Deuteronomy 32:4, “He (God) is the Rock (dependable, sure immovable), his work is
perfect: for all his ways are judgment (truth over falsehood): a God of truth and without
iniquity, just and right is he (also Ps 92:15).”

Iniquity would be violations of the truth – deviation from the exact conformity to truth
(divine law). The Lord never violates His own truth/Word and thus has no iniquity (2 Chr
19:7, Job 34:10) - as many will suddenly realize at the Judgment (Job 34:10-12, Jn
12:48). Psalms 33:4, “For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in
truth (also Ps 111:7-8).” The Lord’s Word is truth (Ps 119:142, Jn 17:17, Js 1:17-18)!
The Lord keepeth the truth forever (Ps 146:6, also Ps 100:5, Ps 111:8) and God’s Word
stands (Is 39:8). God can neither deceive nor be deceived; Who is the source of truth
from whom all wisdom and knowledge originates. Psalms 145:17, “The LORD is
righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.” 1 John 1:5, “This then is the message
which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light (truth), and in him is
no darkness at all.” There is no falsehood whatsoever in the Lord – which is the act of
lying (Ti 1:2, Heb 6:18) – God is the keeper of the truth (Ps 146:6) and light dwelleth
with God (Dan 2:22).

God is the same yesterday and today and forevermore – always in truth (Heb 13:8, Ps
100:5, 102:27). God is always the same and His years fail not (Heb 1:12, Ps 102:27) –
perfect, faithful and dependable! I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is
no God (Is 44:6, 48:12). Romans 11:36, “For of him, and through him, and to him, are all
things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” The Lord judges with His truth and faileth not
(Ps 96:13, Zeph 3:5). If you are seeking to “know” the Lord, then you must come to the
light. 2 Corinthians 4:6, “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness,

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hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the
face of Jesus Christ.” AND 1 John 5:20, “And we know that the Son of God is come, and
hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that
is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life (also Rm
15:8).”

The Lord God judges righteously – a God of judgment (Is 30:18). This means that God
properly applies the truth and the truth will always prevail over falsehood (Rm 2:2).
Jeremiah 9:24, “But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth
me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in
the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.” The Lord delights to uphold His
Word! - for all his ways are judgment (Deut 32:4). Isaiah 5:16, “But the LORD of hosts
shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness.”
The Lord is stedfast: Job 34:12, “Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the
Almighty pervert judgment.” There is coming a great day: Ecclesiastes 12:14, “For God
shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or
whether it be evil.” Judgment begins in God’s own house (1 Pt 4:17) and then proceeds
to the wicked. To those who love darkness, word (truth) of the LORD is a reproach; they
have no delight in it (Jer 6:10). The wicked (those who violate God’s truth – obey not the
gospel, 1 Pt 4:17) storeth up wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the
righteous judgment of God (Rm 2:5).

In God (Christ) is life, for He is the Giver of life (Pv 8:35, Ez 37:6), and the life is the
light of men (Jn 1:4). In the darkness (Satan’s lie) is death, for this is separation from the
truth (light, Word, Job 10:22). The light shineth in the darkness and the darkness
comprehendeth it not (Jn 1:5). The darkness could not seize or possess the light
(apprehend – change the truth of God) - when light is present, darkness flees. The light
(truth) could not be overcome by the darkness (lie). In order to come to the light
(approach the truth), you must first forsake the darkness (lie). Darkness may not come
into the presence of the light, for the light overcomes it – overpowers/prevails. Therefore:
1 John 5:4, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world (darkness): and this is
the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith (walking in God’s light).” This
means that walking in the truth, which is the light, is the “only” way to overcome the
darkness. The truth will always prevail over the lie. Matthew 4:16, “The people which sat
in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light
is sprung up (also Is 9:2).” Men sit in the shadow of death bound in affliction and iron
because they have transgressed the Word of God (Ps 107:10-11). Psalms 107:13l, “Then
they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses.”
Rejoice Oh earth, for God hath sent His Son to bring the truth (Jn 18:37)! Luke 1:79, “To
give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into
the way of peace (which is reconciliation with God, Eph 2:14).”

Christ brings truth (light) to those walking in Satan’s lie (darkness) and guides (leads)
their path (out of the darkness, along the narrow way, Ps 119:1-3) to reconciliation (into
the light, restoration) with God (eternal peace). Ephesians 2:14, “For he is our peace,
who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us.”
That they might “know” the only true God and Jesus Christ (whom thou hast sent) – for

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this is eternal life (Jn 17:3, 1 Jn 5:11-12). Jesus proclaimed: John 12:46, “I am come a
light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.”
Psalms 107:14, “He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake
their bands in sunder.” Jesus looseth the prisoners and openeth the eyes of the blind (Ps
146:7-8). Those who “believe” (please consider the depth of meaning of the word
“believe” as discussed in Chapter Four) or “follow” will not abide (continue in, remain
in, dwell, stay) in darkness (the devil’s lie) – these will come to the light. This is the
essence of the commitment we make and the way of salvation. John 8:12, “Then spake
Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not
walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” Those who continue to walk in
darkness (the lie) “believeth not” nor do they “follow.” They walk contrary to “The Way”
of God, which is following Christ Jesus.

Those who remain in the darkness have rejected the light. Those that “follow” Jesus
come out of the darkness for this is where Christ leads. Notice that Jn 8:12 and Jn 12:46
are very similar verses and that the words “believe” and “follow” have basically the same
meaning. Please note that Christ has defined “following” Him as no longer walking in
darkness. If the “many” who “profess to believe in Christ” could only grasp this
understanding - Satan labors hard to see that you do not. Christ led by example and now
we must “follow” by walking as Jesus walked (1 Jn 2:6). Jesus told us to “learn of me
(Mt 11:29).” 1 Peter 2:21-24, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also
suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin,
neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when
he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins,
should live unto righteousness (obedience to God’s truth): by whose stripes ye were
healed (reconciled to God).” Jesus went back to God (the light) and this is where He
leads us (Jn 14:12, 16-17, 28, 16:28, 20:17). He that walketh in darkness knoweth not
whither he goeth (Jn 12:35). Those who walk in “their way” are in the darkness and are
blind to the light. They are walking in an opposite direction that “separates” one further
from God (with every step). Our life is found by walking in the Lord’s truth; apart from
God there is only death (cessation of life, Rm 6:23). You cannot sustain your life apart
from God no more than Satan can – this premise is a big lie! Your way will soon cease or
terminate, but God’s truth continues eternally. Be warned: Job 34:22, “There is no
darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.”

In this chapter we will understand that Jesus came into the world to bring the truth - Jesus
is the truth, which is the light (Jn 18:37) to fallen man (Jn 18:37); to provide atonement
resulting in forgiveness of past transgressions (Rm 3:25); to lead the way out of the
darkness by example - Jesus is the way; and thereby restores man through being “born
again” with a new heart and have God’s nature (new creature, 2 Cor 5:17); provides the
Holy Ghost to teach and empower one to complete the walk; and reconciles (reunite,
bring together) man back to God in peace - Jesus is the life (1 Jn 4:9). In doing so, Jesus
became the only way (path) back to God (Jn 14:6, 28, Acts 4:12, 1 Jn 5:11). Hence:
Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Christ
(Jn 14:6). Jesus leads from death to life (Jn 5:24)! – from darkness to light! Our life is
only in Jesus (1 Jn 5:11-13).

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We will also understand that forgiveness has no meaning unless man acknowledges his
wrong; forsakes the wickedness and comes out of the darkness; and comes into the light
by walking in truth, which is obedience to the will of God – “fearing” God. You cannot
be forgiven to remain in the darkness – having license to continue to disobey God’s will –
this is an impossible scenario. The majority religious message of today is built upon
doctrines or a foundation that allows man to stay in the darkness with the justification of
a profession of Christ – a enormous (huge, immense, great, tremendous) error and great
stumbling block. This is a “great lie” that says you can transgress the will of God and “ye
shall not surely die” (Gen 3:4). This is a slight twist on what the serpent told man in Eden
– amazing, isn’t it? The devil is the master deceiver! Christ came to restore and certainly
not to bolster (strengthen, reinforce, encourage in, shore up) the great lie (1 Jn 3:8).
What concord (agreement) does Jesus have with evil (2 Cor 6:15)? What fellowship is
there with light and darkness; righteousness and unrighteousness (2 Cor 6:14)? Christ
came to save you from your sins (Mt 1:21, 1 Jn 3:5) – to redeem from iniquity and purify
(Ti 2:11-14, 1 Jn 3:3) – not to make provision to continue therein. Christ does not justify
the darkness. He said Himself that a kingdom divided would surely fall (Mt 12:25-26, Lk
11:17-18). Jesus is a “light” for the truth, not a defender of darkness! We are not called to
uncleanness, but to holiness (1 Thess 4:7). Uncleanness is defilement by sin; walking in
Satan’s lie; unable to restrain lusts and passions of the flesh - incontinence; and disregard
for God’s will. Holiness is the state of being pure; walking in God’s truth; fearing God
and eschewing evil. Let us walk worthy for God, who hath called you unto his kingdom
and glory (1 Thess 2:12).

Jesus is an advocate or one who pleads the cause of another, for those who forsake the
darkness and not for those who remain therein. How could Christ possibly advocate that
you stay in darkness and yet continue to uphold the truth? Jesus came and was filled with
the Holy Ghost and led the way back to God – and said, “come follow me.” We must also
be filled with the Holy Ghost (God gives to those who obey, Acts 5:32) and “follow”
Christ, who is the faithful and true witness (Rev 3:14), back to God (Jn 14:16-17, 28).
There is no other way and those who attempt such (enter not by the door, Jn 10:9) are
thieves and robbers (Jn 10:1). They transform themselves into angels of light (2 Cor
11:14). They come as sheep (believers, followers), but are ravening wolves (Mt 7:15).
They transform themselves as the ministers of righteousness (feigned); whose end shall
be according to their works (2 Cor 11:15). Isaiah 50:10, “Who is among you that feareth
the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no
light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.” The fear of the
Lord is our treasure (Is 33:6) – the one hid in the field (Mt 13:44).

As stated, Jesus is the only way back to God – a very narrow way – which few travel (Mt
7:14). This book will detail just how this narrow way is traveled through the Spirit –
always requiring death to the flesh. We must forsake or forfeit our way and totally yield
to God’s way in love by “sacrifice of self” and surrendered obedience. The narrow way is
equivalent to the tree of life – for those who partake of it’s fruit gain eternal life. Christ
has promised eternal life for those who “follow” in His way (1 Jn 2:25, Js, 1:2, Ti 1:2, 2
Tim 1:1). The devil would have you spend your whole life pursuing “your” way as per
his lie, which could take a multitude of directions based upon or guided by the lusts of the

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eyes and the pride of life - the possibilities are endless. This might also include a
multitude of religious directions, which are also mostly based upon the desires of the
flesh with a form of godliness. These form a very “broad way” and as such is very well
traveled (many, Mt 7:13).

Those on the broad way are mostly deceived about where they are going because those
who walk in darkness do not know where they go – there is blindness (Pv 4:19, Jn
12:35). This is a way that is governed by the flesh and is suitable to most men. The closer
you walk with the world or in the way of “self,” the further you walk away from God (1
Jn 2:16-17)! Do not be wise in the ways of this world, for they are foolishness to God (1
Cor 3:18-19) – they are founded in the flesh, which is in rebellion to God’s way. That
which deviates from the truth is foolishness (unwise; imprudent; acting without judgment
or discretion; want of wisdom or good judgment; void of understanding). The devil also
promised life (ye shall not surely die, Gen 3:4) to those who followed him on the broad
way, but the devil only delivered death. The broad way is equivalent to the forbidden tree
– “it is pleasant to the eyes” (Gen 3:6) – to be desired. However, to partake of its
forbidden fruit is poison and leads to death. Adam chose between the fruit of two trees.
All men now choose between two paths. These things, the two trees and the two paths,
are essentially the same choice - God’s will verses “your” will. So if you blame Adam for
making a very unwise choice, then you now have the opportunity to choose differently
and travel the wise path. God sets before you the way of life and the way of death (Jer
21:8). Will you be as Adam? This book may reveal to you where your heart is. Adam
sought his way and the things of the flesh. You may find out that you are most
comfortable doing the same – the majority do. Who will choose wisely?

Christ came for those who would receive Him and have a heart to follow. Jesus said,
“everyone that is of the truth heareth my voice (Jn 18:37). Many reject the lord’s way
and seek an alternative from which there are a multitude to choose. There are as many
paths as there are opinions/sentiments, but these are forged in darkness and deception and
are snares for those who seek fleshly benefit. There is only one way back to God and this
is in following Christ. Romans 2:8-11, “But unto them that are contentious (headstrong,
stubborn), and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness (the lie), indignation and
wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first,
and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to
the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God.”
Stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry because it places your will (or other things)
above God’s will (1 Sam 15:23).
Why Jesus Came

Man transgressed the will of God in Eden and incurred separation from God. Isaiah 59:2,
“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid
his face from you, that he will not hear.” Man’s transgressions against the will of God
(commandments, authority, purposes) have separated him from the truth into the
darkness, which is the shadow of death. This is a fallen temporary “corrupted” existence
which ends in death – just one breath or heartbeat away. Christ leads us out of the
darkness of the shadow of death and through its doors (Job 10:22, 38:17). The Lord is

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vigorously (with great force of strength) and implacably (with enmity not to be pacified
or subdued) against all evil, and upholds His truth. Romans 1:18, 2:8, “For the wrath of
God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who
hold the truth in unrighteousness. But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the
truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,” The Lord hath foreordained
(appointed before, predetermined) the penalty for transgression: “thou shalt surely die”
(Gen 2:17). Man stands under the condemnation of death! – declared as guilty and
doomed to punishment, sentence, or guilty verdict. This just wrath of the Lord hangs over
man (Is 59:12). God’s Word is true, eternal and unchanging (1 Pt 1:23, 25) and must
continue unaltered.

The Lord could not simply dismiss (set aside, disregard, ignore, forget about, look the
other way) such a grievous violation by man – for that would make God a liar and His
Word void - null, of none effect (Heb 6:18). The truth (Word) must stand (immutable –
cannot be changed, Heb 6:17) or it becomes a lie. God cannot even change His Word,
because then it would not be forever settled in heaven (as the Lord has declared, Ps
119:89) nor would it be unchanging (immutable, Heb 6:17-18) and this in itself would be
a violation of His stated Word (Ps 119:160, Is 40:8, 1 Pt 1:25). If God allowed creation
to transgress His Word and still live, then not only would it make His Word void and of
none effect, but it would establish Satan’s word. Satan proposes that there is life outside
the will and authority of God. The Lord is merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and
abundant in goodness and truth (Ex 34:6) – but will condemn the guilty - visits iniquity;
no transgressor shall escape justice. God will not acquit nor justify the wicked (Nah 1:3,
Ex 23:7, Is 5:23). God would mercifully offer forgiveness and reconciliation to man in
such a way as would maintain the Lord’s righteous and blameless character - according to
the good pleasure of his will (Eph 1:5, 9) - in keeping with God’s purpose for creating
man (Rev 4:11). God’s will is always in harmony with His character, which is His truth.
God has not dealt with us after our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities (Ps
103:10), but has provided for mercy (Ps 86:15, see “Understanding Repentance” below).

God gives mercy, but only to those who surrender self in “the way” that God has
provided (Jn 14:6). Man must now utterly reject the darkness. 1 John 4:9-10, “In this was
manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into
the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that
he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation (or act of appeasing wrath) for our
sins.” AND Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we
were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Consider the depth and nature of God’s love. God
sacrificed of Himself by sending His only begotten Son for the benefit of man who had
betrayed God in disobeying the Lord’s will to serve God’s enemy – Satan. Jesus was an
offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour (Eph 5:2, Is 53:10). In order to
restore man, there had to be an atonement or propitiation. Atonement is reconciliation
after enmity whereby reparation (amends, satisfaction for injury) is made by giving an
equivalent for a wrong committed. Propitiation is the atonement or atoning sacrifice
offered to God to assuage his wrath and render him propitious to sinners (disposed to be
gracious or merciful; ready to forgive sins, Is 53:11) and allows the obligation of God to
punish the crime to be canceled – results in satisfaction.

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Adam had transgressed the will of God in Eden to seek self and thereby brought death
into the world and separation from God. Romans 5:12, “Wherefore, as by one man sin
entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all
have sinned (also Rm 3:23, 5:8).” Disobedience to God always brings or reaps eternal
separation into the lake of fire, known as the second death. Jesus would have to do the
opposite of what Adam had done in order to bring about atonement for man. To
accomplish this, Christ would first have to be born as a man with no advantage over us
(Mt 1:23, Jn 1:14, Rm 1:3, Php 2:8, Heb 2:16-17, 2 Tim 2:8) and then absolutely perform
the will of the Father. Galatians 4:4-5, “But when the fulness of the time was come, God
sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were
under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” This means that Jesus could
not transgress the Word of God (law) even one single time – perfect obedience and thus
no sin (Jn 8:46, 2 Cor 5:21, Heb 4:15, 1 Pt 2:22). To compound this, Jesus would be
placed in this fallen world and would be constantly tempted of Satan and challenged by
rebellious (and religious) man (Heb 2:18, 4:15) – who would not receive Him (John
1:10-11). In other words, Jesus would be born into the consequences of Adam’s
transgression (as are we) and would have to remain untainted (pure, clean, uncorrupted)
by it due to His complete obedience to God.

The only way for this to be accomplished was for Jesus to completely die to the things of
the flesh (that which opposes God, self seeking) and totally surrender to the authority of
God – Christ could not seek “self.” Adam had sacrificed his perfect life to seek self and
transgressed the will of God. To provide propitiation which is to appease God’s wrath
against sinful and rebellious man, Jesus would also have to sacrifice His perfect life (Heb
1:3, 9:28) and assume Adam’s transgression (the sin of all men) and pay the penalty of
transgression, which is death (the condemnation – “thou shalt surely die”). Obedience to
God brings life and sustains it. Christ’s perfect life on earth merited eternal life – for
Jesus was not under the condemnation of death, because He did not transgress God’s will
at anytime. Jesus would make amends for man’s transgressions and bring about
reparation (satisfaction, recompense, Is 53:11) before God by giving an equivalent for the
wrong man committed. Jesus would exchange His perfect life for the sin of the world,
taking upon Himself man’s transgressions, and suffering the penalty of death (Heb 2:9, Is
53:12). Colossians 1:20, “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him
to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or
things in heaven (also Acts 3:21).”

The “blood of His cross” was payment for man’s sins (thou shalt surely die, Gen 2:17).
The life is in the blood and Jesus gave His (Lev 17:11)! Man’s flesh had exalted itself
above God’s will, in Adam’s transgression and subsequent, and had to die. Jesus assumed
man’s condemnation having exchanged His perfect life, and died in the flesh. 2
Corinthians 5:21, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might
be made the righteousness of God in him.” AND 1 John 3:5, “And ye know that he was
manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.” Jesus freely gave His life – laid it
down for man (Mt 20:28, Mk 10:45, Jn 6:51, 10:11, 15, 17-18, 15:13, Gal 1:4, 2:20, 1
Tim 2:6, Ti 2:14, 1Jn 3:16, 4:10). “Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put
him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin…” (Is 53:10). Isaiah
53:11, “He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge

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shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.” Jesus suffered
in place of man bearing the iniquity (unrighteousness – violations of God’s will) of man
and thereby brought satisfaction to God and accomplished the propitiation (substitute for
assuming our condemnation, Christ assumed our guilt, conciliate). Isaiah 53:6, “All we
like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD
hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Oh, what a precious Lord and Savior!!!

So it can be said: Romans 5:19, “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made
sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” This could be restated
as: 1 Corinthians 15:22, “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made
alive.” To be in Adam (darkness, in the lie, self seeking) is to die. To be in Christ (light,
in the truth, devoid of self) is to live. Jesus displayed perfect love in sacrificing self
(dying for man) for the benefit of another - providing forgiveness, restoration and
reconciliation. This is the nature of God and this is how man had to be restored. How did
man, who lived in darkness, receive this Savior? Psalms 109:5, “And they have rewarded
me evil for good, and hatred for my love.” Man sacrificed Jesus for the benefit of self –
which is hatred. Christ’s light revealed the wickedness in man and those unwilling to
receive correction chose to put out the light (Jn 7:7). Oh, what a blessed Savior: while we
were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Rm 5:8).
Come as you are

Come to Jesus just as you are…but do not expect to remain as you are. You must come to
Christ in repentance with godly sorrow and surrender being ready to forsake your old life.
It is only when you die to the old that you can embrace the new. Jesus takes you as you
are with the intent to transform you into what you are not. The following sections will
attempt to explain this transformation process.
Redemption

Christ’s sacrifice was a one time act for the forgiveness of iniquity with no more
sacrifices required (Heb 1:3, 10:12). Romans 6:10, “For in that he died, he died unto sin
once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.” Christ hath brought forgiveness!
Ephesians 1:7, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,
according to the riches of his grace.” AND Romans 3:24-26, “Being justified freely by
his grace (Christ’s forgiveness and the divine influence in renewing the heart and its
reflection in the life – working through your obedience) through the redemption that is in
Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to
declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance
of God. To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the
justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Redemption is to liberate or rescue from
captivity or bondage; the act of procuring the deliverance (repurchase) of persons
(prisoners) from the possession and power of captors by the payment of an equivalent.
This is deliverance from bondage, distress, or from liability to any evil or forfeiture,
through Christ’s sacrifice. Jesus committed Himself to the Father: Psalms 31:5, “Into
thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.” God
redeemed Christ, and Jesus redeems those who will “follow” Him (Ps 34:22, with His
blood – 1 Pt 1:18-19). Christ redeems us and calls us out of the darkness by name (Is

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43:1, Jn 10:3). For thou O Lord, wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood
(Rev 5:9-10). Remission is forgiveness; pardon; that is, the giving up of the punishment
due to a crime. The forbearance of God is His patience, longsuffering, and indulgence
toward the injuries man has put upon His righteous character – command of temper and
restraint of passions due to offense, and delay of punishment (the cessation or
intermission of an act commenced). Jesus came to give his life a ransom for many (Mk
10:45). The ransom (what was paid for the redemption of a prisoner or slave) was the
price Jesus paid in forfeiting His perfect life, for procuring the pardon of sins and the
redemption of the sinner from punishment and thus releasing from captivity, bondage or
the possession of the enemy. Jesus gave (laid down) His perfect worthy righteous and
holy life for man’s corrupted and vile one and suffered our punishment (thou shalt surely
die) for our transgressions. Only one individual (Adam) was responsible for corrupting all
of man (Rm 5:19). Thus only one individual (Jesus) is necessary to correct and reverse
the situation for those who will “follow (Rm 5:19, 1 Cor 15:22).” Hebrews 9:15, “And
for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the
redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, “they which are
called” might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.”

Those who “are called” are the ekklesia (Greek word for “church”) meaning “called out
ones.” These are those who heed Christ’s call to come out of the darkness and into the
light (Jn 3:19-21). They are those who sincerely respond when Jesus says, “come, follow
Me.” These come out of Satan’s lie (the seeking of self) and walk in God’s truth or light –
being led of the Spirit of God (Rm 8:14). By thy Spirit they were created (Ps 104:30) and
must now be re-created or “born again” (Jn 3:3, 7, 2 Cor 5:17, Col 3:10). Therefore we
can conclude: Being justified freely by God working in us (through His Holy Spirit as we
yield and obey) and transforming us to His will (to be conformed to Christ’s image)
through Christ having made amends (suffering the condemnation for man’s
transgressions) and bringing about reparation (satisfaction, recompense) before God by
giving an equivalent for the wrong man committed (exchanging His perfect life for our
sins and then suffering our condemnation of death) and thus procuring our deliverance
(from bondage and darkness by paying an equivalent): Whom God hath set forth to
appease His wrath (satisfaction for an offense, by which the guilt is done away, and the
obligation of God to punish the crime is canceled, Is 53:11) through faith (love,
surrender, honor and obedience) in Jesus’ blood (abiding in Christ’s testament, Heb
7:22, 9:15-20), to declare His righteousness and forgiveness and pardon of sins that are
past, through the patience, longsuffering and indulgence of God toward the injuries man’s
transgressions have caused. Let us always remember that grace is the divine influence on
the heart as reflected in one’s actions or life. The Holy Spirit (Comforter) is the divine
influence on our hearts, sent from Jesus, to lead, teach (unfold/reveal), convict, and bear
witness of the truth (Jn 14:16-17, 26, 15:26-27, 16:7-8, 13). The Holy Spirit is God’s
mechanism for grace (covered below). Romans 5:21, “That as sin hath reigned unto
death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ
our Lord.”

We can now say that Christ came into the world as a man and lived a perfect life of
obedience to the will of God. Jesus then freely laid His life down as an equivalent for the
wrong man committed, thereby making satisfaction for the offense and thus allowing for

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God’s forgiveness (Acts 13:38). Jesus bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the
transgressors (Is 53:12). 1 John 2:2, “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for
ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” Jesus laid His life down to restrain
the just (suitable, proper) wrath of God against iniquitous and rebellious man. We must
also understand that apart from Christ’s sacrifice, man could not have provided such an
atonement (Rm 5:11, for all have sinned and are unworthy, Pv 20:9) for himself, which
would have resulted in God’s forgiveness. Our “forgiveness” for iniquity is only found in
Christ. Therefore, we enter the path of reconciliation to God by the forgiveness offered
by Christ’s shed blood (Jesus is the strait gate, Mt 7:13, Lk 13:23-24). John 14:6, “Jesus
saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but
by me.”

Christ’s blood maketh an atonement for our souls (Lev 17:11). Ephesians 2:13-14, “But
now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off (in darkness) are made nigh (brought
into the light) by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace (with God), who hath made both
one, and hath broken down the middle wall (the sins that separate) of partition between
us.” We must understand that without such forgiveness, restoration (replacing in a
former state) and reconciliation (reconciling parties at variance; fallen man brought
back into a state of favor with God after enmity) with God would be impossible. Having
said that, we must now understand that “forgiveness” is just one part (a big part), the
corner-stone, of this process of restoration - conforming to the image of Christ (Lk 6:40,
Rm 8:28-29, 2 Cor 3:18, 4:10-11, Gal 3:27, Eph 4:13, 15, Col 1:20, 3:10, Heb 13:21).
Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone - the stone which the builders rejected,
the same is become the head of the corner? (Eph 2:20, Lk 20:17, Mt 21:42, Mk 12:10,
Acts 4:11). The corner-stone is the stone which lies at the corner of two walls (God and
man), and unites them (reconciles); the principal stone, and especially the stone which
forms the corner of the foundation of an edifice. Luke 20:18, “Whosoever shall fall upon
that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder
(also Mt 21:44).”

Jesus’ shed blood represented God’s undeserved mercy toward His creation of man. Man
did not deserve, warrant (merit) or earn this gift of God. This was God making a way
where there was no way. God was establishing a way that man might be recipient of His
great mercy. The gift is freely offered to whosoever will (Jn 3:16, Rev 22:17), but there
are conditions for obtaining it…many are called, but few are chosen (Mt 20:16, 22:14).
The Holy Ghost is referred to as the good gift from the heavenly Father. Without such a
gift, God’s fruit (purposes) will never manifest in you (Lk 11:13).

Let us first consider the value of forgiveness and then realize that forgiveness of sin has
no purpose if one continues to remain in their iniquity - the darkness and transgressions.
Slightly rephrasing that last statement: If you continue to seek your own way, lusting
after the things of the world (walking in darkness, your will), then forgiveness has no real
value to you because you continually violate the will of God, through iniquity,
unrighteousness and unbelief (Eph 5:17), which is that which you supposedly (allegedly)
sought forgiveness from. You thus ignore or disregard the purpose of Christ’s sacrifice in
not coming to the light - after having been pardoned (Gal 1:4). In other words, you will
not accept the “conditions” of your release and had rather remain in bondage.

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Jesus told many that His Word had no place in them (Jn 8:37, 43, 45, 47). God’s truth
had no effect on them or their lives – they disregarded it by not doing it. Hebrews 4:2,
“For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did
not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” In other words, they
heard God’s truth, but did not apply it to their lives and live it (walk it), so it did not profit
them. Dear reader, this book has only begun. Do you find yourself already disregarding
the Word (truth) of God? Forgiveness must be coupled with repentance, which is a
forsaking of wickedness and coming out of the darkness, to accomplish God’s purposes
for restoring man. We must understand that Jesus did not come to absolve all guilt and
punishment for continued transgression such that one can remain in the darkness, which
is Satan’s house of bondage or prison. God has always stated: “I will not acquit the
wicked” (Nahum 1:3) - Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and
transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty (Ex 34:7, Num 14:18).
Christ provided a way out of the darkness – release from bondage and imprisonment.
Jesus came and provided forgiveness; a path back to God through example; and the
ability to follow that path through the Holy Spirit (to be discussed). Christ came to offer
restoration (Ps 23:3) whereby a man can be “born again” (Jn 3:3) with the nature of God
such that through obedience to the Spirit he can be transformed into the image of Jesus,
who, as a man, was the very image of God (Jn 10:30, 14:7, 9, 2 Cor 3:18, 4:4, 6, Col
1:15, 2:9, Heb 1:3). Jesus stated: “he that hath seen me hath seen the Father” (Jn 10:30,
12:44-45, 14:9). John 10:30, “I and my Father are one.” Jesus is God (Jn 1:1-14)!!!

Christ invites all men to: “come, follow Me.” Jesus leads in paths of righteousness for
His name’s sake (Ps 23:3, away from the darkness). Righteousness is the conformity of
your life to the will of God - yielding heart and life to divine law, faithfulness (Eph
5:17,). So, Jesus leads you to conform your life or daily actions to God’s will, which is to
walk in His truth. This is what Jesus did when He walked the earth and has set “The
Example” to be “followed.” This is active (applying God’s will to your daily walk,
producing real effects) and passive (not resisting God’s will in your life, not opposing the
Spirit’s working in you, enduring suffering, submission to the Lord) obedience to Christ.
This is “doing” and not just “saying” (Mt 23:3) or “agreeing.” This is to have godly fruit
(what your life produces) and not just leaves (what you “profess” to be).

Therefore: Jesus lived a perfect life of fearing God and eschewing evil and exchanged it
for our sinful lives and suffered our condemnation, which is death. Jesus suffered our
curse; being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a
tree (Deut 21:22-23, Acts 5:30, 10:39, Gal 3:13). We now exchange our sinful lives for
the perfect life that Jesus gave (justification – to be born again, Rm 5:16, 18) so that we
may have life and will not suffer condemnation, which is eternal death. We die to our old
way (the darkness, living in the lie) and walk in Christ’s life (the perfect example He
gave). We must now say, Lord I offer you my life (forsake my old way) for the life you
give (Jn 5:26). Oh Lord my heart I give to thee with no restrictions placed by me. This is
why Jesus said over and over, “he that loseth his life (hateth his life in this world), for my
sake shall find/save/preserve it (keep it unto eternal life, Mt 10:39, 16:25, Mk 8:35, Lk
9:24, 14:26, 17:33, Jn 12:25).”

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Understanding Forgiveness

If you continue to walk in darkness then you cannot be forgiven of sin. Let us consider
why: 1 John 1:6-7, “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness,
we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have
fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all
sin.” If we walk in the light, then we have forgiveness! To walk in darkness is to walk in
Satan’s lie which is opposed to God’s truth, for no lie is of the truth (1 Jn 2:21). So you
cannot be in darkness and yet also “do” the truth. One can only have forgiveness when
one leaves or forsakes the darkness and comes to the light, which is the truth. You turn
from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that you may receive
forgiveness of sins (Acts 26:18). Mercy and forgiveness are not earned, but rather given
by God as per the conditions the Lord has set forth - see “Repentance” below (Is 55:7).

Mercy and forgiveness are procured (not earned) through sincere repentance. Repentance
must precede remission (pardon, forgiveness) of sin (Mk 1:4, Lk 24:47). Forgiveness has
no meaning unless you forsake the transgression for which you are being forgiven. To
ask forgiveness for a wrong and then continue in the wrong would be absurd - ridiculous,
ludicrous and illogical. What would be the reason for the forgiveness? For example, if
someone forgave you of a theft, yet you continued to steal from them, then the
forgiveness would have no value to you, the thief. Could a convicted murderer secure a
pardon from the Governor if he purposed in his heart to go out and murder again? In like
manner, if we call Jesus Lord (profess to follow Him), yet continue to seek our own way
or walk in darkness, then we are not being obedient to Him and walking in His truth –
there is no sincerity of purpose. You would be walking in Satan’s lie or nature and
continually transgressing God’s will. Forgiveness would have no meaning because you
are not walking in the light. However, if you start forsaking your darkness by dying to
self and forfeiting your ways, and come to the light, then forgiveness has meaning and
merit.

Jesus said, “Repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mk 1:15, also Mt 4:17). The word
“believe” is thoroughly discussed in Chapter Four of this book and the word “gospel” is
Christ’s teachings and His life’s example. Jesus came to call sinners to repentance (Mt
9:13, Mk 2:17, Lk 5:32). The Lord will forgive iniquity, transgression and sin, but will by
no means clear the guilty (Ex 34:7). The guilty are those who will not acknowledge and
forsake their wrong and thus continue therein. You might mentally acknowledge the
wrong (lips, no heart), but the “continuing therein” is the condemning action. This refusal
is manifested as pride or self exaltation, whereby one continues to walk in their own way.
Acknowledging wrong and seeking mercy and forgiveness requires humbleness – being
self-abased; humbled by conscious guilt or shame. This is outwardly manifested in a
change of direction – a forsaking of wickedness, evil and wrongs. Many people ask for
God’s forgiveness about many things with no real intent to forsake their darkness – thus
they continue following their own ways, living for self. Because they continue in
darkness, they continually transgress God’s will. This is disingenuous and insincere and
forgiveness would not apply. These would be seeking license (authority or liberty given
to do or forbear any act), which in this case would be legal permission to continue in a
wrongful course of action and to forbear (to abstain from) actual obedience (as opposed

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to mental agreement) to God’s will (commandments). Satan was not granted such ability
and neither will you be.

Some continue to do things they know to be wrongful, thus violating God’s Word, and
just continually asking forgiveness in seeking a form of justification. Others intentionally
violate God’s will with the consideration that they will ask forgiveness later and clear
themselves. Be assured that God is not mocked – teased and made light of. Can those that
are accustomed to doing evil do that which is good (Jer 13:23)? The soul that sinneth
willfully (presumptuously – with rash confidence) hath despised the Word of the Lord
and his iniquity shall be upon him (Num 15:30-31). Galatians 6:7-8, “Be not deceived;
God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that
soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall
of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” AND Job 4:8, “Even as I have seen, they that plow
iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.”

You must forsake such behavior: Hosea 10:12-13, “Sow to yourselves in righteousness,
reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground (forsake your darkness – lack of godliness):
for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you. Ye have
plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies (Satan’s lie):
because thou didst trust in thy way…” If we truly and sincerely repent of our ways and
forsake the darkness in coming to the light, then we may seek God’s forgiveness (Ps
145:18). 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Jesus forgives and cleanses from
“unrighteousness” which is the violation of God’s will - commands/Word/truth. Christ’s
forgiveness is for past violations, never future (yet to be committed) violations. Jesus does
not forgive in advance those that would plot to disregard God’s will.

Now perhaps you can see that when you walk in Satan’s lie (darkness) that you are
continually living opposed to God and cannot be cleansed because this path is a total
disregard for God’s way and is seeking your way. 1 John 2:3-5, “And hereby we do know
that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth
not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word,
in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.” The love
of God is to sacrifice self for God first and then your neighbor (the two pillars of love).

Therefore, since the darkness seeks self and is opposed to God (the lie which is the
opposite of truth), those walking in darkness, religious or not, are not found in the Lord.
They do not keep His commandments (love the darkness and will not forsake it) which is
unrighteousness and thus they cannot be cleansed or forgiven. Psalms 25:10, “All the
paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his
testimonies.” We must do righteousness (faith, obey God’s Word) to be righteous (1 Jn
3:7). 1 John 3:10, “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil:
whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.”
He that does not do the will of God is of the devil! Love is not self-centered as is Satan’s
nature (the lie, darkness), but is self-sacrificing! To walk in love is to die to self. You
must become God-centered.

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In conclusion, we are forgiven to come out of the darkness and not to remain in it. When
most people realize what they must give up or relinquish to come out of the darkness
(their lusts and desires) and into the light they are not so sure (count the cost, Lk 14:28-
32). Religious man has thus devised means (twisting God’s Word and intent) to allow
man through their man-centered doctrines to be forgiven to remain in the darkness. In
other words, they say you can transgress the will of God and ye shall not surely die. Even
so, God’s truth will prevail and you best be found in it. You alone will stand fully
accountable before God. Deception only takes place in the darkness, not in God’s light.
Therefore, those clinging to the darkness are the ones with no vision.
Understanding Repentance

Throughout the New Testament reconciliation is always in terms of man being reconciled
to God and not God being reconciled to man (Acts 3:21). This is a very important point.
Man must forsake his way and return to God through the path the Lord has provided.
This path is in keeping with God’s holy and righteous character and man must conform to
it. God does not yield to man nor will the “truth” be changed in any way to accommodate
evil. The path to God is one of righteousness (Ps 11:7, 15:2, 23:3, 45:7, 85:10, 106:3,
118:20, 119:42, Pv 11:19, 12:28, 15:9, 21:21, Rm 3:22, 4:13, 5:21, 6:13, 16, 8:10, 9:28,
30, 10:3, Gal 5:5, Eph 4:24, 1 Pt 2:24, 2 Pt 2:21, 3:13, 1 Jn 2:29, 3:7, 10). This path
destroys the flesh (that which opposes God’s truth) – by design, with intent. God is
abundant in mercy for those who will turn from their way (die to) and seek Him fully
through His way. Psalms 86:5, “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and
plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee (also Ps 103:8).” AND Psalms
86:15, “But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and
plenteous in mercy and truth (also Jer 3:12).” AND Psalms 103:11, “For as the heaven is
high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him (also Micah 7:18-
19, Joel 2:12-13).” AND Luke 1:50, “And his mercy is on them that fear him from
generation to generation.”

God’s consistent message to man has been for man to repent. Isaiah 55:7, “Let the
wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto
the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly
pardon.” Repentance can only be realized through your actions, not your words. Are not
actions the true indicators of the heart’s desire? The Lord is very merciful for those who
acknowledge their wickedness and come back to God in the prescribed way (Acts 3:19).
Proverbs 28:13, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and
forsaketh them shall have mercy. The worst thing that you can do is try and shift guilt or
blame to someone or something else – yet this is the tendancy of man (consider Adam
and Eve as examples, Gen 3:12-13, Job 31:33, Pv 28:13). The Lord requires an
acknowledgment (recognition, confession) of wrongs (Job 33:27-28, Ps 32:5, 51:3)! You
cannot be forgiven for that which you do not acknowledge and God knows the truth of all
matters. To cover sins or shift blame only harms you – God already knows!

The sinful man, who loves the darkness, cannot understand repentance because it goes
against his interest of self. Denial of your wrongs will eventually result in condemnation
– the carrying out of the death penalty (Jn 3:18). Psalms 145:18-20, “The LORD is nigh

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unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfil the desire
of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. The LORD
preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy (also Ps 25:14,
33:18).” Mercy belongs to those who sincerely repent.

What does it mean to repent? Repentance is to turn around and return. This is a forsaking
of the darkness (lie) and coming to the light (truth). To repent is to regret your wicked
actions, feel remorse for your transgressions against God, to be sorrowful and change
your mind, to turn back and return – everyone turning away from his iniquities (Acts
3:26, Job 34:32, Ez 18:21-23, 27-28, 30-32, 33:11, 19). Psalms 119:59, “I thought on my
ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.” You must rend your heart and turn to the
Lord God (Joel 2:13). The essence of repentance is a turning around whereby you have a
complete alteration of the basic motivation and direction of your life (Zech 1:3-4). This is
to recognize your inability to live apart from God and to understand the total dependance
you have on the Lord. Repentance must precede forgiveness and mercy. The early church
termed this, “repentance unto life” (Acts 11:18).

Consider the account known as the “Prodigal Son.” This young man refused to serve his
Father (i.e. God), but sought his own way - his will over the Father’s. He wasted his
substance on self with riotous living and spent all that he had (Lk 15:13-14). Then he
became in great need or want and was greatly humbled (Lk 15:14-16). When he was
humble, lowly in heart (poor in spirit), he began to see his Father in a new light. He
began to plan his repentance. Luke 15:18-19, “I will arise and go to my father, and will
say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more
worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.” This young man was
regretful and remorseful of his actions toward his Father. He realized that “his” way only
led to misery and continuance would bring death. He turned completely from “his” way
and returned to his Father to live by the Father’s provision (way, will). How did the
Father receive him? Luke 15:20, “And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was
yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his
neck, and kissed him.” The Father runs with mercy and compassion to meet him. Luke
15:21-24, “And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy
sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants,
Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his
feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my
son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.”
The Father receives the repentant son with great mercy and compassion (consider: Lk
15:1-10). This young man was lost in darkness, but now is found (came to the light) –
was dead, but is alive again (Lk 15:32).

In conclusion, we must strongly consider the message given by God to the greatest
prophet to arise - John the baptist: Matthew 3:1-2, “In those days came John the Baptist,
preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven
is at hand.” We must also consider the message given by God to His own Son: Matthew
4:17, “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of
heaven is at hand (also Mk 1:15, 2:17, Lk 4:32, 13:3, 5, 24:47).” We must consider the
message Jesus gave His disciples when He sent them out in pairs: Mark 6:12, “And they

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went out, and preached that men should repent.” We must consider the message Peter
delivered after being filled with the Holy Ghost at Pentecost: Acts 2:38, “Then Peter said
unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the
remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” AND Acts 3:19,
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times
of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” We must consider the message
Jesus gave Paul to preach (years later): Acts 17:30, “And the times of this ignorance God
winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.” AND Acts 26:20, “But
shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of
Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works
meet for repentance (also Acts 20:21).” We must consider the message Christ has given
those who will “follow” Him: Luke 24:47, “And that repentance and remission of sins
should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” Finally, let
us stronly consider Christ’s purpose which Paul was later commission to do: Acts 26:18,
“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan
unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which
are sanctified by faith that is in me (Jesus).”

Repentance is all about turning from and forsaking the darkness and power of Satan
(enticements of the flesh through seeking your lusts) and coming to the light or truth of
God. This is having a contrite heart, which is being broken-hearted over sin; being deeply
affected with grief over having transgressed God’s will (Ps 51:17). Psalms 34:18, “The
LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite
spirit.” Repentance is not repeating or parroting a sinner’s prayer, but is an entire change
of life and direction. If one is truly sincere, then a prayer may be the start, but is not the
end all – but this is not the general practice. Everything has a beginning, but the
beginning is not the end. Romans 2:4, “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and
forbearance and long-suffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to
repentance?” Repentance precedes or comes before the entering into the strait gate (Jesus
Christ) of the narrow way that leads to eternal life. Repentance precedes receiving the
promise of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38). Psalms 147:11, “The LORD taketh pleasure (His
good pleasure) in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.” What does the
Lord have no pleasure in? Psalms 5:4-5, “For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in
wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. The foolish shall not stand in thy sight:
thou hatest all workers of iniquity.”
Righteousness Must Prevail

The situation is that man transgressed the will (commandment) of God and now walks in
darkness - seeks his own way. Christ provided forgiveness for the iniquity. However,
man must now come out of the darkness into God’s truth if the Lord’s purposes are to be
complete. Mercy and truth MUST meet for God’s purposes to be fulfilled (Ps 25:10,
57:10, 61:7)! Psalms 85:10, “Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace
have kissed each other.” The significance of this cannot be overstated. God could not
provide mercy outside the truth. Righteousness is the ONLY path for peace with God –
this is reconciliation between those at odds (Ps 96:13).

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God must be worshipped in spirit and truth (Jn 4:23-24). Proverbs 16:6, “By mercy and
truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.” When man
truly fears the Lord, he will walk away from the darkness and into the light. Until we
come to the truth, there can be no mercy! We must love God and hate evil (Ps 97:10). Do
not let mercy and truth escape you – write them upon the table of your heart (Pv 3:3).

The Lord came to earth as a man and led the way by example that we are to follow. We
must now literally follow a God who we have never seen. Faith reaches beyond the flesh
(senses, experiences, etc.) and yields totally to that which one cannot perceive in the flesh
(Heb 11:1). God speaks to us and guides us through the Spirit. This cannot be adequately
explained, but can be experienced – you must start walking. The only way to be led is
through yielding to the Spirit and the Word in your daily life. Cumulatively, day by day,
situation by situation, thought by thought, you will begin to change (Rm 1:17). You walk
in the light (truth), which is the nature of Christ. You will never understand the truth until
you start walking in it. This is how we stand: 2 Corinthians 6:7, “By the word of truth, by
the power of God (Holy Spirit, Acts 1:8), by the armour of righteousness on the right
hand and on the left.” The Word and the Spirit produce righteousness by our faith (Rm
4:5). If you want to “know” the truth, then start taking God at His Word and walking it.
Anything short of this, the truth will always elude (escape, evade) you – for God has
deemed it so. Faith will prevail, but the flesh is a great hindrance – it profiteth nothing
(Jn 6:63). When you walk in the light, the darkness must cease.

Those who walk unrighteously, in darkness, are snared of Satan and await the
condemnation of death. Proverbs 14:27, “The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to
depart from the snares of death.” God is life and life is found in Him. To walk after “self”
and thus be separate from God is to cut “self” off from its very source of life. There is no
life apart from God. You may presently walk in “your” own will as a god (Gen 3:5), but
you have no power to sustain life independent from “The God.” Once your presumed
god-like life of self determination is over, you will stand before the true Creator and
Giver of life – The Great I AM. How will you stand on that day? Having taken God’s
glory by walking as a god, how will you contend with the Almighty? The author of this
lie will be in the lake of fire (as those who followed him). To whom will you lean? Be
prepared to weep and wail.
The Holy Spirit

Jesus set the example that we are to follow. Christ walked the earth as a man totally
yielded to God through the filling and direction of the Holy Spirit (Mk 1:10, Lk 4:1-2,
14-15, Is 61:1). Acts 10:38, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost
and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the
devil; for God was with him.” AND Isaiah 11:2, “And the spirit of the LORD shall rest
upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the
spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.” Jesus did not serve God through the
flesh – meaning His opinions, efforts, knowledge, ability, way, works, desire, etc. – the
flesh profits nothing (Jn 6:63). Had Christ sought His way at any time, He would have
been guilty of what Adam did and would have been corrupted. No man can please God
through the flesh (Rm 8:6-8). Jesus yielded completely to God’s direction, through the

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Spirit, at all times. Christ was justified in the Spirit (1 Tim 3:16). Christ’s wisdom,
understanding, knowledge and counsel were of the Spirit (Is 11:2, Jn 7:38-39).

Jesus had totally died to self on this earth and served God, thus the Spirit was given to
Him without measure (Jn 3:34). The Holy Ghost is the very essence of who God is – the
mind of God. 1 Corinthians 2:10-11, “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit:
for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the
things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God
knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.” So, Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit and did
the will of God. In like manner, a “follower” of Christ must be filled with the Holy Spirit
and must also do the will of God (Mt 7:21, 12:50, 1 Jn 2:17, Mk 3:35, Lk 8:21, 11:28,
Rev 22:14). In other words, Jesus went before and those who follow come after – for they
walk as He walked (Ps 119:3, 128:1, Hos 14:9, Col 2:6, 1 Jn 2:6, 2 Jn 1:6).

We just considered how Jesus laid down His perfect life to secure forgiveness for those
who will follow Him (1 Jn 3:16). Christ does not forgive us to remain in the darkness,
nor does He leave us to find our own way out (Jn 14:18). Jesus’ sacrifice not only
procured forgiveness, but also the “promise” of the Father. Consider the following very
carefully: Acts 2:33, “Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having
received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye
now see and hear.” Christ provides the Holy Ghost (Baptism of - immersion) – the same
power that He walked in (Jn 14:16, 23, 26, Lk 24:49). The blessing through Christ is that
we might receive the “promise” of the Holy Spirit through faith, which is love, surrender,
obedience and trust to God (Gal 3:14). The just shall live by faith (Hab 2:4, Rm 1:17,
Gal 3:11, Heb 10:38). Christ said: Luke 24:49, “And, behold, I send the promise of my
Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power
from on high.”

The Holy Ghost was sent at Pentecost, known as the feast of the Harvest (offering of the
firstfruits), which was fifty days after the Passover – seven days after Christ ascended to
the Father, which is the number of completion (Acts 1:3 = 50 – 40+3 = 7). Therefore,
Christ’s great sacrifice enabled man to be forgiven and to receive the Holy Ghost! – so
incredibly important to understand. Christ abides in us through the Spirit He gives us (1
Jn 3:24, 4:13). Recall that those who are in the flesh cannot please God (Rm 8:8). Jesus
sent His precious Holy Ghost from the Father (Jn 14:16, Acts 1:4-5, Gal 4:6) to those
who will follow in the example that He set (the Spirit of truth, Jn 15:26, Rm 8:11). Who
is the Holy Ghost given to? Acts 2:39, “For the promise is unto you, and to your children,
and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” In what way
does the Lord call? Out of the darkness and into the light (truth) – through obedience in
His name (Jn 6:44, 12:32). Acts 5:32, “And we are his witnesses of these things; and so
is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him (also 1 Jn 3:24).”

The promise of the Spirit is through faith, which must produce obedience to God’s will
(Gal 3:14). Therefore: 1 Corinthians 12:13, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into
one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all
made to drink into one Spirit.” What this is saying is that when you come out of the
darkness (regardless of your unique situation), you are baptized of the Spirit (Mt 3:11,

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Mk 1:8, Lk 3:16, Jn 1:33) into Christ’s body (church, ekklesia – called out ones) to be led
of the selfsame Spirit. The world cannot receive the Spirit of truth, for it lies in
wickedness – disobedience to God (Jn 14:17, 1 Jn 5:19). God will certainly not give His
very Spirit to those who obey darkness and remain in it (Jn 14:16-17).

We discussed in Chapter One that all men will be influenced by the Spirit (a restraint of
wickedness), but not all will be filled. Those who obey Christ find such a personal
relationship with God, who actually dwells within them (Jn 14:23). Our bodies are clay
vessels that our spirit temporarily dwells within (Gen 2:7, Eccl 12:7, see Potter and Clay
below). There is no reason that the Lord God cannot also dwell within us. Romans 8:1,
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk
not after the flesh, but after the Spirit (also Jn 5:24).” Notice that there is no
“condemnation” or “death sentence” (thou shalt surely die, Gen 2:17, 2 Cor 1:9-10) for
those who abide in Christ (Jn 15:10, 1 Jn 2:28, 3:6) and walk after His Spirit. So it can
be said: Romans 8:14, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of
God.” The condemnation is for those who walk after the flesh (Rm 8:13) – they mind the
things of the flesh (Rm 8:5). The condemnation is that light has come into the world, but
men will not walk this path (Jn 3:19). Jesus said: “and ye will not come to me that you
may have life” (Jn 5:40, 6:40, 45). Their love is not to do Christ’s commandments, but
rather to obey the darkness (Jn 3:19, 14:15).

To walk after the Spirit is to yield to the Spirit’s working in your life (Rm 8:13, Ps 25:8)
– you mind the things of the Spirit (Rm 8:5). Those in the flesh are disobedient to God’s
will cannot have the Spirit (Rm 8:9). Jesus is the light of the world and those who
“follow” Him will not walk in darkness (Jn 8:12). If you are walking in your way, then
you are walking in darkness and following another - other than Christ. The condemnation
is for those who will not yield their way – to completely die to it. We discussed in
Chapter One how the devil places baited traps to snare you through your own lusts. When
you are blind to the Spirit by being led about by the desires of the flesh, you will surely
be ensnared and taken captive (at will) by the evil one (2 Tim 2:26). The snares are
always baited with what appeals to one’s flesh – the lusts and desires. We must become
blind to the world and the ways of the flesh and be led about by God’s Spirit (Pv 3:5-6).
This is faith! Not walking by sight (the flesh), but by the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 5:7, “For
we walk by faith, not by sight.” Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the
LORD of hosts (Zech 4:6). Those who walk by faith rely upon God’s direction and not
their own - their way, actions, opinions, thoughts, etc. (Pv 15:26). We must be blind to
“self” and keenly sensitive to the Holy Ghost. We must be led through this world, yet be
blind to it – the enticements to wickedness and evil. We must be wise unto that which is
good, and simple concerning evil (Rm 16:19). We do not perceive or receive the things of
God through the flesh, but only through the Holy Ghost (1 Cor 2:12-16, 12:4-13).

Jesus said: John 16:7-8, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go
away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will
send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of
righteousness, and of judgment.” It was to our advantage (expedient, advantageous,
favorable, profitable - to a given purpose) that Christ die such that the promise of God
could be manifest (Lk 24:49 = Acts 1:4-5). Before the Spirit could be given, Christ had to

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be glorified (Jn 7:39) and complete His purpose so as to secure the covenant, See Chapter
Four, “Into the Light.” God’s Holy Spirit could not be given to man until Christ first
made peace between God and man – peace through the blood of His cross (Col 1:20). In
other words, Jesus had to first atone (reconciliation after enmity whereby reparation is
made by giving an equivalent for a wrong committed) for man’s transgressions and
assuage God’s wrath so as to render Him propitious (disposed to be gracious or merciful;
ready to forgive sins, Is 53:11) to sinners. Therefore: The Holy Ghost was not yet given;
because that Jesus was not yet glorified (Jn 7:39). Now that Jesus has secured the
covenant (Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the
Father the promise of the Holy Ghost), the Holy Spirit has been shed abroad (Acts 2:33).

Compare what the Holy Spirit does with what the Lord reveals of Himself: Jeremiah
9:24, “But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I
am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth: for
in these things I delight saith the Lord.” Judgment concerns making righteous decisions
based upon the truth. Psalms 33:4-5, “For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works
are done in truth (knowing right from wrong). He loveth righteousness and judgment: the
earth is full of the goodness of the Lord (also Jer 4:2).” This is the foundation of the
kingdom of God. John 16:13-15, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will
guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear,
that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall
receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine:
therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you (also Jn 14:16-17,
15:26).”

The Spirit guides us to the “light” which is God’s “truth.” Psalms 25:5, “Lead me in thy
truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day
(also Ps 25:4).” Consider also: 1 John 2:27, “But the anointing which ye have received of
him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing
teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye
shall abide in him.” The Spirit teaches you and the lessons are in truth, with nothing to do
with Satan’s lie. The truth will condemn the lie and work to destroy the principles of the
lie in you. To live in truth is to depart from evil and do good (Ps 34:14, 37:27, Pv 3:7,
27, 8:13, 14:16, 16:6, 17). Ephesians 2:18, “For through him (Jesus) we both have access
by one Spirit unto the Father (also Eph 3:11-12).” We must come out of corruption (the
darkness) by forsaking the lie (seeking self, being your own authority) and obeying the
truth by the Spirit as shown, taught, revealed, and unfolded. Peter 1:22-23, “Seeing ye
have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the
brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not
of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for
ever.” The Spirit and the Word (Jesus) will always be in agreement. Jesus said: John
15:3, “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” The Word is
the truth and so is the Spirit!

We have salvation through sanctification (set apart – “called out” from the darkness) of
the Spirit and belief of the truth (2 Thess 2:13-14). The Spirit will write the epistle
(instructive letter, message) of Christ in the fleshly tables of your very heart (2 Cor 3:3).

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John 14:26, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in
my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance,
whatsoever I have said unto you (also Eph 1:17-18).” Jesus continues to refer to the Holy
Ghost as the “Comforter.” A comforter is one who strengthens; soothes in distress or
eases misery, infirmity, and grief; helps, aides, and encourages. Therefore, the Holy Spirit
teaches, strengthens, soothes and aides us in coming to the light and traveling the narrow
way. Christ would not leave us comfortless (Jn 14:18) and provides the Spirit to abide
with us forever (Jn 14:16). Romans 8:26-27, “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our
infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself
maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth
the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the
saints according to the will of God (also 1 Cor 2:16).” Infirmities are weaknesses of
mind, failings and faults. Intercession is interposition (within God’s will) between parties
at variance, with a view to reconciliation. The Spirit works within you as you yield and
obey, to restore you and bring reconciliation to God. This is a surrendering of your will
from which God reaches out in mercy and forgiveness. If you do not have the Holy Spirit
then you are not Christ’s and are walking in your own way – maybe religiously, but
disobedient and in darkness (Jn 14:15-17, Rm 8:9, 2 Cor 1:22, 5:5, 1 Jn 3:24, 4:13).

The relationship that God desires and the obedience required to receive the Spirit (Acts
2:38) can be summed up strictly with verses from the books of John and 1 John as
follows: John 14:15-17, “If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the
Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither
knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. John
14:20-21, 23, “At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in
you (how personal and incredibly beautiful!). He that hath my commandments, and
keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father,
and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Jesus answered and said unto him,
If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come
unto him, and make our abode with him.” 1 John 2:3-4, “And hereby we do know that we
know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his
commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him
verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.” 1 John 3:24,
“And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we
know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.” 1 John 4:13, “Hereby
know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.” 1
John 5:3, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his
commandments are not grievous.” John 17:3, “And this is life eternal, that they might
know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” Those who forsake
the darkness and obey God receive forgiveness - and then those who ask, receive the
Holy Spirit (Lk 11:13) - discussed in Chapter Four, “Into the Light”.” Jesus said quite
matter-of-factly: John 15:14, “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.”
Therefore, it is as the Lord spoke through Moses: Deuteronomy 8:6, “Therefore thou
shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him
(also Deut 6:4-5, 10:12-13, 20).” This is the message of the Bible!

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When God purposes to do a work, the Holy Spirit makes it happen. For instance: Genesis
1:1-2, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without
form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved
upon the face of the waters.” In like manner, the Lord now purposes to do a restoration or
transformation work in fallen man and sends His Spirit to accomplish this. Galatians 4:6,
“And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts,
crying, Abba, Father.”

In scripture we are told of the “promise” of God and the “gift” of God. The promise is the
“Holy Spirit” (Lk 24:49, Jn 15:26, 16:7, Acts 1:4) and the gift is “grace” (Rm 5:15-18,
Eph 2:8). The Holy Spirit is sent to produce God’s grace in you and the two are
essentially the same - the gift of grace is the Holy Spirit working in you. Scriptures also
refer to the Holy Ghost as a “gift” (Jn 4:10, Acts 2:38, 8:20, 10:45, 11:17, Heb 6:4).
Therefore, the Holy Ghost is the Spirit of grace (Heb 10:29). God called us out of the
darkness with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own
purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus (2 Tim 1:9). Grace also teaches, as
does the Holy Spirit (Jn 14:26, 16:13-15), that we are to deny ungodliness and worldly
lusts and live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world (Ti 2:12). The Holy
Ghost working God’s grace in you produces eternal life (Rm 6:23). In keeping with
God’s purposes and truth, you must be a willing vessel for the Spirit to complete the
Lord’s desire (good pleasure) in you (Php 2:13, 1 Thess 3:13, 2 Thess 1:11-12).

The way this works is as follows: When you surrender your life to the Lord in obedience
(genuinely forsake the darkness) known as faith and the Lord gives you the Holy Spirit
(Acts 5:32). The Holy Spirit works through your surrender and obedience to produce
God’s works in you, known as grace. When God’s works are manifested in you, then you
become pleasing in His sight. Faith is a bypass of the flesh (self denial) and draws you to
God through obedience. Faith “conciliates” which draws together, unites, and reconciles
those at variance. The Holy Spirit works “grace” by tearing down all those wicked things
in your life - lusts of the flesh, idolatry, high places, false gods, etc., that oppose God’s
will with the intent to conform you to the image of Christ (Rm 8:29) – for we are only
changed into the same image of the Lord by the Spirit (2 Cor 3:18) – day by day (2 Cor
4:16). This can only be accomplished as you yield and obey the Spirit’s leading. The
Spirit quickens your mortal bodies not to live after the flesh, but to mortify (die to) the
deeds of the flesh (Rm 8:11-14) – not to be conformed to this world (Rm 12:2).

The power of darkness is the seeking of self and thus walking in your way which is the
great lie of the devil. God’s power, the Holy Ghost, tears down the things of “self” and
delivers you from the darkness and into the kingdom of His Son - the light – walking in
truth (2 Cor 4:16, Col 1:13). The Holy Spirit reveals our secret faults (Ps 19:12). You are
kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation (1 Pt 1:5). Your faith (surrender
of the will to God) coupled with Christ’s redemption (through his blood, the forgiveness
of sins, Col 1:14) and God’s grace (Spirit working in you) produces reconciliation and
eternal life (Ti 3:5, 7). 1 Peter 1:9, “Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of
your souls.” Your faith and the Spirit’s grace is your righteousness and justification of
life (Rm 5:18). Grace reigns through righteousness to eternal life (Rm 5:21).

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So, perhaps you can now understand how it is impossible to be saved apart from your
“obedience” and receiving of God’s gift of the “Holy Ghost?” Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by
grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of
works, lest any man should boast.” You will never be able to boast before God that
“your” will or ability alone made it happen (1 Cor 1:29). The Spirit works and leads, and
you yield and follow – for you know not the (narrow) way. Your hope is through the
power of the Holy Ghost – the Spirit’s ability to change you (Rm 15:13, Acts 1:8). The
kingdom of God is not in word, but in power (1 Cor 4:20) – transforming power (Rm
12:2). You purify your soul by obeying the truth through the Spirit (1 Pt 1:22). The Lord
worked His “grace” in Jesus that He should taste death for all men (Heb 2:9). You must
examine your heart and determine if your faith stands in the wisdom of man or the power
of God - the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 2:5). Your only justification is through Jesus and by the
Spirit of God – being set apart; called out (1 Cor 6:11). Living in “your” will is sin and
darkness and will always produce death (Rm 5:21, 6:16, 7:5, 8:13). The lord God deals
with you in two distinct ways, He will either show mercy to you or will harden you. The
Lord’s mercy is reflected in His grace, which is the extent which the Spirit is given to one
(Rm 12:3, 6, Eph 4:7) - In Christ, the Spirit was given without measure (Jn 3:34).

We discussed how the Holy Spirit influences all men (most refer to as their conscious),
but that all men are not filled with the Spirit (those who walk in disobedience and
darkness cannot be filled). The Lord hardeneth by withdrawing the influence of the Spirit
in one’s life. If the Spirit’s influence in one’s life is withdrawn, they will seek their
selfish lusts to a higher extent thus disregarding the things of God entirely. Continued sin
hardens your heart. The way in which God deals with you will most probably result from
your response to Him. Those who will not yield to God and grieve His Spirit
(headstrong, stubborn, stiff-necked, froward) will only find themselves hardened to a
greater degree (Eph 4:30). Nevertheless, the Lord works to restrain the wickedness or
keep it in check for His own purposes. Stubbornness is as iniquity (transgression of
God’s will) and idolatry - placing your will above God’s (1 Sam 15:23). Those hardened
also become more spiritually blind and in bondage to the darkness to a greater degree.
Romans 9:18, “Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will
he hardeneth.” Consider how the people reacted to Christ: John 12:37, 40, “But though he
had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: He hath blinded
their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor
understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.”

We must present our bodies as a “living sacrifice” meaning we are dead to self while yet
alive (Rm 12:1) – for it is no longer “I” (self) that lives. Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified
with Christ (living sacrifice): nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the
life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and
gave himself for me.” For what purpose do we sacrifice self? So that we are not
conformed to the world (the nature of Satan’s lie), but are transformed (through God’s
Spirit working in us) by the renewing (restore, make good, make good) of the mind to
prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Rm 12:2). Galatians
5:16, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” So,
if you live in the Spirit, you must walk in the Spirit (Gal 5:25). Romans 8:13, “For if ye

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live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the
body, ye shall live.”

Therefore, we can now conclude that when we repent and forsake the darkness and obey
the truth (Word) of God (in submission to Jesus Christ), we receive two crucial (vital)
things – forgiveness and the Holy Spirit. The forgiveness is for past transgressions or
iniquity such that we may enter the strait gate - Jesus (Mt 7:13, Lk 13:24, Jn 10:9). To
ask forgiveness of future transgressions, yet to be committed, would be a mockery of God
and reveals a rebellious heart bent on transgression. Those forgiven are “called out”
(ekklesia – the church, called out ones) of the darkness. The Holy Spirit leads, guides,
teaches, intercedes for, and comforts us as we come into the light (truth) and walk the
narrow way to God (Mt 7:14). Forgiveness has no meaning for those continuing in the
darkness or iniquity. God will not give His Spirit to those walking in darkness which are
at enmity with Him. The Spirit is truth and will not abide or dwell (fill) in the lie.
Ephesians 1:13, “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel
of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy
Spirit of promise.” Please consider the depth of “believe” as detailed in Chapter Four,
“Out of the Darkness.” Notice that we are sealed with the Spirit! Ephesians 4:30, “And
grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.”
Disobedience to God can bring dire consequences. Psalms 51:11, “Cast me not away
from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.”

Consider the case of Israel: Isaiah 63:10, “But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit:
therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.” Continued
disobedience (frowardness – refusal to yield to what is required) to the Spirit’s working
in your life would be blasphemy against the Holy Ghost and will not be forgiven (Mk
3:29, Lk 12:10). The Lord God may take His Holy Ghost from you (Ps 51:11). He
certainly took His Spirit from Saul: 1 Samuel 16:14, “But the Spirit of the LORD
departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.” Saul was rejected of
God (1 Sam 16:1, 1 Chr 10:13). God then placed His Spirit upon David – a man after
God’s heart: 13, “Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his
brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel
rose up, and went to Ramah.” Disobedience to God’s direction would be a denial of
God’s work in you. If you profess to be in the light, then you must walk in the light (Jn
8:12, 11:9-10, 12:35, Eph 5:8, 1 Jn 1:7). 1 John 5:8, “And there are three that bear
witness in earth, the Spirit (the promise of the Father which is the Holy Ghost), and the
water (death to self and new life in obedience to Christ, Rm 6:6, 2 Cor 5:17, Eph 4:22),
and the blood (God’s forgiveness, Rm 5:9, Eph 1:7, 2:13, Col 1:14, 20): and these three
agree in one.”

The author wants to make it very clear, so that there is no misunderstanding, that
forgiveness could not have taken place or be granted apart from Christ’s sacrifice and we
must abide in Him - through obedience to Jesus (Jn 14:31, 15:10). Also there is no way
we could walk in faith apart from God’s Spirit. You can do nothing of yourself - in and of
(consider what Christ said: Jn 5:19, 8:28, Eph 2:8). This is God making a way, a narrow
way, for man to be reconclied that is in keeping with the Lord’s holy and righteous
character. It is equally true that Christ’s forgiveness cannot be procured apart from

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sincere repentance on the part of man. The Holy Spirit cannot be given apart from
obedience on the part of man. If man does not yield or surrender in obedience to God,
then the Lord’s work (transforming) will not be accomplished in you and no fruit will
result - see Chapter Three, “The Fruit” concerning the significance. The Lord God gives
you a free-will. This free-will comes with great responsibility because your decisions and
resultant actions will ultimately vindicate or condemn you before God. We will be judged
by our works/deeds - every man’s work will be revealed according to his ways (Job
34:11, Eccl 3:17, 11:9, 12:14, 2 Kg 8:39, Ps 62:12, Pv 24:12, 29, Is 59:18, Jer 17:10,
25:14, 32:19, Ez 7:3-4, 8-9, 27, Oba 1:15, Zech 1:6, Mt 12:36-37, 16:27, Jn 5:29, Rm
2:6, 16, 14:12, 1 Cor 3:13, 4:5, 2 Cor 5:10, Col 3:24-25, 2 Tim 4:1, 1 Pt 1:17, 4:5, Jude
1:15, Rev 2:23, 20:12-13, 22:12). God will not force your will, but you will be held
accountable for your actions – even the secret things (Lk 12:2-3). God made a provision
and man must walk in that provision – this is faith. So, if you think you can walk in
“your” way and just claim a “free gift” of salvation through a hollow profession – best
think again. You will most definitely have to blindly climb over a mountain of scripture
(immutable truth, Heb 6:17) on your Romans road to salvation (hand picked verses that
are strung together to present a cheap or easy type of faith). God’s gift cannot be earned
through the efforts of man, but we best understand how the Lord imparts or grants that
“gift” and walk therein (Ti 3:5).
Putting Things Together

We have now reached the undeniable and inescapable conclusion that God’s grace is
enacted through the forgiveness that Christ procured through His shed blood (our
redemption, Col 1:14) and the gift of the Holy Ghost (which Jesus received as the
promise of the Father), who is shed forth to those who follow (Mt 26:28, Mk 14:24, Lk
24:49, Rm 5:9, Acts 2:33, Rm 5:9, Gal 3:14). Our faith in Christ, which is the putting
aside (forsaking) of the things of the flesh, in love, surrender, obedience and trust in the
Lord, procures God’s grace. This is a gift that cannot be earned (Rm 3:27), yet cannot be
received apart from God’s condition of faith (Hab 2:4, Rm 1:17, 3:28, Gal 3:11, Heb
10:38, 11:6). This is also a gift that keeps on giving as long as one is yielding. The
righteousness of God is by faith (Rm 3:22, 4:13). God gives grace to those who come out
of the darkness (through repentance) and yield to His authority; and faith is the only path
to the light (Rm 4:16).

Our righteousness is only found in love, surrender and obedience to God, which equates
to faith! What else do you possibly have that you can offer God? So it can be said (as
discussed earlier): Romans 3:24, “Being justified freely by his grace (Christ’s
forgiveness and the Holy Ghost working in your life) through the redemption (Jesus
delivering you from the bondage of the darkness by His shed blood) that is in Christ
Jesus.” Faith worketh by love (Gal 5:6). All the law is fulfilled through love, which is the
sacrifice of self for the benefit of God foremost and then others – otherwise known as
charity (1 Cor 13:2, 13, 16:14, Gal 5:14, 1 Pt 4:8). Charity is universal love,
benevolence, good will toward your fellow man (including enemies) and a supreme love
toward God. Romans 5:1-2, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith (our love,
surrender and obedience) into this grace (Christ’s forgiveness and the Holy Ghost

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working in us) wherein we stand (our only righteousness), and rejoice in hope of the
glory of God.” Because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost
which is given unto us (Rm 5:5) and whereby we are sealed (Eph 1:13). The Holy Spirit
is the essence of God’s grace inacted because the Spirit transforms you (through your
faith) from the fallen state, which walks in darkness (the lie) and unrighteousness, into
the restored state to walk in light (the truth) and righteousness (Ps 23:3, Pv 8:20, 15:9).

God cannot forgive us to continue in sin or stay in the darkness/lie (this would undermine
and destroy the truth), so we must have the Holy Ghost transforming us into Christ’s
image (2 Cor 3:18, Php 2:13, 1 Thess 3:13). In other words, we must start walking in the
truth (light) and exhibiting the nature of God. This is why it can be said: Romans 8:9,
“But ye are not in the flesh (walking in your own way), but in the Spirit (yielding to God),
if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you (Gal 5:16). You are kept by the power of God
(the Holy Spirit) through faith (surrendering to God in love and obedience) unto
salvation (1 Pt 1:5, also 1 Pt 1:9). Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is
none of his.

The gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many (Rm
5:15). In other words, it was Christ’s death that procured “forgiveness (Eph 1:7)” and the
“promise” of the “Holy Ghost” from the Father for whosoever will (Acts 2:33) – drink of
the Spirit/water of life freely (Rev 22:17, Jn 7:38-39). By the obedience of one (Jesus)
shall many be made righteous (Rm 5:19). How? By the Holy Spirit teaching, leading and
transforming you through your obedience (Acts 5:32). Some might ask: “Well, can’t I be
forgiven and made righteous through no effort of my own (i.e. it is a free gift, Rm 6:1-
2)?” The answer is No! Because then you will remain in the darkness (living under the
precepts of the lie and serving Satan, Rm 6:11-13) and you will not be walking in faith
(Rm 6:6). We have not been given the spirit of the world (1 Cor 2:12). Faith is not just
mental agreement, but action (Rm 2:13, Js 1:22, 2:19). If you believe God’s Word, then
you must walk it (practice it, live it) by being a servant of righteousness (Rm 6:18). Titus
3:5-7, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy
he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he
shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace,
we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” So the Holy Spirit
working on us is God’s grace and this justifies us. You must walk in newness of life (Rm
6:4-5). Everything is not pretend or make believe what is not really is.

Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil in your life (1 Jn 3:8). This cannot happen if
you continue to walk in darkness (opposite of the truth) and serve the devil. Romans
6:16, “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye
are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”
You are to overcome the darkness, and not have the darkness overcome you! Romans
5:21, “That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through
righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” Sin is the transgression of
God’s will and the condemnation is, “thou shalt surely die (Gen 2:17).” The fruit or
wages of sin is death (Rm 6:21, 23, 7:5). So, sin rules over those who walk in darkness
until God carries out the sentence of death. Surrender, love and obedience toward God is
our faith, which is our only righteousness (Rm 6:22, Php 3:9). This faith procures the

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Lord’s grace which is forgiveness and the Holy Spirit. So, forgiveness and the working of
the Holy Spirit reign through our faith unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. By so
abiding in Christ, you will bear much fruit – herein is the Lord glorified (Jn 15:8).

How do you avoid condemnation? Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no


condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh (in
darkness), but after the Spirit (in God’s grace).” To be in Christ Jesus is to be forgiven by
His blood and led by His Spirit (Rm 8:14). Romans 8:4, “That the righteousness of the
law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” In other
words, our faith is our righteousness which is demonstrated as we daily yield to the Holy
Spirit’s working in our lives. The Holy Ghost will actually be tearing down those things
of the flesh in us (Rm 8:5) to conform us to Christ’s image (Rm 8:29). Why? Because
they that are in the flesh cannot please God (Rm 8:8). The Spirit’s work in you is a
restoration whereby you are transformed to walk completely in the will of God and die to
the things of self. To be in the Spirit is to forsake the flesh – opposites. You must mortify
or die to the deeds of the flesh (Rm 8:13). 1 Thessalonians 3:13, “To the end he may
stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming
of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.”

Does anyone imagine that those in heaven walk in their own will? If you do, then re-read
Chapter One and consider what happened when Lucifer attempted to do just that. Whom
Christ calls, meaning out of the darkness and into the light (the called out ones –
ekklesia, church), he justifies through the workings of the Holy Spirit (Rm 8:30). He
(Christ) who calls is holy and those who heed the call must also become holy (1 Pt 1:15-
16). What has just been discussed could be thought of as the “true” Romans road to
salvation – and it is a road that must be walked, a very narrow way, that requires a
lifetime of devotion to complete. Of course the roads of ancient Rome were lined with
martyrs (one, who by his death, bears witness for the truth of the gospel) for Christ. This
is not the “easy-believism” presented by modern religious man (see Chapter Four).

In conclusion, Romans 5:18, “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.” You are now under the condemnation of death (Gen 2:17)!
Christ made it possible for you to receive the free gift of forgiveness and the Holy Ghost.
This gift can produce life in you. Sanctification is the act of making holy; the act of
God’s grace by which the affections of men are purified or alienated from sin and the
world, and exalted to a supreme love to God. Salvation is through sanctification of the
Spirit and belief of the truth (2 Thess 2:13-14) – made possible through the forgiveness
obtained by Christ’s blood (Heb 10:10). No one ever comes to God apart from His truth!
Therefore, it can be said: Colossians 2:10, “And ye are complete in him, which is the
head of all principality and power.” Jesus, by the grace of God, tasted death for all men
(Heb 2:9). God’s grace always overcomes the flesh – great victory! God resisteth the
proud (the self exalting), but giveth grace unto the humble (the self denying, Js 4:6).
Yield and obey! – your necessary duty (Eccl 12:13-14)
Baptism

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We have covered repentance unto the remission of sins and receiving the “promise” of
the Holy Ghost, Who reveals truth and leads out of the darkness (lie, great error) and into
the light, which is the truth. John 3:5-6, “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee,
Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”
Baptism is the token for Christ’s covenant as was the rainbow for God’s covenant with
Noah (Gen 9:13) and circumcision for the Lord’s covenant with Abraham (Gen 17:10-
11). Baptism is the outward sign of the inward work the Lord is doing in your life. This is
your formal solemn commitment (serious promise, vow) to make Jesus the Lord of your
life and walk in His gospel – woe to him who disregards the pledge.

Jesus said we must be born (born again, new life, Jn 3:3, Rm 6:3-4, 2 Cor 5:17, Gal
6:15, Col 3:10, 1 Pt 1:23) of water and of the Spirit to enter His kingdom - through the
strait gate (Mt 7:13-14, Lk 13:24, Jn 10:7). Being born of water is the baptism of
repentance and was first preached by John the baptist in preparing the way for Christ
(Acts 13:24). We must repent before we come to Christ. In water baptism, the old man
who transgressed God’s will (sin, iniquity) and lived for self in rebellion (disobedience,
disregard) dies, and the new man in Christ Jesus arises - born again (Jn 3:3, Rm 6:3-4, 1
Pt 1:23). This is baptism of repentance and is a literal dying to self and “your” way,
never to be sought again. Romans 6:6-7, “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified
with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve
sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.” To be baptized in Christ is to put on Christ
(Gal 3:27). Ephesians 4:22-24, “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the
old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of
your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness
and true holiness.” This is saying that you put off the darkness (Eph 5:3-7, 11) and put on
the light (Eph 5:10, 13). Ephesians 5:8, 14, “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now
are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that
sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.”

John the Baptist told those whom had repented through water baptism of Jesus: Mark 1:8,
“I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost
(also Mt 3:11, Lk 3:16).” There is baptism of water and baptism of the Spirit. The
baptism of water and the baptism of the Spirit are clearly two separate events (read Acts
8:15-17 below). Jesus said: “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot
enter into the kingdom of God (Jn 3:5).” Water baptism or baptism of repentance is the
preparatory work that prepares you for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Believing on Christ
(Acts 10:43, 11:18), acknowledgement of sins and the forsaking of such (bringing forth
fruits meet for repentance, Mt 3:8, Acts 26:20) procures forgiveness. Your subsequent
obedience to the Lord prepares you to receive the “promise,” which is the Holy Spirit or
Comforter. The Holy Spirit leads and guides you the rest of your life through your faith –
along the narrow way. This equates to John the Baptist first preparing the way for Christ
(Mal 3:1, Mt 3:3, 11:10, Mk 1:2-3, Lk 1:76, 3:4) and then Jesus perfectly obeying the
will of the Father to obtain the Spirit of promise for those who would “follow” Him (Acts
1:4-5, 2:33, Jn 15:26, 16:7). This is why John said: Matthew 3:11, “I indeed baptize you
with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I
am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire (also Lk

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3:16, Acts 11:16).” Jesus later said: Acts 1:5, “For John truly baptized with water; but ye
shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.” The water brings you to
Christ (strait gate, door, Mt 7:14, Lk 13:24, Jn 10:7-9) and the Holy Ghost enables you
to “follow” Him (Rm 8:1-14, Gal 5:18).

Jesus’ disciples, who had been baptized in water, awaited the promise of the Spirit at
Pentecost (Jn 16:7): Acts 1:4-5, “And, being assembled together with them, commanded
them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father,
which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be
baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.” The baptism of the Holy Ghost can
be received when you become obedient unto Christ (Jn 7:38-39) – thus bringing forth
evidences of repentance (fruits worthy of, Mt 3:8, Lk 3:8, Acts 2:38, 5:32, 26:20).
Consider: Acts 8:15-17, “Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they
might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they
were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and
they received the Holy Ghost (also Acts 13:52).” AND Acts 19:2-6, “He said unto them,
Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have
not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto
what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John
verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should
believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard
this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And (separate event) when Paul
had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with
tongues, and prophesied.” These men were baptized unto repentance, but also needed the
baptism of the Holy Ghost in Jesus’ name. The evidence of the baptism of the Holy
Ghost is speaking in tongues (Mk 16:17, Acts 2:4, 10:44-46, 19:6, 1 Cor 14). When the
Holy Ghost fell upon the Jews, they spake in tongues (Acts 2:4). When the Holy Ghost
fell on the gentiles, they spake in tongues (Acts 10:44-46). Obey Christ and then ask for
the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Lk 11:13). Therefore, we can conclude that we must first
repent (baptism of repentance - water) before we come to Christ - as John prepared hearts
to receive Christ when He came. Having repented, we obediently enter into a solemn
covenant with Christ and receive the Holy Spirit - baptism of the Holy Ghost. Water
baptism is evidenced by new life in Christ. Mark 16:16, “He that believeth and is
baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Please consider the
depth of the word “believeth” as discussed in Chapter Four, “Out of the Darkness.” Apart
from new life in Christ, one does not enter the strait gate.

In the opening scriptures to this section, it was noted: John 3:6, “That which is born of
the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” That which is born of the
will of the flesh (Jn 1:13) is born with a fallen nature that seeks the things of the flesh.
This is a seeking of self or your will, which transgresses God’s will and is under
condemnation (though shalt surely die, Gen 2:17). To continue in this fleshly nature is to
surely die - the nature of Satan’s lie. To seek God through this fallen nature is fruitless -
will of man (Jn 1:13) or your works. You must completely die to this fleshly nature
which seeks self. You must be re-born of the Spirit which is only accomplished by God
(Jn 1:13). This is what water baptism is representative of. Baptism of the Holy Ghost is

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also done of God and is for the purposes of walking in the Spirit which is God’s way -
being taught and led of. The Spirit is God’s seal upon you (2 Cor 1:22).
The Potter and the Clay

Isaiah 64:8, “But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter;
and we all are the work of thy hand.” Consider the clay in the hand of the Potter. The clay
must be pliable (flexible, bendable, supple, workable, pliant, compliant) and yield to the
desire of the potter for an acceptable work to come forth. The clay is transformed from
one shape (form, profile, character, nature) to another. The clay must retain (hold,
preserve, maintain) its shape once the work is complete. The Potter’s purpose would not
be complete if the clay would not change shape or once molded, returned to its previous
shape. Similarly, the Lord God sends the Holy Spirit to do a work in a believer’s life
(Php 2:13). You must be surrendered, yielded and obedient (pliable) for the Spirit’s work
to come forth. Through the Lord, you are “born again” (Jn 3:3) into a new creature (with
a new nature) and God writes His laws in your heart and mind (Heb 8:10, 10:16, 2 Cor
3:3). Thus, you are changed from one form to a work of beauty. You are renewed in the
image of Him that created you (Col 3:10). The Lord’s work in you must retain its
character and nature (shape) in you, steadfast and enduring to the end - faithful, devoted,
loyal, resolute, unwavering (Mt 10:22). The Potter is the Creator and His purpose is to
mold and form. The clay is man (clay vessels from the dust of the earth, Job 4:19, 13:4)
and his function is to yield and obey. If the lump of clay does not “change” shape, then
no work comes forth – it is as it was. Our lives must yield change which conforms to
God’s truth. Now consider a hardened lump of clay. It is rigid (unbending, stiff, firm) and
will not yield to the hands of the Potter. This hard clay will not “change” its shape, but
remains stubbornly in its original form. To force this clay will only result in fracture and
will not produce a desired work. Hardened clay is quite useless for any good work.
Hardened clay lacks moisture. The Holy Ghost is the living water that is needed to make
it supple (Jn 7:37-39). Depending on the hardness, it may never become supple and
useable again. Similarly, those who are stubborn (obstinate, stiff-necked, pertinacious) in
their way will not surrender or yield to God so that the Lord may do a work in their lives.
These refuse to change their nature and die to the old to become born anew. Tread
careful, Oh man! The Lord is the Potter and He has power over the clay (Jer 18:3-6)! Of
the same lump to make one vessel to honor and another to dishonor (Rm 9:21-22)! The
Lord can build up or tear down and destroy (Jer 18:7-11, Rm 9:22). Does the clay think
to dictate to the Potter (Is 29:16, 45:9, Rm 9:20)? Whose will shall prevail, the Potter’s or
the clay’s? Will the clay be a vessel fit for use (2 Tim 2:20, 2 Cor 4:7) or ground to
powder (Mt 21:44, Lk 20:18)? The clay must yield and obey for there is no other way!
Jesus is the Way

When Jesus walked upon the earth as a man, He was filled with the Holy Spirit and only
sought the Father’s will. Jesus did not walk in the ways of the flesh. He did not ever seek
“self.” Why? Because God could not be approached or pleased that way! The ways of the
flesh are darkness. Jesus lived a “perfect” life with no sin (Jn 8:46, Heb 4:15, 1 Pt 2:22)!
The way in which Christ walked produced “perfect” results. Jesus led the way back to the
Father by example. Jesus is the way to God! The Greek word for “way” is - ὁδὸς,
meaning - route, road, path, (Jn 14:6). We have been instructed to “follow” and come out

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of the darkness (Ps 107:14, Is 9:2, 42:7, 16, Mt 4:16, Lk 1:79, Jn 8:12, 12:35, 46, Acts
26:18, 2 Cor 4:6). Those who do, enter into covenant with Christ - discussed in Chapter
Five, “Into the Light.”. We have also been given the Holy Spirit to comfort, teach, guide
and lead - discussed above. Therefore, we must also “die” to the ways of the flesh and
stop seeking “self.” We cannot come out of the darkness by any other way. Perhaps you
presume to know a better way than Christ (the devil deceives with a multitude of paths)?

Some may say that Jesus lived such a perfect life so that we would not have to, and that it
is impossible for man to follow in such a way. Such a statement is no more than a defense
of the darkness and a justification for “self.” This Jesus did not do! However, this is what
religious man often does. What this is presuming is that you do not have to follow and
may remain in darkness - a rejection of Christ’s calling – not receiving Christ’s message.
You are telling the Holy Spirit there is no need for His workings in your life – you are
quenching, grieving and blaspheming (Mt 12:31, Mk 3:29, Lk12:10). You are suggesting
that Jesus came to justify those in darkness and to put out God’s light, which is “truth.”
Those who think such things have no understanding and do not “know” God, but are
certainly defending Satan’s lie. For those who are sincere and see the absurdity
(illogicality, irrationality) of such thought, let us proceed on and briefly examine the
example Christ set for us to follow. Consider a “perfect” life lived that was devoted to
God…
Jesus Did the Father’s Will

The Lord Jesus came to the earth with purpose from the Father. John 6:38, “For I came
down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” I can do
nothing of “self” (Jn 5:19, 30, 8:28, 50). Jesus came to live the life that Adam, the first
man, failed to do. He would have to live perfectly in the Father’s will and not transgress
His commands at any time. Christ would have to surrender to God’s will over his own
way at every instance. Jesus also came to earth to set the example that God would have
all men to follow (2 Cor 3:18, Rm 8:29). Jesus was the perfect (express) image of the
Father and proclaimed that if you have seen Him then you have seen the Father (Heb 1:3,
Col 1:15, 2 Cor 4:4, Jn 14:9). Christ said that He and the Father are one (Jn 10:30,
17:11, 21)! We have already discussed how Jesus came to be the unblemished sacrificial
lamb to atone for the sin of the world and in so doing procured the “promise” of the Holy
Ghost (Jn 1:29, Rm 5:11, Acts 2:33, Rev 7:17). Christ demonstrated a complete sacrifice
of “self” in coming to the earth at the Father’s direction and then by totally submitting to
the Father’s will – He pleased not Himself (Rm 15:3). This life-time sacrifice of self was
for man’s benefit and the is “love.” If Christ were to live for self and/or try and serve God
by His own means (as most religious men do), then He would be following His will and
not the Father’s. Hebrews 10:7, “Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is
written of me,) to do thy will, O God (also Ps 40:7-8).” Jesus was focused on doing the
Father’s will whatever it may demand. This is a surrendering of self totally to God. John
8:28-29, “Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall
ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I
speak these things. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I
do always those things that please him.” Christ often said, “I can do nothing of Myself”
(Jn 5:19-20, 30). Jesus and the Father are one. Jesus walked the example as a man. We

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are to now follow Christ’s example and thus “do the will” of Jesus and the Father.
Without Jesus, we can do nothing (Jn 15:5). We do the things which please God, which
throughout His Word, has consistently been a surrender of self to God’s absolute
authority – just like Jesus did! We walk in faith (blind to the flesh) under the guidance of
the Holy Ghost (led about) and allow the Lord to work in our lives through our
obedience. We are conformed to the image of Christ along the way, who is the express
image of God (Col 1:15). John 14:20, “At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father,
and ye in me, and I in you.” Wow! Can you see how all this works out! Christ’s life
produced perfect results and we certainly must pay close attention to this if we are
seeking Him. We are to do nothing of ourselves, but are to do those things Christ did, as
led by His Spirit – to follow Him! To know a man is to walk as he walked – to experience
the same things.
Jesus Spoke the Father’s Words

Hebrews 1:1-2, “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto
the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son…” When
Christ came to the earth, He was born of flesh as a man (Jn 7:42, Rm 1:3, 2 Tim 2:8, Heb
2:14) – a partaker of flesh and blood as all men (Heb 2:14). Jesus grew up in this fallen
world, but was led of the Holy Spirit (Mt 4:1, Mk 1:12, Lk 2:40, 4:1, 14, 18). The
wisdom of the world is corrupted. 1 Corinthians 3:19, “For the wisdom of this world is
foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness (also 1
Cor 1:20, 2:6).” The world in its wisdom did not even “know” God (1 Cor 1:21, Jn
1:10). So, Jesus did not come speaking foolishness, but the Words of God (Jn 12:49-50).
The words Christ spoke were from above, and He spoke not with fleshly wisdom –
earthly logic or intellect (2 Cor 1:12, Ps 78:1-3). God’s truth could not emanate or come
forth from corrupted flesh (Jesus was uncorrupted)! – meaning the learning and wisdom
taught from man. John 7:16, “Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine (teaching) is
not mine, but his that sent me.” The Lord told the children of Israel that He might make
thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of
the mouth of the LORD doth man live (Deut 8:3). This means that man must completely
die to his way and surrender to God’s way. In doing so the Lord becomes your very live
and provides for your every need. Psalms 18:32, “It is God that girdeth me with strength,
and maketh my way perfect.” Jesus had died completely to His way (including His
earthly wisdom) and even repeated God’s purpose to the devil during a time of temptation
to seek His own flesh or will: Matthew 4:4, “But he answered and said, It is written, Man
shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of
God.” Jesus was doing that which rebellious man had always failed to do. Christ was
being completely led of the Spirit in surrendering to God’s will.

Man must understand that you must become blind to the things of the flesh to see in the
Spirit. Conversely, if you seek the things of the flesh, then you will become blind to the
things of the Spirit. God is a Spirit! – and must be worshipped in spirit and truth (Jn
4:24)! The Father seeketh such to worship Him (Jn 4:23). So, to seek the flesh, you
sacrifice the spirit and your relationship with God. Woe! Christ sacrificed the things of
the flesh and totally sought the Father through the spirit. The Holy Ghost led Christ in the
Father’s will (the right way) and gave Jesus the Father’s Words to speak. Christ stated

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very boldly: John 12:49-50, “For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent
me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I
know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the
Father said unto me, so I speak.” Jesus always obeyed the Father and God’s will always
brings life. Jesus said: John 8:38, “I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye
do that which ye have seen with your father.” Man typically does that of his father, the
devil (the one he chose in Eden), and that is to seek his selfish way. Satan’s will brought
death – and always shall. Christ did not desire His own knowledge of good and evil as
Adam had done - for that is in God’s hands. Jesus trusted in the Father for knowledge, as
Adam should have done. God’s knowledge brings life and Adam’s brings death. John
6:63, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak
unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” For it was prophesied of Jesus by Moses: I
(God) will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall
command him (Deut 18:18). Acts 3:22-23, “For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A
prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him
shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass,
that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the
people.” That prophet was Jesus and He came speaking God’s Words. John 3:34, “For he
whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure
unto him.”

All men will be held accountable for these Words that Jesus spoke from God. John 12:48,
“He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word
that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” Let us re-state: those that
seek the things of the flesh cannot please or “know” God (Rm 8:8, Jn 7:17). 1
Corinthians 2:14, “But the natural man (those living in darkness) receiveth not the things
of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them,
because they are spiritually discerned.” We must hear God’s Words and then “receive”
them. To “receive” is to apply. In other words, if you truly grasp and believe what is
being said, then you will start living your life accordingly. John 7:16-17, “Jesus answered
them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will,
he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” This
is saying that to “know” God’s will (that from above, God’s purposes), you must walk or
live God’s will. Faith is to be practiced, not considered, debated or talked about. Faith
can only be understood through application. Those that do not “receive” Christ’s Words
and walk in faith will be destroyed from among the people. This is because they refused
the Words (method) of pardon which absolves or releases them from the condemnation:
“thou shalt surely die (Gen 2:17).

Jesus lived the Words He spoke – by example! This is the mark of a sincere and genuine
person. The miracles that Christ performed gave credibility or proof to His Words. John
14:10-11, “Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words
that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth
the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for
the very works’ sake.” For example, Matthew 9:2-3, “And, behold, they brought to him a
man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the
palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. And, behold, certain of the scribes

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said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.” Jesus told the man his sins were
forgiven, yet the religious thought He had no such authority. So, the situation was
Christ’s Word verses their opinion or religious authority. How would the truth be known
and whose authority would be trusted? Matthew 9:4-7, “And Jesus knowing their
thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, Thy
sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of
man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise,
take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house.”
Christ’s undisputable actions or works proved His authority (similar accounts in Mk 2:2-
12, Lk 5:18-26). Matthew 9:8, “But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and
glorified God, which had given such power unto men.”
Jesus did the Father’s Works

Jesus came to the earth demonstrating the Father’s love. He had great compassion on all
those around and healed them of their diseases and delivered them from unclean spirits.
Throughout His ministry Jesus sacrificed self for the benefit of others – His neighbors.
Christ demonstrated the nature of the kingdom of God through such love and self denial.
Jesus humbled Himself and became as a servant. Philippians 2:7-8, “But made himself of
no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of
men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient
unto death, even the death of the cross.” Love, humbleness and obedience are pillars in
the kingdom of God. To become great, you must become least and a servant to all (Mt
23:11, Mk 9:35, 10:44, Lk 9:48). To be anything else is to be prideful (Mt 23:12) and
exert self over others – exercise lordship or authority over them (Mt 20:25-26, Mk 10:42-
42, Lk 22:25-26). Those who lead must lead by example (1 Pt 5:3). To serve others
absolutely requires one to humble themselves. Humbleness is meekness and submission.
What is being submissive? To submit/yield to the authority of another without objection
or resistance. To be ruled by the decision, will or judgment of another. This encompasses
meekness, obedience, surrender, yielding, and humbleness. Jesus submitted to the will of
the Father: John 8:29, “And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone;
for I do always those things that please him.” To give of yourself for another is love. To
place God above all is to be obedient unto God. This is the very essence of the kingdom
of God. 2 Corinthians 8:9, “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though
he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be
rich.” Through the sacrifice and submission of Jesus, we now can have reconciliation
with God and eternal life. Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of man came not to be
ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom (to liberate, set free) for
many.” We have benefited greatly! – if we “follow.”

Jesus came in the Father’s name and not His own (Jn 5:43, 10:25). Jesus’ love
(sacrifice), peace, compassion, sacrifice, obedience (submission/surrender), doctrine,
mercy, forgiveness, signs and wonders, healings, deliverances, forbearance under
injuries, wisdom, and self control bore witness of Him – who He was. John 10:25, “Jesus
answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name,
they bear witness of me.” AND John 5:36, “But I have greater witness than that of John:
for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear

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witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.” Christ rarely told anyone who He was, but
rather revealed it through His life – His walk. Similarly, the greatest witness a follower of
Christ has is his everyday life – how he conducts himself. Jesus was always about the
Father’s business (Lk 2:49) – what could be more important? Jesus always obeyed the
Father: John 14:31, “But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the
Father gave me commandment, even so I do…” Similarly, Jesus has instructed His
followers: John 14:15, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” Sacrifice of self to obey
the will of another is love! Jesus demonstrated such love for all to see. Christ’s followers
will do likewise! Jesus placed the Father’s work above all things. John 9:4, “I must work
the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”
Christ was focused: John 5:17, “But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto,
and I work.” Christ completed all the work the Father gave Him to do: John 17:4-5, “I
have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with
thee before the world was.” Jesus led by first walking the walk. The Lord now says: John
20:21, “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me,
even so send I you.” Jesus first spoke His gospel and validated it through the works He
worked. Let us go forth and do likewise. Jesus stated emphatically: “The Father that
dwelleth in me, he doeth the works (Jn 14:10).” Does the Lord God dwell in you (Jn
14:17, 23)?
Jesus was Tempted

Jesus experienced temptation of the flesh just like every man. Recall from Chapter One
that the power of the darkness is through the lusts of the flesh. This is how the devil
brings one into bondage, by getting them to follow his path through the desires of the
flesh. Luke 4:1, “And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was
led by the Spirit into the wilderness.” The reason Christ had fasted was to deny the flesh
in seeking God’s will through the Spirit, in an isolated wilderness away from all
distractions. Satan’s purpose was to tempt Christ into seeking his will as he had done
with Adam through Eve. Luke 4:2-3, “Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in
those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. And
the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made
bread.” The devil’s temptation was to fulfill the lust of the flesh - bring satisfactiojn to
your great hunger (craving of the flesh). Luke 4:4, “And Jesus answered him, saying, It is
written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” In other
words, God’s will takes precedence over the flesh – even if you must physically perish.
Man desires to live by the will of the flesh, but must live by the will of God! How many
would say: “God would not want me to perish from hunger?” If so, then you would have
“failed” the temptation my friend through exalting “your” opinion above the will of God.
God sustains through man’s obedience! Jesus did not fail, but submitted totally to the will
of God. Nothing is innocent – God’s will shall be done in all areas of one’s life!!!

The devil again tried to tempt Jesus with “the lie:” Luke 4:5-7, “And the devil, taking
him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a
moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the
glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou

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therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine (also Mt 4:8-10).” The devil tempted Christ
with the world – literally! God says to love not the world or the things therein (1 Jn 2:15-
17). The temptation was through the flesh. Satan was asking Jesus to choose His “own
way” and seek the desires of the flesh – to seize the glory of the world for “self.” This
would be submission to the devil’s way of self seeking and independence from God (the
lie) – and to become a part of the rebellion. This would give Satan the worship he desires
and would literally make God his servant (Is 14:13-14). The selfish benefit (enticement)
would be to instantly rule the world. This would take glory from God! Christ knew that
the Father would give Him all these things, but first He must perform the Father’s will –
through self sacrifice (Ps 2:7-8, Jn 13:3, Mt 28:11). The devil’s way would have placed
self first – above God. If Jesus had taken Satan’s offer, then He could have omitted the
path of the cross meaning no self denial or sacrifice – no submission to God. This would
have been an easier path – a broad way (Mt 7:13).

Consider Christ’s response: Luke 4:8, “And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee
behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only
shalt thou serve.” Jesus was submitted to God and His purposes; He lived by God’s every
Word (Lk 4:4) – God’s way. The devil also tempts man through the flesh – maybe with
fortune and fame (as was the case with many a rock star). Maybe with a shiney new
sports car? Maybe with prestige and position? Maybe a few percentage points increase in
your 401K account? Perhaps the devil takes your soul with something as trivial as a bowl
of soup (Gen 25:30-32, Rm 9:13, Heb 12:16)? Jesus always denied self in such
circumstances! John 6:38, “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but
the will of him that sent me.” Consider this case in fact: Jesus had been healing and
feeding the people and great multitudes were coming. John 6:15, “When Jesus therefore
perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed
again into a mountain himself alone.” The people were of a mind to make Jesus the king!
However, Jesus did not seek His will or the things of the flesh and immediately departed
and removed Himself from the situation. How many who profess to “know” Christ do
just the opposite with the things and opportunities of this world??? Satan stands ready to
tempt you with such things. How will you choose my friend? A trinket for your soul?

The devil is always persistent and you must be determined to serve God. Luke 4:9-11,
“And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto
him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: For it is written, He shall
give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: And in their hands they shall bear thee up,
lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.” The temptation was for Christ to
prove who He was – to exalt “self.” When one attempts to make God his servant then he
exalts himself above God. Jesus walked humbly and did not seek such glory. Luke 4:12-
13, “And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy
God. And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a
season.” Satan left, but is always looking for opportunity – there were many other
temptations (Lk 22:28). We can conclude that Jesus was filled with the Holy Ghost,
denied self, walked humbly, and surrendered to, obeyed and served God. We have now
established that Christ eschewed (avoided, shunned, abstained from) all evil – as in
Satan’s temptations. Jesus loved the Father and set the perfect example. This is how
followers of Christ must walk.

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Jesus was Persecuted

Jesus went about only speaking the Father’s Words and doing the Father’s works, always
in the Father’s will, showing love and compassion to all, yet was often persecuted. This
persecution came from the religious people who claimed to know and serve God. These
men actually sought the praise of self (Mt 6:2, 5, 16, 23:6-7, 14, Lk 20:46, Jn 11:48,
12:19, 43). These religious men were more than willing to sacrifice Jesus (or anyone
else, Jn 12:10-11, 16:2-3) for the benefit of themselves as per the nature of Satan’s
kingdom (Jn 11:49-53). The darkness always opposes the light! Jesus said: John 7:7,
“The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works
thereof are evil.” Christ’s Words convict and those who love darkness, religious or not,
will be unable to tolerate them. Men love the darkness and Jesus reveals the truth about
what men love – He told the truth and exposed the lie.

Jesus was demeaned, mocked, derided and belittled (Mt 13:55-57, 21:15, Mk 5:40,
15:29, 31, Lk 16:14, 20:2, 23:35, 39); His educated was questioned (Jn 7:15); His sanity
was questioned (Jn 10:20); He was falsely accused and called names (Mt 9:34, 12:24,
26:60, Mk 3:22, 14:56, Jn 7:20, 8:48-49, 9:16, 24, 10:20, 18:30); He was accused of
being possessed of unclean spirits (Mt 11:18, 12:24, Mk 3:22, Lk 11:15, Jn 10:20); He
was accused of violating God’s law and of being a sinner (Jn 9:16, 24); His authority was
questioned (Mt 21:23, Mk 11:28, Lk 20:2); and He was threatened, watched and the
object of tricks, plots or attempted manipulation (Mk 3:2, 12:10, 38, 17:24, 19:3, 21:23,
22:15, Mk 3:2, 6, 10:2, 11:18, 12:13, Lk 6:7, 11:53-54, 14:1, 20:20, Jn 8:6). They tried
to seize Jesus (Mk 12:12, 14:46, Lk 20:19, Jn 5:16, 7:32, 10:39, 11:57). They sought to
kill Christ everywhere He went (Mt 12:14, 21:46, 26:4, 16, 27:20-22, Mk 12:12, Lk
4:28-29, 19:47, 22:2, Jn 5:18, 7:1, 25, 8:59, 10:31, 11:8, 50, 53-54). Christ suffered
many things at the hands of these religious ones and was set at nought (Mk 9:12). Jesus
was persecuted (Jn 5:16)! Jesus did only good all the time. Psalm 35:12, “They rewarded
me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul.” The devil used the lusts of men (envy,
jealousy) to attempt to cause Jesus to lash out or develop a heart of resentment
(animosity) or dislike toward others – to quench His love. Christ endured such
contradiction of sinners against himself (Heb 12:3). Had Jesus given in to these
temptations, He would have submitted to the devil (sinned). Can you see how difficult
this was? Jesus did not hide out, but was always about the Father’s will even to His own
personal detriment.

Those who follow Christ and walk as He walked will naturally encounter the same
persecution that Jesus did – partakers in Christ’s sufferings and the afflictions of the
gospel (Php 1:29, 1 Pt 4:13, 2 Tim 1:8). John 15:20, “Remember the word that I said
unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will
also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.” Sincere and
devoted followers will enter into the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings (Php 3:10, 1 Pt
4:1, 5:10). Psalms 34:19, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD
delivereth him out of them all.” AND 2 Corinthians 4:9, “Persecuted, but not forsaken;
cast down, but not destroyed.” This was certainly demonstrated in the lives of men such
as Peter, John, James, Stephen, and Paul. These men were greatly resisted and

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persecuted; and were beaten, imprisoned, executed, and exiled. Matthew 10:25, “It is
enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have
called the master of the house Beelzebub (devil), how much more shall they call them of
his household?” The life of a believer will have persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12, “Yea, and
all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” This is not lack regarding
self-centered things or difficulties in life due to this fallen world. This is persecution
attributed to your life and witness in Christ – persecution for the cross of Christ (Gal
6:12). 1 Peter 3:14, “But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not
afraid of their terror, neither be troubled (also 1 Pt 4:16).”

If you do not encounter such persecution, then perhaps you are not living godly in a way
that confesses Christ before men (Mt 10:32-33, Lk 12:8-9). 2 Timothy 2:12, “If we suffer,
we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us.” This verse is saying
that if you avoid persecution for Christ’s sake, such as through compromise, then you
have deny Jesus. For those who are persecuted know this: 1 Peter 5:9, “Whom resist
stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren
that are in the world.” Jesus said: Matthew 5:11-12, “Blessed are ye, when men shall
revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my
sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so
persecuted they the prophets which were before you (also Lk 6:22-23).” When we expose
the darkness that men love, we can expect retribution – reprisal (retaliation) from those
who seek the flesh (Jn 15:19-20, 17:14). The foolish reject the light, and fools lash out at
those who try and correct them (Pv 3:35, 9:7-8, 10:8, 12:15, 14:16, 15:12, 17:10, 18:2,
23:9, 27:22, 28:26).
Jesus is the Example – the Alpha and the Omega

Jesus Christ was/is the very embodiment (personification) of the truth. Jesus was/is the
express (precise, definite, explicit, exact) image of the Father (Heb 1:3). God the Father
was well pleased with Jesus, the man (Mt 3:17, 12:18, 17:5, Mk 1:11, Lk 3:22, 2 Pt
1:17). Recall, that man was created for God’s pleasure. However, due to man’s
transgression and rebellion, the Lord said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from
the face of the earth…for it repenteth me that I have made them (Gen 6:7).” Jesus lived in
the truth and God realized (obtained) His original purpose for man in Christ. What was
this original intent? God’s intent was that a perfect and upright man is one that feareth
God and escheweth evil (Job 1:1, 8, 2:3, 28:28, Ps 19:9, 25:12, 111:10, 112:1, 128:1, Pv
1:7, 3:7, 4:27, 8:13, 9:10, 14:6, Acts 13:26). Christ “feared” God by walking in perfect
obedience to the will of the Father. Jesus eschewed evil by clinging to God’s Word and
rejecting Satan’s temptations to seek His flesh. Christ said, “for the prince of this world
cometh, and hath nothing in me (Jn 14:30).” This meant that Jesus never sought self and
thus did not allow Satan a foothold in His life. The power of the kingdom of darkness is
through the lusts of the flesh – seeking self (your way or will). Jesus never pleased
Himself (Rm 15:3). Therefore, Jesus was a perfect and upright man with no
transgressions against the will of the Father.

Jesus was filled and led of the Holy Ghost in serving the will of God everyday. Perfect
obedience to the Holy Ghost yielded a perfect life. The Father showeth the Son what He

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doeth (Jn 5:20). The Son showeth man what He doeth – by example. Jesus has invited us
to “follow” Him and has provided the same Holy Ghost (Mt 6:24, Mk 8:34, Lk 9:23,
18:22-30, Jn 10:4, 27, 12:26). When we “follow” the Lord works in us through his Spirit
to will and do (perform) His “good pleasure (Php 2:13).” God takes that transgressing
and rebellious man that He repenteth that He hath created, and now thinks to destroy –
who is under the condemnation of death (thou shaly surely die, Gen 2:17) and transforms
him (new creature, 2 Cor 5:17, Col 3:10) into one that feareth God and escheweth evil.
In other words, the Lord conforms you into the image of His Son (Rm 8:29, 12:2, 2 Cor
3:18, 1 Pt 2:21), who is the express image of God. You were created to be in the image
of God (Gen 1:26-27) and thus you must be. Those not found in God’s image will be
separated from Him (Mt 25:32-33). These are those who do not “fear” God nor eschew
evil (Pv 14:2, 6, Eccl 8:13). You must always be dying (to self) so that the life of Christ
can be manifested in you (2 Cor 4:10-11). In other Words, when you die to the things of
the flesh, you are walking in the life of Christ – the example He set. If Jesus died for all,
then we are all dead and must no longer live for “self,” but rather for the one who died for
us (2 Cor 5:14-15). When you surrender and obey the Lord’s workings in your life, one
day the Lord will say to you, “Well done, good and faithful servant (Mt 25:21, 23). Isaiah
50:10, “Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant,
that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and
stay upon his God.” The truth is found in the light, and Jesus is the way, the truth and the
life (Jn 14:6). Those who walk in darkness or Satan’s lie are not found in the truth and
these will be destroyed – for it repenteth God that He made them. Jesus left instructions
for His body – the called out ones (ekklesia, church). We are to teach and observe (do,
perform, apply, live) ALL the things Christ commanded (Mt 28:20). Jesus lived by
example the very things He taught and we have record of all things in His Word. How
many are ready to apply Jesus’ example and live as Christ? Psalms 128:1, “Blessed is
every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.”
Following Christ

Jesus says: Isaiah 48:17, “Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I
am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that
thou shouldest go.” Christ requires that we forsake all to follow Him. Luke 14:33, “So
likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my
disciple.” Let us consider one real life example. Mark 10:17-22, “And when he was gone
forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good
Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why
callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the
commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false
witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him,
Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him,
and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and
give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and
follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great
possessions.”

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This man seemingly had all the bases covered in that he observed the commandments.
Jesus goes right to the intent of the commandments. All of these commands were to teach
man to sacrifice self for the benefit of others. Notice how Jesus destroys “self” in this
man by telling him to “sell whatsoever thou hast” (make great personal sacrifice) and
“give to the poor” (for the benefit of others). The Lord then invites him to take up the
cross (meaning, death to self) and to “follow” in His example. This also destroys the
religious argument of Jesus having done what He did so we would not have to. We will
only go where Jesus went (back to the Father, Jn 16:16-17) by walking as He walked (1
Jn 2:6). This man had great possessions! Wealth and things elevate or exalt oneself above
others – these things separate. The accumulation of monies and possessions are found in
the lust of the flesh and the pride of life, which is Satan’s lie (1 Jn 2:15-17). Christ was
telling this man to destroy the fruits of darkness in his life and rather show love for
others. Wealth gives the flesh the control and command of situation it desires. God says
to trust in Him through faith, which must reach beyond the understanding of the flesh. To
part with all his wealth would mean the flesh would no longer rule. His life would be
soley in God’s hands.

So, what was the original question? What must I do that I may inherit eternal life? How
many ask the question, but are of no mind to embrace the answer? This man went away
grieved because he loved the darkness - all his possessions. In other words, he loved the
desires of the flesh, rather than submission to God. In the introduction of this book, the
author posed the question – what is truth? This chapter has conveyed what is truth and
reality! How many want to hear? How many who call themselves by the name of Christ
are willing? Jesus said to His disciples after this man left: Mark 10:23-25, “And Jesus
looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches
enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus
answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches
to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a
needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” Do you trust in riches? The
things self desires? Are you seeking the fruits of the flesh – wealth and possessions? OR
the fruits of the Spirit – righteousness through surrender to God? Mark 10:26-27, “And
they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?
And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with
God all things are possible.” Some may presume a sort of “loophole” here by placing the
burden upon God. What Jesus was alluding to was the Holy Spirit (the promise which
was yet to be given) working in your life, through your surrender and obedience, to
destroy the things of the flesh. The Spirit will bring those who will submit, to the place
where they will forsake all. The Spirit will tear down all those things in your life which
exalt themselves above God.

This man walked away from Christ (the light) back into the darkness. He decided to obey
the lie rather than the truth – just as Adam had done. How many do the same? Satan will
always provide justification to continue in “self” - even religious justification. Perhaps
the greatest deception is a religious man who through doctrines serves the flesh, but
assumes he is right before God. Satan is the great deceiver and does this all the time. The
question persists: what shall I do to inherit eternal life? The answer is you stop looking to
self and then totally and completely surrender to God in obedience to His Word. You

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forsake the darkness and all its principles. Fall upon God’s mercy, walk in His truth and
receive the Holy Spirit and yield. Note what Jesus said, “It is easier for a camel to go
through the eye of a needle (i.e strait gate), than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom
of God.” It is impossible for those who trust in anything of “self” or the “flesh” rather
than God to enter in at the strait gate. Christ said that the reason is, “Because strait is the
gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it (Mt
7:14, like the eye of a needle).”

Jesus further explained, “for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be
able (Lk 13:24).” Jesus is the strait gate (Jn 10:9)! This man was told a great truth; you
must forsake all so that you may squeeze in. There is no room for “your” way or the
things “self” desires. This man was told to forsake all, yet he was unwilling. Therefore,
he could not enter into the strait gate. He realized the impossibility (given his own will)
and went away grieved. His grief was found in his love of the darkness. When a choice
had to be made, he ultimately chose self over God. His limitation was found in “self” and
the things the flesh desires. The power of darkness is in the lust of the flesh. How many
will gladly serve God until there is a price to pay? Jesus was actually offering this man
the key to unlock that which Satan had bound him with. If we could only have the faith to
see beyond the flesh, then the darkness would lose its hold. Faith will bring us to the
light! The flesh will never come to the light otherwise, because it will expose its
wickedness and enmity with God (Jn 3:19-21).
God Exalts

Jesus once spoke a great eternal truth: Luke 14:11, “For whosoever exalteth himself shall
be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Those who exalt themselves
(pride) take and shall be cast down. Those who humble themselves (deny) are given and
are lifted up. Jesus had humbled Himself throughout His earthly walk always obeying the
will of the Father. Christ had never sought self, only that which the Father required. Jesus
now faced the cross and would freely and lovingly lay down His physical life for the
purposes of God. John 13:31-32, “Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is
the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God be glorified in him, God
shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.” What did Jesus mean
by this statement? Luke 22:69, “Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of
the power of God.” Jesus glorified the Father! Philippians 2:8-11, “And being found in
fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of
the cross. Wherefore God also 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, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Christ has been greatly exalted and
sits at the right hand of God (Mk 14:62, 16:19, Acts 2:33-35, 5:31, 7:55-56, Rm 8:34,
Eph 1:20, Col 3:1, Heb 1:3, 1:13, 12:2, 1 Pt 3:22).

Now consider what Jesus said regarding those who are called out of the darkness to
“follow” Him: Revelation 3:21, “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my
throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” Do you
comprehend the magnitude of this? Jesus walked in faith lovingly surrendering to God in

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all things as led by the Holy Ghost - God’s grace. To accomplish this, He completely died
to self (His way, what self desires). In doing so, God exalted Him to His right hand.
When we walk in faith (lovingly surrendering to the will of God), we also procure God’s
grace (Christ’s forgiveness, redemption-Rev 5:9, and the Holy Ghost) such that we may
walk as Jesus walked. In so doing, Jesus exalts us to sit with Him in His throne at the
right hand of the Father. Can you see how a true believer is precisely following His Lord
in all things? 2 Timothy 2:12, “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him,
he also will deny us.” Ultimately, the Lord exalts us to reign with Him (Rev 20:6).
Summary

Jesus lived a perfect life and great example for us to follow. We are told to follow in His
steps of truth and righteousness (1 Pt 2:21-24, 1 Jn 2:6, Col 2:6, 2 Jn 1:6). Psalms 85:13,
“Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.” Psalms
25:5, “Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee
do I wait all the day.” Christ died to self and absolutely surrendered to the will of the
Father. Jesus walked in total obedience, speaking the Father’s Words and working the
Father’s will. Christ was humble and a servant to all, full of love and compassion. He
always sacrificed self for the benefit of others – God foremost and then His neighbor.
Jesus resisted all temptations through His death to the things or lusts of the flesh and His
devotion to God. In dying to the world, Jesus was persecuted by the world. The world
loves its own, but has little tolerance for those who oppose its darkness (Jn 15:19). Jesus
accomplished this by being filled with and led of the Spirit. Jesus said, “I can do nothing
of self” – the flesh profiteth nothing (Jn 5:19, 30, 6:63, 8:28, 50).

You must be “born again.” The old man cannot be reformed and must die. The old man is
corrupt according to the deceitful lusts (Eph 4:22). One can only be “born again” through
sincere repentance, which is a forsaking and death to your old way. 2 Corinthians 5:17,
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away;
behold, all things are become new.” Ephesians 4:24, “And that ye put on the new man,
which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” The old man walked after
his own desires and lusts. The new man walks after the will of God (doing the will of
God from the heart, Eph 6:6) – as Christ walked. This is the difference between darkness
and light. In other words, you become the opposite of what you were as manifested
through genuine “change.” Ephesians 5:8-10, “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now
are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all
goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.” To
“prove” is to demonstrate through your daily walk.

We have been “called” out of the darkness and offered forgiveness and the promise of
the Holy Ghost (Gal 1:4). In other words, we have been given the means and ability to
follow Christ and complete the course – but not through the flesh. The Holy Spirit leads
according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will
(Eph 1:11). The narrow way is not a path of ease and will surely tear down the flesh, but
we now have the ability to follow the Lord to the end - which is reconciliation with God.
Its time to stop loving the darkness and saying it can’t be done. Its time to deny yourself
daily, take up your cross and follow (Mt 16:24, Mk 8:34, Lk 9:23). We must now stop

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loving our life in this present darkness and lose it for Jesus’ sake (Mt 10:39, 16:25, Mk
8:35, Lk 9:24, 17:33, Jn 12:25, 2 Cor 4:11, 5:15). If you cannot then: Luke 14:27, “And
whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” You must
forsake all – everything (Lk 14:33). If you think that is going a bit too far then you cannot
be Christ’s disciple (Lk 14:26-27, 33). Choose whom you will love – the darkness or the
light. Jesus greatly humbled Himself and the Father greatly exalted Him to have a name
above all names (Eph 1:20-22, Php 2:9-11) – to become greatest, you must become least.
We must understand the following truths: Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goeth before
destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” To exalt self and seek your own will
shall result in your own destruction – condemnation. The way of the ungodly shall perish
(Ps 1:6). The proud are an abomination to God (Pv 16:5) and the Lord will resist them
(Pv Js 4:6, 1 Pt 5:5). However, Proverbs 15:33, “The fear of the LORD is the instruction
of wisdom; and before honour is humility.” When we love and obey the Lord, we walk in
wisdom and our humbleness produces honor. God will give grace to the humble (Js 4:6,
1 Pt 5:5).

Jesus was greatly honored after His faithful obedience (1 Pt 5:6) – even unto death. Now
go forth and show Christ your devotion through your actions. Psalms 143:10, “Teach me
to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of
uprightness.” Righteousness keepeth the upright (Pv 13:6) and he that walketh in
uprightness feareth the Lord (Pv 14:2). To be upright is to be honest and conform to
God’s truth.
End Statement

Proverbs 12:28, “In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is
no death.” This “way” leads to God and he that finds God findeth life (Pv 8:35). Psalms
86:11, “Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy
name (also Ps 31:3).” AND Psalms 25:4-5, “Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy
paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee
do I wait all the day.” Psalms 1:6, “For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but
the way of the ungodly shall perish (also Ps 37:23).” Proverbs 4:18, “But the path of the
just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” In heaven,
everything is alive and that life emanates (issues from a source) from God.

To walk in the truth (light) will cost you all that opposes the truth. This will be such a
decrease in you that it will bring death (to self) and will necessitate re-birth (through
Christ).

Chapter 3 – The Fruit

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Who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof (1 Cor 9:7)?
In the beginning, God told man to be fruitful and multiply and replenish (to fill; to stock
with numbers or abundance) the earth (Gen 1:28, 9:1). What was God’s purpose in this
and how did it relate to the kingdom of God? Throughout the Word of God, the Lord
speaks of his expectations of man in terms of the fruit He intends to receive. What could
God possibly want that could be produced in you? The answer is what the Lord originally
expected – A creation that loves the Lord from their own free-will choice and surrenders
in obedience to His will. This is how God is honored and glorified. We considered
Lucifer’s rebellion and the fall of man in Chapter One. Man has become thoroughly
corrupted, yet God still intends to reap an acceptable harvest from the earth. Psalms
33:13-15, “The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men. From the
place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth. He fashioneth their
hearts alike; he considereth all their works.” Many men must be born to produce enough
acceptable fruit that may be gathered for a harvest – for most will be corrupted. These
fruits that are produced will be tried and proven. All men (whosoever will) have the
potential to surrender to God and produce good fruit (by allowing God to work in them -
pruning, fertilizing, weeding, etc.).

We discussed God’s method of reconciling man back to Himself in Chapter Two. The
fact of the matter, as this book will reveal, is that only a small percentage of man will be
reconciled back to the Lord. This is because God gives us the free-will to choose and
most will never leave that broad way that leadeth to destruction (darkness, many travel,
Mt 7:13) and enter onto the narrow way which leadeth unto life (light, few travel, Mt
7:14). The broad path is actually “your” way and the narrow path is God’s way. The
broad way is the way of the flesh and denies the Spirit to seek “your” way, as per the lie.
This is a denial of God’s way. The narrow way is the way of the Spirit and denies the
flesh to seek God’s way, as per the truth. This is to forsake “your” way. These paths are
opposite one another; they go different directions! Thus one leads toward God for the
purpose of reconciliation and eternal life. The other leads away from God for the purpose
of eternal separation and the second death. Obviously, to move away from God is to be
separated from God. Given the “many” and the “few,” most shall choose to remain in
corruption and love the darkness. They will just never see (darkness = blindness +
deception) the merit of serving the Lord on a path that denies the flesh, which is their way
or the seeking of self – doing what makes you feel good. The truth (God’s path) will
always elude those whose eyes are on the things of the flesh or their path. A perfect
example of this would be the world and what it represented before the flood in the time of
Noah – all perished, but a few. Why? They all sought their way rather than to honor,
worship and bring glory to the Lord.

God does not desire to harvest corrupted fruit! Jesus even compares the time in which we
undoubtedly live with the time prior to the flood (Mt 24:38-39, Lk 17:26). What does the
Lord consider to be an acceptable harvest? The Lord desires the firstripe fruits which are
the best of the tree or vine. Micah 7:1, “Woe is me! for I am as when they have gathered
the summer fruits, as the grapegleanings of the vintage: there is no cluster to eat: my soul
desired the firstripe fruit (also Hos 9:10).” The firstfruits of the land (harvest) were

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always to be offered as sacrifice unto the Lord (Ex 23:19, 34:26, Lev 2:12, 14, 23:10, 17,
20, Num 18:12, 28:26, Deut 26:2, 10, 2 Chr 31:5, Heb 10:37, 12:44, Pv 3:9, Jer 2:3, Ez
20:40, 44:30, 48:14). The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring unto the house
of the Lord thy God (Ex 34:26). Nehemiah 10:35, “And to bring the firstfruits of our
ground, and the firstfruits of all fruit of all trees, year by year, unto the house of the
LORD.” This choice fruit was just a “small percentage,” yet the best, of the whole
harvest. Israel was directed of God to celebrate a feast called, the ingathering - feast of
the firstfruits of thy labors (Ex 23:16, 34:22) a foreshadowing of things to come.
Scripture reveals to us that the first of all the firstfruits of all things shall be the priest’s.
Jesus is our priest!

Consider the first sacrifices of man to God. Genesis 4:3-5, “And in process of time it
came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.
And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the
LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had
not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.” Cain brought of the
fruit. Notice the absence of the word firstfruit or best. Tradition and extra-biblical
writings (only implied in scripture) maintain that Cain’s offering was less than the best of
what he grew – the seconds. However, Abel brought the firstlings or best of his flocks
and God had respect (to regard as having worth) of this offering. By faith Abel offered
unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain (Heb 11:4). The firstfruits result from the
labor of the Lord upon the earth (Rm 8:23). This labor is the Lord working in the hearts
of men, calling us out of the darkness and into the light. In other words, calling us off of
the broad way and onto the narrow way. God works in the hearts (pruning, fertilizing,
weeding, etc.) of those traveling the narrow path to transform them so that they produce
much fruit. So, the Lord patiently gathers His firstfruits from the earth year by year
through the ages until such a time as His house is full (Mk 4:29, Lk 14:23, Rm 8:23).
James 5:7-8, “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the
husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until
he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming
of the Lord draweth nigh.”

Therefore, the first fruits represent those who sincerely love and obey the Lord during
their lives on the earth - the faithful. Those who seek self or “their” way are corrupted (by
the devil’s lie, Satan’s nature) and their fruit is noticeably rotten. These bring forth fruit
unto “self” (Hos 10:1-2). The corrupted fruit is cast away. Psalms 34:16, “The face of the
LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.”
Therefore: those which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, are waiting for the adoption, to
wit, the redemption of our body (Rm 8:23). James 1:18, “Of his own will begat he us with
the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” The Holy Ghost
works in us to bring forth fruit unto God – the Father is glorified when we bring forth
much fruit (Jn 15:8).
The Acceptable Harvest

Let us consider more specifically what the acceptable harvest truly is. From one end of
the Bible to the other, the Lord has been very consistent in His message of what He

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desires in man. Man must willfully (free-will choice), lovingly (sacrifice of self for God’s
benefit) humbly (lessening of self, death of) and obediently (obeying Christ’s commands)
surrender (totally yield) to the absolute will (commands, authority) of God with a whole
heart (sincere, genuine, pure). This is accomplished through Christ in faith - a walk of
faith on the narrow way. The faithful ones walk by the Spirit and not by the flesh (Jn 3:6,
6:63, Rm 8:4-6, 8-9, 12-14, 2 Cor 7:1, Gal 3:3, 4:29, 5:16-17, 6:8, Php 3:3). Romans
8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who
walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” AND Romans 8:13, “For if ye live after the
flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall
live.” The Spirit, through our obedience, prunes and weeds (mortifies, puts to death) so as
to produce good fruit (to be discussed).

God is reconciling a portion of creation back to Himself free from corruption - pure,
righteous, and holy. God works in those who are willing to accomplish this. This is
accomplished through your obedience and thus only the genuine and sincere will prevail.
Only those who live consistently (practicing daily, enduring, persevering) in faith will be
reconciled - by applying, changing, conforming, surrendering, and yielding to God’s
work in them. God works in these to conform them to the image of Christ (Lk 6:40, Rm
8:28-29, 2 Cor 3:18, 4:10-11, Gal 3:27, Eph 4:13, 15, Col 1:20, 3:10, Heb 13:21). In
other words, these will reflect the image (nature, characteristics) of God - His Word,
which is truth. They will bear fruit in their lives - as walked out through Christ’s example
– read the gospels. Galatians 5:22-24, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is
no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”
AND Ephesians 5:9, “For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness (our
righteousness is our faith) and truth.” You cannot have a law that requires love, joy,
peace, longsuffering, self control, etc. These things must emanate (originate, spring
forth) from the heart. The Lord works in the sincere of heart to make this happen.

These are God’s requirements in keeping with His righteous character and established
truth - Word. This is what man was created to be and nothing else is acceptable. The Lord
God will prevail in His purposes! The trees in the garden of Eden were known of their
fruit. The “tree of life” produced the fruit of obedience unto life. The “tree of the
knowledge of good and evil” bore the fruit of disobedience unto death – poison fruit. Just
as these trees were known of their fruits so will we be known of that which we partake of
or bear. That which proceeds into the heart of a man will most assuredly proceed out
again (Mk 7:21-23). That which you partake of will manifest in the fruit of your actions.
Doth a good tree bringeth forth corrupt fruit or doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit
(Lk 6:43)?
Man’s Perspective

Man lives in a fallen corrupted world. This world is fashioned in disobedience and
rebellion - the nature of the lie. What does man consider to be the best of the best or
firstfruits, cream of the crop – the successful? In other words, what are the characteristics
that man finds most admirable and teaches in society and reinforces? Man considers
those that are powerful, famous and celebrities to be due great respect, honor, attention,

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reverence and worship – tremendous envy. These would be movie stars, sports heroes,
musical stars, political leaders (president, governor, congressman, etc.), religious leaders
(Pope, exalted ones), wealthy influencial people (billionaires), or corporate leaders
(CEOs, leaders of large companies, etc.) and innovators. These are looked up to as
almost godlike by the public at large. To achieve these positions, these individuals must
be very outgoing and assertive. In other words, they must be prideful (self exalting) and
self seeking. To achieve these positions they must sacrifice others for the benefit of self -
opposite of love.

Don’t be to quick to dismiss this (in defending your idols), think about it a bit and what it
takes to achieve and be successful. Where must your “drive” and focus be? To achieve
this popularity, these must routinely disobey (violate, disregard) the Word of God (truth).
They are seeking foremost, the things of the world to realize “their” way. 1 John 2:15-17,
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world,
the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and
the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the
world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for
ever.” Now perhaps you are starting to understand that the world loves those who are in
the image of the lie - the nature of Satan, the darkness, the rebellion, it’s own. The first
part of these verses (1 Jn 2:15-17) reveal what fallen man (the majority, those on the
broad way) are seeking after (foremost) – selfish things. The last part of these verses
reveal what God expects if you want to abide forever. You must actually “do” the will of
God (Eph 5:17) which is clearly the opposite of what man seeks.

Those few who actually obey shall live (eternal life) and dwell with God forever. Fallen
man reflects the nature of Satan (his lie) which manifests as corrupted fruit or
characteristics. Galatians 5:19-21, “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are
these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred,
variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness,
revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time
past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God (additional
fruits of the flesh in Rm 1:24-32).” Those who live in the lie, which is opposite of the
truth, will not receive the promise of eternal life (1 Jn 2:25). Romans 1:18, “For the
wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of
men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.” To these “truth” is found in “the lie” which
is unrighteousness. Unrighteousness is defined as the violation of the will of God – His
divine law or commandments. This may consists of a single unjust act.

Our righteousness must be found in faith toward God. This is the continual process
whereby we surrender our will to the purposes of God and are transformed into the image
of Christ (God’s truth, nature, expectations) as we yield to the Spirit’s workings in our
lives. These trees of righteousness bear good fruit and are the planting of the Lord (Is
61:3). The planting of the Lord means that God cultivates (plants, plows, tends, nurtures,
promotes, encourages, fosters) His will in your heart and brings forth His good pleasure
in you (Php 2:13). Iniquity is unrighteousness which is violation of the will of God.
Many think they can profess Christ and then continue to seek self (their way) under a
godly covering which they re-define as God’s grace – they continue to walk in darkness.

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These will be very shocked one day - taken by surprise, greatly startled. Let us consider
why: Matthew 7:21-23, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the
kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will
say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name
have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I
profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Notice that
many said “Lord, Lord,” meaning they said their sinner’s prayers or made some “belief”
statement – they had an association with Christ. Further notice that they did religious
things and had wonderful works. Jesus tells them He doesn’t know them (shock) – their
profession (unsubstantiated belief and not practice) and their works did not save them -
double shock! Jesus told them that they work iniquity. What did we just say “iniquity” is?
It is “unrighteousness,” which is violating the will of God - not keeping or disobedience.

Now notice what Jesus said to begin with: the ones that enter into the kingdom of heaven
are the ones who “doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Can this be any more
plain? These religious ones had an association with Christ’s name and a form of
godliness (religion), but were still walking in their own will or ways. They were still
living in the darkness – the nature of Satan’s lie. It is incredibly important that we
understand this! Those who walk in iniquity or darkness will find out: Lamentations 3:42,
“We have transgressed and have rebelled: thou hast not pardoned.” Jesus would say to
them: Luke 6:46, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”
Jesus said: Matthew 12:50, “For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in
heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” In other words, Christ’s family
are those who actually practice or live the will of God - daily. Jesus also said: Luke
11:28, “But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.”
Jesus is talking about obeying the truth, which is God’s Word, which Jesus is incarnate -
bodily manifestation of, personified, embodied (Jn 1:1-3, 14, Rev 19:13, 1 Jn 1:1-2).
This is why Christ could say: John 14:23, “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man
love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto
him, and make our abode with him.”

Now lets consider why the world has no appreciation for those who actually do the will
of God. The Lord God requires that you live under His law of love. Jesus said: Mark
12:30, “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and
with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment (also Deut 6:4-
5).” This is saying that God must be foremost in everything in your life. To place the
Lord “foremost,” you must obey His Word and walk in His truth in every area of your
life – a submission of the will in obedience. You cannot seek “your” way (selfish wants,
needs, desires, lusts) and also place God first – these things are opposed to each other.
This means no exalting of self nor seeking of the things of this world. To love God is to
sacrifice self for His benefit - truth’s sake, glory, honor. Jesus said it like this: Luke 9:24-
25, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my
sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world,
and lose himself, or be cast away?” Those who save their lives now are the ones seeking
their way to make place for themselves. These seek all the glory of the world and what it
has to offer. Those who lose their lives for Jesus are the ones who have forsaken “their”
way and love the Lord God with all their heart, mind, soul and strength (Lk 10:26-28).

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These die to self daily in placing God foremost in their lives (1 Cor 15:31). So, what
about all the aforementioned who have triumphed in their flesh and the multitudes that
envy and seek to be like them? These have gained the whole world (the good things it
has to offer), but in doing so have lost their very souls – oh the vanity.

Jesus next said: Mark 12:31, “And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy
neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” We are next
to sacrifice self for the benefit of others - all the people around us (Lv 19:17-18). 1 John
4:21, “And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his
brother also.” You cannot climb to the top in this world without disregard for others.
These two great commandments sum up how we must be! We must place God foremost
in our lives and then the others around us. Self comes last! This is the opposite of what
Satan’s lie tells us. This is opposite of how the multitudes on the broad way live or
practice. The world is prideful and rich (Lk 6:24); Christ says we must be poor in spirit
(Mt 5:3). The world celebrates and laughs (Lk 6:21); Jesus says we must mourn – over
our sinful condition (Mt 5:4). The world is popular, assertive and harsh (Lk 6:24); Christ
says we must be meek (Mt 5:5). The world seeks its full - pleasures, lusts, riches (Lk
6:25); the Lord says we must hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6). The world is
hard - callous, harsh; Jesus says we are to be merciful - loving and forgiving (Mt 5:7).
The world is disingenuous - hypocritical, deceitful, dishonest; Christ says we are to be
pure in heart - sincere, genuine, truthful (Mt 5:8). The world is full of hate (sacrifice of
others for self) and violence (cause harm for selfish benefit); Jesus says we must be
peacemakers - love all, even our enemies (Mt 5:9, Lk 6:27). The world will hate those
who follow Christ; Jesus says that we will be persecuted, but to rejoice in it (Mt 5:10-12,
Lk 6:22-23). Followers of Christ will be hated by the world (Mt 10:22, 24:9, Mk 13:13).
Believers will become a great reproach in this world (Mt 5:11-12, 10:21-22, 24:9, Lk
6:22, 12:11-12, 2 Cor 4:8-9, 12:9-10, 2 Thess 1:4-8, 2 Tim 3:12, Php 1:29-30, 3:10, 1 Pt
1:7, 2:21, 3:14-16, 4:13, 16, 19, 2 Tim 2:12, Heb 11:26, 13:13, 1 Jn 3:13, Rev 2:10,
12:11).

Therefore, a sincere follower of Christ must live in a way completely opposite of the
ways of this world. More specifically, a “follower” must die to self and forsake all - flesh,
entertainments, pleasures, riches, etc. (Mk 10:21, Lk 14:33, 18:22) in surrender to God’s
way – The Way (Jn 14:6). Nothing can come before Christ in your life (Lk 14:26). On
top of this, you will suffer the reproach of the world and enter into the fellowship of
Christ’s sufferings (Php 1:29, 3:10, 1 Pt 4:19). Who would ever dare to tread such a
path? The answer is a very few and it is a narrow way (Mt 7:14). This is God’s way of
determining the true and sincere - those He will choose. No fake or phony would ever
walk such a path that will destroy the flesh. In other words, no one who loves the
darkness (Jn 3:19) or holds to Satan’s lie would ever venture such a way. No, only the
sincere will ever find and walk this path – those who love God more than life itself. Only
the sincere would lay their physical life down for what they believe – throughout history,
those who followed Christ often did (the martyrs). Once more, you can only traverse this
path as led by the Spirit with your eyes upon Jesus. Its very narrow and you do not know
the way. Jesus went before and forged the path (back to God) and the sheep are to just
obediently follow (Jn 10:2, 27). The path is by way of the cross, which is death to the old
way (Rm 6:6, Eph 4:22) and coming out of the darkness into the light. Does the flesh

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delight in a cross in any way? - death and suffering to the flesh. We must take up our
crosses and “follow.” If we do not explicitly follow, then we will not arrive.
Understanding Fruit

The Lord God desires fruit to be produced in man. What could man possibly produce that
God would desire? Psalms 89:11, “The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: as for
the world and the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them.” God possesses all things! The
Lord states to man: Psalms 50:10-12, “For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle
upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the
field are mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the
fulness thereof.” What could man possibly offer to God? The answer is that which the
Lord originally expected – a loving surrendered obedient heart to do the will of God. The
Lord wants us freely submitted to His purposes and to uphold the truth of His Word.
What man may offer God is the sacrifice of “self.” To bring God the glory, praise and
honor that the Creator is due – your love and devotion. Now the Lord is not interested in
words, but rather actions. In other words, the Lord does not want an apple tree to tell Him
it is an apple tree – God wants to see apples on the tree and thereby know - proof,
evidence. The fruit is what the life of the plant produces.

Let us understand how this fruit is produced. Jesus said: John 15:1, “I am the true vine,
and my Father is the husbandman.” Jesus is “the truth” - the Word of God personified –
incarnate. God the Father is the cultivator or one who labors to improve, to promote and
advance in good qualities or in growth. John 15:2-4, “Every branch in me that beareth not
fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring
forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the
vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” The branches are men that are found in
Christ - “in me” - have made a commitment to the Lord to walk in His truth. God works
in the branches to produce the qualities the He desires - the fruit – that which is
outwardly manifested on the branches. The fruit begins inwardly and then manifests
outwardly. Those branches that do bear fruit, God purgeth that they may bring forth more
fruit. To purge is to cleanse or purify by taking away whatever is impure. This cleansing
is done through the application of Christ’s Word - “clean through the Word.” The
iniquity (which is transgressing God’s Word) is purged and thus one is cleansed.

The unfruitful branches are totally removed from the vine. These are no longer found in
Christ Jesus. The fruit is definitely not religious works – things that we do to gain God’s
favor. The fruit is gained through yielding to God’s working in your life through His
Spirit and Word - obedience (Php 2:13). The fruit that is produced is the characteristics
of God’s nature in you – you become a reflection of Jesus who is the Word. Jesus said:
John 15:5, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the
same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” Fruit is only produced
by abiding in Jesus. To abide is to stand firm in; continue with permanently in the same
state as; dwell with; to be firm and immovable and to endure and be sustained by. The
branch is sustained by the vine! The branch cannot survive apart from the vine. Thus, you
can do nothing in and of yourself. Jesus is the truth and the life (Jn 14:6). Apart from

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Christ is the lie and death. The lie says that you can exist apart or independently from the
vine (ye shall not surely die, and will be as a god - Gen 3:4-5). You cannot approach God
apart from the truth – which is Christ. John 15:6, “If a man abide not in me, he is cast
forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and
they are burned.” Those who do not abide in the truth, but hold to the lie shall surely die
(Gen 2:17). These are cast into the lake of fire prepared for the devil and his angels (Mt
25:41). This is telling you what John 15:2 said – that a fruitless branch is removed from
the vine and cast into the fire! These do not “abide” in Christ and thereby produce no
fruit. You must abide in God’s truth! John 15:7-8, “If ye abide in me, and my words
abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father
glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” If we abide in the truth
and the truth abides in us, then God hears us. God is glorified in the fruit we produce. The
Lord God expects much fruit for His labors!

Those who disregard the Lord are on another vine altogether: Deuteronomy 32:32-33,
“For their vine is of the vine of Sodom, and of the fields of Gomorrah: their grapes are
grapes of gall, their clusters are bitter: Their wine is the poison of dragons, and the cruel
venom of asps.” There fruit is extremely bitter and poisonous.

The Lord will not continue with a branch that refuses to yield (stubborn, disobedient) and
thus produces no fruit. We “know” that we are Christ’s disciples when our lives reflect
the example that Christ set for us when He walked upon the earth. John 15:9, “As the
Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.” How do we continue
in Christ’s love? John 14:15, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” What are
Christ’s commandments? Foremost, you love the Lord your God with all your heart,
mind, soul and strength (you do His will, Deut 6:4-5, Mt 22:37, Mk 12:30, Lk 10:27).
Secondly, you love your neighbor as yourself (Lev 19:18, Mt 22:39, Mk 12:31, Lk
10:27). Love is self sacrificing for the benefit of another. Love is found in self denial
which is opposite of the lie. In conclusion: John 15:10, “If ye keep my commandments,
ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in
his love.” Jesus (the vine) set the example by perfectly doing the will of the Father and
totally denying self. Jesus always placed others first. We must “follow” our Lord and we
shall abide in His love. We must now understand that God EXPECTS fruit and the
fruitless shall be cast away into the fire. The righteous need this fruit, it is as the tree of
life (Pv 11:30).

Consider what John the Baptist said: Matthew 3:10, “And now also the axe is laid unto
the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn
down, and cast into the fire.” Jesus said: Matthew 7:19-20, “Every tree that bringeth not
forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall
know them.” The consistent message is that we must walk in the truth and our fruit
(actions) must reflect this truth. Most will produce corrupt fruit (actions) which will also
reveal their nature. To further illustrate this point: Luke 13:6-9, “He spake also this
parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought
fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold,
these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why
cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year

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also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after
that thou shalt cut it down.” God is looking for fruit. The Lord is longsuffering, but there
does come the day of the axe and the fire (2 Pt 3:9). Matthew 12:33, “Either make the
tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the
tree is known by his fruit.” Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem: Matthew 21:18-20, “Now
in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered. And when he saw a fig tree in
the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let
no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered
away (also Mk 11:13-14, 20-21)!” In this case the fig tree represented Israel and it was
fruitless. Notice that the fig tree had leaves or an outward appearance of being a fig tree.
Israel made great profession of serving God and had a tremendous religious system, but
no fruit. Jesus came looking for fruit! Similarly, Christ will one day come seeking fruit
on us - pray that you do not suffer rebuke such that you wither and are thrown into the
fire. Perhaps you have leaves or an outward show suggesting you “profess” Christ, but no
real fruit?
The Parable of the Seeds

Matthew 13:3, “And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a
sower went forth to sow.” Mark 4:14, “The sower soweth the Word.” This is God
speaking His eternal Word – the truth. God’s message has always been consistent and
proclaims that we are to turn from our wickedness (our way, forsake it) and turn to God
with a willing mind and a whole heart in submission and love - faith. We are to come out
of the darkness (lie) and into the light (truth). The “Way” to God is through Jesus Christ.
John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh
unto the Father, but by me.” The soil that the Word is being placed into is the hearts of
individual hearers. Mark 4:4, “And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way
side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.” The gospel of Luke adds that the
seed (Word) was trodden down (Lk 8:5). The way side would represent those individuals
who do not have hearts prepared to receive the Word because they were strictly seeking
their own way. They had no appreciation to hear or understand the great significance of
what was being said because they had higher priorities to self. 2 Corinthians 4:4, “In
whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the
light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”
Their feet tread it in the ground as they went about their way – these disregard God’s
Word (truth). Jesus said: Matthew 7:6, “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither
cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again
and rend you.” The pearls would be the precious things of God. They had no use for the
Word and brought dishonor to God by their disregard. Men love the darkness (Jn 3:19);
by nature men love the lie. God is not in their thoughts and they do not want to know His
ways. Psalm 10:4, “The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after
God: God is not in all his thoughts.” Job 21:14, “Therefore they say unto God, Depart
from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.”

The fowls of the air represent the devil (the wicked one, Mt 13:19, Mk 4:15). Jesus said:
Luke 8:12, “Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh

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away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.” The devil does
this the way he always has. He appeals to their desire to seek their own way by telling
them: “ye shall be as gods” (Gen 3:5) and “ye shall not surely die.” (Gen 3:4). Their eyes
are on their own path and certainly not God’s. They live in the flesh and the things of
God are as foolishness to them. They become blind to the truth. 1 Corinthians 2:14, “But
the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto
him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” Therefore: 1
Corinthians 1:18, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but
unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” The cross means death to self (your
selfish way). These do not believe (have no use for it, never no mind) and thus they are
not saved. The devil takes them captive at his will (2 Tim 2:26). Therefore, these seeds
never even sprout much less produce fruit. To be fruitless is to be cast away!

Matthew 13:5-6, “Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and
forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was
up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.” These are
individuals that hear the Word and receive it, but have no depth of understanding (life in
the Spirit) or heart to apply the Word to their lives and actually live it. In other words,
these hear the Word, but do not mix it with faith (they do not apply the Word and live it,
Heb 4:2). Jesus said: Mark 4:16-17, “And these are they likewise which are sown on
stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction
or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.”

The gospel of Luke adds that the sprouts withered away because they lacked moisture
(Lk 8:6). Water or moisture has always been symbolic of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said: “If
any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture
hath said (in submission and obedience, Jn 14:15, 21, 15:10), out of his belly shall flow
rivers of living water (Holy Spirit, Jn 7:37-38).” This is the annointing or baptism of the
Holy Ghost and fire that John the Baptist said Jesus would bring (Mt 3:11, Lk 3:16, 1 Jn
2:27). The Holy Spirit is given to those who obey Christ (Acts 5:32). Obedience is
synonymous with “living the Word” which is “faith.” We are told to walk in the Spirit
and not the flesh (Rm 8:1, 4). Galatians 5:16, 25, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and
ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the
Spirit.” Concerning this parable, the gospel of Luke adds, “for a while believe, and in
time of temptation fall away (Lk 8:13).” Those walking by the flesh will be quick to fall
in times of temptation. Temptations appeal to the lusts of the flesh and apart from the
Spirit, the flesh will dominate. Temptations entice one to seek their way rather than obey
God’s way. Jesus was led of the Spirit to be tempted of the devil, but overcame the
temptations through submission and obedience to God’s Word (Mt 4:1-11, Lk 4:1-13).
Jesus denied His flesh during these temptations to uphold God’s will (truth). Denial of
the flesh means a sacrifice of something the flesh wants. You can be very religious
(hearing and believing), but if you are fleshly and are not living God’s Word in the Spirit,
then you will surely fail. The flesh will always compromise God’s Word for it’s desires.
Romans 8:14, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”

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The Holy Spirit gives us boldness, direction and understanding in the Word of Christ.
John 16:13-15, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all
truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak:
and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine,
and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that
he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.” Through the Spirit we have access to
God’s wisdom and Christ’s direction all the time – to the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:10, 16,
Eph 2:18). We are sealed in the Spirit and if we do not have the Spirit we are not Christ’s
(Eph 1:13, Rm 8:9, 2 Cor 1:22, 1 Jn 4:13). God’s Word is found in the Bible. The Spirit
and the Word will always agree. If one reads God’s Word through the flesh (without the
Spirit) then one will interpret God’s Word through the flesh and certainly apply it
wrongfully and under their own strength (hence, endure but for a time).

Jesus said these had no root in themselves. The roots are developed when one correctly
understands God’s Word, submits to it, and is led by the Spirit to actually lives the Word.
These heard the Word and received it with gladness (believed, maybe said a sinner’s
prayer), but didn’t do (apply, live) the Word. James 1:22, “But be ye doers of the word,
and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” It is only when we start doing the
Word that the blindness and deception of the flesh will start to lift. One can be the most
religious man on earth and yet be totally lost (not Christ’s) through one’s own blindness
and deception. Many are living religiously (professing Christ) in the flesh (for its
desires). Matthew 7:24-25, “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and
doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock (firm
foundation): And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat
upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock (foundation of Christ).”

In the parable of the seeds, the root is the firm footing of the plant and the conduit for the
water and nutrients (Spirit and Word). Having root in yourself is to be firm in your faith
as lived out in your life - i.e. doeth these sayings of Christ. The sun represents the
afflictions and sufferings that will come (trial by fire). You must walk as Jesus walked.
You actually live this Word by walking in Christ’s steps - following Him. However, these
had no depth of soil - stony ground; they received the Word (seed), but were not willing
to walk the Word (hard heart). They didn’t take this Word fully to heart in actually
applying it to their lives. When testings and trials came along (scorching sun), they
quickly compromised rather than suffer sacrifice or reproach for the Word’s sake and
withered in their lack of faith. It’s like this: Matthew 7:26-27, “And every one that
heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man,
which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and
the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” They
heard the sayings, but did them not. In the parable of the seeds, they heard, but didn’t do,
and were withered by the sun. They were offended (fell away). Jesus said: Matthew 11:6,
“And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me (also Lk 7:23).” Therefore,
these seeds actually sprout (they receive Christ’s Words and believe) but due to the
hardness of the soil (their hearts are unwilling to live the Word), the root does not grow
and establish itself. There is a lack of nutrients (no understanding due to blindness and
deception) and water (Holy Spirit), and they quickly wither (give in, do not overcome)

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under the sun (persecution, suffering, temptation). These bear no fruit and are thus cast
away!

Mark 4:7, “And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it
yielded no fruit.” Jesus explained: Mark 4:19, “And the cares of this world, and the
deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it
becometh unfruitful.” The gospel of Luke adds, “pleasures of this life (Lk 8:14).” These
are seeds that landed in soil (willing hearts) suitable to take root in and they start to grow
- have some application of the Word in their lives. However, the cares (necessary things),
riches, pleasures, and lusts of this world compete with the Word. We are going to live in
the flesh or in the Spirit, but not both. Galatians 5:17, “For the flesh lusteth against the
Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary (opposed, divergent) the one
to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” You cannot love Jesus and
also flirt with the world. “…Friendship of the world is enmity (hostility) with God?
whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God (Js 4:4).” Your
heart (i.e. soil) cannot sustain both – they oppose each other.

The thorns and the seed sprung up together (Lk 8:7). Many will seek God and the things
of the world together. You cannot have dual loyaltites - cannot serve two masters (Mt
6:24, Lk 16:13), God will not allow it. God says that you must love Him with all your
heart, mind, soul, and strength (Mk 12:30, Lk 10:27). This means that God is your
priority and is the center of your life. This is all encompassing and total devotion – there
is room for nothing else. Many want to live with the devil’s nature (seeking self), yet say
they have Christ’s nature (Profess Jesus). How dishonoring to a righteous God. Many are
religious, but are living just like those in the world - minimal difference. Most do not
consider that “their” day to day life could be a great violation of God’s will. Jesus said,
“the flesh profiteth nothing” (Jn 6:63). All that glitters is leading you away from God.
You are either seeking self (flesh) or God. Christ’s great sacrifice and death does not give
“covering” or “license” to do that which opposes God. You are either submitted to God’s
will or you are in rebellion to God’s will - seeking the things of the world.

These are covered over in weeds and have no testimony or witness. They seek the world
and are in it’s image. Consider what God says: 1 John 2:15-17, “Love not the world,
neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father
is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and
the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and
the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” Many want to serve
Christ, yet live for the things of the world – they do not even see their own shame.
Proverb 30:20, “Such is the way of an adulterous woman (unfaithful to Christ, adultery
with the world); she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.”
The message of this parable is that if you seek the flesh, you will be unfruitful (no fruit).
Why does this matter? Consider carefully what will follow: Throughout the Bible we are
told that God desires fruit - comes looking for. What is the fruit that God is looking for?
Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance (self control): against such there is no
law.” Ephesians adds “truth” and “righteousness” (Eph 5:9). Recall from above that we
must not only “receive the Word and believe it,” but must “live the Word.” When we live

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the Word, God works on us to produce acceptable fruit. Philippians 2:13, “For it is God
which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” It is God working in
us as we submit and obey Him, that produces this fruit. You cannot bear acceptable fruit
while seeking the things of the world (Gal 5:19-21). You will not be abiding in Christ,
religious or not. Therefore, these seed actually sprout (hear the Word and believe) and
start growing (have some application of the Word in their lives), but are choked by the
weeds (things of the world) and yield no fruit (die). Those who produce no fruit are cast
away!

When we surrender to the Lord in sincere obedience, He not only prunes us, but He also
weeds us. To prune is to remove the superfluous or unecessary and unwanted parts. These
are the things (attitudes, opinions, sentiments, lifestyles, idols, etc.) that hinder the
production of good fruit or decrease the yield. The lusts and desires of the flesh choke the
growth and life of the plant such that no fruit (or corrupted puny fruit) is produced. These
weeds (fleshly desires and love of the things of the world) must be removed out of our
lives! Those plants whose lives (during their growing season) do not produce good fruit
are separated and cast into the fire. Man’s carnal life (i.e. growing season) is as a vapor or
fading flower (Js 4:14, 1 Pt 1:24-25, Job 8:9, 14:2, Ps 78:39, 103:15-16, 144:4, 1 Chr
29:15, 2 Cor 4:18, Is 65:17, Rev 21:1). Psalm 90:9-10, “For all our days are passed away
in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore
years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength
labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” We must yield to the
workings of the Holy Spirit as He prunes and weeds us during our alloted season of
growth (lifetime).

Mark 4:8, “And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and
increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.” This is
the group of individuals that God is interested in. These are they that hear the Word and
take it to heart and bring forth acceptable fruit – they produce! Jesus said: Mark 4:20,
“And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive
it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.” The gospel of
Matthew adds the words “understandeth it” (Mt 13:23). Jesus further explained: Luke
8:15, “But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having
heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” So we can conclude that
those who are going to produce fruit: hear the Word, understand the Word, receive the
Word (accept, lay hold of), and keep the Word (live it everyday). They do this with an
honest (sincere, genuine, upright, trustworthy, faithful) good heart (willing, perfect,
whole). God is longsuffering - patient in working in their heart. These are things that
cannot be legislated. Rules and laws will not produce the fruit which God requires. The
“patience” is God working on your heart to conform you to the image of Christ. This is
that daily walk in “following Christ.” God’s work in you produces the fruit He desires.

The amount of fruit is relational to your surrender and obedience to God. Some allowed
God to prune and weed more than others. This is done to bring forth more fruit. Mark
4:24-25, “And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it
shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. For he that hath, to
him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he

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hath.” We must be faithful with the knowledge we possess. Those that walk in Christ will
be given more and more as they yield and obey. There is no such thing as serving God
too much. You cannot be too righteous or too holy. Some will say, “lets not be too
extreme or fanatical,” but where does God set the limits on righteousness? God desires
those who are zealous and devoted with love in their hearts – their joy. Man sets limits,
God will embrace those who cling to Him. The Lord wants more fruit and not less. Those
who are content to produce little do not change to produce more.

Now, with the parable of the seeds in mind, let us consider: Mark 4:26-29, “And he said,
So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; And should sleep,
and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For
the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn
in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle,
because the harvest is come.” The Lord God sends out His Word. Isaiah 55:11, “So shall
my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall
accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” This
Word or seed will find or land in some good soil – meaning men with good hearts. The
Word will then root and put forth the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
This is the fruit which the Lord intends to harvest. If there is no fruit (that falling along
the wayside, stony ground, or among weeds), then there can be no harvest. The fruit is
what is gathered to the barn – back to God. No fruit, no harvest! When God’s Word is
sent out, the Holy Ghost ensures that it does not return void and that the Word
accomplishes what the Lord pleases. The Holy Ghost will work in the good hearts to
produce the fruit that God desires. The good soil is conducive (favorable or beneficial) to
producing fruit. This is a heart that surrenders and yields to the Spirit’s working. The
stony heart will not yield to the Holy Ghost’s workings (they grieve and quench the
Spirit’s workings). These are hard-hearted and unyielding and no fruit is produced. The
heart that is full of weeds or other desires and devotions is not conducive to producing
fruit. The Holy Ghost has to compete with too many other interests (lusts, desires, self-
centeredness, etc.) and is shunned or greatly hindered such that no fruit is produced.
Usually “self” is always given priority. God does not force your free-will and only works
through your obedience. Choose whom you will serve (Josh 24:15). If you quench or
grieve the Holy Ghost, it is to your great and tremendous personal loss (1 Thess 5:19,
Eph 4:30). The Spirit is given to accomplish God’s purposes and not man’s desires.
Item of Note

Perhaps you noticed that of the four types of soils where the seeds fell that one type did
not receive the Word; two received the Word, but were unfruitful; and one type received
the Word and was fruitful in varying degrees? Let us strongly consider why two of the
types received the Word, but were unfruitful. One of these unfruitful groups did not have
root and could not stand under affliction, persecution and tribulation (Mk 4:17). You can
only develop roots by practicing (living) the Word and walking as Jesus walked (1 Jn
2:6). The second unfruitful group sought the cares of this world; the deceitfulness of
riches and the lusts of things (Mk 4:18-19). In other words, these sought to please “self”
rather than love the Lord their God with all their hearts, minds, souls and strengths.

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Therefore the strong message is that we must withstand afflictions and persecutions and
not seek the lusts of the flesh and love of this world (1 Jn 2:15-17).
Parable of the Pounds

The following parable relates the condition of man and God’s expectations. There are
also some similarities with the parable of the seeds which will be noted. Luke 19:12-13,
“He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a
kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds,
and said unto them, Occupy till I come.” The nobleman is Jesus and the kingdom is the
kingdom of God. The servants are those who trust in Christ - those who profess to
believe. The ten pounds are representative of that which they were entrusted with to bring
God glory – the gospel of Christ. We are to occupy this fallen world and walk in Christ’s
will until He returns (Second Coming). This gospel is to be ever manifested in our lives
and thus a light for others. We are to improve our lives through the application of God’s
Word in them. Luke 19:14, “But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him,
saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.” The citizens are analogous to man in
general. Man does not want their actions to be ruled by God, but had rather seek self (as
per Satan’s lie). Man wants to be as a god and seek his own way and has rebelled against
God’s authority to do just that. These are quite content to seek their own apart from
God’s will. This is also representative of the Word (truth) becoming flesh and dwelling
among us (Jn 1:14). Jesus came unto His own, and His own received Him not (Jn 1:10).
Man continually rebels against God and rejects His authority (Sovereign will).

One day the Lord will return and there will be an accounting for all things: Luke 19:15-
17, “And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then
he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money,
that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. Then came the first,
saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. And he said unto him, Well, thou good
servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten
cities.” This servant was faithful with what he was entrusted with (God’s Word) and
produced acceptable results. Those who are faithful with little shall be faithful in much.
Your greatest testimony is the life you live for others to see. Luke 19:18-19, “And the
second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. And he said likewise to
him, Be thou also over five cities.” The second servant was faithful like the first. Both
showed varying increases which resulted in improvements. Luke 19:20-21, “And another
came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: For
I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down,
and reapest that thou didst not sow.” This servant provided no increase. He produced no
fruit in his life. He knew the Lord was looking for such fruit, but must have just thought
things would somehow work out for him in the end. Luke 19:22, “And he saith unto him,
Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was
an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow.” This man
lost all for it was taken and given to those who were faithful (Lk 19:23-25). Luke 19:26,
“For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that
hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.” We must have a life in Christ
whereby we have yielded to the Holy Spirit’s working and abided in Christ such that fruit

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has been produced in us. Matthew 13:12, “For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and
he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away
even that he hath.” – and so it shall always be! Lastly: Luke 19:27, “But those mine
enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them
before me.” Those who wanted to seek their own way and have their own life free from
God’s Lordship will suffer the great condemnation – thou shalt surely die (Gen 2:17).
The unfruitful will be cast away and the rebellious will be put down. Let us all be very
mindful.
There are Weeds in God’s Garden

A parable is a simple story dealing with a very real circumstance (situation, fact, event)
in which the principal subject is described by another subject resembling it in its
properties and circumstances. Matthew 13:24-25, “Another parable put he forth unto
them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in
his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and
went his way.” The man is Christ, the field is the world and the good seed are those who
sincerely “follow” Him (Mt 13:38, Eph 5:1). The enemy is Satan and the tares or bad
seed are those who are “following” him (children of the wicked one) in his great lie (Mt
13:38-39). These are the men whose hearts have been corrupted and disregard the will of
God. The wheat grain represents the good seed of the harvest that God expects to reap
from His efforts. This is the fruit resulting from the life of the plant that is fit for use (life
giving). A tare is a “weed” that grows among the grain. The weeds grow up amongst the
wheat and their lives have no redeeming value, and they actually hinder the growth and
productivity of the wheat. The world is God’s garden that was to be filled with those who
loved and served the Lord, but is now interspersed (mixed together, intermingled) and
mostly full of weeds or tares. Matthew 13:26, “But when the blade was sprung up, and
brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.” The wheat and the tares look just alike
until the fruit appears. This is how you will know them – by their fruits (Mt 7:20). The
fruit is not what the plant “professes” to be, but is what the life of the plant produces! The
actual “deeds” (that which is done of effected, good or bad, great or small, what is
achieved in a life) of one is what the Lord will consider.

Weeds or tares soak up the water, and exhaust the nutrients of the soil, and spread all
about seeking their way, but produce nothing useful – just more of their kind which are
rebellious transgressors. The man’s (Christ’s) servants (angels) inform him of the
situation and request to remove the weeds (Mt 13:27-29). He tells them to let both grow
together until the end of the harvest lest in uprooting the weeds, the good grain should be
harmed or destroyed (Mt 13:29). Matthew 13:30, “Let both grow together until the
harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the
tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.” Until
such a time, God sends the rain and the sun on the good and the bad, the just and the
unjust (Mt 5:45). The weeds will be gathered at harvest and cast into the fire. Matthew
13:41-42, “The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his
kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a
furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” Those that offend and do
iniquity are those who seek their own way and thus disregard the will of God in their

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daily lives. Matthew 13:43, “Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the
kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” The wheat shall be
gathered to eternal life to dwell with the Lord.
Numbers?

God has never been in a numbers game. The Lord desires “quality” and not quantity. God
is longsuffering and patient, but is unyielding in His purposes (Is 55:11, Rm 9:22, 1 Tim
1:16, 2 Pt 3:9). We mentioned the generation prior to the great flood. The whole world
laid in wickedness and every man’s thoughts were evil continually (Gen 6:5, 11-12). God
repented of ever creating man and decided to destroy him from off the face of the earth
(Gen 6:6-7, 13, 17). God found only one righteous man on the face of the earth - Noah
(Gen 6:8). So, God preserved Noah, and his family by virtue of him (Gen 6:18), yet the
multitudes perished. 1 Peter 3:20, “Which sometime were disobedient, when once the
longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein
few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.”

Noah became the heir of righteousness which is by faith (Heb 11:7, 2 Pt 2:5). He obeyed
God in building an ark when it seemed there was no need (from the flesh’s perspective).
He “believed” (the meaning of “believe” is discussed in Chapter Four) God and most
likely incurred much reproach and ridicule from rebellious man while performing God’s
will – what a truly unique individual! There are many other examples throughout
scripture concerning how God delights in the faithful – the few. Consider Moses; how
many of the children of Israel were disobedient and rebellious (disobedient to God’s
verbally given commands which were later written on tables of stone -through golden
idols, lusting for things, refusing to enter the Promised Land, etc.) when Moses sought
God with a “full” heart? The answer would be the vast majority. What did God say of
them (1 Cor 10:1-12)? Among a multitude of less than complimentary comments, the
Lord said: Numbers 14:35, “I the LORD have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil
congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be
consumed, and there they shall die.” Of this great multitude that came up out of Egypt,
how many actually entered into the Promised Land? The answer is two men, Caleb and
Joshua, out of over two million (Num 32:12, Deut 1:36, Josh 14:14). How about
Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image - Daniel Chapter Three? How many people do you
suppose were down on their knees bowing before this idol when Shadrach, Meshach, and
Abednego were called to task for not bowing down? The answer would be everyone.

The Lord likens the nation of Israel as His vineyard which He planted on a very fruitful
hill (good soil, Is 5:1). God then speaks of all the care and attention He gave His vineyard
(Is 5:2). However, the vineyard did not bring forth good grapes, but poison berries (Is
5:4). The Lord ponders the question: “What could have been done more to my vineyard,
that I have not done in it (Is 5:4)?” This is very analogous with God’s creation of man.
The Lord created man for His good pleasure to serve Him (Rev 4:11). Man was suppose
to produce love, surrender, obedience and trust toward his Creator. However, man
brought forth poison fruit of pride (self exaltation) and rebellion - disobedience,
transgression of God’s will. The Lord will do away with such a vineyard (Is 5:5-7).
Isaiah 5:10, “Yea, ten acres of vineyard shall yield one bath, and the seed of an homer

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shall yield an ephah.” This is saying that in this corrupted vineyard, ten acres of vine will
only produce 8.5 gallons of fruit. This is a very small amount given the whole. Similarly,
on earth, the whole of mankind will only produce a small amount of acceptable fruit. The
reason is because of the corruption resulting from widespread disobedience. A small
percentage of the whole will be harvested as acceptable fruit.
The Few?

The predominate thought in today’s form of Christianity is that great multitudes of


people are heaven bound. Religious men believe that as many as can be coaxed into
repeating or parroting a sinner’s prayer formula (profession, not faith) shall be instantly
and irrevocably saved (having eternal life) – its just that easy. Just say this little prayer
and, “ye shall not surely die” (the lie - Gen 3:4). This is in keeping with their philosophy
of an “unconditional” love God - discussed in Chapter Four. It’s much like the bumper
sticker that states, “I’m not perfect just forgiven.” Meaning, I’m not really different from
the next guy, it’s just that I have a profession of Christ - mental acknowledgment - in
word, not necessarily deed (Js 2:19). This is just another form of seeking self and is
called “self-righteousness.” This is where you believe it is valid (God approved) for you
to seek “your” own way because of some religious thing you have done that justifies you
to, but its not alright for others to (without doing what you did first) – you think Jesus
gives you license?

This is a very valid point of sifting concern. Just what makes you any different from the
next guy? – from the multitudes around you? Do you have a slightly better morality?
Maybe you attend church occasionally - some religious type gathering? Perhaps you do
religious things? Let’s look at the other side - how much are you just like the other guy?
Do you watch the same ungodly television? Do you rent the same vile movies? Do you
read the same worldly newspapers? Do you celebrate the same holidays? Do you seek
after the same things - money, possessions, cars, homes, careers, hobbies, etc.? Do you fit
in well with the pride (self exaltation) of life? In other words, have you overcome the
world or has the world overcome you (1 Jn 5:4)? Does your life reflect the image of the
“Jesus” described in the Bible in your daily walk? We are not talking about the Jesus of
your “opinion,” but the real Jesus (the Word, truth and life) described in the gospels.
Perhaps your life more accurately reflects the image of the world in your daily walk?
Maybe you are living and not dying. Perhaps your are living for “your” way and dying to
the way of the Spirit? Perhaps you are increasing and God is decreasing in “your” life (Jn
3:30)? Meaning that you are seeking your way and the good things of the world
(however you justify it), rather than dying to your way in fully seeking God (Mt 10:39,
16:25, Mk 8:35, Lk 9:24, 17:33, Jn 12:25). Do you ascribe your justification to seek self
(violating God’s will) to a belief in Christ? Is Jesus your minister of sin (Gal 2:17)? Jesus
said: Matthew 5:48, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is
perfect.” Also consider - 1 Peter 1:15-16, “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be
ye holy in all manner of conversation (lifestyle, way of living); Because it is written, Be
ye holy; for I am holy.” Christ first walked and then said, “follow Me” (walk as Jesus
walked, 1 Jn 2:6). This is only accomplished through yielding to the Lord’s work in your
life, which is definitely a dying to self or your way. This can never be accomplished by
continuing in “your” own way – religiously or not. We should all seriously consider from

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God’s Word, not religious opinion, what “just saved” really means. The author suggests
reading God’s Word from cover to cover often.

God’s prophet once told the children of Israel: Romans 9:27, “Esaias also crieth
concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a
remnant shall be saved.” Joel adds: A remnant whom the Lord shall call (out of the
darkness and into the light, Joel 2:13). This was a foreshadowing of God’s entire dealing
with man. Romans 11:5, “Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant
according to the election of grace.” The children of Israel all “identified” with the one
true God, but only a remnant were saved. Many “identify” with Christ, but only a
remnant will be saved. Why? Most of the children of Israel did not surrender to God in
love and obedience (1 Cor 10:1-12, Rm 10:21) – the righteousness of faith (Rm 9:30).

Many of those who profess Christ are not walking in faith (love, surrender and
obedience to God’s will), but are seeking their own way (Rm 9:33). You must be “doing”
the will of God (Mt 7:21). The remnant keep the commandments of God and have the
testimony of Jesus Christ (Rev 12:17). God would have all saved, but man is obstinate in
his will and will not repent – a condition for salvation (2 Pt 3:9, Rm 10:21). The remnant
is according to grace (Rm 11:5, grace was discussed extensively in Chapter Two,
“Putting Things Together”). Consider what Jesus said about the matter: Matthew 22:14,
“For many are called, but few are chosen (also Mt 20:16).” Who are the many that are
called? Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were
yet sinners, Christ died for us.” This is true love - God sacrificing self for the benefit of
those who are just plain undeserving. This is Christ’s invitation: Revelation 22:17, “And
the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that
is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” The “many”
are “whosoever will,” which is an invitation to all men (1 Tim 2:4). This is the Father’s
love and His longsuffering that none should perish, but all come to repentance (2 Pt 3:9).
God makes it possible for the “many” to be saved. The “many” are called, but to where?
Out of the darkness and into the light. They are called out of Satan’s lie, which is the
transgression of God’s will through the seeking of self, into God’s truth - fear of God and
to abstain from all wickedness. They are called to repent (forsake the darkness) and do
the will of the Father (Mt 7:21, 12:50, Mk 3:35).

Why are only a “few” chosen? Because men love the darkness and will not come unto
the light (Jn 3:19-21). The vast majority of men will not “do” the will of the Father. Most
men will continue to seek their way unto damnation – maybe even in a religious context,
known as being deceived. Revelation 17:14, “These shall make war with the Lamb, and
the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that
are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” Those who live in darkness are
opposed to Christ. The few are faithful! This means that they have lovingly yielded in
obedience to the will of God – they trust in the Lord. Jesus said of these few: Luke 12:32,
“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
Remember: Philippians 2:13, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do
of his good pleasure.” In other words, God works His will in the few who shall respond
(come out of the darkness), for the purpose of giving them the kingdom, which is His
good pleasure. The true flock will be very small when compared with the majority in the

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world. These are those who actually yielded to God working His “good pleasure” in
them.

A disciple once made an observation: Luke 13:23-24, “Then said one unto him, Lord, are
there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for
many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” What is the strait gate?
Jesus is “the way” back to the Father – the door or gate that one must enter - restoration
and reconciliation with the Father (Jn 10:9, 14:6). Having entered the strait gate, where
do the “few” go? Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate,
and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there
be that find it.” The “few” enter the strait gate and travel the narrow way. This a way that
does not look to the left or the right, but focuses all attention upon Christ (Pv 4:27). The
majority are following the broad way which is akin (same as, analogous) to “their” way
which is founded upon Satan’s nature or the lie. The narrow way is the way of truth that
the Lord has provided that leads back to God. Therefore, the “many” are on a way, their
way, that leadeth to destruction. The “few” are on a way, God’s way, that leadeth unto
life. Many are called, but few are chosen. Luke 21:36, “Watch ye therefore, and pray
always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to
pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Many sought to enter, but were not able. This
suggest a religious connotation - nuance, association, or implication. These are those who
cried Lord, Lord (repeated some prayer, made a confession) and identified with Christ in
some way – even working many religious works (Mt 7:21-22). Jesus tells them He
doesn’t know them (great shock!) and that they are workers of iniquity – meaning they
disregarded God’s will (Mt 7:23). Jesus says the ones who enter into the kingdom of
heaven are those who actually “do” (have high regard) the will of the Father (Mt 7:21).
Many are being taught to say Lord, Lord (to profess), when they should be taught to do
the will of the Father who art in heaven (to do) - Thy will be done.
Take Heed !

The fruitless will be separated eternally from their God and Creator into an indescribably
horrendous place. Matthew 13:41-42, “The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and
they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”
Those which offend bring dishonor to the Lord – perhaps taking God’s glory for self?
Those that do iniquity not only do not the will of God, but violate it constantly and with
no regard. Iniquity is unrighteousness which is violation of divine law or wickedness. To
“do” iniquity is to walk in unbelief or darkness. Unbelief is to believe not the truth (light)
and certainly not walk therein. Unbelief would be to accept the opposite of the truth or
Satan’s lie – the only other alternative! Every transgression of the law is unrighteousness
– a single act or habitual course of transgression. If you feel (opinion) that you are not
required to walk in God’s law or commandments, known as God’s truth, then you walk in
the darkness or the lie – even if you religiously attempt (presume – take the liberty) to
smear Christ’s good name to allow you license to transgress God. Matthew 13:49-50, “So
shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from
among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and

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gnashing of teeth.” The furnace of fire is the lake of fire (Rev 19:20, 20:10, 14-15).
Wailing is loud weeping and violent lamentation – deep sorrow and moaning.
Lamentation is expression of sorrow and cries of grief. Gnashing is the grinding or
striking of the teeth together in great anguish and pain. Anguish is extreme pain of body
and mind – agony (pain so extreme as to cause writhing or contortions of the body). This
results from sorrow, remorse, distress, despair and present suffering. No one has to face
such a near future. The author pleads with you to consider the truth of God’s Word – read
and apply it to your life daily.
The Paths

Consider that you are at the start of two paths. These paths lead off in opposite directions.
You must journey on one or the other, but which one to choose? The one path is labeled
“the broad path,” often referred to as the way of the flesh (Mt 7:13). Looking into the
distance from your vantage point, you can see a comfortable downhill path of leisure
filled with fleshly delights along the way traversing a beautiful countryside. There seem
to be many people traveling this path, but it is broad and there is plenty of room for all.
This is very attractive to the flesh – by design. Those living for self will find comfort
here. The other path is labeled, “the narrow way,” and is often referred to as the will of
God (Mt 7:14). The view of this path is quite the opposite of the other. Whereas the
“broad way” is downhill, this “narrow path” is uphill for as far as one can see. Whereas
the “broad way” is smooth, this “narrow way” is rugged full of rocks, dips, holes and
crags. There are also thorns and obstacles in the way because this path is very narrow. It
doesn’t even appear that this path has been traveled often. This path does not appeal to
the flesh! Which path to choose? Most will seek the way of the flesh; the easy way –
everydody’s doing it. This is a downward journey to hell traveled by “your way.” The
flesh rules this path. Your own exaltation of “self” blinds you to any other possibility. By
the time you reach the end of the “broad way” your flesh is full and rebellion toward God
is fully blossomed such that you are eternally useless and must be cast away – the spirit is
weak and worthless. Conversely, the “narrow way” spells death to the flesh. This is a
path whereby you must reach beyond “self” (known as faith) and be led daily by the
power of God to even make it. The Spirit rules this path and the flesh has no power – it is
humbled and cast down. The strength of this path is to have no reliance on self. By the
time you reach the end of the “narrow way” the flesh is dead (the seeking of your way) as
you are surrendered and obedient to the will of God - the spirit is strong. These have born
fruit and are gather to everlasting life. Its not about what you do for “self.” Its about how
you die to self and “do” for God. The broad way will accommodate your big expensive
car filled with the things of the world as you seemingly travel in ease – some may fill a
moving van. The narrow path must be walked and is a real struggle for the flesh. All the
things of the world that you carry along will quickly be cast aside – for they are
burdensome. The only thing you will want to carry on this path is another – lifted up in
love. Psalms 139:23-24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my
thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
The way everlasting is a very narrow way.
Speculation Concerning the Few

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The following section has some speculation (assumption, conjecture, supposition), but
with scriptural basis. As such, it cannot be taken literally, but is profitable to generate
some thought and make some valid points along the way. The author will state upfront
that only God knows who are His and how many that may be (2 Tim 2:19). How many
angels are in heaven? Daniel 7:10, “A fiery stream issued and came forth from before
him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood
before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.” AND Revelation 5:11,
“And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the
beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and
thousands of thousands (all the angels, Rev 7:11).” Notice how consistent these two
books (written in different ages) are in their numbers. Let us assume the numbers of
angels (after the fall of Lucifer) are literal and would thereby be approximately 100
million plus 1 million which is 101 million - perhaps several million more. Now let’s
consider the approximate numbers of men that have lived upon the earth. The world’s
population is now about 6.4 billion. The number of people alive today roughly equals the
estimated numbers that have lived before (over the last six thousand years) – due to
exponential growth. If anything the total numbers of men is erred toward the conservative
side, meaning there were actually many more people - making the following estimated
percentage even less. So, the total number of men that have lived (alive and dead) is
approximately 12 billion. At some point in the near future the Lord is going to consider
His house full and deem this work upon the earth finished (Lk 14:23). Romans 9:28, “For
he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the
Lord make upon the earth.” It is quite likely that God will bring things to a conclusion
when the number of the “faithful” men equals the number of the “faithful” (perhaps
“loyal” would be a better word) or “elect” angels (1 Tim 5:21). Jesus said that in the
world to come men would be equal unto to the angels (Lk 20:36, Mt 22:30), and it seems
logical that this would also include numbers (population). This of course is total
speculation based upon God’s equity and is assumed for the point of this exercise in
thought. This assumption would mean that only less than 1% (0.84%) of all men would
be reconciled back to God. Now this is all conjecture and many would argue endlessly
about the assumptions made. However, the point is that given the numbers of people that
have lived, it takes only a very small percentage to generate a very large number. In this
case, less than 1% generates 101 million men. God is interested in those individuals that
truly have a demonstrated (tried, tested and proven, Deut 8:2, 13:3, Ps 7:9, 11:5, 17:3,
66:10, 105:19, Pv 17:3, Jer 12:3, Dan 12:10, 1 Cor 3:13-15, 1 Thess 2:4, Heb 11:17, Js
1:12, 1 Pt 1:7) heart for Him. Those who are genuinely faithful (loving, surrendered,
obedient, trusting and loyal) – His irrevocable (unalterable, unchangeable, immutable,
binding, final, permanent) Word demands it. God’s Word is truth and He will not change
it. In other words, the Lord does not want any more self seeking rebellious ones.

Thus, it may take an extremely large number of men to produce an acceptable harvest,
which is determined by God alone. God is looking for the “few” who will come forth
from the “many” - those that will genuinely forsake the darkness and come to the light -
the ones who will actually “do” the will of God. The truth of the matter is that the
author’s assumed number may be very much on the high side. Consider that throughout
the Bible (from end to end) the majority of men have always been wicked (unrighteous,
disobedient to the will of God) and rebellious. God’s own chosen people (Israel) were

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nothing but stubborn and idolatrous. Consider that just a few hundred years after the
death of Christ; what usurped itself as the “church” was consumed with holy wars,
crusades, inquisitions, spiritual idolatry and reigns of terror - self seeking and death –
whose nature? Finally, consider the world today: roughly half of all the people that have
ever lived upon the face of the earth are alive today - 6.4 billion. The world today easily
rivals the world before the flood, being exceedingly wicked – filled with violence and
evil (Gen 6:5-6, 11-12, 17, 2 Pt 3:6) or like Sodom and Gomorrah. God judged the
wicked of the first generations with a flood (Lk 17:26-27). The Lord judged Sodom and
Gomorrah with fire and brimstone (Lk 17:28-29). God judged His people Israel with the
four sore judgments: sword, pestilence, famine and noisome beasts (Jer 15:2-3, Ez 5:8-
12, 6:10-14, 7:15, 14:21) and exile to Babylon (Jer 4:18, 5:13, 16:12-13). The Lord will
judge this generation with the Great Tribulation. Now honestly look at the world today
and consider the wickedness of man and the ignorance and disregard for the truth of
God’s Word - as applied to one’s life. Realizing that about half of all the people ever born
exist today and applying the numbers from the above conjecture (assumptions): 6.4
billion times 0.84% would equate to about 53.8 million people. Only God knows who are
really serving Him in the world today – 53.8 million??? These numbers certainly are not
factual, but irregardless, the point is that “few” will travel that very narrow way. Few will
generate “many” (that no man can number, Rev 7:9) from the total multitudes of men
which have lived. The author’s great hope is that you the reader will be one of them. 1
Corinthians 10:12, “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”
Your self-will (governed by one’s own will; not yielding to the will of God; not
accommodating or compliant; obstinate) shall most likely be the limiting factor. Seek the
Lord with all your heart!
Summary

The Lord God expects to find fruit in our lives. This fruit can only be produced by
“abiding” in Christ Jesus (Jn 15:4-5). Jesus sent the “promise” of the Holy Ghost to
work in the lives of those who follow to produce such fruit. Most have a total
misconception about what fruit really is. The religious man will surely equate fruit with
regular church attendance or being a Sunday school teacher or in the choir/band –
perhaps an usher or nursery worker. They might equate fruit as a large donation to the
never ending building programs or a check to support a missionary. Perhaps fruit is
perfect attendance at vacation Bible school or a church mission trip to the beach – to uh,
pass out some tracts. In other words, most will think of fruit as “religious works.” God
calls us (out of the darkness) to His own purpose and grace (2 Tim 1:8). Our
accomplishments and religious works are the things of man and are founded in the flesh
and thus gain no favor with God. Anything of self will only be torn down by God as he
restores us to His image.

Fruit is actually your surrender to the Holy Spirit working in you to bring forth God’s
nature or characteristics in you. The Lord desires the sacrifice of a contrite heart (broken
hearted for sin, deeply sorrowful for having offended God; humble, penitent) – as with
King David (Ps 51:17). The Holy Ghost wants to tear down all the things of the flesh,
including: your way, lusts and desires. The true fruit will be your self denial and yielding
to the will of God – dying to the ways of the flesh and obeying the commandments of

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Christ. This fruit will manifest as great “change” in your life. Fruit would be to walk in
love and thus sacrificing self for the benefit of others – God foremost and then others.
This love would extend to those who hate you and will be demonstrated through your
meekness and forbearance under injuries – your forgiveness when wronged. Fruit would
be a demonstration of patience and longsuffering in your life toward others. Fruit would
be your sincere “fear” of God and eschewing of all evil. Fruit will be very evident in your
daily choices – you will be known by it (Mt 7:16, 20). Your fruit will be your absolute
faith toward God in your daily walk – your righteousness. Fruit will be when you suffer
persecution by not compromising with the evils in the world. You will not watch, read,
participate or dialog in the wickedness of the darkness. Your fruit will be revealed by
what you forsake and what you embrace – think about this. Your fruit may be most
evident by what you do when tempted and no one is around to see you. In short, fruit is
the daily manifestation of the “born again” nature of God within you.

Now consider this: you can be wicked and walking in darkness and still do the religious
works mentioned at the start of this section. However, you cannot walk in darkness and
manifest the divine nature of God in your daily life. No one who walks in darkness will
suffer tribulation, persecution and suffering for righteousness sake. No one who walks in
darkness will consistently deny self for the benefit of others. No one who walks in
darkness will surrender to God’s will and obey His commandments. You can easily be a
religious pretender – there are so many, they abound! Those who die to “self” are the
ones who are real and sincere. The power of darkness is upheld through the exaltation of
“self” – pride. The sincere and truthful will be recognized by their fruit.

Most have placed their hope in the presumption that whatever light is in their lives will
one day outweigh the darkness when standing before the throne of God. This is not so
much in thought, but rather surfaces in deed. These settle for the status quo of the murky
gray rather than embracing the light. They consider what will be tolerated rather than
forsaking what is questionable. How many make sacrifices and deny “self” such as to err
on the side of righteousness? How many have devotion to God beyond what is expected
(Lk 17:10)? The lukewarm have always been distasteful to Christ (Rev 3:16).
End Statement

Colossians 1:10, “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful
in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2:22, “But the
wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.”
Matthew 15:13, “But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath
not planted, shall be rooted up.” – for they are tares.

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Chapter 4 - Out of the Darkness

Proverbs 4:19, “The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they
stumble.” Proverbs 8:36, “But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they
that hate me love death.” They that hate the Lord shall be clothed with shame (dishonor,
disgrace, Job 8:22) and everlasting contempt (worthless, deemed vile, Dan 12:2)! To
hate God is to disregard God in favor of self – your way over God’s will. Psalms 95:3,
“For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.” Psalms 10:16, “The
LORD is King for ever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land (also Ps 46:10,
47:2, 7-8, 48:1).”

Jesus revealed the intent of God’s heart when He stated: John 3:16-18, “For God so loved
the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not
perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the
world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not
condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed
in the name of the only begotten Son of God (similar to Jn 12:46-47).” The Father was
demonstrating “love” through the sacrifice of His Son for our benefit. Jesus willingly
came to the earth and also demonstrated “love” through the sacrificing of His self for our
benefit. This is the nature of God’s kingdom, the sacrifice of self for the benefit of
another.

The fallen world in which we live operates on the principle of sacrificing others for the
benefit of self – the opposite, which is hate. God reaches (past, present, future) out to
rebellious man and offers a means of forgiveness and reconciliation. This offer is truly
undeserved (Ps 103:10, and unique when considering the fate of the fallen angels) and
reveals God’s mercy and longsuffering toward us - His creation. The Lord is offering to
whosoever will, the means in which they can forsake their transgression and rebellion
against Him and come back under God’s authority (Mt 7:24, 12:50, 16:25, Mk 3:35,
8:34-35, Lk 6:47-48, Rev 22:14, 17). God is calling us out of the darkness (the lie) and
into the light (His truth). To reject such an offer would be foolish because you already
stand condemned (thou shalt surely die, Gen 2:17) because you live in the nature of “the
lie” rather than God’s truth. Even if you could somehow reform yourself from this day
forward, you would still have a major concern - all have already sinned (1 Kg 8:46, 2
Chr 6:36, Eccl 7:20, Rm 3:23, 5:12, 1 Jn 1:8, 10)! One act of disobedience to the will of
God evokes the decree: “thou shalt surely die” (Gen 2:17). This is why Christ’s sacrifice
is so important – to atone for past sin (Rm 3:25) and bring reconciliation (peace) between
God and man (Ps 23:3, 69:4, 85:10, 2 Cor 5:18-19, Heb 2:17). The sticking point for
most people is understanding what, “believeth in Him,” means. This one point has been
the reason for such great division in the religious world, which is now physically
manifested as the hundreds of denominations, organizations, institutions and sects of
today (such utter confusion, 1 Cor 14:33). By in large, the majority “opinion” of today is
that belief in Christ is a mental acceptance (acknowledgment, association) of stated
denominational (or religious) doctrines concerning Christ - perhaps with selective
scriptures from God’s Word. This is a faith re-defined more as wishful thinking than

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observable reality (Rm 2:19). Contrary to popular religious thought, the statement that
Christ made is very conditional and requires action on our part…

Jesus next, in continuing His purposeful statement, made a profound statement that
actually bounds the entire thought, and most gloss this over (ignore) with little regard:
John 3:19-21, “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men
loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth
evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he
that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are
wrought in God (also Eph 5:12-14).” Oh what a difference the full context of Christ’s
declaration makes! Now we can understand what “believeth on Him” truly means. The
condemnation is that men love the darkness! Men actually love the devil’s lie! After all,
didn’t man choose to obey the devil (darkness), disregard God’s command, and follow
Satan’s lie rather than God’s truth? Man lives in the fallen nature of the lie. The lie tells
us that we can seek self – the lusts of the flesh. We can follow our own path. The lie tells
us we can choose (independent of God and with disregard for His will – they despise the
Word of the Holy One, Is 5:24) what we want to do in this life (career) and pursue our
desires to their full extent – such as money, possessions, entertainment, relationships, etc.
The lie says that you can decide if you want to have children (birth control) or not
(abortion) and when you will have them (family planning) and perhaps what sex they will
be - medical manipulation. The lie says that you can “do what is right in your own eyes”
and that you can “seek after the imaginations of your heart” (Gen 6:5, Deut 29:19, Pv
6:18, Jer 3:17, 4:18, 7:24, 9:14, 11:8, 13:10, 16:12, 18:12, 23:17, Rm 1:21, Deut 12:8,
Jdg 17:6, 21:25, Ps 36:2, Pv 3:7, 12:15, 16:2, 21:2, 30:12, Is 5:21) – do what makes you
feel good. The lie further proposes that you can do all these things and, “ye shall not
surely die” (Gen 3:4). Things will just ultimately work out for your benefit - your
basically a good person – right? In other words the Lord will not require it of you (Ps
10:13). The lie says that you have the “freedom” or “right” (we hold these truths to be
self-evident…) to do these things (maybe God given???) because, “ye shall be as gods”
(Gen 3:5). The nature of fallen man is that of Satan which is pride. Pride is self exaltation
– to seek self (the flesh, your way, Ps 119:21). Self seeks its way above all other for its
benefit. This is what man loves! This is the darkness! The flesh is in control in the
darkness! The power of the darkness is through the lusts or preferrences of the flesh.

Christ stated that man will not come out of the darkness (by and large given the
opportunity, Mt 7:13) and into the light because man loves his way(s) and the light will
expose the great error - this is what is revealed throughout God’s Word. This is an easily
observable fact in the world today. The darkness is deception and blindness (dark =
cannot see) to the truth (Lk 10:21). Don’t become alienated from the life of God through
ignorance of truth due to blindness of heart (Eph 4:17-18). Coming into the light is
comprehending and walking in the truth (1 Pt 2:21). The truth is that God is sovereign
(supreme, absolute) and Creator of all things. The truth is that God is the giver of life and
there is no life apart from Him. The truth is that the creation (i.e. man) must surrender
“all” to the will (commands, rule of, authority) of God. The creation must love, honor and
obey God in all things. The creation must walk in humbleness - decrease of self and
meekness. Perhaps you can now see the great gulf between the darkness and the light? To
come into the light, you must abandon (forsake, renounce with action) your will and

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totally surrender to God’s will. This means that you can no longer walk in “your way.”
You can no longer do what is right in your own eyes or seek the imaginations of your
heart. You can no more just do what makes you “feel good.” In short, you will no longer
be as a god, but rather will be under the total authority of “The God” (Deut 4:35, 39, 1
Kg 8:60, Ps 95:3, Is 45:5, 18, 21-22, 46:9, Joel 2:27). These are two completely opposite
(different) paths through this life.

Perhaps you can also see that you are now traveling one path or the other – there are no
in betweens. To come out of the darkness and into the light reveals the utter error of the
darkness – your eyes begin to see the truth. Now here is something that will be startling
for most. The English word “church,” meaning “house of God” was actually translated
from the Greek word “ekklesia,” meaning “called out ones.” In other words, everywhere
in the Bible that “church” is used is really the Greek word (original language) “ekklesia.”
In some instances ekklesia may refer to a gathering of “called out ones.” Hence a great
error, most people think of (view) the “church” as a meeting place (building, temple, etc.)
rather than individuals. Now consider the real meaning of “called out ones.” What are we
called out of? We are called out of the darkness and into the light - that ye should shew
forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light (1
Pt 2:9). We are called out of the world and into the kingdom of God. We are called out of
the lie and into the truth. The ekklesia or called out ones (individuals that make up a
larger body) make a temple: Ephesians 2:21-22, “In whom all the building fitly framed
together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together
for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”

Christ does the calling (Rm 1:6, 9:24, 1 Pt 2:9, 5:10). 1 Thessalonians 2:12, “That ye
would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.” AND 2
Timothy 1:9, “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to
our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ
Jesus before the world began.” Who is the promise for? Acts 2:39, “For the promise is
unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our
God shall call.” – the Lord does the adding/calling (Acts 2:47). AND Romans 1:6,
“Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ.” Those who Christ calls, He
justifies (Rm 8:30) – makes “just” through His Spirit! Therefore: 1 Peter 1:15-16, “But as
he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation (lifestyle);
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Thessalonians 4:7, “For God hath not
called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.” Therefore: I have chosen you, and
ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain
(Jn 15:16). Remember: as in the parable of the wedding, many are called, but few are
chosen (Mt 22:1-14, Lk 14:15-23).

Notice in the verse that you must come out of the darkness to be in the light. This
requires action on your part! You cannot just remain in the darkness and mentally agree
or acknowledge that there is light (Ps 107:10-11). You can’t just “believe” there is light.
No, while you remain in the darkness, you also remain in the lie (great error) and
continue in the deception and cannot see (blind). Those that remain in the darkness do so
because they love the darkness and know that if they come to the light it will require
action (tremendous change in your life) on their part – their deeds will be exposed and the

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necessity of required “change” will be apparent. It would be so easy to continue in the
darkness (the lie, your fallen nature) if you just had to acknowledge the light and nothing
more. However, what benefit is that to God? Do you really think that the Omniscient God
(knowing everything), Creator of all (Ps 95:3, 96:4-5, 97:9, 100:3), is going to violate
His own Word (thou shalt surely die, Gen 2:17) and grant eternal life to those who
remain in the darkness (the lie) and transgress His will (are opposed to Him, enemies) in
their rebellion? If God violates His own Word, then truth is no longer truth. Truth would
no longer be tried, proven, pure and eternal. If this were true, then God would owe
Lucifer an apology. This would be an absurd proposition.

Many say they “believe” in Christ, but disregard His commandments. 1 John 2:4, “He
that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not
in him (also Jn 14:24).” These walk in the lie and not in the truth – its just that simple.
The truth is that to leave the darkness (in coming to the light), you must start forsaking
(dying to, abandoning) the characteristics of the darkness. This means that you must stop
walking in “your way” and seeking “your will” (Ps 119:59, 101). Put away the evil of
“your” doings and cease to do evil (Is 1:16). You must stop walking in disobedience to
the will (commands) of God. Jesus tells us very clearly: John 14:15, “If ye love me, keep
my commandments.” In other words, to sacrifice self (your way, path, will, desire) for
Christ’s benefit - the righteous fruit He desires in you (Jn 15:8); you must obey the Lord
(Ps 103:17-18). Only when you begin to do this, will the darkness begin to lift so that
you can see the truth. You cannot just hear or say, you must do (Js 1:22, 25). John 7:17,
“If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or
whether I speak of myself.” You will never know the truth until you start walking in the
truth. Jesus said, “blessed are they that hear the Word of God and keep it (Lk 11:28).

The Lord hath promised a crown of life to them that love Him (Js 1:12) and this love is
realized by keeping Christ’s commandments - walking in His truth. A man who believes
the truth, but does not walk in the truth, is a hypocrite (false pretence, façade, thin
covering, pretentious, phony, professes to be what one is not, counterfeit) and in darkness
– deceived and deluded. 1 John 1:6, “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and
walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.” ALSO 1 John 2:4, “He that saith, I know
him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” These two
verses equate! If you walk in darkness, then you do not keep Christ’s commandments –
and do not “know” or “fellowship” with Jesus. In both cases you walk in the lie and not
the truth! So if you are still seeking the things of the flesh (world, your way), even with a
form of godliness (religious profession), then you are walking in the lie (darkness) and
certainly do not the truth. Those who come to the light can say: 2 Corinthians 4:6, “For
God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give
the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” These will see
the beauty of Christ and walk in His truth. The Lord will judge the world with
righteousness, and His people with truth (Ps, 96:13, 98:9, His Word, Jn 12:48). Consider
Christ’s example: John 14:31, “But that the world may know that I love the Father; and
as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.” Jesus
demonstrated His love for the Father through obedience to His will.

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Now let us consider those who walk in the darkness in a religious context – with a form
of godliness (2 Tim 3:5). In other words, religious people who “profess Christ,” but walk
in darkness or great deception. The majority or prevailing message (generalities) of what
calls itself Christianity today is actually a false gospel (most will not see this because
there is much good and truth in the message, but a subtle re-direction). The reason it is
false is because it actually allows for the transgression of God’s will. The hope and
message of this book is to reveal the true gospel of Christ and shine the “light” of “truth,”
which according to our lead-in verses will reveal the error of the darkness (Jn 3:19-21).
This popular gospel of today is based upon the concept of “the total depravity of man”
and was arrived at through various “teachings of man” (Is 29:13, Mt 15:8-9, Mk 7:6-7)
through the centuries; such as Augustine, Eusebius, Luther, Calvin, etc. (Ps 118:8); and
was not believed or practiced by the early church at all – meaning Christ’s original
apostles as well as leaders such as Polycarp, Tertullian, Origen, Clement, Iranaeus,
Cyprian, Justin Martyr, etc. – also men, but not as far removed from Christ. What is most
relevant is that this modern gospel (what Paul feared – 1 Cor 11:4) does not line up with
the teachings or lived out example of Jesus Christ (Jn 1:14). This message essentially
states (there are many interpretations or variations of the concept such as predestination)
that man is totally wicked and is incapable of doing anything toward his salvation aside
from God’s complete intervention. In other words, man is incapable of obeying God. Yet
God says: Psalms 119:2-3, “Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him
with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways (also Ps 128:1).”
The truth is that man is incapable of pleasing God aside from having and being led of the
Spirit of God. Of course, those who have not the Spirit are not in Christ (Rm 8:9).

This gospel states that only God’s grace (which they incorrectly defined as simply
unmerited favor) saves you and man has no role other than to believe - mentally accept or
identify with by agreement. They say that faith and obedience (obedience is actually an
element of faith) is a gift of God and is totally out of your hands/responsibility. These
issues are confusing (red flag – take heed, 1 Cor 14:33) and complex (another red flag, 2
Cor 11:3) and have resulted in a “multitude” of religious splits into various
denominations and sects - huge red flag - disunity and division (1 Cor 11:18). This
religious thought goes something like this: Salvation is a free gift of God through grace
and cannot be earned or merited by man and thus cannot be sustained or maintained by
anything that man does now or in the future. Works do not save and everything becomes
a work, even obedience. After all, if we have to obey then salvation becomes something
we do and is not found in God’s mercy and grace. There is a big problem in defining and
understanding words and terms, often leading to circular reasoning. This all degenerates
into a “once saved always saved” mentality/outlook known as eternal security of the
believer. Meaning that once you are saved, by their definition, that you cannot lose that
salvation through your own actions – otherwise salvation would be something you earned
(Ez 13:22, 24, 26, 33:12-13, 18). God’s grace is actually inacted through our obedience.
Apart from God’s grace (Holy Spirit working in us, 2 Cor 3:18, 4:16, Rm 8:13), our
obedience would be without merit (unacceptable fruit); apart from our obedience, God’s
grace would not be possible (God works through our free will submission to his will).
God’s grace gives our obedience proper direction and purpose (the Spirit teaches and
leads - Jn 14:26, we thus have the mind of Christ - 1 Cor 2:10-16).

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This doctrine in its purest form (as espoused by Augustine and Calvin) would include
predestination, which is not practiced or adhered to by most religious groups.
Predestination states that God foreordained who would be saved and who would not. This
teaching maintains that there is no such thing as free-will (your ability to choose) and
those that have been prior selected will ultimately persevere, known as perseverance of
the saints, all others will not. All these modern “majority” religious groups (i.e.
denominations, institutions) who are following the “doctrines of man” (rather than God’s
Holy Spirit) pick and choose which tenants (derived logic of man) they will believe and
which they will not as they often do with scripture. For instance some will follow the
concepts of the total depravity of man and eternal security while denying the concept of
predestination even though Augustine and Calvin taught all three as their theology. In
order to believe these things, they must stumble over “enormous” amounts of scripture
that reveal otherwise! For instance, God’s Word says of Christ: Hebrews 5:9, “And being
made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him (also
1 Pt 1:22).” How can you obey if you are incapable? Consider Christ’s future return after
the Great tribulation: 2 Thessalonians 1:8, “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that
know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Again, these
doctrines teach that man cannot truly obey. Men that teach the aforementioned errors do
not “know” God and certainly do not obey the gospel as intended. Who is the Holy Spirit
given to? Acts 5:32, “And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy
Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.”

Many of these same men (i.e. Martin Luther, John Calvin) who developed such theology
also taught and practiced “infant baptism.” This means that they baptized one as an infant
and they were never baptized again. In other words no faith or commitment to Christ was
ever required from one. This totally circumvented the intent and purpose of baptism – to
be a “believer” in “faith” with all due commitment. Yet, religious organizations/groups
persecuted and killed thousands over this one issue.

Salvation is not possible apart from the Spirit (Rm 8:14, Jn 16:7). The Holy Spirit is the
truth of God (Spirit of truth) that dwells within the believer (2 Jn 1:2). These are men
most miserable because they see the wickedness of their actions (and feel conviction), but
are unwilling to forsake their darkness, and would rather twist Christ’s gospel to allow
themselves to remain in the darkness (Js 4:17). They spend their efforts justifying the
darkness rather than coming to the light. They want to remain in error (love the darkness
– cling to it) and live vicariously (share-in or undergo another’s experience through
“imagined participation” – not found in action or practice) through Jesus. All of these
errors allow one to live in the flesh (to continue to seek your own way, your will) and this
is “unbelief.” Salvation is for he that “believeth” (Jn 3:16). Unbelief is to not walk in the
truth, but rather the lie or darkness (Heb 3:12) – this is to disregard the truth and walk in
the lie (Pv 13:13) - self seeking and worldliness, etc. These draw iniquity (sin,
transgression) with cords of vanity (want of substance to satisfy desire), and sin as if
were a cart rope (Is 5:18, Pv 5:22).

Those who walk in unbelief hate God’s way/truth: Proverbs 8:36, “But he that sinneth
against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.” If you can’t cease
from sinning (not in your ability), then why would God hold you responsible? The truth

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is that you can cease from sinning, but it will interfere with your desire for self. Belief is
found in the truth, which is walking in the truth – this is what is in your heart translates
into your actions. Those walking in such error call good evil and evil good; they put
darkness for light and light for darkness (Is 5:20). Now lets dig into this aforementioned
error just a bit to reveal the rather significant fallacy that is practiced (followed, adhered
to) by the majority who “profess Christ.” Recall from Chapter One that Lucifer’s
rebellion was to transgress the will of God (thereby establishing the lie) and thus incur a
sentence of death - the second death, which is to be carried out at a later date (Rev 20:10).
The devil later deceived man by proposing that he too could disobey or transgress the
commandment of God and eat of the forbidden tree and not die. Satan said: “ye shall not
surely die” (Genesis 3:4). In other words: “you can sin and not die.” What do these
religious men tell us in their version of the gospel? They say: “once saved always saved.”
They say that once you make a profession of Christ (which they equate to salvation) then
you cannot lose your salvation through your own efforts (it’s a gift that cannot be earned
or merited) – that you can sin and not die. The devil said you can transgress God’s will
and “ye shall not surely die” and these religious men say that you can transgress the will
of God and “ye shall not surely die” – they equate! Both the devil and this false gospel
are saying the same things! This should be most startling to you. Anyone that suggest in
any way that it is acceptable to transgress God’s will is a false prophet/teacher (Col 2:8).

Satan said you do not have to obey God and these doctrines down play obedience to God
and take responsibility out of your hands (control) – they trivialize sin (make a mock of
sin – Pv 14:9, Jer 8:12). The Lord would say: Malachi 2:17, “Ye have wearied the
LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every
one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where
is the God of judgment?” They essentially say that Christ died so that you do not have to
take such responsibility regarding salvation. They further state that to “require”
obedience for salvation would be to deny the cross - Christ’s sacrifice. Lets consider this
in more detail. Man disobeyed God and incurred the penalty of death (thou shalt surely
die, Gen 2:17). In his fallen condition, man was incapable of making atonement for his
wrongs and thus unable to reconcile himself to God - reconciliation must be mutual or
you are serving through compulsion. Man disobeyed God to seek the flesh or his way and
his will. The flesh is at enmity (hostility) with God (Gal 5:17). Romans 8:7, “Because the
carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed
can be.” So man cannot return to God through the flesh, but the flesh must be bypassed
through faith.

The flesh is man’s way which is an abomination to God (Pv 15:9, 26). One sin puts you
into rebellion against God and all men have sinned (Rm 3:23). There is none righteous,
no, not one (Rm 3:10). God would not simply overlook these transgressions and thus
establish “the lie.” To overlook or dismiss the transgression would be to deny (make
void) the Lord’s own Word of “thou shalt surely die.” So, God mercifully provided a way
to forgive man’s transgressions and bring reconciliation as mentioned in our lead-in
verses (Jn 3:16-18). Now this is what we must strongly consider: If man’s transgression
was so grievous to God (and His established truth) that it could not simply be overlooked
or swept away and resulted in God sacrificing His own Son to provide the path for
forgiveness and reconciliation, does it make any sense that God’s Son (sent at great

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sacrifice to the Father) would come and die for you such that you could continue in the
very same transgressions (darkness) that necessitated that He come to begin with? The
ones that couldn’t be overlooked or dismissed? Do you really think that Jesus came to
justify you to continue to transgress the will of God and provide a way that, “ye shall not
surely die?” In other words, do you think that Jesus came to reinforce the lie of the devil
(that which opposes God) for you to live in darkness? - is Christ your minister of sin (Gal
2:17)? Will you condemn God and His eternal truth that ye may be righteous (Job 40:8)?
Is everything just pretend and make-believe?

Consider this: John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no
man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” What this is clearly saying is that no man will
come to the Father apart from the truth - God’s Word and the Lord’s way (2 Thess 2:13).
Jesus is the very embodiment (personification) of the Word, which is the truth, (Jn 1:1-3,
14, Rev 19:13). Jesus said it like this: John 10:1, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that
entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a
thief and a robber.” You cannot “profess Christ” and then live in a way that opposes Him.
This is to do despite the Spirit of grace (Heb 10:29) – to grieve the Holy Spirit (Eph
4:30). What man presumes to direct the Spirit of the Lord (Is 40:13)? You must come out
of the darkness (the lie) and into the light (the truth) or you will not come to the Father.
Jesus Himself is the filter/gate – the winnower that separates the wheat from the chaff
(Mt 3:12, Lk 3:17) for who enters. No liar (one who is an inhabitant of the kingdom of
darkness) will enter into the kingdom of God, but shall have their part in the lake which
burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death (Rev 21:8)” – is this not clear?

Now many people will say that they do not necessarily (completely) believe in concepts
such as the total depravity of man, predestination, eternal security (once saved always
saved), etc., but irregardless, most people live their lives this way, as if they do – see
“What is Walking in Darkness” below. The way in which you walk is what you
“believe,” whether in darkness or light. Jesus said: John 8:51, “Verily, verily, I say unto
you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.” So, if God’s decree for
disobedience is: “though shalt surely die,” then the decree for obedience (abiding in
Christ – if a man keep My saying) would be: “thou shalt surely live” (he shall never see
death). This is what the preceeding verse just revealed. Christ (our example) kept the
Father’s sayings (Jn 8:55). Jesus warns us: “He that loveth me not keepeth not my
sayings (Jn 14:24).” John 15:14, “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command
you.”

This particular discussion could go on endlessly, but the point has been sufficiently
made. Therefore, we are absolutely required to walk in obedience to the Word of God -
truth. The Lord works through our obedience (and surrender, yielding) to transform us
into the image of His Son (Rm 8:29, Php 2:13, 1 Pt 2:21). 1 Peter 1:5, “Who are kept by
the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” The
power of God is the Holy Spirit working the Lord’s grace in our lives – as defined in
Chapter Two, “Putting Things Together.” As many as receive Christ, He gives them
power to become the sons of God (Jn 1:12). This power works in conjunction (and aides)
with your obedience. The purpose of this transformation (born again, Jn 3:3, 2 Cor 5:17,
Eph 4:24, 1 Pt 1:23, 1 Jn 2:29, 5:4) is to destroy the nature of the lie in us, its

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characteristics and love of darkness, and to lead us into the light, which is the nature of
God – to truth; total surrender and obedience to the Lord. God and man must willingly
work together to accomplish this.

God inwardly writes His laws in our hearts and minds (Heb 8:10, 10:16) and this
manifests outwardly as characteristics of the Lord’s nature (fruits, Gal 5:22, Eph 5:9). 1
Peter 1:23, “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word
of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” We were born into this world with a
corrupted fallen nature like Satan’s due to Adam’s transgression against God, but must be
re-born anew through God’s truth by living in the Word – things must be reversed. This
only happens by God – not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man
(Jn 1:13). We must change natures from darkness to light. There is a combination of our
surrender and obedience to the Lord, and God making this happen – His grace working in
us. The transformation cannot occur without God - apart from Christ and His Holy Spirit
– abiding therein! No flesh will ever glory before God (1 Cor 1:29). This transformation
also cannot occur without your willful heart of obedience (Is 1:19)! God will not force
you against your will - that which opposes and resists the Lord. The point is that you
must willfully surrender your will or that which opposes God, in obedience to be
reconciled to the truth (Is 1:19). That which man disobeyed God to obtain, “your will”
(path, way) must be given up to come back under God’s will - authority, path, way.

Many religious men (as most men are) do not want to come out of their darkness (love
of) either, so they religiously maneuver (through doctrines, creeds, rituals, etc.) a way to
seek “their way” (Is 9:16). By these the way of truth is evil spoken of (2 Pt 2:2). Men
become very prideful and exalted in their religion – Lk 10:21 (consider the Jews who
killed their own Savior – they are representative of all religious man). They swear by the
name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel (or Jesus), but not in truth,
nor in righteousness (Is 48:1). They may say: you can’t earn your salvation - meaning no
effort of man required; or works don’t save - meaning no godly expectations for man; or
say your denying Christ’s sacrifice – in seeking righteousness in your life; or you can sin
and not die - but you may lose reward; or everyone sins - why try attempt to stop (Jn
5:14, 8:11). They will talk religious talk (with no real walk) and agree that God wants us
to obey Him (aside from salvation issues), but if anyone begins to truly surrender in
obedience (death to self) they will be labeled a bit extreme or fanatical.

The author understands that many make great religious boasts, but the actual practice of
their religion is a very small part of their lives – usually taking a backseat to other
priorities. Those that truly shine for Christ reveal the darkness in others and must be
shamed into complacency – the wicked take away the righteousness of the righteous from
him (Is 5:23). 1 John 3:7, “Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth
righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.” These religious men/leaders speak
evil of things they understand not while perishing in their own corruption – the darkness
they love (2 Pt 2:12) - understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm (1
Tim 1:7). 2 Peter 2:19, “While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the
servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in
bondage.” The liberty they promise is to walk in darkness - they continue to seek they’re
own way, sin and not die, worldliness, etc. To be a servant of corruption is to serve

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darkness or the lie, which is Satan’s rebellion. Isaiah 32:6, “For the vile person will speak
villany, and his heart will work iniquity, to practise hypocrisy, and to utter error against
the LORD, to make empty the soul of the hungry, and he will cause the drink of the
thirsty to fail.” These are overcome (by self, the world, the lie, Satan, the darkness) and
brought into bondage. 1 John 5:4, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world:
and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” If you are “born again”
of God, then you will overcome the world as the Lord works in you through your faith.

Christ came to deliver us from the works of Satan (the lie, the darkness, the fallen
nature, 1 Jn 3:8) and the bondage (Heb 2:14-15). Yet these men walk after their own
lusts (2 Pt 3:3). Their actions witness against them; they openly declare their sin as
Sodom, they hide it not (Is 3:9). They say God’s love is “unconditional.” Meaning that
once you have professed Christ (maybe through a superficially repeated sinner’s prayer)
that God must accept you as you are – that you are eternally saved. Unconditional means
just that – no requirements for man. This allows man to set the “conditions” for
reconciliation - in a broader sense it means that the rebellion has prevailed over God. God
tells man he must love Him unconditionally, meaning total surrender. Man, through
Satan’s lie, tells God that He must love him unconditionally – that “you can sin and not
die.” Just like light and darkness these positions are opposed to one another - truth verses
the lie. They think they have constrained and controlled God through the twisting of His
own Word to accept the disobedient who love their darkness because of a mental
association with Christ (Is 3:11). 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, “For such are false apostles,
deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel;
for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his
ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be
according to their works.” These men come claiming to represent Jesus (Mt 24:5, Mk
13:6, Lk 21:8). These ravening wolves appear as Christ’s sheep - in sheep’s clothing (Mt
7:15).

We must understand what a false prophet ot teacher is. They are deceivers like their
father the devil (Jn 8:44). A deceiver is one who leads into error or darkness and causes
one to believe what is false (unbelief) – they are very crafty, meaning they are cunning
and skillful in devising and pursuing a scheme or taking advantage of ignorance. Just as
the Holy Spirit leads a believer into truth, through denial of the flesh. The devil leads his
false prophets into devising error (heard through seeking the flesh) and then leading
others into the lie. A false prophet/teacher always leads you away from God - maybe very
subtilly. They prophesy lies (Jer 23:25-32), based upon the lie which Satan is the father
of (Jn 8:44). This is always done through things of the flesh and is generally what you
want to hear. The truth is so elusive (hard to pin down, mysterious, vague, obscure) to
those who seek the things of the flesh. No one wants to hear that you must deny self
(make great sacrifices), take up your cross (die to self, your way, your path) and follow -
walk just like Christ walked including enduring the reproach (Mt 10:38, 16:24, Mk 8:34,
10:21, Lk 9:23, 14:27, Col 2:6, 1 Jn 2:6, 2 Jn 1:6). No one wants to hear that you must
lose your life for Christ’s sake in order to find it (Mt 10:39, 16:25, Mk 8:35, Lk 9:24,
17:33, Jn 12:25, Rm 8:13, 2 Cor 5:15, Gal 2:20, Eph 4:24, Col 3:2-3). No one wants to
hear you must forsake all and even hate your own life (way) in this world (Lk 14:26, 33).
However, these are the things that Christ said and lived out by example. So, you can see

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that the job of a false prophet/teacher is not that difficult. They will speak smooth
messages and keep you in the flesh (Is 30:9-10). They will just tell you what your itching
ears want to hear anyway (2 Tim 4:3). You don’t want to be called fanatical or extreme
do you or be unpopular? You do not want to suffer persecution do you (2 Cor 1:7, Php
3:10, 1 Pt 4:13)? 1 John 4:5, “They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world,
and the world heareth them.”

Most people just want to be told what God’s Word says. Reading God’s Word, seeking
the Lord through intense prayer, and following the Spirit require much more effort than
the flesh is willing to give. Many consider that reaching beyond the flesh in true faith is
best talked about (Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Daniel, etc.) rather than actually
practiced. Those in the flesh hate what they cannot see, hear, feel, taste or touch. These
want entertainment, such as rock and roll praise bands and musical productions. These
want to hear that they will receive back twice as much as they may give. These would
rather walk in blessings rather than stand in persecution. You can talk about Jesus all you
want, but if you are not following Him in faith, as led by the Spirit, then you are not in
the kingdom of God. The Lord said of these false teachers: Jeremiah 23:22, “But if they
had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should
have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.” False prophets
will walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from
his wickedness (Jer 23:14) – a vision of their own heart (Jer 23:16).

Telling the truth (you must turn from wickedness) will not gain a false teacher the
popularity they seek. Luke 6:26, “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you!
for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” Rather they say: Jeremiah 23:17, “They say
still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say
unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come
upon you.” In other words, you can continue in Satan’s lie and seek self (disobeying
God’s will) and “thou shalt not surely die” (Gen 3:4) – that God’s love is unconditional!
Once again, consider what God’s prophets said over and over: Jeremiah 25:4-5, “And the
LORD hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending them; but
ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear. They said, Turn ye again now every
one from his evil way, and from the evil of your doings, and dwell in the land that the
LORD hath given unto you and to your fathers for ever and ever.” In other words, forsake
the darkness and come obediently into God’s light and have the Lord’s promise of eternal
life (1 Jn 2:25). Jeremiah the prophet also delivered the same message to the religious
ones who presumed to know God, who religiously gathered in the Lord’s house or temple
(Jer 26:2-6, 12-13).

A true man of God will always point you to God and away from the things of the flesh. A
false prophet will speak of God, but make provision for the things of the flesh. Make no
mistake, God will judge between the fat cattle and the lean cattle (Ez 34:20). Woe to
those who are full, for ye shall hunger (Lk 6:25)! We must understand that anything that
is based upon the lie, is not found in truth. This means that there could be lots of good
works, charitable deeds and Christian lingo, but if its foundation is in the lie – it is rotten
at its core and will be rooted up (Mt 15:13).

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We have now established that coming out of the darkness and into the light requires
obedience to the commandments of Christ. Psalms 112:1, “Praise ye the LORD. Blessed
is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments (also Ps
119:1-2, 47-48).” These “called out ones” (ekklesia) become the basis of Christ’s body
(i.e. church, 1 Thess 5:5). They follow Jesus and walk as He walked (Ps 119:3, Jn 12:26,
1 Jn 2:6, 1 P 2:21). Ephesians 5:8, “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye
light in the Lord: walk as children of light (also Ps 97:11).” These freely and lovingly
walk (live daily, practice) in the truth of God’s light. Psalms 119:30, “I have chosen the
way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.” Consider the benefit of your
obedience or walking in the truth: John 14:23, “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a
man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come
unto him, and make our abode with him.” Our obedience to the will of God draws us into
relationship with the Lord and oh what a relationship. This is an intimate personal
relationship whereby Christ knows your name (Jn 10:3). The whole purpose for which
Christ came was to draw us near to God, never away (Heb 7:19). 1 Peter 3:18, “For
Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to
God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.” Being “put to death in
the flesh” has double meaning. Christ was dead to the things of the flesh while yet alive
and so must we also be.

Therefore, he that obeys God and doeth truth comes to the light (Jn 3:21). When he
comes to the light his deeds (actions, manners, conduct, lifestyle, practices, walk in life)
are made manifest (obvious, apparent, evident, noticeable, clear, visible, discernable)
that they are wrought (shaped, fashioned, produced) in God. What this is saying is that
when we see our wickedness (Ps 119:59), repent and forsake the evil (in obedience to
God’s truth) that God works in us to produce His will (1 Pt 1:5). Philippians 2:13, “For it
is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” God works
through our willing obedient surrender to Him. Thus, Proverbs 4:18, “But the path of the
just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” God does
not force or compel the reluctant – those who are disobedient, rebellious and who love
darkness (Pv 4:19) to conform to His will – this is not God’s nature or purpose. One day,
you will be brought into God’s light and the evil you cling to will be a great shame.
When all the wickedness of your heart and actions is then revealed, do you presume to
think you may justify it in Christ? You’ve missed the whole point of His coming! Jesus
did not come to call us into darkness nor does He placate us there.

Therefore, using the full context of Christ’s statement (Jn 3:16-21) we can now answer
the question, “What does “believeth in Him” mean?” This means to come out of the
darkness (the lie) and into the light by obediently walking in the truth, which is God’s
Word. Christ said: John 12:46, “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever
believeth on me should not abide in darkness.” This means that if you truly “believe” in
Jesus, you will not stay or dwell in the darkness – you are “called out” as Christ’s body.
Jesus said, “whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die (Jn 11:26).” You must
liveth and believeth the light (Jn 11:26, 12:35-36)! John 6:29, “Jesus answered and said
unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” Iniquity
is unrighteousness which is violating the will of God - transgressing His

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commands/Word/truth - disobedience. So to be found in iniquity or unrighteousness is to
disregard God’s Word/truth or to be in “unbelief.”

Now consider the opposite: righteousness is faith which is loving surrender and
obedience (trust) to the will of God. This is high regard for God’s Word/truth and is
known as “belief.” You actually do as you say. This is not a mere profession or
acknowledgement that there is a God or a Jesus - even the devils believe this and tremble
(mentally acknowledge, Js 2:19). A profession with no walk or application would be
“unbelief,” but we must “believe.” The devils know the reality of God, but are living in
the lie, are opposed to God and in the darkness. How about you? 1 John 2:29, “If ye
know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of
him.” The Lord must become your very life in everything you do as you fully surrender
to God. 1 John 5:11, “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and
this life is in his Son (also Jn 6:47, 8:51).” You seek first the kingdom of God and all His
righteousness (Mt 6:33). God conforms you to His will through your surrender and
obedience – thus we may now understand the true meaning of grace. Grace is the divine
influence on the heart as reflected in one’s actions or life. This will be manifested as
God’s nature of righteousness and holiness. Please strongly consider these verses: Titus
2:11-14, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching
us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and
godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of
the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might
redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good
works.”

Lets fully consider these verses that define grace. Denying (reject, refuse, renounce)
ungodliness (impiety; wickedness; disregard of God and his commands and neglect of his
worship; or any positive act of disobedience or irreverence) and worldly lusts (the nature
of darkness resultant from the lie) is coming out of the darkness. Living soberly
(moderately, restraint of excess, without indulging in appetites or passions, live
seriously, having self control), righteously, and godly (living in obedience to God's
commands, from a principle of love to him and reverence of his character and precepts;
conformed to God’s commands as a godly life), in this present world (the here and now)
is coming to the light. Our faith (love, surrender, humbleness, obedience, loyalty, and
trust) in Christ is our righteousness (Rm 1:17, 3:22, 4:5, 9, 11, 13, 9:30, 10:6, Php 3:9,
Heb 11:7, 2 Pt 1:1). How are we purified? 1 Peter 1:22, “Seeing ye have purified your
souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned (genuine, sincere) love of the
brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently (zealously, fanatically,
passionately, and ardently).” Notice that Christ gave Himself for us that he might redeem
(to liberate or rescue from captivity or bondage; ransom) us from all iniquity (sin,
transgression of God’s will) and purify (to free from the defilement of sin that is resultant
from transgression against the will of God; act of restoring - no longer corrupt) unto
Himself a peculiar people (odd in the eyes of the world – do not live the same as).

This peculiar people is the ekklesia (called out ones, i.e. church) who have been called
out and purified from the darkness (cleansed, 1 Jn 1:9) - just men made perfect (Heb
12:23). No one is pure while walking in darkness. These are zealous (engaged or ardent

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in the pursuit of an object) of good works - doing the will of the Father. 1 Peter 2:9, “But
ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye
should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his
marvellous light.” Those who come out of the darkness are the ekklesia, which is the true
church – its not a building, denomination or religious institution – these things are of
man. Now consider what was said of Christ: John 1:14, “And the Word was made flesh,
and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the
Father,) full of grace and truth.” Did Jesus walk in grace? Yes, He was filled with the
Spirit and denied all temptations and never walked in the way of the flesh. Did Jesus
walk in truth? Yes, He absolutely did the will of the Father (Ps 40:7, Jn 5:19-20, 30,
6:38, 8:28-29, 54-55, Heb 10:7, 9); spoke the Father’s Words (Deut 18:18, Jn 3:34,
7:16-17, 8:28, 38, 12:49-50, 14:10-11); and performed the Father’s works (Lk 2:49, Jn
5:17, 36, 9:4, 14:10-11, 31, 17:4-5). Is Christ our example? Yes, we must follow in His
lived out example (Mt 10:38, 16:24, Mk 8:34, 10:21, Lk 9:23, 14:27). Jesus said: John
7:18, “He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory
that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.” In other words, if you
are seeking your selfish way, you desire your own glory and walk in the lie (ye shall be
as gods, Gen 3:5). Those who seek God and want to bring the Lord glory walk in the
truth which is righteousness – they doeth the will of God. Jesus had no unrighteousness
(violation of God’s will) in Him (Ps 92:15) and thus perfectly kept the Father’s will.

Therefore, if you “believeth in Him,” then you will have everlasting life (Jn 3:16) –
Christ promises (Jn 2:25). Jesus says: John 11:26, “And whosoever liveth and believeth
in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” First you do the will of God and then receive
the promise (Heb 10:36). Hebrews 12:28-29, “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which
cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with
reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire.” Lastly: 1 Peter 1:9,
“Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” Faith is that walk of
love, surrender and obedience to God that does not look to the flesh, but to the Spirit (2
Cor 5:7). God hath chosen those rich in faith (loving, honoring and obeying Him) to be
heirs or beneficiaries of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him - i.e.
keep His commandments (Js 2:5, Jn 14:15, 23, 15:10)? In summary: 2 John 1:6, 9, “And
this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye
have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. Whosoever transgresseth, and
abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of
Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” In conclusion: John 3:36, “He that believeth
on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but
the wrath of God abideth on him (also Jn 6:47).” To believe is to follow God’s
designated path (through Christ) for reconciliation back to Himself. This is a path of
righteousness where mercy and truth meet per the Lord’s holy character (Ps 85:10).
Those who do not “believe” and follow God’s path remain under the original
condemnation, “thou shalt surely die” (Gen 2:17).

To further illustrate the truth of “believeth” on Christ, let us consider what Jesus said: We
must first come to Him and hear Him. Then, “do” His sayings! Luke 6:47-48,
“Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to
whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the

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foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that
house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.” This is what Jesus did!
Christ “knew” God and “kept” His sayings (Jn 8:55). Jesus did that which He had seen of
His Father (truth). Man does that which he hath seen of his father – the devil whom he
chose to follow (Jn 8:38). If we come to Jesus from out of the darkness, we will hear His
sayings or truth. We must then do them and then we will no longer be under the Father’s
condemnation for all transgressors – which is “thou shalt surely die” (Gen 2:17). John
3:18, “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned
already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”AND
John 5:24, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him
that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed
from death unto life.”

The opening verse to this chapter stated that “God gave His only begotten Son.” God the
Father gave all (sacrificed Son) for your benefit (Jn 3:16). Jesus the Son gave all in
sacrificing Himself for your benefit (1 Jn 3:16). This relationship is reciprocal and you
must now give all to God. You must offer up in sacrifice your life, meaning “your way.”
All your self-centered hopes and dreams. All the things you want to manage, control and
aspire to. You must yield and surrender all to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. You must now
live in obedience to the direction of the Lord. You must now base your life upon the
foundation of Christ’s Word and die to personal desire. You must stop living to the ways
of the world, which is driven by fleshly lusts and worldliness. You must look beyond the
flesh and walk in faith (2 Cor 5:7). When you humble yourself and walk in love, the Lord
will lift you up (Js 4:10). The Lord gave all in preparing a path of reconciliation for you.
You must now give all to walk this path back to God. --Though many trials and
tribulations be on this way, the Spirit will strengthen to endure everyday.--

Now if you are not totally grasping all of this or perhaps just don’t want to consider the
implications (tremendous changes required, see “Change” below) on your “self life,”
know this: as long as you walk in darkness (don’t obey the truth) you will not be able to
clearly see - blindness, deception (Mt 13:14-15, Lk 8:10, Is 6:9-10). 2 Corinthians 4:4,
“In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest
the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto
them.” Do you understand what this is saying? To “believe not” is to continue walking in
the darkness - Satan’s lie, his kingdom, the god of fallen man. As previously stated: to be
in darkness = cannot see. Satan blinds your mind to the truth of God. How does he do
this? As explained in Chapter One, the devil keeps your focus on the lie. He keeps your
time and attention focused on self – seeking your own way. What you want to do – the
pride (self exaltation) of life; the things/cares/pleasures of this world; the lusts of the
flesh/eyes, etc (Mt 13:22, Mk 4:19, Lk 8:14, 1 Jn 2:15-17). This is the inclination or
tendency of your fallen nature - what comes natural. Satan keeps you in “love” with the
darkness (Jn 3:19). He constantly tempts you to seek your way (path) and do what makes
you feel good. The truth of God is opposite of the darkness and thus you will never see it.
To accept the truth would be to die to the darkness that you love.

Now here is some great wisdom: the more you come into the light the greater your vision
(perception, understanding, insight) will be – the more your eyes will be opened. The

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more you come into the light also means the further you have to travel away from the
darkness. So, the more you die to self, this world, and the things of man, the more your
eyes will be open to the things of God. Practically speaking, you will either be blind to
the things of the world or blind to the things of the Spirit – your eyes will be opened to
one or the other, but not both. God gives us ever increasing sight as we take our focus off
of self and the world (the darkness) and direct it to doing the lord’s will, which is the
light. Satan will convince (beguile, deceive) many others that they can serve God through
the flesh – that they can both “profess Christ” yet walk in darkness. Satan loves
“religion” – a religiously deceived person is the hardest to reach with the truth. If the
devil can convince you that you are serving God while living for self (in the darkness,
lie) then he has taken you captive at his will into his house of bondage (2 Tim 2:26). By
keeping your focus on self and remaining in the darkness, the light of God cannot “shine”
upon you – your not receptive to it because you think all is well. By constantly seeking
the flesh, you will naturally interpret God’s Word through the flesh (benefiting the flesh,
reinforcing the lie) and will never truly understand the “glorious gospel of Christ.”

The gospel of Christ will destroy the things of the flesh or works of the devil (1 Jn 3:8)
through faith. Faith bypasses the flesh by denying its control - its way. To walk in faith is
to deny the flesh – to cease from your way in surrender to God’s way and find life (Pv
21:21). To despise God’s way, and thereby seek your way, brings death (Pv 19:16).
Notice in the lead-in verse to this paragraph (2 Cor 4:4) that Christ is the image of God.
As a man (in His walk on earth), Jesus perfectly reflected the image (or nature, truth) of
God, and the Father was well pleased (Mt 3:17, 12:18, 17:5, Mk 1:11, Lk 3:22, 2 Pt
1:17). Jesus walked in faith through total surrender to the will of the Father – speaking
God’s Words, doing the Father’s works, dying to self, living in “love” – obedient unto
death (Php 2:8). Man was also created in the image of God (Gen 1:26-27). Through one
act of disobedience, man took on a different image or nature, that of Satan - who man
obeyed (Jn 8:44). Fallen man no longer reflects the image of God (man is in darkness,
dwelling in the devil’s lie). Now it is imperative (crucial, essential) that we understand
this: Jesus (God) came down to this earth as a man and lived the truth by example and
always said: “come, follow me.” Where was Jesus going? Christ went back to the Father.
Jesus calls us out of the darkness (ekklesia, the church) to follow Him in truth (the nature
of God) and be reconciled to the Father through Christ. We must obediently follow in
Christ’s steps, conforming to His image (the reflection of God’s nature, what man was
before the fall) and walk as He walked. God (through His Spirit) transforms us along
“The Way.” The whole “key” to eternal life is in obediently following - practicing daily
in your life. You learn by practice.
What is walking in Darkness?

The darkness is bounded by the nature of Satan which is opposite of God’s truth and was
espoused in the serpent’s lie. This is an exaltation of self through the seeking of your will
- way, path, desires, lusts. The darkness disregards God’s will in order to fulfill your own.
The self-centered foundation of the darkness is blasphemy to God. Blasphemy would be
to speak or act irreverently toward God - have contempt for God’s will through your
daily actions and mannerisms. God’s truth is revealed in His Word (Bible) and unfolded
by His Spirit as one “follows” in “The Way” put forth by Christ. The darkness would be

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anything opposed to such truth (light). Most walk in the darkness with no real effort due
to a like nature and propensity for things of the flesh.

Practically speaking, what is walking in the darkness? This would be going about your
daily efforts without acknowledging God in all your ways (Pv 3:6). Acknowledging in
this sense would be in terms of having such high regard for God (opposite of blasphemy)
that you yield to the Lord’s direction in all things at the expense of your own will (self
sacrifice) - placing God foremost in all your actions and rejecting (abstain from) that
which is contrary to Him. The Lord leads us in paths of righteousness for “His” name’s
sake (Ps 23:3). Walking in darkness is being led (by Satan) in paths of unrighteousness
for selfish benefit and “your” name’s sake. Unrighteousness is defined as the violation of
the will of God. This is “unbelief” which is a daily walking in your ways rather than
being submitted and walking in Christ’s truth. To “not believe” is to not take Christ’s
Words seriously enough to actually live them - apply and walk in them daily. It doesn’t
matter whether or not you just agree with Christ’s Words, what matters is if you live
them.

This life is filled with potential stumbling stones and one must be wise. The children of
Israel continually defied God’s direction and warnings in seeking the idolatry and ways
of the wicked peoples around them. The Lord said they had a “whorish heart” because
they departed from God and sought the things of the world – the cultures around them
(Ez 6:9). They came into the house of the Lord and said we are delivered to do this
wickedness (Jer 7:10). In other words, they said that God understands these things – you
know an “unconditional” love God. To be whorish would be incontinence, which is
indulging lust in violation of God’s Word – not restraining the passions. In this modern
rebellious world it may seem strange to restrain yourself from anything, particularly
when “everybody’s doing it.” Let us now take these generalities and offer some very
specific examples.

Example 1: Taking pleasure in unrighteousness – A tremendous part of most people’s


lives is the television. The programming is almost exclusively opposed to God’s truth.
Sin and iniquity are glorified and evil behavior is endorsed and promoted. Most seeking
fleshly entertainment (pleasure) routinely rejoice in such unrighteousness (2 Thess 2:12).
1 Corinthians 13:6, “Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.” This would also
include movie rentals, most popular music, much of what is in magazines, romance
novels, and most video games, which are filled with violence, sensuality and the occult.
Such darkness and disregard for God’s truth is a great blindness to all who partake. 1
Corinthians 3:18, “Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be
wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.” Being wise in the things
of man or the world is to be a fool before God.

A perfect man will fear God and eschew (abstain from, abhor) such evil (Job 2:3, 28:28,
Pv 3:7, 4:27, 8:13). Jesus said: Matthew 5:48, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your
Father which is in heaven is perfect.” How? Romans 12:2, “And be not conformed to this
world (the ways and things of): but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that
ye may prove (demonstrate) what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Now many (including very religious people) will take great issue with the thought of

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having to forsake such things as television, movies, pop music, magazines and most
video games? This is the darkness! Jesus came to deliver you from the darkness (from
iniquity – Ti 2:14; from this present evil world – Gal 1:4; from abiding in the darkness –
Jn 12:46) that you may live unto righteousness (1 Pt 2:24). Now who wants Christ’s
deliverance? Perhaps you can see why men love the darkness and will not come to the
light (Jn 3:19-21)? Perhaps you can also see why many a religious man has redefined the
gospel and/or the darkness? We must be: 2 Corinthians 10:5, “Casting down
imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and
bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (also Php 4:8).” All
forms of worldly entertainment are full of high things that exalt themselves against the
truth of God. What shall we say about entertaining the flesh? It is seeking the will of the
flesh - doing what is right in your own eyes; seeking the imaginations of your heart.

If you cannot see how entertaining self (most must have constant entertainment) is
seeking the flesh (your will), then it only proves the blindness and deception which are
pillars of the darkness. This is why most modern “worldly” churches are now so
entertaining everyone with rock bands, smooth speakers, fun activities, worldly
celebrations, etc. – to get your attention - in so doing, they have missed the gospel
altogether. To be as the world is to be in the darkness. We should be: Ephesians 5:16,
“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Those that live in pleasure are dead
while they yet live – under condemnation (1 Tim 5:6). Titus 3:3, “For we ourselves also
were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living
in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.” Do not become entangled in the
affairs of this life (2 Tim 2:4).

Its like this: Many will acknowledge that most of what is on television is ungodly, in an
honest comparison with God’s Word. Many will also acknowledge that their lives, and
their children’s, would probably be more godly without the television. However, the
majority of these will not remove this idol from their lives or their children’s. This is the
difference between those who love the darkness and those who come to the light. Those
who come to the light will forsake such evil in a sincere heart and will conform
themselves to God’s truth – regardless of sacrifice. Granted this is a small minority. This
concept or devotion applies to all things that interfere (get in the way, hamper, impair)
with your walking in the Lord’s truth - such as movies, entertainments, books,
magazines, - whatever.

Example 2: Covetousness and the lusts of the eyes – Most people in the world are
seeking after possessions. This could be anything such as houses, cars, electronic gadgets,
clothes (designer), tools, luxuries, recreational things, furniture, collections, etc. There is
a consuming (strong, intense, overwhelming) drive to own – more and better. Luke 12:15,
“And he (Jesus) said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life
consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” This is a strong
warning from God – the wise will heed it. All of these “things” or “possessions” take
your attention and focus off of God and place it upon self. The lust for things is self-
centered and will exalt self above God and others (contrary to Christ’s two great
commandments). Things become great idols in your life. This is great darkness! Psalm

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10:3, “For the wicked boasteth of his heart’s desire (always wanting things), and blesseth
the covetous (their ideal), whom the LORD abhorreth.”

We are told to be content with such things as we have (1 Tim 6:8) – be known for your
moderation (Php 3:15). Hebrews 13:5, “Let your conversation (lifestyle) be without
covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never
leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Psalms 37:16, “A little that a righteous man hath is better
than the riches of many wicked.” Surely man walketh in a vain show; he heaps up
treasures (monies and possessions) and he knows not who shall gather them (Ps 39:6).
Wisdom seeks first the kingdom of God and other things shall be added as the Lord
provides (Mt 6:33). A follower of Christ may be in possession of some things, but those
things will not be in possession of him. If we love the world, we are an enemy of God (Js
4:4). If we seek the things of the world, the love of God is not in us (1 Jn 2:15-17). If our
mind is on the flesh, we cannot please God (Rm 8:6-8). 1 Timothy 6:6-7, “But godliness
with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain
we can carry nothing out.” If we could only understand this coupled with: Man’s carnal
life is as a vapor or fading flower (Js 4:14, 1 Pt 1:24-25, Job 8:9, 14:2, Ps 78:39,
103:15-16, 144:4, 1 Chr 29:15).

Just what is really important? Where should your time and energy be spent? Psalm 90:9-
10, “For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is
told. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they
be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we
fly away.” All these possessions will be links in the chains that bind you in the bondage
of darkness. Ephesians 5:3, 5, “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let
it not be once named among you, as becometh saints. For this ye know, that no
whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any
inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” AND Colossians 3:5-6, “Mortify (put
to death) therefore your members (appetites and passions leading to sin) which are upon
the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and
covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the
children of disobedience.” AND 2 Timothy 3:1-5, “This know also, that in the last days
perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters,
proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural
affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are
good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having
a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

The power of the gospel is the Holy Ghost enacting God’s grace in one’s life as they
yield and are transformed. Conversely, the power of the kingdom of darkness is Satan
enacting the lusts of the flesh in one’s life as they are tempted and capitulate (give into
the temptation) in seeking their own way. In conclusion, Jesus said: Mark 7:21-23, “For
from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications,
murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye,
blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the
man.”

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Example 3: The love of money – The thing that is probably desired most by men is
money because it gains most other things – little slips of printed paper, stamped metal
tokens and plastic cards or perhaps electronic digits in a data base. Money is eternally
worthless (no redeeming value), yet most are consumed with the drive to obtain it. In this
evil world, money (insignificant and useless in God’s eyes) is the primary motivator of
people – please consider this thoughtfully. People will literally do the unthinkable when
enough money is involved. Most people have much greater faith in money than they do in
God – it’s a great idol! Consider this: men will lay down enormous sums of money in the
stock market with “misplaced faith” that it will produce even greater amounts of money –
giving them more of that which they love, worship and trust in. However, most men will
not be willing to put such faith in God for eternal merit. Your faith is manifested in
who/what you sincerely seek after in your actions.

People will sacrifice much to obtain money and little to obey God. Why? Because money
benefits the flesh and obedience to God denies the flesh. Those motivated by the flesh
place its concerns foremost. – its not that hard to understand and is easily observed. For
example (using the above example of television) if the author offered a large some of
money to stop watching television for a year there would be many takers. However, if the
author told you that abstaining from the television for a year would greatly improve your
relationship with God, there would be few if any takers. The former proposal gains
fleshly benefit and the latter denies fleshly benefit. Man seeks the flesh and your actions
reveal your heart.

The fallen nature of man (darkness) always seeks a selfish benefit! The reason that
people are so consumed in the lust for money (deceitfulness of riches) is because it
provides such a wide range of selfish benefits. 1 Timothy 6:9-11, “But they that will be
rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown
men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which
while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through
with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after
righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” Again, the love of money is
self-centered and righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience & meekness are self-
denying and God-centered.

Many would like to serve God and money: Luke 16:13, “No servant can serve two
masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one,
and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon - money.” This is a gospel of
the flesh and is in keeping with man’s selfish rebellion against God – beware! Luke
18:25, “For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to
enter into the kingdom of God.” The rich rely on themselves – their ingenuity and skills
(Ps 49:6, 17-19) and their money or resources rather than God - These things they serve!
The rich desire the ways and things of the flesh. God will never lead someone who is
seeking His will down such a fleshly self-centered path. This would defeat the Lord’s
purposes. Please consider carefully: Proverbs 13:7, “There is that maketh himself rich,
yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.” You can have
temporal riches now with much misery or you can be poor now with the expectation of

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eternal riches – although they will not be lust driven. Proverbs 11:4, “Riches profit not in
the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.”

Corrupt communication - Ephesians 4:29, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of


your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto
the hearers.” AND Psalms 141:3, “Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the
door of my lips.” Many routinely use foul language in their communication with others
perhaps to the extent that they would find it very difficult to stop. Psalms 109:17-19, “As
he loved cursing, so let it come unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far
from him. As he clothed himself with cursing like as with his garment, so let it come into
his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones. Let it be unto him as the garment which
covereth him, and for a girdle wherewith he is girded continually.” Many also
participating in course (risqué) joking around (were just having fun), story telling (its
innocent) or e-mailing jokes and silliness. Followers of Christ are told not to do these
things. Ephesians 5:4, “Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not
convenient: but rather giving of thanks.” Exodus 20:7, “Thou shalt not take the name of
the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name
in vain (also Deut 5:11).” You are not to use God’s name profanely (not hallowed or
consecrated, Lev 19:12) or irreverently (to desecrate, defile, blaspheme) showing
disrespect or contempt (less worthy) – to put to base or improper use. You can always tell
a person’s heart by the things they say. Matthew 15:18-19, “But those things which
proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of
the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness,
blasphemies.” We live in a time when most people routinely use God’s name in vain and
dishonor God through the things they say - blaspheme. To most God’s name has become
an expression of accentuation (emphasis) – to drive the point home. They will
irreverently use God’s name to emphasize a moment of excitement, disapproval, tension,
surprise, near mishap or tradgedy, etc. - expletives. This shows no respect or fear of God.
The author will not list the many and seemingly innocent ways people do this – for fear
and respect of the Lord. Colossians 3:8, “But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath,
malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.” These ungodly attributes
result from seeking self (often at the expense of others) and not denying it.

Example 4: Drawing attention to self – A follower of Christ must avoid self exaltation
(pride), which is often manifested as desiring attention for self. This is vanity, which is a
fruitless labor that produces no good – emptiness and untruth. Further, this is empty
pleasure, vain pursuit and idle show. Vanity is hollow pride, inspired by an overweening
conceit of one’s personal attainments or decorations – the food of fools (our necessary
food must be every Word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God, Deut 8:3, Job 23:12,
Mt 4:4). Most people desire to be popular and well received by the others around them.
This of course is to exalt one’s standing or acceptance with regard to one’s self. It is
really impossible to seek such notoriety in a fallen world without compromising the will
of God (Lk 6:26). A follower of Jesus must be decreasing and certainly not increasing (Jn
3:30).

There are many ways to draw attention to self, let us consider a few – note: some of these
may seem to mostly apply to women, but they all also apply to men: The clothes you

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wear may say a lot about you. Some may dress provocatively by wearing sensual clothing
that accentuates particular parts of their bodies. This is shamefully done to entice desire
in others and thus exalt themselves as an object of desire. For those women who profess
Christ, are you dressing in a certain way to induce lust or want in men (maybe married
men, Mt 5:27-28)? How does this honor the Lord you profess? Some dress in designer
name brand clothing to denote status and exalt themselves above others or become an
advertising billboard for the world. Others exalt themselves through the use of jewelry,
perfumes/colognes, hair styles, and the use of cosmetics (1 Tim 2:9, 1 Pt 3:3). Some exalt
self through the use of titles (doctor, reverend, VIP, college degrees, etc.), position
(manager, director, president, boss, etc.) or salary. In an office environment it may be
whether or not you have your own office; where it is located; what type of furniture is in
it; what meetings you attend; and where you sit in those meetings. Some exalt themselves
and garner attention by the kind of car they drive; the home or neighborhood in which
they live; perhaps the type of businesses in which they shop or eat; and maybe even the
type of pure breed pet they own.

Some put others down so as to exalt themselves, which is hate (sacrifice of others for the
benefit of self). Some exalt self by belonging to a certain group (lodge, club, association,
etc.). Some may religiously exalt self by their function in their religious organization
(soloist, deacon, head usher, treasurer, grandfather built this church, etc.). Others may
exalt self through the talents they may possess such as musical ability (instrument or
singing), artistic skills, athletic ability, or intellectual reasoning. Maybe you seek to
impress others through the type of electronic gadgets you own – cell phone, laptop
computer, stereo, etc. Many build altars to self by displaying awards and achievments on
the wall or having an area for trophies or photographs. The point is that all of these things
are prideful and exalt self over others. Followers of Christ must be humble (Mic 6:8, Mt
5:5, 18:4). This means that we must avoid such things entirely. This is part of dying to
self! This is crucifying that old nature that walked in darkness. If you protest such advice
it only shows you love of the darkness and embrace its ideals. Pride is the main pillar of
the darkness! To exalt self is to transgress the will of God. You must be directing others
to glorify God and not take the glory from others for self (Ps 96:7-8). If you desire
personal glory, then you are getting it at God’s expense. We must point or direct others to
God and not self. You must sacrifice self to serve God and others. Matthew 23:12, “And
whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be
exalted.”
The One you Love

The reality of the situation is this: when you walk in the darkness you develop a love for
the darkness (Jn 3:19). Now it may be a love-hate relationship such that you moan and
complain about some things, like how awful the television is getting as the wickedness
portrayed on it is increased all the time. However, you will ultimately defend your love
(i.e. the darkness) when confronted with frank truth such as this book. Very few will
forsake their love, but will justify her, and compromise for her, until the bitter end – and
it will be exceedingly bitter. Is this not true for you dear reader? Conversely, scripture
makes it very clear that to love Christ, one must walk as He walked. This is where the

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love and relationship develop – experiencing the same things. Therefore, the one you
walk with is the one you ultimately love – whether darkness or light.

Don’t be so naïve, deluded and brash as to think that you will just walk with the darkness
for a period of time or until things cross your imaginary and ever shifting line of
supposed morality. No, no, no, you will develop a relationship of love along the way and
find that you are ultimately quite unwilling to leave your real love no matter how bad
things seem. Those who love the darkness are ultimately devoted to the darkness. You are
what you are my friend. The only way you will ever leave the darkness is to die – that is
to self or the flesh. No reformation, just death. You must be “born again” of God and start
walking with your new love in the light (Jn 3:3, 21, 2 Cor 5:17, Gal 6:15). John 12:46, “I
am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in
darkness.” To abide is to dwell comfortably therein – to continue in the same state; to be;
stand firm; to endure. Those that believe on Christ leave the darkness and this my friend
is the distinguishing factor.

Man always seeks what “self” wants! – the motivation of “me.” Many come to God with
this same perspective – “I don’t want to go to hell” or “I want to live in eternal bliss.” To
“know” God is to put “self” aside and seek what God wants with a full heart. Cause me to
know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee (Ps 143:8). Psalms
143:10, “Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the
land of uprightness.” The land of uprightness is far from the darkness or region of “my
way” and its highway is to depart from evil (Pv 16:17)

This must be a surrendering of “your” will, which is “your” desires. This is the very
essence of faith – to live opposed to self. Another way to say this is to reject reliance on
that which can be seen/felt (i.e. self) and put full confidence and reliance on that which
cannot be seen (the Lord). God does not become just another interest in your life. The
Lord’s will becomes your life as you lose your life in Him (Mt 10:39, 16:25, Mk 8:35, Lk
9:24, 17:33, Jn 12:25). Please be aware that if you sincerely ask God to show you the
right way in which to walk – the Lord will! Once the Lord shows you there is an
obligation on your part to obey and walk therein. If you do not, then you have
disregarded God’s direction; so do not expect that more or future guidance will be
forthcoming – until sincere repentance. God does not cast his pearls before swine to be
trampled underfoot (Mt 7:6). You either regard or disregard through your actions. Some
will think it impossible to live such a life and this is the essence of unbelief. Jeremiah
18:12, “And they said, There is no hope: but we will walk after our own devices, and we
will every one do the imagination of his evil heart.” This is what most people do! –
particularly religious people with a form of godliness. They think it is impossible to do
what the bible literally reveals is required, so they disregard it (and truth fails in them,
Jer 7:28). They are then given over to the darkness which is blindness to the truth. They
then consider in their doctrines that surely God understands the way “I AM” and they
walk after their own devices.
Wisdom

What seems impossible to man is possible through the Lord (Mk 10:26-27). Matthew
19:25-26, “When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then

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can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible;
but with God all things are possible.” Faith denies the wisdom, speculations and
perturbations (worried mental state, confused, nervous, and upset) of the flesh and trusts
solely in God. Jesus only requires that you “follow” Him (Lk 9:23, Jn 10:27, 12:26). He
does not expect you to figure everything out and certainly not try and usurp the lead.
Your obedience to the Lord’s convictions and direction is what will set you free from the
things of self. Holding-on to the things of flesh will only prove a love of the darkness and
a disregard for the work that the Lord wants to perform in your life. The Lord asks you to
live one day at a time in Him (Mt 6:34) – for you have no guarantees for tomorrow (Js
4:13-15). Matthew 6:34, “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall
take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Be faithful
in this day and stop trying to sort out the future – it is beyond you. Recognize your
weakness and fall upon the Lord’s strength. Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through
Christ which strengtheneth me.” The Lord strengthens you to walk in His will and not
your own. Never attempt to use the things of the Lord to strengthen the flesh or your
will/way (Js 4:3-4). This will only lead to confusion and end in failure. You will never
truly understand any of this until you start walking in the Lord. The Lord leads, we
obediently follow and the flesh is torn down along the way. Surrender and put your full
trust in Jesus: 2 Thessalonians 3:3, “But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and
keep you from evil.”

The author receives many requests to supply the nitty gritty details of how one walks in
faith – all the specifics. The author has been given no such authority to establish a “new
law” – a list of do’s and don’ts. This would be usurping the Holy Ghost’s function. The
more salvation requirements, the bigger the tablet of stone. The very essence of faith is to
walk blind to the flesh while trusting and obeying God. The flesh wants to know exactly
what is required. The Spirit says follow and it will be shown to you. We all come from
unique circumstances and the Holy Spirit works effectively in each life to lead all to the
same place – in paths of righteousness for Christ’s name sake (Ps 23:3). The Spirit
conforms us to the perfect image that Jesus demonstrated in His walk of faith. The Holy
Ghost tears down the things of the flesh and self to make this happen. What is required?
The author cannot give a detailed understanding, but the Spirit can. Come, follow, and
you will see (Jn 1:39). Become blind to the things of the world and be led about by the
Holy Ghost. Knowledge, understanding and wisdom will be gained along the way, but
not until you follow. The Lord requires active participation in His kingdom.

The examples sited above relay how the Spirit unfolds God’s Word in it’s application to
the circumstances most face. The Spirit of truth guides you into all truth (Jn 15:13). We
must follow the Spirit and not rules. The Spirit must be willingly obeyed, rules are
compulsory (coercive and obligatory). Jesus said: John 17:17, “Sanctify them through
thy truth: thy word is truth.” The truth is what separates us from the lie.
Change

When one sincerely recognizes the wrongfulness of their actions and the wickedness of
their life (their transgressions and disregard for a truly righteous God) and genuinely
cries out to God (through Christ) for mercy and forgiveness, together with an actual

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forsaking of evil (cease to do evil, Is 1:16; Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which
is good, Rm 12:9; Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good, Rm 12:21),
something wonderful happens. John 1:12-13, “But as many as received him, to them gave
he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were
born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” You
become “born again” (Jn 3:3) or a “new creature” (2 Cor 5:17, Gal 6:15, Eph 4:24)
whereby God writes His laws in your heart and mind (2 Cor 3:3, Heb 8:10, 10:16).
Colossians 3:10, “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after
the image of him that created him (also Col 1:20).”

Through your obedience (Acts 5:32), God will give you His Holy Spirt to lead, guide and
teach you (Jn 14:16, 26, 15:26, 16:7, Rm 8:14). The Spirit dwells within you (Rm 8:11, 1
Cor 3:16-17, 6:19). Romans 8:9, “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be
that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is
none of his.” The Holy Spirit works through your obedience to transform you into the
image of Christ. This transformation produces something that is very evident known as
“change.” 2 Corinthians 3:18, “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the
glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image (Christ’s) from glory to glory, even as
by the Spirit of the Lord.” You begin to change from the inside out. You are renewed day
by day (2 Cor 4:16). This change will start reflecting the nature of God. What is in your
heart manifests outwardly in your actions and produces visible evidence or “fruit.”
Noticeable fruit would be “love” (sacrifice of self for the benefit of others) and
“humbleness” (self denial, submissiveness) toward God (foremost) and others. God works
in you that which is wellpleasing in His sight (through Jesus Christ) to do His will (Heb
13:21). The life of Jesus is manifest in your mortal flesh (2 Cor 4:11) as you put on
Christ (Gal 3:27, Jn 3:30). As you obey the Spirit and put aside the flesh, you are
changed into Christ’s image (Rm 8:28-29, Lk 6:40, 2 Cor 3:18). The characteristics of the
new man are righteousness and holiness (Eph 4:24). Righteousness is the conformity
(likeness) of your heart and life to Christ’s will and holiness is purity from iniquity and
sanctity (godliness, reflecting God’s nature in your life) - coming out of the darkness. If
you are not yielding and obeying then no transformation is taking place and you grieve
the Spirit (Eph 4:30). Disobedience will quench (repress, subdue, restrain, stifle) the
Spirit (1 Thess 5:19). Some identify (believe) with Christ’s image, but the real (genuine)
will conform to His image.

This change in you will be quite noticeable for all to see. How can one truly “change”
unless they forsake or die to “their” way. We discussed how Satan’s lie is the opposite
from God’s truth. Those who have submitted to God’s truth will now begin to reflect the
opposite characteristics of the darkness or lie they once walked in. Much of what you
once did you will no longer do because you now “fear” God (surrender inlove and
obedience to His will and want to please Him, will not transgress) and abstain from all
evil. This will be a great witness to others. Their reaction may seem quite negative, but
rest assured an impact is being made. 1 Peter 4:3-4, “For the time past of our life may
suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness,
lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they
think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of
you.” Rejoice when those who walk in darkness separate from your company (Lk 6:22).

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When you are no longer accepted by the world it only proves that you are one of God’s
“peculiar” people – called out of the darkness (Ti 2:14). 1 Peter 4:16, “Yet if any man
suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.”

You will soon come to the realization of the questions: for what fellowship hath
righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness (2
Cor 6:14)? Those who walk in darkness have a totally different outlook on life –
“THEIRS.” Those who walk in light have a new outlook – “GOD’S.” One seeks the flesh
and the other seeks the Spirit (Rm 8:13). You cannot blend things which cannot be
mixed! Some will say what about the gray areas, not everything is black and white (light
and darkness?). Those found in the gray areas are particularly nauseating to the Lord and
He will vomit them out of His mouth. The Lord says, “I would that you were hot or cold,
but the lukewarm are distasteful to the point of vomiting or spewing out of the mouth
(Rev 3:15-16).” Therefore: Your new life will be marked by significant change (of nature
and lifestyle) and will be peculiar (unusual, odd, different) when compared to the world
or popular culture. There will most likely be family problems (Mt 10:35).
Come Out

In the land of Shinar, man came together of one language and one accord to do a very
wicked thing (Gen 11:1-2). Genesis 11:3-4, “And they said one to another, Go to, let us
make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they
for morter. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach
unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the
whole earth.” The intent of man was to exalt himself to the very dwelling place of God.
Their hearts were lifted up as a god (Ez 28:2) – the devil’s lie had stated, “ye shall be as
gods” (Gen 3:5). The attitude was: Isaiah 14:14, “I will ascend above the heights of the
clouds; I will be like the most High.” Let us make us a name – self exaltation! The Lord
confounded their understanding and brought confusion. Wickedness is always marked by
confusion. Genesis 11:9, “Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD
did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter
them abroad upon the face of all the earth.” All the nations of the earth proceeded out
from Babel. All the nations of the earth have also been self seeking and idolatrous. This is
why God built a separate nation out of faithful Abraham; to teach this “peculiar” nation
(Israel) His laws such that it could be an example to all nations. These were to be a
people of faith.

The multitude of wicked nations represented the multitude of wrong paths which make
up the “broad way” where the majority of mankind is found. These were a people of
“self.” The nation of Israel represented the one “narrow” path to God where the minority
of mankind is found. These were a people of “faith.” From the nation of Israel came Jesus
Christ the Messiah. Shinar is a land of wickedness (Zech 5:7-11). From Babel in the land
of Shinar sprang forth a great and evil city called Babylon (Dan 1:2). Babylon was
known for pride and material excess – worldliness. Nebuchadnezzar was a great king of
Babylon and he represented its character when he stated: Daniel 4:30, “The king spake,
and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the
might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?” Due to His prideful self

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exaltation (Dan 5:18-21), the Lord God greatly humbled him (Dan 4:16, 23, 32-33) until
he knew the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men and appointeth over it whomsoever
he will (Dan 4:17, 25, 32, 34, 37). After literally being brought to his knees,
Nebuchadnezzar did give God glory. Daniel 4:34-35, “And at the end of the days I
Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto
me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever,
whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to
generation: And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth
according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and
none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?” God will be exalted (Ps
46:10)!

Nebuchadnezzar’s son, Belshazzar, did the same thing in exalting himself: Daniel 5:22-
23, “And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest
all this (i.e. what happened to his father); But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of
heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy
lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the
gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor
know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not
glorified.” The Lord took him from the earth that very night (Dan 5:30). Babylon’s
wickedness is found in it’s seeking of self and refusal to acknowledge and glorify the
Lord God! Babylon is a reflection of the devil’s great lie (Gen 3:4). The book of
Revelation refers to this wicked nature which has manifested through the ages as Mystery
Babylon. Revelation 17:1-2, “And there came one of the seven angels which had the
seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the
judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: With whom the kings of the
earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk
with the wine of her fornication.”

The kings of the earth have been seduced and have partaken of her nature and reflected
her image. Waters represent peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues and
Mystery Babylon sits upon them (Rev 17:15). Recall that all the nations preceeded from
Babel in the land of Shinar - which is Babylon. Revelation 17:3-5, “So he carried me
away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured
beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. And the woman
was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and
pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her
fornication: And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE
GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.”
Notice that Babylon is decked with the things of the world – the lust of the flesh; the lust
of the eyes and the pride of life (1 Jn 2:15-17). The tower of Babel was presumably a
temple and there was also a religious component. This was a religion of man (let us make
a name for ourselves) and not of God. Man’s religion exalts self and this is noted by the
self seeking aspects of Babylon and the fleshly things it desires - gold, royal apparel,
precious stones, pearls – big buildings. This religion fornicates with the world, which
represents Satan’s nature – self. Since these things are directed at “self” or the glory of
man, they are an atrocity to God – hence, the abominations of the earth.

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God’s way destroys the flesh and the things of the world and leaves one humbled and
obedient to God – giving the Lord all the honor, glory and praise. Revelation 17:6, “And
I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs
of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.” The wicked nature of
the great whore is opposed to God and Christ. She kills God’s people (whether physically
or through deception)! – even so, she seduces marvellously (wondered with great
admiration). The whole world follows after the beast (Rev 13:3-4) – its nature through
the principles of the lie. Those in the flesh will be drawn to this Babylonian nature, which
is a reflection of Satan. Revelation 17:8, “The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and
shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the
earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation
of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.” The beast she
rides upon is the antichrist spirit. To be “anti” is to be opposed to (Rev 17:14). Babylon is
opposed to Christ and the beast is the very nature of Satan! Revelation 18:24, “And in her
was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.”
There is only the truth (God’s Word) and the lie (Satan’s word). Those found in the lie
hate those found in the truth (Ps 37:12). Those who refused God’s truth, murdered His
prophets and saints that came speaking the Lord’s Words (2 Pt 1:21). They slew them!
The darkness hates the light for it exposes its wickedness and great evils (Jn 3:19-21).
The darkness seeks to put out the light.

Jesus said: John 16:2-3, “They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh,
that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will
they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.” Religious men have
been killing God’s servents throughout history over issues such as ecclesiastical
authority, infant baptism, the Lord’s Supper, Christ’s mother, etc. They assume they are
doing it for God, but don’t know the Lord as revealed through their actions. Christ said
His sheep would be known for their love for one another (Jn 13:34, 15:12, 1 Jn 3:23,
4:21, 2 Jn 1:5-6) – not for killing one another.

Therefore, Babylon represents the seeking of self (pride) and the love of the things of the
world – that which embellishes and caters to self. She fornicates with the world! Babylon
does not give the Lord God His due glory and honor, but is opposed to Him – Babylon
took His glory. God tells us: Revelation 18:4, “And I heard another voice from heaven,
saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye
receive not of her plagues.” AND 2 Corinthians 6:17, “Wherefore come out from among
them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing (the forbidden
thing); and I will receive you.” Satan told man to partake of the forbidden thing (fruit of
the tree of the knowledge of good and evil) and man sinned a great sin. God now tells
man to “come out” of this darkness (separate yourself) and touch not that which is
forbidden – a reversal of direction. We must come out of Satan’s nature and stop seeking
self. We must love not the world or the things thereof (1 Jn 2:15-17). We must turn to
God (forsake Babylon), surrender self, and submit and obey the Lord. A great judgment
is coming. Come out, come out, out of the darkness and into the light. Revelation 18:2-3,
“And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen,
and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of

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every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her
fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the
merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.”

The fornication was seeking the abundance of her delicacies (for self) rather than
submitting to God (denying self). Babylon is the seat of Satan’s authority and the power
is the lust of the flesh! It’s the habitation (dwelling place, abode) of devils and the hold
(place of confinement, stronghold) of every foul spirit. Satan has enticed all the men of
the earth to seek their lusts – to seek self, their way or path. This is fornication against
God the Creator. Man was created to love, honor and obey God. Man loves, honors and
obeys Satan through his lie to seek self and be as a god. Most men do not sacrifice self
for God’s benefit (love) and thus hate God, because they sacrifice God for their benefit.
Most men seek their own honor and glory through self exaltation. Most men disobey God
to seek their own selfish lusts. This is Babylon! This is the darkness! This is the lie! They
committed fornication and lived deliciously (Rev 18:9). They lusted after merchandise
(Rev 18:16). Revelation 18:7, “How much she hath glorified herself, and lived
deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen,
and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.” This rebellion will be put down (Rev 18:8-
11, 17-19, 21)! Woe to “most” men on that day!

Most people are very interested in the “end times” because they are concerned for self
and do not want to suffer or die (thus pre-tribulation rapture fantasies, etc.). Yet they are
not so interested in living for God day to day? – a paradox. If one is not right before God,
then the Great Tribulation can only be all the more worse and ultimately you will be
separated from the Lord. We must face the reality of the difficult things first, and then all
other things shall seem easier. The flesh wants to preserve itself at all cost. Dying to self
or the flesh is all encompassing. Jesus physically died to the flesh and wrought a great
victory. We are told to love not our lives (and be faithful) unto death (Rev 2:10, 12:11).
In other words, we are to die for God’s truth if it becomes necessary. You must come to
terms with loving God more than life in this flesh. This is the whole message of the bible.
Our love for God must prevail over our love of the flesh (self) – whether living or dying.
We must overcome. Once you come to peace with this understanding, then all things will
start falling into place – and you can begin to see the truth of God’s Word – including the
truth of the “end times.” Jeremiah 23:20, “The anger of the LORD shall not return, until
he have executed, and till he have performed the thoughts of his heart: in the latter days
ye shall consider it perfectly (also Jer 30:23-24).” The Lord’s anger is reserved for those
who love the flesh rather than submission to God. We must honor God by overcoming
the flesh and the world in total submission to Him regardless of what is required.
Do you Justify Self?

Many have heard the Word of God and understand what is required, but refuse to live it.
Most reading this book will realize the truth, but shall be unwilling to give up “self.”
Luke 10:25-29, “And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying,
Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the
law? how readest thou?And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all
thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy

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neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou
shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?”
This lawyer had great understanding into what God required of man – the two Great
Commandments. Jesus told him that he had answered correctly and that if he did this he
would live – have eternal life. Notice that this man’s objective was to tempt (persuade)
Christ. He then wanted to justify “self.” How many people know what the Lord requires,
but want to justify “self?” – the very thing that opposes God. How many want God to see
things “their” way?

Jesus responded to the man’s question with the parable of the Good Samaritan. Luke
10:30-32, “And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to
Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him,
and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that
way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when
he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.” These two
men were religious, but how did this religiosity translate into their daily walk. They both
saw the injured man, but rather than offer assistance they made extra efforts to avoid him
by passing by on the other side of the road. Perhaps to stop and offer help would delay
their journey or require something of self? Maybe they would be late for some religious
meeting? These religious men were more than willing to sacrifice the injured man for the
benefit of self – this is hate. This is the darkness! These men’s love was as dead as their
religion.

God often uses those who seem least likely. Luke 10:33-35, “But a certain Samaritan, as
he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his
own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he
departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care
of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.” The
Samaritan sacrificed of his time, he sacrificed of his provision and he sacrificed of his
money to help this injured man – he had compassion. The Samaritan sacrificed self for
the benefit of another (a stranger) – this is love! The Samaritan provided for the injured
man’s health, lodging and meals. Jesus then said: Luke 10:36-37, “Which now of these
three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He
that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.”

That was a hard answer for the lawyer because the Jews hated the Samaritans (Jn 8:48).
Christ was telling this man that his religion is dead if he does not put it into practice from
the heart – with love and compassion. Jesus was telling this man that you must sacrifice
of self for the benefit of others. Christ was also telling this man that he must love his
enemies – those despised. Now, how many say they love Jesus, but walk in the path of
self? How many mentally agree with God’s Word, but do not practice or “do” it? How
many spend the greater part of their time justifying self rather than walking as Jesus
walked? Be warned: Luke 12:47, “And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and
prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many
stripes.” For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to
whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more (Lk 12:48). After having

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read this book, how faithful will you be with the knowledge that you now possess? Jesus
said: Luke 6:47-48, “Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them,
I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged
deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat
vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.”
Luke 11:28, “But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and
keep it.”
Perspectives

Man has always devised and served gods (idols) for his own benefit – that which he
hopes to gain whether now or in the future. Unfortunately, the same can be said of man’s
relationship with the one true God. Man mostly looks to God through the flesh rather than
true faith (Heb 11:6). Satan will gladly somewhat cater to selfish benefits (for those
seeking their way) if this will keep your heart away from serving the Lord - in his
bondage. When the flesh is exalted there is always blindness concerning your own
actions and the truth. Proverbs 21:2, “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the
LORD pondereth the hearts.” Let us consider some typical perspectives of heart
regarding how man views God: What can I do for God verses what can God do for me?

What can I do for God? – This is an attitude of humbleness that recognizes the authority
of the Lord. The statement reveals a heart that serves God and is willing to sacrifice self
in order to accomplish this. This proclamation displays a heart ready to obey the will of
God. This is also one who seeks to “know” and to please His Lord. Therefore, this
declaration suggest one who wants to know and serve His Lord (place foremost) and is
willing to sacrifice self and obey the will of God in order to please Him and submit to His
purposes. In other words, this is the attitude of one who “fears God.” The Holy Spirit can
dwell and work in the heart of such an individual to transform them into the image of
Christ (Acts 5:32, Php 2:13, Rm 8:29, 12:2). Hearts must freely yield to the Lord for His
grace to work its purpose. Everything we do must always seek to bring God praise, honor
and glory over self. This is an individual that comes to the light.

What can God do for me? – This declaration exalts self (pride) over God while seeking
fleshly benefit. This is not necessarily a conscious thought, but an attitude of heart. This
type of individual attempts to make God his servant by placing self over the authority of
the Lord. This assertion would have God sacrificing to obey and serve your will. This
individual only wants to “know” God in terms of selfish gain or benefit. Therefore, this
assertion suggest one who exalts self over the authority of God to seek selfish benefit and
thereby attempts to make the Lord his obedient servant. This would be one who is always
desiring (praying for, 1 Pt 3:12) God’s blessings – such as personal gain (money, jobs,
position), possessions (houses, cars, things) and health (healing from illnesses or
conditions, recovery). This is one who lives for self daily (perhaps with a form of
godliness) in disregard for God’s will (not applying it to their life), yet always expects
God to be there (to perform) for their various maladies (problems, difficulties, troubles,
woes). Perhaps they serve God because they do not want to go to hell? Maybe for
anticipated heavenly rewards or benefits? Their relationship with God always considers
self. To them self denial, sacrifice, obedience, and suffering are things to be avoided

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because they do not soothe the flesh. These walk in darkness, maybe religiously. They
live in the nature of the devil’s lie.

We must realize that man almost always views the Lord as “what can God do for me?”
You must seek first (foremost) the kingdom of God, and then the Lord provides for your
needs (Mt 6:33). What man “wants” and what the Lord “provides” may be at variance –
disagreement and conflict. We are to love God with all our heart, mind soul and strength
and then place our neighbor (others) above (ahead of, in advance of) ourselves (Mt
22:37-38, Mk 12:30-31, Lk 10:27). This places “self” very last. First we honor God and
then we honor others, before we think of self – this leaves little for self! When things are
in right (correct) order, then the Lord does want us to petition Him for our needs (Pv
15:29). John 15:7, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye
will, and it shall be done unto you.” Abiding in Christ is loving Him by obeying His
Words (commandments - Lk 14:23). At this point we are less likely to ask amiss (to
consume upon your lusts, Js 4:3) and the point is to learn trust and reliance upon God –
being weak in flesh and strong in faith. If we doeth His will, then the Lord hears us (Jn
9:31). Therefore, our prayers must be for correct motive: 1 John 5:14, “And this is the
confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth
us.” AND 1 John 3:22, “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his
commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.”

Man loves God when things are going well for “self.” Change the circumstances into a
difficulty and things will quickly change. Initially all focus will be upon God to remedy
the situation - the adversity to self, which becomes the real focus. If relief does not
immediately come (as expected), then one begins to question God (why are you not
serving me?) or feel sorry for self. God allowed Satan to inflict Job with great difficulties
to test his faith (Job, chaps 1 and 2). The devil wrongfully accused Job of only loving
God for selfish gain/benefit. So, God allowed Satan to remove the fleshly benefits and
inflict him with maladies and illness to determine his true heart – character or nature. Job
1:22, “In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.” Job 2:9-10, “Then said his
wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. But he said unto
her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at
the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.”
Job’s response raises some very valid points. Many serve God for gain rather than a true
heart of faith and a devotion to see God glorified. Many praise God in the good times, but
do they give God even greater honor, praise and glory in the bad times? Lets consider a
couple of perspectives on how most view Christ.

Jesus restores and reconciles man to God – These are individuals that welcome and yield
to the Lord’s workings in their lives. This is a transformation process whereby all that
offends God (self seeking, idolatry, etc.) must be torn down as one is conformed to the
image of Christ – Who is the perfect image of God (2 Cor 4:4, Col 1:15). These want to
be lovingly surrendered in obedience to the absolute will of God - just as Jesus had done.
After all, this is the way things must be for those who are granted eternal life in Him.
Your self-will must be focused on bringing God glory, rather than be set on bringing
glory to yourself - the flesh. This is a process of restoration whereby one is “born again”
with the nature of God and lives daily according to this nature (truth, Jer 31:33, Heb

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8:10, 10:16). These are those who follow Jesus out of the darkness and into the light.
This is accomplished by being filled with and led by the Holy Spirit - the promise of the
Father (Lk 24:49, Acts 1:4, 2:33). You develop a great love for Christ as you experience
the things He experienced – you intimately relate to the Lord. The Spirit dwells inside
you and you have the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:10-13, 16, 6:19). You walk in Christ’s
ways (The Way) everyday and this puts you at odds with a fallen world that walks in
Satan’s ways.

Jesus saves me from hell – Eternal separation and torment is the consequence of violating
(disobeying, transgressing) the will of God. Most are focused on the consequence and not
the cause of the condemnation. The condemnation results from seeking your own way
(will, path) over God’s. Those who are concerned about hell are continuing to focus on
self. The same can be said about those who are focused on a fleshly type notion of eternal
bliss and great rewards in heaven. The Lord God will both save from hell and reward the
faithful, but only because of their love and devotion to Him. Relationship with Christ
cannot be based upon selfish benefit. A true loving relationship is based upon sacrifice.
Each sacrifices for the benefit of the other. Lets assume there was no penalty for violating
God’s Word. Would you still follow God’s will and serve the Lord solely due to your
love for Him? Do you ultimately serve for the fear of the penalty - be honest? Sincere
people may struggle a bit with this proposition because they might question their “love”
for a God they have never seen. Love for God develops through relationship as you walk
as Jesus walked and yield to the Lord’s working in your life. This is similar to a marriage.
The love develops as you follow and trust in the Lord and experience the same things
Christ did (when He walked on earth as a man); the ups and downs - trials, tribulations
and difficulties. Love develops as you experience the truth of God’s Word as it unfolds in
your life.

Most religious organizations have done away with the penalty of violating God’s Word
(i.e. ye shall not surely die) through justification of Christ’s blood covering past, present
and future transgressions - license. In other words, if you repeat a sinner’s prayer; make
profession; join a denomination; etc., then you are free to violate God’s Word and remain
in the darkness. It may not be presented just this way, but this message does come across
and most by and large live this way. Do you really “believe” this was God’s purpose in
sending His Son? – to justify you to continue to violate His will and live in darkness?
These religious organizations tend to reflect the image of the world around them (the
darkness) much more than the Jesus described in the Bible. Please consider that this must
be due to a disregard (or downplaying the necessity) of living God’s Word - i.e. doing the
will of the Father. No doubt, there is a great love of the world as visibly manifested. The
required transformation process is found in forsaking the darkness and coming to the
light – denying self daily (just like Jesus), taking up your cross (just like Jesus) and
following - walking as Christ walked.

Much (not all) of what is practiced in the visible religious world is superficial and
lacking substance or depth. This is more like identifying in theory with the things Christ
said (mental agreement or association), but not in practice - walking as Jesus walked.
This is easily verified. Just consider all the religious buildings and facilities,
organizations, institutions, etc. in this country that identify with Christ, then consider the

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great darkness of the culture at large - and be honest. Now, consider all the Christian
denominations, sects, schisms and groups and consider why there is little true love,
likemindedness and unity. 1 Corinthians 12:13, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into
one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all
made to drink into one Spirit.” The question from Chapter Three (“The Few”) persists:
Just what makes you any different from the dark world around you? Are you a “peculiar”
person (unusual, odd, noteworthy) when compared with those at large (in general)? Are
the religious masses really all that different (in deed) than the world around them?
Chapter Five, “Into the Light,” of this book will consider just what a peculiar person is.
End Statement

Come out of the darkness. 1 Corinthians 13:6, “Rejoiceth not in iniquity (the darkness),
but rejoiceth in the truth (the light).” Ephesians 5:12-14, “For it is a shame even to speak
of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made
manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith,
Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.”
Colossians 3:25, “But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath
done: and there is no respect of persons.” Psalms 43:3, “O send out thy light and thy
truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.”

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Chapter 5 - Into the Light

John 3:21, “But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made
manifest, that they are wrought in God.” The Lord will bring me forth to the light, and I
shall behold His righteousness (Mic 7:9).

When one comes out of the darkness and into the light, they are agreeing to enter into a
covenant with Jesus Christ. This covenant was sealed in Christ’s own blood and is very
grave (serious, somber, important, solemn, earnest, sincere, resolute, profound,
meaningful). One must understand what they are agreeing (committing, pledging, vowing)
to do. This is a covenant between God and man mediated by Christ. This will be
discussed in the following sections. What you are going to discover is that God has been
consistent throughout His dealings with man that what the Lord demands is what He
created man to be – surrendered and obedient to Him in love. God consistently shows
man that he is to totally yield to the Lord’s authority and then have high regard for his
fellow man. This can only be achieved when man dies to the self exalting and seeking
nature (darkness) that he transgressed God to obtain in Eden. To transgress God’s will is
to die. To die to man’s will in performing God’s is to live - opposites. Man cannot
possibly produce what God wants in and of himself, but must abide in Christ and yield to
the working of God’s Spirit as one forsakes self in obedience to the Lord.
Covenants

A covenant is a formal solemn agreement between God and man whereby man agrees to
follow God (uphold the Lord’s will) in the prescribed manner – the commands,
prohibitions, and promises of God requiring man’s perfect obedience. Covenants
generally represent man willfully laying down all rebellion and self seeking and coming
back under God’s authority and God responding with mercy and blessings. This is a very
serious agreement that is not to be broken. If one does not continue in God’s covenant,
then the Lord regards them not (Heb 8:9). God keeps covenant and mercy to them that
love Him and keep His commandments (Dan 9:4).

The Lord has made many covenants with man since creation. In every case God has been
perfect and righteous in upholding His part of the agreement, whereas man has
consistently violated his portion. The Lord has stated, concerning His relationship with
man: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee (Heb 13:5).” Can man say the same
concerning his relationship with God? Consider man’s rebellion: Psalms 78:10, “They
kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law.” AND Psalms 78:37, “For
their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant.” Man
makes void God’s law through his disregard (Ps 119:126).

We shall briefly consider several of the covenants God has made with man and conclude
with the current covenant a “follower” of Christ commits (agrees, pledges) to walk in –
to live by. Christ’s covenant is defined by His testament or gospel. Due to man’s
violation of God’s commandment in Eden, all men stand under the condemnation of
death (thou shalt surely die, Gen 2:17). The Lord God has no other (further) obligation to
man. However, the lord God is merciful, gracious, longsuffering and forgiving and does

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provide for reconciliation for men who are sincerely repentant toward the violation of His
will (Ex 34:6-7, Num 14:8, Ps 86:15).

The attitude of heart that God looks for in man is one of faith. Faith looks beyond “self”
with a heart of love, surrender, obedience and trust in God. Regard for God is placed
above regard for “self.” For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole
earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him (2
Chr 16:9, Also Job 34:21, Ps 11:4, 14:2, 53:2, Pv 5:21, 15:3, Heb 4:13). God’s desire for
man was most vividly demonstrated in the life of Enoch. Genesis 5:24, “And Enoch
walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” Enoch walked in God’s ways
(obedience and love, Gen 5:22). Hebrews 11:5, “By faith Enoch was translated that he
should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his
translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” Notice that Enoch walked in
God’s ways (which means he did not seek self) and did not see death at all. God promises
all those who walk in His ways that they will have eternal life - will not see death (Jn
12:25, Rm 5:21, 6:23, Ti 1:2, 1 Jn 2:25). To be fully committed to the Lord is “LIFE.”
God also said of Christ that He was “well pleased” (Mt 3:17, 12:18, 17:5, Mk 1:11, Lk
3:22, 2 Pt 1:17) and we certainly have the Lord’s very detailed example to now follow -
Jesus always said, “come follow me.” Jesus leads the way to reconciliation with God and
life eternal…..
Covenant with Noah

When Adam and Eve were put forth from the Garden of Eden after transgressing God’s
will, then man began to multiply upon the face of the earth. Man was not under any laws
or commandments, but was under the condemnation of death (Gen 2:17) due to Adam’s
transgression in Eden. Adam’s descendants lived in the fallen nature and sought their
“own way” doing what was right in their own eyes (Pv 14:2, 16:25, 21:2, 8). Man’s way
always results in wickedness. For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish
without law (Rm 2:12). Genesis 6:5-7, “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 the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved
him at his heart. And 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 repenteth me that I have made them.” As per the principles (values, ideology, main
beliefs) of Satan’s lie, men thought only of self with disgregard for the will of God. This
self seeking and the resulting actions was great wickedness in the eyes of God. The whole
earth was corrupt; all flesh had corrupted “his” way (were not following God’s way) upon
the earth (Gen 6:12).

Man demonstrated hatred toward God (violation of the first great commandment). Man
demonstrated hatred toward man (violation of the second great commandment). This was
not the loving creation that was surrendered to God’s will that the Lord had intended. The
Lord God had a change of heart that He had even created man – a repentance. However,
Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord and was perfect in his generations – he feared
God and eschewed evil (Gen 6:8-9, Job 2:3, 28:28, Pv 3:7, 4:27, 8:13). Noah was a
preacher of righteousness and shined as a bright light amidst such darkness (2 Pt 2:5).

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The Lord told Noah: Genesis 6:17-18, “And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters
upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and
every thing that is in the earth shall die. But with thee will I establish my covenant; and
thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons’ wives with
thee.” The Lord made a covenant with Noah (based upon his faith) to preserve he and his
family. This covenant (as all covenants) required Noah to obey God. Noah was to build
an ark per God’s direction for the saving of his soul (and family plus animals, Gen 6:14-
16). Noah exercised faith through his obedience in building the ark even though the flood
was as yet unseen (Heb 11:7).

Faith reaches beyond human senses and reasoning and trusts in God alone – not by sight.
Rebellious and wicked man were given 120 years to repent while Noah built the boat
(Gen 6:3). Not one single man repented and turned to God during this time of grace. Was
Noah a poor preacher or was man exceedingly wicked? The Lord said: Genesis 6:17,
“And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh,
wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall
die.” Death will always be the fate of those (the wicked) who transgress the will of God
(Eph 5:17) – those who continue in “their” corrupted way (the condemnation: “thou
shalt surely die,” Gen 2:17). Had Noah been disobedient to the Lord in not building the
ark then he and the entire creation of man would have perished.

Covenants are very serious agreements. Obedience to the covenant will bring life and
well being; disobedience will certainly result in death and separation. The Lord directed
Noah’s actions from the gathering of food and animals to the entering into the ark – all
Noah had to do was obey – to “follow” directions. Genesis 6:22, “Thus did Noah;
according to all that God commanded him, so did he (also Gen 7:5).” The token of God’s
covenant with Noah to preserve life (through his sons) was the “rainbow.” Genesis 9:11-
13, “And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more
by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth. And
God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every
living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: I do set my bow in the cloud,
and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.” A token is a sign;
something intended to represent or indicate another thing or an event.
Covenant with Abraham

The Lord next made a covenant with Abram. Genesis 12:1-3, “Now the LORD had said
unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's
house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will
bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them
that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth
be blessed.” God’s plan was to create a nation that would be surrendered and obedient to
Him to be the example for all nations - and thus all men. Abram obeyed the Lord in all
God required of him. Hebrews 11:8, “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out
into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not
knowing whither he went.” - trusting in God’s direction and not the knowledge of the
flesh. The scriptures reveal that Abraham believed and it was accounted to him for

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righteousness (Gen 15:6, Gal 3:6). This belief was not mental agreement (or hollow
profession), but was demonstrated through his actions. This is the essence of true faith –
an application of your belief to your entire life – walking therein. Nehemiah 9:7-8, “Thou
art the LORD the God, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of
the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham; And foundest his heart faithful
before thee, and madest a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanites, the
Hittites, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Jebusites, and the Girgashites, to give it,
I say, to his seed, and hast performed thy words; for thou art righteous.”

Abram found favor in the eyes of the Lord God – he was called a friend of God (Js 2:23).
The Lord purposed to multiply his descendants into a nation (giving them the land of
Canaan) from which He would bless all nations (Gen 18:18). Galatians 3:8, “And the
scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before
the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.” Genesis 12:2-3,
“And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great;
and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that
curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” Peter later said: Acts
3:25-26, “Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with
our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be
blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in
turning away every one of you from his iniquities.”

This nation (peoples) would be known as God’s “peculiar” people – if they obeyed (Ex
19:5, Deut 14:2, 26:18, 28:9, Ps 135:4). The reason that God was going to bless all the
nations of the earth through Abraham was because of his obedience (Gen 22:18); for
Abraham obeyed the voice of the Lord, and kept His charge, His commandments, His
statutes, and His laws (Gen 26:4-5). Abraham was faithful to God with a complete heart
of love, devotion, trust and obedience known as faith. God said of Abraham: Genesis
18:19, “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him,
and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD
may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” This is what the Lord
expects of all men.

Abram inquired of God: Genesis 15:8-11, 17-21, “And he said, Lord GOD, whereby
shall I know that I shall inherit it? And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years
old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a
young pigeon. And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid
each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not. And when the fowls came
down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away. And it came to pass, that, when the
sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that
passed between those pieces. In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram,
saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river,
the river Euphrates: The Kenites, and the Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites, And the
Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims, And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and
the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.” A sacrifice established the covenant. The Lord’s
covenant with Abraham was established through the righteousness of faith – for there
was no law (Rm 4:13). Faith looks beyond the flesh in love and sincerity to God for all

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things - complete trust. This love for God is what motivates one to do what pleases Him –
to live in the Lord’s will - uphold truth. Abraham always put self aside to fulfill the
Lord’s will. In return (and in keeping with God’s will), the Lord offered Abraham
blessings.

God began His nation from seemingly impossible circumstances. Abram and Sarah had
no children from which a nation could begin. Genesis 17:1-4, 7, “And when Abram was
ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the
Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. And I will make my covenant
between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. And Abram fell on his face:
and God talked with him, saying, As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou
shalt be a father of many nations. And I will establish my covenant between me and thee
and thy seed (Christ) after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a
God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.” Abram (later to be called Abraham, Gen 17:5,
Neh 9:7) was a hundred years old and his wife was ninety when they had their only son,
Isaac was born (only offspring of the two, Gen 17:17, 21:5). God’s nation began on the
foundation of faith. Faith reaches beyond the flesh (the ability of) to accomplish God’s
purposes. Hebrews 11:11-12, “Through faith also Sara herself received strength to
conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged
him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as
dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea
shore innumerable.” Human reasoning and ability could not have produced the offspring
that God did through the faith of Abraham – for it ceased to be with Sarah after the
manner of women (Gen 18:11). The Lord was revealing to Abraham that faith (love and
obedience) to God produces life (in this case - Isaac) – even when it seems impossible as
is the case with fallen man’s lost condition.

From this one son a people would come forth numbered as the sand of the seashore and
the stars in the heavens. Genesis 17:10-11, “This is my covenant, which ye shall keep,
between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be
circumcised. And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of
the covenant betwixt me and you (also Acts 7:8).” God required a token for the covenant
which was symbolic of a deeper purpose which was revealed at a later date (Deut 10:16,
Acts 28:27, Rm 10:10). The foreskin was symbolic of the covering of one’s heart.
Deuteronomy 10:12-16, “And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee,
but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the
LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, To keep the commandments of
the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good? Behold, the
heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD’S thy God, the earth also, with all that
therein is. Only the LORD had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and he chose their
seed after them, even you above all people, as it is this day. Circumcise therefore the
foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked. ALSO: Deuteronomy 30:6, “And the
LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD
thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.” The foreskin
(covering of flesh) represented the fleshly covering of the heart (lusts, self-will) that
deterred (prevented) one from truly loving God with heart, mind, soul and strength. We

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must have inward circumcision of the heart – in the spirit (Rm 2:29). Jesus Christ is the
minister of the circumcision for the truth of God (Rm 15:8).

After the birth of Isaac, the Lord God tested Abraham’s love toward Him as He will
every man. Genesis 22:2, “And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom
thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering
upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.” Abraham had been faithful for years
in waiting for a son (an heir) and now the Lord was asking him to sacrifice the object of
his desire – his most cherished possession, which was even given from the Lord. Even so,
Abraham was faithful and obedient. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, Blessed
be the name of the Lord (Job 1:21). Genesis 22:10-12, “And Abraham stretched forth his
hand, and took the knife to slay his son. And the angel of the LORD called unto him out
of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And he said, Lay not
thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou
fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.” Abraham
was sincere in his “belief” toward God. Hebrews 11:17-19, “By faith Abraham, when he
was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only
begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that
God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a
figure.”

Abraham cosistently looked beyond self and the flesh and placed God foremost. He was
willing to serve God even if it meant self-denial and personal sacrifice - a rare thing in
this present world. We can conclude that Abraham offered up his only begotten son and
his faith and trust in God saved his son. Later, God offered up His only begotten Son
(Jesus, Jn 3:16) and the unbelief and disobedience of Abraham’s descendents (and
mankind in general) killed the Lord’s Son (Jn 19:6, Lk 23:21, Acts 3:13-14, 4:10, 27-28,
5:30). Galatians 3:6-9, 14, 29, “Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to
him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the
children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen
through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations
be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. That the
blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might
receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye
Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Jesus is the son of David, the son
of Abraham (Mt 1:1). Our faith is made perfect in Christ as we are led of His Spirit in
following Jesus to the Promised Land (New Jerusalem) to dwell with God eternally (Rev
21:1-8). Matthew 1:1, “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the
son of Abraham.” Jesus Christ, the son of Abraham, through Whom the world has been
blessed. God always honors His covenants! Therefore it can be concluded: Genesis
22:18, “And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast
obeyed my voice (also Gen 26:5).” The Lord God has always required the obedience of
man! A great lesson we must learn.
Covenant with the Children of Israel Via Moses

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Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt to Mount Horeb (i.e. Sinai) where God met
with them (Ex 3:10-12). The Lord verbally spoke the Ten Commandments from a cloud
above Mount Horeb (Ex 19:16-20, 20:1-18) and great fear came upon all (Ex 19:16,
20:18-20, Deut 5:5, 24-27, Heb 12:18-21). Nehemiah 9:13-14, “Thou camest down also
upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them right judgments,
and true laws, good statutes and commandments: And madest known unto them thy holy
sabbath, and commandedst them precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Moses thy
servant.” These commandments required man to deny “self” for God foremost and then
his fellow man (Ex 20:3-17, Deut 5:7-21). To be devoted to another (loving God or
neighbor) is to deny self or vice versa. Deuteronomy 5:2-4, “The LORD our God made a
covenant with us in Horeb. The LORD made not this covenant with our fathers, but with
us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day. 

The LORD talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the fire.” The
Lord later wrote His Words in stone: Deuteronomy 5:22, “These words the LORD spake
unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the
thick darkness, with a great voice: and he added no more. And he wrote them in two
tables of stone, and delivered them unto me.” The covenant the people were agreeing to
live by was to walk in God’s commandments and statutes. In return, God was going to
give them the land promised to Abraham and great blessings as long as they obeyed Him
(Deut 5:31-33, Neh 9:15). The people told Moses: Deuteronomy 5:27, “Go thou near,
and hear all that the LORD our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the LORD
our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it.” The Lord’s desire was:
Deuteronomy 6:4-5, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt
love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy
might.” This expectation of God will be discussed again in Christ’s covenant. Exodus
24:3-8, “And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the
judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the
LORD hath said will we do. And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up
early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to
the twelve tribes of Israel. And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered
burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the LORD. And Moses took
half of the blood, and put it in basons; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar. And
he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said,
All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient. And Moses took the blood, and
sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD
hath made with you concerning all these words (also Heb 9:19).”

Blood was the token of the covenant that God made with the children of Israel (Ex
12:13). They were saved by the blood from God’s final judgment upon Egypt. They were
required to kill an unblemished (without fault) male lamb (symbolic of Christ, Ex 12:5-7)
and take the blood and place it upon the upper and side door posts as a covering -
foreshadowing of Jesus’ blood covering our sins (Ex 12:7, 21-23). Exodus 12:12-13, “For
I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land
of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I
am the LORD. And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are:
and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to

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destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.” This was known as the “passover.” God
also revealed: Leviticus 17:11, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given
it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that
maketh an atonement for the soul.” God’s covenant with the children of Israel was sealed
in blood, which is a sacrifice. Essentially this covenant required the sacrifice of self as a
lifestyle for God foremost and then your neighbor. This covenant was intended to teach
humbleness, surrender, obedience, love, and trust - reliance upon God.

Once the children of Israel entered into God’s covenant they had to abide by it.
Disobedience to any of the Ten Commandments brought death. Romans 10:5, “For
Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those
things shall live by them.” A sacrifice (animal) was made and the covenant was enacted
by the sprinkling of blood. The law was binding and to be kept with no clause of mercy
for transgressors (Neh 9:29). Hebrews 10:28, “He that despised Moses’ law died without
mercy under two or three witnesses.” Disobedience to the will of God will always result
in death – “thou shalt surely die” (Gen 2:17). Obedience to God produces life, life more
abundantly and life eternal (Jn 10:10, 1 Jn 5:11). The law was to teach man that he is to
deny self (our way, the flesh) and absolutely obey the Lord in all things and to have great
respect for others. The Ten Commandments were to direct man’s attention off of “self”
and onto first God and then his fellow man – to restrain “self” or the wicked nature of
man (consider: Lev 19:11, 13-18, 33-36, 20:9-10, 13). The law was added because of
transgressions, till the seed (Jesus) should come to whom the promise was made (Gal
3:19).

The Lord God placed a tremendous emphasis on keeping (obeying) His commandments
and cleaving to Him in love (Ex 19:5, Lev 22:31, 26:3-13, Deut 4:2, 40, 5:1, 29, 6:2, 17,
25, 7:11, 8:1-2, 6, 10:13, 20, 11:1, 8, 22, 27-28, 13:4, 18, 15:5, 17:19, 19:9, 26:16-18,
27:1, 10, 28:1, 9, 13, 29:9, 30:8, 10, 16, 20, 31:5, Josh 22:5, 23:8). The Lord was
looking for man to surrender self-will and come back under His authority to obey and
love God with all their heart, mind and strength – to cleave to Him. The Ten
Commandments were God’s will written in stone and unalterable. In like manner to
God’s command to Adam in Eden, transgression of these commandments would result in
death (Heb 10:28) – just one infraction (Js 2:10-12)! John 1:17, “For the law was given
by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” Grace and truth refer to Jesus
providing the Holy Ghost to work in your life to conform you to the truth. Jesus provides
the means to complete the course – the Holy Spirit. God’s laws are written in your heart
and mind so that they became their “born again” nature (Heb 8:10-11, 10:16-17). The
Spirit teaches, leads, empowers, and convicts. Through your obedience to the Spirit’s
workings, you are conformed to Christ’s image. “grace and truth” equals “Spirit and
truth” - the Father desires such to worship in spirit and truth (Jn 4:23-24). God’s grace
(Spirit) leads you to the truth (light) – for the Spirit is truth (Jn 16:13). So, the Spirit leads
us from the darkness into the light as we submit and obey. Jesus came full of grace and
truth (Jn 1:14). Jesus was led of the Holy Ghost and perfectly walked in God’s truth –
with no transgressions. Can you see how Christ was our perfect example of God’s will
for man? The law under Moses had no such provision for grace. The ability to keep the
law has always been found through sincere love and surrender to God.

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God’s Covenant via Joshua

Joshua made a covenant with the people after subduing the Promised Land. Joshua
24:18-28, “And the LORD drave out from before us all the people, even the Amorites
which dwelt in the land: therefore will we also serve the LORD; for he is our God. And
Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the LORD: for he is an holy God; he is a
jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins. If ye forsake the
LORD, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after
that he hath done you good. And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the
LORD. And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves that ye
have chosen you the LORD, to serve him. And they said, We are witnesses. Now
therefore put away, said he, the strange gods which are among you, and incline your heart
unto the LORD God of Israel. And the people said unto Joshua, The LORD our God will
we serve, and his voice will we obey. So Joshua made a covenant with the people that
day, and set them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem. And Joshua wrote these words
in the book of the law of God, and took a great stone, and set it up there under an oak,
that was by the sanctuary of the LORD. And Joshua said unto all the people, Behold, this
stone shall be a witness unto us; for it hath heard all the words of the LORD which he
spake unto us: it shall be therefore a witness unto you, lest ye deny your God. So Joshua
let the people depart, every man unto his inheritance.”

The great sin of the nations that had occupied the land was their idolatry. The children of
Israel agree to do that which God has always required, to surrender in obedience to Him
and have no other gods. However, soon after Joshua died they soon forgot the Lord.
Judges 3:5-7, “And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and
Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites: And they took their daughters to be
their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods. And the
children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgat the LORD their God, and
served Baalim and the groves (also 1 Chr 5:25).”
Rebellious Man

The Lord honored His part of the covenant, but man continually broke his agreement.
Man is by and large a “covenant breaker” (Deut 31:16, Rm 1:31, Ps 78:10, 37, 2 Kgs
17:11-17, Jer 11:3-4, 7-8, 10, 32:21-23, 35:15, Dan 9:11, Hos 6:7) – just as man was a
commandment breaker in Eden. Nehemiah 9:16-17, “But they and our fathers dealt
proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments, And refused
to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened
their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou
art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness,
and forsookest them not.” Man continually dishonored God by violating His laws and
worshipping and serving the creature rather than the Creator (consider Judges Chapter
Two, Neh 9:18, Ez 20:10-13, 16-21) – and turned the truth of God into a lie - lived in
Satan’s lie/nature (Rm 1:25). The Lord said of Israel: Isaiah 1:4, “Ah sinful nation, a
people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have
forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone
away backward.” The children of Israel (and man in general) disregard their covenant

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with God (transgressed the agreement, Jdg 2:20, Jer 34:18-22) and corrupted themselves
more than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down unto
them; they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way (Jdg 2:19, Ez
2:3-4, 3:7).

They were a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart
aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God; they kept not the covenant of God,
and refused to walk in his law (Ps 78:8, 10). Man loves the darkness (Jn 3:19) where he
can follow his “own” doings and steadfastly continue in his “own” way. The penalty for
breaking God’s covenant was severe (read Lev 26:15-39, Josh 7:15). The Lord honored
His promise to Abraham and gave Israel the Promised Land - they defeated mighty
nations (Neh 22-25). Nehemiah 9:26, “Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled
against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified
against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.” Psalms 78:36-
37, “Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their
tongues. For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his
covenant.” The Lord eventually stopped driving out the wicked nations around Israel
(Neh 9:27-35), but used them to prove Israel (just as the Lord does today with the wicked
culture) if they would keep the way of the Lord to walk therein (Jdg 2:22, 3:1-4) – these
became thorns and snares to them (Jdg 2:3). For as many as have sinned in the law
(covenant) shall be judged by the law – for not the hearers of the law are justified before
God, but the doers of the law shall be justified (Rm 2:12-13).

The Lord’s peculiar people for the most part (the majority) turned out to not be so
“peculiar” after all – rather were corrupt as the nations around them and in the image of
the world. God sent judges to deliver the people from their enemies. Yet the people
continually did evil in the sight of God, constantly provoking Him with their vanities
(Jdg 10:6). The Lord set up kings over the people as per their request (1 Sam 8:4-5, 7).
The first king, Saul, was disobedient to the Lord in seeking his own way. The second
king, David, had a whole heart to serve the Lord (1 Kg 9:4, 11:4, 15:3, Ps 119:34, Acts
13:22) – and from his lineage came Christ. David’s son, Solomon, started out with a heart
toward God, but was turned to idols (by his many foreign wives) in the end (1 Kgs 11:4-
10, Neh 13:26). Due to Solomon’s transgressions, the Lord split Israel (rend ten tribes
from Solomon’s son, 1 Kgs 11:11-13) into two kingdoms – Judah and Israel. Judah had a
mixture of good kings (those that did right in the sight of the Lord) and bad kings
(transgressors of the Lord) – over the reigns of twenty kings. Judah eventually went into
Babylonian captivity due to their wickedness and transressions - idolatry.

Israel’s first king, Jeroboam did evil in the sight of the Lord by making two golden calves
for Israel to worship. All twenty kings of Israel were evil and never departed from the
sins of Jeroboam – they worshipped the golden calves and Baal (2 Kgs 17:16, 21-22).
The Lord said of Israel: 2 Kings 17:38, “And the covenant that I have made with you ye
shall not forget; neither shall ye fear other gods.” However, this is just what they did
continually. The Lord had said, “Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to
them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them (2 Kgs 17:35).” To “fear” another god is to
love that god and obey its commands and walk in its way – to cleave to it. This is to deny
self (make sacrifices) to serve a false god! This is incredibly dishonoring to the true

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Creator who had delivered and cared for Israel over and over. The Lord (who brought
you up out of the land of Egypt with great power and a stretched out arm) had told them
to fear Him, worship Him, and do sacrifice to Him (2 Kgs 17:36). They wouldn’t obey
God because they always sought self through gods that would cater to their lusts and
desires. 2 Kings 17:18-19, “Therefore the LORD was very angry with Israel, and
removed them out of his sight: there was none left but the tribe of Judah only. Also Judah
kept not the commandments of the LORD their God, but walked in the statutes of Israel
which they made” - man’s ways rather than God’s.

Israel was carried away to Assyria (2 Kgs 17:23). 2 Kings 18:11-12, “And the king of
Assyria did carry away Israel unto Assyria, and put them in Halah and in Habor by the
river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes: Because they obeyed not the voice of the
LORD their God, but transgressed his covenant, and all that Moses the servant of the
LORD commanded, and would not hear them, nor do them.” Israel violated (over and
over) the sacred agreement (covenant) with God whereby the had agreed to obey the Lord
and walk in His ways – to love and cleave to the Lord.

The Lord God also sent prophets who spoke His Words. In all cases the messages of the
prophets were for the people to turn from (forsake) their wickedness and rebellion (2 Chr
7:14, 2 Kg 17:13-14, Neh 9:26, 30, Jer 18:8, 25:4-5, 26:5, 12-13, 29:19, 35:15, 44:4, Ez
2:5, Zech 1:4, Heb 1:1-2, Lk 11:49-50), and come back to God, who would have mercy
(Is 55:7). 2 Kings 17:13-15, “Yet the LORD testified against Israel, and against Judah, by
all the prophets, and by all the seers, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my
commandments and my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your
fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets. Notwithstanding they would
not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in
the LORD their God. And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with
their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed
vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that were round about them,
concerning whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them.”

Those who had covenanted with God disobeyed Him and broke their solemn pledge and
sought their own vain ways – they sought self – the flesh. Does this rebellious theme in
man not repeat itself over and over through the ages including today – and also with
many of those who call themselves Christians? Jeremiah 25:4-5, “And the LORD hath
sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending them; but ye have not
hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear. They said, Turn ye again now every one from
his evil way, and from the evil of your doings, and dwell in the land that the LORD hath
given unto you and to your fathers for ever and ever.” Turn ye, turn ye from “your”
wicked ways – from your path (Ez 33:11). God said: Isaiah 65:2, “I have spread out my
hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good;
after their own thoughts.” The Lord also said, “Yea, they have chosen their own ways,
and their soul delighteth in their abominations. They did not hear: but they did evil before
mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not (Is 66:3-4).” The Lord said they had a
revolting and rebellious heart (Jer 5:23) and would not walk in the good path (Jer 6:16).

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Perhaps you can see how the fallen nature of man (Satan’s nature, the “lie” which is self
seeking, darkness) is continually resurfacing in rebellious man? God’s prophets were “not
received” and were mistreated (beaten, cast into prison) and killed (2 Kg 17:13-15, 2 Chr
36:16, Jer 2:30, Neh 9:26, Ez 20:8, Dan 9:10, Zech 1:4, Amos 2:12, Mt 21:35, 23:34, 37,
Lk 13:34-35, Acts 7:52). 2 Chronicles 36:16, “But they mocked the messengers of God,
and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose
against his people, till there was no remedy.” An end, the end is come - enough (Ez 7:1,
6)! An evil, an only evil is come – the day of trouble (Ez 7:5, 7)! I will have no pity, but
will recompense for their abominations (Ez 7:9). Jeremiah 25:7, “Yet ye have not
hearkened unto me, saith the LORD; that ye might provoke me to anger with the works
of your hands to your own hurt.” They plowed wickedness, reaped iniquity; ate the fruit
of lies (the forbidden fruit, the devil’s lie): because they didst trust in their own way (Hos
10:13). Drastic measures were taken by God to get Israel’s attention (Jer 32:23). God
said he would destroy His people because they turned not from “their ways” (Jer 15:7,
18:11-12). The Lord would recompense them according to their abominations (Ez 7:3-4,
8-9, 20, 27). God sent His four sore judgments of the sword, famine, pestilence and
noisome beasts (Jer 15:2-3, 34:17, Ez 5:8-12, 6:10-14, 7:15, 14:21). Those who survived
were carried off into Babylonian exile (Jer 4:18, 5:13, 16:12-13, 25:4-12, 32:37-40).
This was intended to get Israel’s full attention. Jeremiah 2:35, “Yet thou sayest, Because
I am innocent, surely his anger shall turn from me. Behold, I will plead with thee,
because thou sayest, I have not sinned.” Israel had not been able to see their iniquity or
self seeking ways in anything they did (Jer 4:22). They were not submitted to God, but
thought they were in “their way” (Jer 26:5).

The Lord did not do this without a cause (Ez 14:23). In Babylon, they would have frame
of mind to ponder such things - see things as they are. Ezekiel 20:43-44, “And there shall
ye remember your ways, and all your doings, wherein ye have been defiled; and ye shall
lothe yourselves in your own sight for all your evils that ye have committed. And ye shall
know that I am the LORD, when I have wrought with you for my name’s sake, not
according to your wicked ways, nor according to your corrupt doings, O ye house of
Israel, saith the Lord GOD.” AND Ezekiel 20:35-38, “And I will bring you into the
wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face. Like as I pleaded
with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with you, saith the
Lord GOD. And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond
of the covenant: And I will purge out from among you the rebels (those who rebelliously
walk in their own way), and them that transgress against me (those who follow the devil’s
lie): I will bring them forth out of the country where they sojourn, and they shall not enter
into the land of Israel: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.” Jeremiah 24:7, “And I
will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people,
and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart” (also Ez
11:19-20).

Seventy years later, a remnant returned to the land of Israel and rebuilt the Temple
(which had been burned during the Babylonian seize that led to captivity) and began to
lay a religious foundation for serving God (Jer 25:11, 29:10, Ez ). In the ensuing years a
tremendous religious system was developed, yet degenerated into a work of man (Mk
7:7, Rm 10:3). This system had tremendous religious form, but no heart, love or

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compassion (Mt 15:8). The children of Israel (at the time of Christ) observed the law in a
strict legal obedience, which was ritualistic and heartless – full of rules, regulations,
doctrines and traditions of men (Is 29:13, Mt 15:9, Mk 7:7-13). Religious parties
(Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians, Zealots) and lawyers had derived thousands of rules
and regulations from the original Ten Commandments and made life a great burden for
all. “Love” had been almost snuffed out. The law could not in and of itself (apart from
the love of God) produce the “heart” faith that God desired. The law was weak through
the flesh (men seeking self, Rm 8:3). This great religious system was so far from God that
it did not recognize or receive the Lord’s own Son (Jn 1:10-11) – the promised Messiah.
Worse! This religious system that claimed to worship and serve God, killed the Lord’s
only begotten Son who had become flesh and dwelt among them – who was full of grace
and truth (Jn 1:14, 1 Jn 1:1-2) who went about doing good, and healing all that were
oppressed of the devil; for God was with him (Acts 10:38).
Christ’s Covenant

Christ’s covenant is the Lord’s “testament.” This testament is Jesus’ declared will which
became effective after His death (Heb 9:16). Jesus hath brought life and immortality to
light through the gospel (2 Tim 1:10). The word “testament” is the equivalent to
“covenant.” Hebrews 9:17, “For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is
of no strength at all while the testator liveth.” Jesus gave His life to secure the covenant.
This agreement is one whereby God agrees to reconcile with repentant man (peace) and
bestows eternal life (salvation) on man, upon the condition that man shall believe (in
faith) in Christ and yield obedience to the terms of the gospel. John 6:29, “Jesus
answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he
hath sent.” This is a very serious agreement and like all of God’s covenants with man
there is an expectation that you will genuinely abide therein (Ps 103:17-18).

Christ took away the covenant made with the children of Israel - they didn’t keep it and
God regarded them not (Heb 8:9) that He may establish the second (Heb 10:9). This
covenant has better promises (Heb 8:6) – forgiveness and the Holy Ghost – discussed in
Chapter Two. Jesus said the new testament was sealed in His blood, which was shed for
you (Lk 22:20). Hebrews 9:15, “And for this cause he is the mediator of the new
testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were
under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal
inheritance.” Galatians 3:14, “That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles
through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” They
which are called are those who respond to Christ calling them out of the darkness and
into the light. So, when one gives their life to Jesus Christ in coming out of the darkness
and into the light, just what are they agreeing to do?

Jesus took the Ten Commandments of God and reduced them down to two. These Two
Great Commandments are Christ’s gospel of love (Canon of love): Mark 12:29-31, “And
Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our
God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy
soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And
the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none

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other commandment greater than these (also Mt 22:37-40, Lk 10:27).” These two
commands revealed the law and what the prophets had been saying when they spoke
God’s Words; this is superior to burnt offerings and sacrifices (Mt 22:40, Mk 12:33).
Love is the fulfilling of the law (Rm 13:9-10). These commandments were not new, but
had also been spoken to the children of Israel (at the time of Moses) as what God required
of them: Deuteronomy 6:5, “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart,
and with all thy soul, and with all thy might (also Deut 10:12, 11:13, 22, 13:3, 30:6, Josh
22:5).” AND Leviticus 19:18, “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the
children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.”

The Ten Commandments themselves did not actually (explicitly) contain the word
“love.” Notice the use of the word “love” in the Two Great Commandments. What does
“love” mean? Consider the popular verses: John 3:16-17, “For God so loved the world,
that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,
but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world;
but that the world through him might be saved.” AND 1 John 4:10-11, “Herein is love,
not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our
sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” God defines love
as “sacrifice” or giving of yourself for another. The Lord gave man undeserved love. God
so loved the world He “gave” or “sacrificed” His own Son for us – for our benefit. God
loved us and “sent” His Son to be the propitiation (sacrificial unblemished male lamb to
appease God’s wrath against sinful man) for our sins - for our benefit. ALSO If God so
loved us (sacrificed for our benefit) then we should love one another and sacrifice for
each other’s benefit.

Jesus said: John 14:15, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” Those who make a
vow or solemn promise and enter into Christ’s covenant, which was sealed by His blood
(1 Cor 11:25), must keep Jesus’ commanments. Psalms 25:10, “All the paths of the
LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.” Christ’s
covenant is “love” and to keep this testament you must obey. You must love God with all
your heart, mind, soul and strength (all encompassing) and then your neighbor as
yourself. There is really nothing left for self - self exaltation and self seeking. The giving
of self is caring, compassion (tenderheart), patience, longsuffering, meekness,
gentleness, goodness, kindness, mercy, forgiving, etc. (Col 3:12-13). In Christ, faith
(defined below) worketh by love (Gal 5:6, Eph 3:17). 1 John 4:7-8, 16, “Beloved, let us
love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and
knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. And we have known
and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love
dwelleth in God, and God in him.”

Therefore, we must dwell in love by sacrificing self for God foremost and then others -
which is our obedience (1 Jn 4:16). We obey Christ’s commandments which are love,
which is the sacrificing of self for others. The Lord helps us in this by shedding (causing
to flow out) abroad love in our hearts through the Holy Ghost which He has given unto us
(Rm 5:5, see “The Holy Spirit, Chapter Two). So, this is forever a circular (eternal, never
ending) requirement of God. Love is self sacrifice and self sacrifice is love and all is
executed through obedience to the Lord – and obedience to the Lord is love. Whosoever

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shall save his life (find his life) shall lose it and whosoever shall lose his life for Christ’s
sake and the gospels (which is love) the same shall save it (find it) – emphasized six times
in the gospels (Mt 10:39, 16:25, Mk 8:35, Lk 9:24, 17:33, Jn 12:25)! In other words, if
you live for self, then you shall die (no love) and if you die to self for Christ and the
gospel, then you shall live (love). Romans 6:8, “Now if we be dead with Christ, we
believe that we shall also live with him.” We must “fear” the Lord and walk in His will.
Psalms 25:14, “The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew
them his covenant (also Ps 33:18).” The transgressors have no “fear” of God (Ps 36:1)
and will never “know” God’s covenant – they shall be destroyed (Ps 37:38).

Jesus said: John 15:12-13, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another (your
neighbor), as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down
his life for his friends.” If we do not love others as Christ loves you, then we have no
right to Christ’s love. John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye
love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men
know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” How did Jesus love us?
He sacrificed everything (His physical life) for your benefit to make peace between you
and God. Consider this relation: John 3:16 reveals that God “gave” His only begotten Son
for the benefit of man - Christ laid down His life for us. 1 John 3:16 reveals that man is to
“give” himself for his fellow man - we lay down our lives for each other (1 Jn 4:21).

Therefore, the Two Great Commandments completely take your attention off of self and
direct it in love (giving, sacrifice) to first God and then others and this is known as
charity. Romans 13:8-10, “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that
loveth another hath fulfilled the law (given to Moses). For this, Thou shalt not commit
adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou
shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in
this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his
neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” Love sacrifices self for another. So,
to obey Christ’s commandments is to live in the law of love (1 Jn 5:2) which is to die to
your will - self seeking which is Satan’s lie. John 14:23, “Jesus answered and said unto
him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will
come unto him, and make our abode with him.” In other words, if a man sacrifices self to
keep Christ’s Words, then God will sacrifice for your benefit and dwell with you. Love is
reciprocal – but must first place God foremost.

When we come back under God’s authority in obedience as reconciled through Christ,
we have a personal relationship with God (Rm 5:10, 2 Cor 5:18). The Holy Spirit resides
within us (1 Cor 6:19). 1 John 3:24, “And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in
him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he
hath given us.” You cannot “know” Christ apart from submission and obedience to Him.
To submit and obey Christ is to deny self – to be Christ-centered and not self-centered. 1
John 2:3-4, “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is
not in him.” John 15:10, “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even
as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.” Consider how well
this fits with what God had told the children of Israel: Deuteronomy 7:9, “Know

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therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant
and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand
generations.” John 15:9, “As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye
in my love.” Your vow of faith to Christ is for love and obedience hereafter –
stedfastness (firmly fixed or established, constant, resolute, not wavering). 1 John 2:5,
“But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know
we that we are in him.” Our assurance that we are in Christ is found in our obedience to
Him, and this perfects our love. Sacrifice of self equates to obedience which equates to
love. 1 John 5:2-3, “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love
God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his
commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” We sacrifice self for the
benefit of God. If you continue to seek self then you are not obeying the commandments
of Christ and are not walking in love. Therefore, we can conclude that God is amazingly
consistent in His Word and dealings with man.

We are sealed by Jesus’ blood and must obey Him - for it is the blood that maketh an
atonement for the soul (Lev 17:11). Hebrews 10:29, “Of how much sorer punishment,
suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and
hath counted the blood of the covenant (sealed in Jesus’ blood, Heb 9:14-15), wherewith
he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?” Woe
to him who does despite the Holy Ghost! Christ’s covenant is “love” and to keep this
testament you must obey. We must walk in faith, which is a bypass of the flesh/self. Faith
is to trust and draw towards God; to conciliate (to draw together; to unite); to believe, to
obey. Faith is to “believe” in God’s truth to such an extent that it becomes the foundation
of your very life (Lk 6:47-49) - an entire confidence and trust in God’s character and
declarations; an unreserved surrender of the will to the Lord’s leading; reliance on God.
God’s law is not made void through faith, but rather established by faith (Rm 3:31). As
we walk in love, sincerity, truth and obedience, the Lord works in us through His Spirit
such that we conform to His Will (law, commandments) and manifest His nature in our
actions. So it is by faith, which reaches beyond the flesh/self (which is a denial of the
flesh/self), that all men (those under the law and those apart from the law) will be
reconciled to God (Rm 4:16).

Jesus becomes your very life (Col 3:4) – for ye are purchased with a price (1 Cor 6:20) –
that being Christ’s spilt blood (Rm 5:9)! Jesus washed us from our sins with His own
blood (Rev 1:5). When you obey Christ in His truth then you are drawn together and
unite in His love - Christ and the Father make their abode in you (Jn 14:23). When you
continue to walk in the ways of the world (self seeking, the lie, the darkness) then you are
disobedient to Christ and walk in the lie (sacrifice of others for the benefit of self) and are
separated from Jesus - away from the light and into the darkness. Romans 5:1-2,
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace (reconciliation, Rm 5:10) with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace
wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God (also Eph 3:12).” Grace is the
divine influence on the heart as reflected in one’s actions (or life). This will be
manifested as God’s nature of righteousness and holiness. Therefore, we can say that by
yielding our lives in obedience to God’s leading, we have access to the Lord’s divine
influence on our hearts. As you yield, the Lord renews and transforms. Thus: Titus 2:11-

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14, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us
that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts (what self seeks), we should live soberly,
righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the
glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for
us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity (sin), and purify unto himself a peculiar
people, zealous of good works.”

Now consider two cases, one is following the flesh and the other is following the Spirit.
The flesh - Galatians 2:21, “I do not frustrate the grace of God (the Holy Spirit working
in me): for if righteousness come by the law (forced adherence through the flesh –
compulsion, will power), then Christ is dead in vain.” The Spirit: Romans 8:4, “That the
righteousness of the law (God’s requirements) might be fulfilled in us, who walk not
after the flesh (man’s ways), but after the Spirit (allowing grace to work in you).” So, you
can now see that the righteousness God desires must come through the Lord’s grace
which is the Holy Ghost working in you through your faith (willful surrender and
obedience to God) to transform you. You will always fall short when you approach God
through the flesh such as religious works, doctrines, memberships, positions, etc.

We become the Lord’s peculiar people – if we come out of the darkness and obey.
Consider the Lord’s work of grace in one’s life: Titus 2:14, “Who gave himself for us,
that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people,
zealous of good works.” AND 1 Peter 2:9-10, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal
priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him
who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were
not a people (lost in darkness), but are now the people of God: which had not obtained
mercy, but now have obtained mercy (by coming to the truth).” There is nothing peculiar
about you if you remain in the darkness seeking it’s lusts – God’s grace will have not
manifested. Consider the similarities: God took Abram, who was not a people, and
multiplied him into the people of God – a peculiar treasure. God later called them out of
darkness (Egypt) unto Himself in the wilderness (Who is light, Ps 104:1-2, 1 Jn 1:5).
Jesus calls whosoever will, who are not a people, as the people of God – a peculiar
people (Hos 2:23). Christ calls them out of darkness - our rebellion, iniquity and self
seeking (1 Jn 1:6) into His light (Mt 5:16, Jn 1:4-5, 8:12, 12:35-36, Rm 13:12, Eph 5:8,
Php 2:15, 1 Jn 1:5).

The children of Israel became God’s peculiar people by virtue of their forsaking their old
life and obeying God’s laws through faith. The “followers” of Jesus become God’s
peculiar people by forsaking their old life and obeying Christ’s commands through faith
(Jn 14:15, 21, 23, 15:10, 1 Jn 2:3-4, 3:22, 24, 5:2-3, 2 Jn 1:6). The children of Israel
were not to walk in the manner of the nations around them; for God had separated them
to Himself from other people (Lev 20:23-24). God told them they were to be holy as God
is holy, because He has severed them from other people that they should be His (Lev
20:26). Similarly, Christ’s “called out ones (ekklesia)” are not to be as the world around
them; for He hath separated them to Himself from the darkness. They are to be perfect as
their Father in heaven is perfect (Mt 5:48). 1 Peter 1:14-16, “As obedient children, not
fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which

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hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation (lifestyle); Because it
is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” God is always consistent – the same (Heb 13:8).

Christ’s covenant was superior to that of Moses (the law) in that Jesus provided for
mercy (forgiveness) and grace (the Holy Spirit working in you)! Once again: It is of faith
(surrendering self to God) that it might be by grace (God working in you through your
obedience) that all will be justified before God – those under the law and those apart from
the law; the circumcision and the uncircumcision (Rm 3:30, 4:16). The “gospel” is now
made manifest, the mystery which was kept secret since the world began, that being that
man shall be saved through the obedience of faith (Rm 13:25-26). Obedient faith (saving
faith) allows the Holy Ghost to work in you and produce the fruit God desires to the
saving of your soul – it will not happen any other way!

Man is justified by faith with or without the deeds of the law (Rm 2:14-15, 3:28). If you
live in God’s grace (allowing the Spirit to transform you – a servant to righteousness and
holiness, Rm 6:18-19), then you are not under the law. Romans 8:2-4, “For the law of the
Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what
the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in
the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the
righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after
the Spirit.” Those who serve the law must do so in their own strength (flesh) and it is
impossible (Rm 7:18-20, 8:8). Those living in God’s grace fulfill the law through the
Spirit’s working through their obedience (Rm 8:11). Romans 6:15-16, “What then? shall
we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that
to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey;
whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” To continue in sin
(darkness) will only reveal that God’s grace is not being worked in you. Obedience to the
Spirit produces righteousness which is evidence of God’s grace. Romans 8:13-14, “For if
ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the
body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”

To live after the flesh is to continue in “your” way (which is Satan’s nature, the lie) and
produces death - it’s fruit. To die (mortify) to the flesh (your way, your will, your lusts)
and yield to the Spirit’s working in you is the Lord’s grace which produces life - it’s fruit.
Israel under the covenant of Moses had sought after righteousness by serving the law
(Rm 9:31). They served the law by a forced adherence (outward, not inward devotion)
rather than serving God through their hearts – faith (Rm 9:32). They never grasped what
the Lord was telling them when He said for them to love Him with all their hearts, souls
and might (strength) – and to cleave to Him (Deut 6:5). This is what Abraham and Moses
had done and their actions demonstrated it! Christ’s covenant is superior because His
Spirit writes God’s laws in your heart (Jer 31:33, Ez 11:19-20, 36:25-27, Heb 8:10,
10:16). The Lord renews a right spirit within you – gives you a clean heart (Ps 51:10).
Ezekiel 36:26, “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you:
and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh
(also Ez 11:19).”

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It’s like this: The children of Israel looked at the Ten Commandments and said “we must
do this, that and the other thing” – just the facts – they narrowed their focus. They should
have rather considered the intent of the commandments and why God had wanted them to
do those things. They should have broadened their focus and considered what God was
ultimately after. They should have realized that God wanted their love and sincerity as
demonstrated through their obedience to do the Lord’s will. They should have realized
that God wanted their focus on Himself and then others rather than on themselves or
works. They should have considered what Abraham and Moses did that the Lord found
so noteworthy and pleasing. They should have realized that the letter killeth (if focused
only on the letter), but the spirit giveth life (Rm 7:6, 2 Cor 3:6, this does not mean that in
spirit they could disregard the law).

In Christ’s covenant, we now have the Spirit to guide us and teach us – and empower.
Now we must consider if all those who “profess” to be Christ’s “peculiar” people are
really all that peculiar (curious, odd, unusual, distinct, set apart) at all. Those who
“follow” Christ are a people (who were not a people) who have been “called out” of the
darkness into the light (truth). Certainly the “few” who have sincerely forsaken the
darkness or world are “peculiar” and stand out as such. However, there are “many” who
profess belief in Christ that remain in darkness and are as the world - no different.
Examine yourself dear reader and honestly consider your fruit (Mt 7:20). Perhaps this
writing will provide some with enough light to compel them to come forth. We must not
say, but do – we must “be.”

We have discussed how the children of Israel forsook God and “feared” other gods, and
bowed down to them - worshipping and making sacrifices. They disregared God’s
covenant! God was not foremost in their lives and they intentionally ignored His
commandments and ways in pursuit of self. Many have entered into Christ’s covenant
and treat it with much the same contempt - disdain, disrespect and condescension. They
seek their own way daily placing it foremost in their lives. They “fear” other gods such as
television, careers, money, or hobbies; serving these things with love obedience and
making all necessary sacrifices. They do their own will, and perhaps ask for forgiveness
later to soothe the guilty conscious. Consider the television – enjoyed by all. How many
“love” the television and sit in front of it for hours a day? How many will make great
sacrifices to be “entertained?” How many are heavily influenced and motivated by the
things they hear and see on the television? How many could ever truly forsake the
television? This is worship! This is “fearing” and serving another god! This is serving
“self!” Where you spend your time is a very good indicator of your devotion – known as
your “deeds.”
Community of Christ

The following sections address the New Testament model for the body of Christ (church,
ekklesia – called out ones) as led or governed by the Holy Ghost - sent from God. We
will consider how the life and love of Christ should manifest in our lives once we enter
into covenant with Jesus and how “followers” should interact with each other and the
world. This insight into the early church will certainly not put the modern “religious”
version (of man) in a good light. We will understand what it means to be truly filled and

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led of the Holy Ghost verses being led of man and his doctrines and traditions. Who is
leading the church makes all the difference in the world as to where it is going. The group
that is led of God’s Spirit will reflect the image of Christ as revealed in God’s Word -
conformity, actually walking in truth. The group that is led of man will reflect the image
of the world (as lived and practiced by its members) and will always side toward the flesh
(self). The true body of Christ will face many persecutions, tribulations and sufferings as
they walk as their Lord proclaiming the truth (light, Jn 16:33, Acts 14:22, Rm 5:3, 12:12,
1 Pt 4:13) – they enter into the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings (Php 3:10). Those led of
man will walk in relative ease and comfort due to compromises with the world and a
propensity (inclination) toward the flesh. They will consider sufferings to be the inability
to completely satisfy their flesh (their wants, lusts and needs in seeking their way)
through the lack of what they believe (perceive) to be “due” blessings from God - to
serve them.

The disciples of Christ had gathered in Jerusalem awaiting the “promise” that Jesus said
would be sent of the Father (Acts 1:4, Jn 14:16, 26). There were about one hundred and
twenty “followers” who had forsaken all for their Lord (Acts 1:15). These were submitted
and obedient to the Lord’s will. They were waiting for the “power” that would come as a
result of the Holy Ghost, such that they could be “witnesses” in Jerusalem, Judea,
Samaria and the uttermost part of the world (Acts 1:8). On the day of Pentecost, the Spirit
fell upon them and they boldly witnessed among great multitudes of men (Acts 2:1-4, 22-
40). The men who heard their witness were cut to the heart: Acts 2:41, “Then they that
gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them
about three thousand souls.” Now we must understand that nothing of any significance
was done for the cause of Christ by these disciples from the time of Jesus’ death until
Pentecost. The Holy Spirit was the “power” which transformed these disciples into
“bold” witnesses for Christ. Prior to this the disciples had been scared, troubled and
without full understanding. The Shepherd had been slain and the sheep were scattered
(Mt 26:31, Mk 14:27). The Holy Ghost (power from on High, Lk 24:49) came upon these
disciples to accomplish the will of Christ (and the Father).

These disciples spoke with other tongues as the “Spirit” gave them utterance (Acts 2:4).
The men did not understand (know) what they were saying, but the multitude of men who
were listening (from various cultures all around) heard them quite clearly and in their
own languages (Acts 2:5-11). They were proclaiming the wonderful works of God (Acts
2:11). The Holy Ghost was definitely leading and the disciples were just submitting and
obeying. The flesh was blind to what was transpiring (bypassed by the Spirit) and
received no glory. The results of the Spirit’s work were astounding – three thousand souls
in one day! What happened next is equally astounding: Acts 2:44-47, “And all that
believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and
goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily
with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat
with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the
people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” They were
likeminded (together with one accord), unified (singleness of spirit), and sacrificed “self”
for the benefit of each other (Eph 4:2-3, also Php 2:2). Psalms 133:1, “Behold, how good
and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

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This was apparent in that they sold their goods and possessions and parted to all men, as
every man had need. This is a “dying to self” for the good of others. This is what Jesus
meant when He said: John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye
love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men
know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” This could only happen as
a result of men yielding to the Holy Spirit! Jesus gave the commandment and the Spirit
(sent from the Father per Christ request), acting on the hearts of men, made it happen (Jn
15:26)! The Spirit is sent to perform the will of the Father in those who will yield and
obey. We know that these new disciples were sincere because of their selfless love for
one another – the fruit! They were demonstrating the Two Great Commandments in their
lives by their actions – they applied Christ’s Words. This was a tremendous testimony of
God’s love and grace acting upon the hearts of men. This can only happen when men die
to the nature of “self” (Satan’s lie, the darkness) and genuinely surrender and yield
(obey) in a selfless way to the Holy Spirit. They were as one (submitting themselves one
to another in the fear of God – no lording over each other, Eph 5:21). as Jesus and the
Father are one that they may be one in the Lord (Jn 17:21). Notice: the Lord added to the
church daily such as should be saved – a significant point. Religious man always forces
this issue and generally adds such as have not released the darkness - and have no
intention to.

Peter, John and the other disciples then continued to go out among the people and boldly
witness the gospel of Christ (Acts 3:11-26). Their message of hope immediately became a
threat to those who were not willing to receive it (i.e. the world, established religions)
and they message bearers were persecuted (just as Christ was, Acts 4:1-3). The message
of God always brings persecution, but must be proclaimed! The Lord’s message must be
proclaimed even to your own personal suffering or demise. Jesus could have easily
sought compromise and avoided the cross, but He said “thy will be done” to the Father –
this was to our benefit. We must never seek comfort for the flesh (self) at the expense of
the gospel! This will always be a temptation, but it brings great dishonor to God. Rejoice
in persecution (Mt 5:10-12, Lk 6:22-23)! Peter and John were put in jail, but five
thousand souls were added unto the Lord (Acts 4:4)! How incredible! Five thousand
“believed” in one day as a result of the sacrifice of two men submitted to God’s Spirit –
willing to offer up “self” to make it happen.

They were later brought before the religious authorities: Acts 4:8-13, “Then Peter, filled
with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we
this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is
made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of
Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by
him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought
of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any
other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be
saved. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were
unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they
had been with Jesus.” The boldness, the wisdom, the Words, all came from the Holy
Ghost - the flesh receives no glory before God (Acts 4:29-31, 1 Cor 1:29).

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Peter and John were just submitting and obeying (putting self aside) the leading of the
Spirit. Jesus had told them beforehand: Mark 13:11, “But when they shall lead you, and
deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye
premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye
that speak, but the Holy Ghost (also Mt 10:17-20, Lk 21:12-15).” The religious
authorities told them they must not speak in Jesus’ name anymore (Acts 4:18). The world
will always try and put out the light (truth) because it exposes the wickedness of the
darkness (Jn 7:7) – that evil men will not depart from. Peter said they should obey God
rather than man (Acts 4:19). If we all could just grasp that statement! We now live in a
world that compromises God in order to obey man (be accepted). Those who genuinely
love Jesus cannot help but speak those things which they have seen and heard (Acts
4:20). Many a disciple of Christ has been brought before religious councils throughout
the past two thousand years. The Holy Spirit emboldened them and gave them the Words
to speak. Their sufferings became an exceedingly bright witness for Christ.

The “called out ones” (ekklesia, early church – those called out of darkness into the
light) continued to suffer persecution for Christ name. Acts 4:29-32, “And now, Lord,
behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may
speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may
be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was
shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost,
and they spake the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed
were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which
he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.” Please see the significance
here! These disciples knew they would be persecuted and suffer of “self,” Jesus had told
them that (Lk 21:17, Jn 15:18, 20, 16:33, 17:14, 1 Jn 3:13). They didn’t pray for relief,
but for boldness (ability, wherewithal) to speak God’s Words and perform God’s works -
just as Jesus had done (Acts 4:29-31). Christ suffered greatly at the hands of man and
these men knew they were “following” in His steps. Such a prayer (in keeping with the
Lord’s will) was granted and more boldness was given.

Please realize that with more boldness will come greater persecution and suffering. They
had died to “self” and were “willing” to give all. Notice a couple of things: They were of
one mind and one spirit; only the Holy Ghost can bring such unity and understanding!
Also, no one considered anything his own, but they shared all things in common. This
cannot be accomplished when men are still “seeking self” as per the devil’s lie – in the
darkness. This can only occur when self dies. Men were selling land and laying the price
at the apostles’ feet to give to everyone that had need. Acts 4:33-37, “And with great
power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was
upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were
possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were
sold, And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man
according as he had need. And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas,
(which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of
Cyprus, Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”
God’s grace is the working of the Holy Ghost in men’s lives - those yielded and obedient.

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True “love” is the sacrifice of self (your things) for the benefit of others. This produces
caring, compassion, patience, meekness, unity, likemindedness, mercy, goodness, etc.
How did these “followers” of Christ handle disputes? They appointed brethren that were
of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom to settle the matters. These were men
that were fair and impartial yielded to the Lord and not given to “self”.

Having read the above few sections, you are no doubt thinking that such a group (called
out ones) does not seem to exist in this day and time. This is a great condemnation of
“religious man” and all of “his” religious institutions, organizations and denominations.
There are tremendous (awe inspiring) buildings (the work of men, financed from the
world), but even their own memberships do not demonstrate such love, likemindedness
and unity (one accord)! – much less to those apart (Php 2:2). These groups and sects are
no threat to this dark world and thus suffer no persecution! They have compromised to
such an extent (in seeking comfort) that they are just like the world – overcome! There is
no unity in the purpose of God! There is no likemindedness, which would certainly
manifest if they were following the same Holy Spirit (please read again and consider
this statement)! There is no “death to self” or the things of this world and thus no real
love or “community of goods.” What calls itself the church today is nothing like the one
we “know” (from God’s Word) was led by the Holy Ghost. Why? Why? Why?

The author will attempt to answer this seemingly complex issue. The basic and simple
reason is because men (religious) are seeking self as per the devil’s lie and fallen nature
and still love the darkness. Men have not totally surrendered and yielded in obedience to
the Lord’s work in them or others. They seek God through their flesh rather than apart
from it - death to their will and lusts. For instance, just where in the entire New
Testament did Christ (or His apostles) ever say to build buildings (facilities) - empires?
The answer is nowhere, no even once – yet this has been the focus of man for centuries -
focused on the flesh – see, touch, feel, enjoy. The Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not
in temples made with hands (Acts 7:48, 17:24). All of the maladies (problems, troubles,
woes) and abnormalities (aberrations, faults, failings, deformities) described above are
the symptoms of “SELF.” Men are living for self and not dying to self. This is reflected
in man’s religious institutions, which are in the image of the world. This is the fruit by
which they are known (Mt 7:16-20). The members mostly live as the world except for
maybe a short period of time on religious days. Even then, the truth is not being
proclaimed – if it were there would be great offense of flesh.

By and large men have not fully embraced Christ’s Lordship over them. Their midset is
much more temporal than eternal. They want a form of godliness, but deny the “power”
thereof (2 Tim 3:5). The “power” is the Holy Ghost and the Spirit will not tolerate the
self-centered (consider Acts 5:1-11). They deny the Spirit’s working in their lives. The
Spirit will tear down and destroy the things of the flesh (the darkness). The Spirit does
God’s will and that is to transform you into the image of Christ, which is to be loving,
obedient, surrendered, trusting, and compliant to God. Do not try and deter the Spirit
from doing the work or the work will not get done – and this is not to your benefit -
something that will be of great regret and agony of mind to you throughout eternity. The
author has always considered the basis of fellowship to be the willingness of one to
submit and obey the Holy Spirit – this is all that is needed. Many religious men are

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unreasonable and wicked - for all men have not faith (2 Thess 3:2, 1 Tim 6:5, Ti 1:15-16)
because they want to argue endlessly in twisting God’s Word to benefit “their” way
(self). Ephesians 5:11, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness,
but rather reprove them.” If one will just submit to and obey the Spirit, then all things
will fall into order. Most people just will not yield to the Holy Spirit – plain and simple.

For instance, the author has had many conversations with others (very religious people)
regarding the wickedness and evil routinely shown on television. Everyone agrees that
this premise is true and that these things are ungodly. However, no one will forsake this
evil - what an indictment! Their opinions and arguments always outweigh (in their lives)
the plain truth in God’s Word and always favor “self.” No one ever wants to possibly err
in their “logic” on the side of God. Rejoice not in iniquity (darkness), but rejoice in truth
(light, 1 Cor 13:6). The author has found that most people just will not yield to the
Spirit’s workings. Why? Because the Holy Spirit will always pull down the things of the
flesh and this will result in personal loss, denial and sacrifice. There is no way around
this: you will either die to self (the darkness, Satan’s lie) or you will grieve (and quench,
Eph 4:30, 1 Thess 5:19) the Spirit and disregard the Lord’s purposes. Its so basic, yet so
disregarded! The answer to all the errors in “religion” today is that “men love the
darkness” (Jn 3:19) and will not approach the light (Jn 3:20-21). The flesh finds it very
difficult to release its control and “die.” Faith bypasses the flesh (denies it, kills it,
destroys) by surrendering to another’s will altogether. Is there anyone in heaven not
totally surrendered to God’s will? Be absolutely assured – when you come to the light,
the Holy Spirit will begin the task of tearing down “self” for the glory of God. Those who
love Jesus (Jn 14:15) will “change” and those who do not will not change. How else will
you ever become totally submitted to the authority of God? How will you be reconciled
given your transgressing and rebellious state?

The men who came out of the darkness after Pentecost were sincere and yielded to the
Holy Ghost and the Lord worked wonders (miracles) – likemindedness, unity, boldness,
great signs, etc. Those called out of the darkness today find it a bit more difficult – why?
Because there are a myriad of religious choices all claiming to represent Christ. Most will
say that you do not have to change all that much (just become churchy – religious). There
is no self denial in their doctrines and Lord forbid, no suffering or persecution. Their
doctrines are based (founded) upon the teachings of men (Calvin, Arminius, Wesley,
Luther, Popes, Augustine or modern day favorites) and not of the Holy Ghost. There can
never be likemindedness because all these doctrines of men conflict with each other.
Likemindedness can only be achieved through the Spirit as He unfolds the Word of God
– correctly. The Holy Spirit of truth will guide you into all truth (Jn 16:13). If there is no
likemindedness, there can be no unity. Satan has fractured the church from within by
appealing to men to seek self just as he has always done (modus operandi). The religious
message (watered down, of none effect) of the modern religious man and the way it is
being proclaimed does not threaten the world at all and there is no persecution from the
world.

Men are quite comfortable in their religious buildings - their territory. If there were
suffering or persecution, then compromise would quickly be sought (and has). There is
no willingness to suffer for God’s glory (Php 1:29)! In the early church the message was

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taken to the people and resulting persecution strengthened the body and drew men closer
to God. The persecution actually accelerated the spreading of the gospel. We must be
partakers of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God (2 Tim 1:8). 2
Timothy 2:12, “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will
deny us.” Read the New Testament for yourself and see if the church of today is anything
like the church of the Bible – be honest. 2 Timothy 3:12, “Yea, and all that will live
godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

Some may say that the Amish or Mennonites (Anabaptist) have accomplished a
community like the early church. This is mostly true, however there may be a fault -
talking in generalities; and this does not apply to all. In shunning the world (a good thing)
some went too far and lost their witness to the world. They kept to themselves and
compromised with the world - leave us alone and we’ll leave you alone. They lost their
witness and the persecution ceased – they were no longer a threat to Satan. They hid their
“light” to those outside their established group and became ineffective. The gospel must
be proclaimed and “so be it” to the persecution and suffering. The author knows of
several attempts by sincere individuals to start a community of Christ like the biblical
model. All of these attempts have failed. The underlying reason is “self” and a refusal to
submit to the Lord in all areas. First there must be a sincere and total surrender of one’s
life to the Spirit. Second, the Spirit must make it happen! The Lord adds as He will.
Many consider themselves submitted to the Lord and refuse to see (are blinded and
deceived) their own denial of God’s work in their lives.

For instance, if the Spirit told you to stop using birth control methods (seeking your way,
your will) and embrace and love however many children that God gives (flesh has no
control, submission of your will), would you? God’s Word has already stated such – birth
control is a rebellious invention of the world. If the Spirit told you to never again watch
the filth and wickedness on television or at the movies, would you obey? Read God’s
Word and then consider your thoughts (Php 4:8). If the Lord asked you to stop listening
to rebellious and worldly radio (even Christian), would you? If the Spirit told you to stop
celebrating idolatrous worldly holidays that bring dishonor to God (yet cater exclusively
to your flesh), would you? Consider how these holidays started, what is being taught and
who is celebrating them. If the Spirit told you to stop buying things (possessions) and be
content with such things as you have (a dying to self), would you? If the Spirit told you to
stop seeking entertainment and trips (travel) to satisfy self, would you? If the Lord told
you to stop seeking the ways of man (newspapers, weather, investing, position, etc.) and
soley rely on Him, would you? Now you will probably say that God would never ask
such things. This would only reveal that you do not “know” God nor His Word (as
applied) and are not allowing the Spirit to lead in “your” life. If you would truly follow
the Spirit with regards to the things above (and more) you might be “peculiar” (unusual,
odd, uncharacteristic, strange, weird) in the eyes of the world – yet become a great
witness. You might lose friends, family relations, jobs, etc. You would not be popular
and men might separate from your company (Lk 6:22)! There will always be a separation
between light and darkness – and yes, there are not so many in the light. What you may
not realize is that you have acceptance because you are in the darkness! Wake up! Come
to the “light.”

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In conclusion, those who enter into covenant with Christ are agreeing to come out of the
darkness and into His glorious light (1 Pt 2:9). Its like this: you must become blind to the
things of the flesh and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you about (known as faith), putting
all trust and obedience in the Lord. You are agreeing to “follow” the example the Lord
set (Jn 6:38, 8:28-29). You are agreeing to deny self daily, take up your cross (die to
your way, Lk 14:27, 31, Rm 6:6) and follow (Mt 16:24-26, 19:21, Mk 8:34-36, 10:21, Lk
9:23-26, Jn 12:26). You are agreeing to forsake all (Lk 14:33). What do you really have
anyway that you can take with you? You are agreeing to love not your own life, but live
unto Him (Lk 14:26, 2 Cor 5:15, Gal 2:20). You are agreeing to shun the things of the
world (1 Jn 2:15-17). You are agreeing to surrender (yield) and obey the Holy Spirit and
obey all of Christ’s commandments (Jn 14:15-17, 20-21, 23, 15:10, 1 Jn 2:3-4, 3:24,
5:2-3) – to abide in Jesus (Jn 15:1-10). You are agreeing to suffer persecution and love
not your life unto death (Php 1:29, Rev 2:10, 12:11, 14:33) – be counted worthy of the
kingdom of God for which you suffer (2 Thess 1:4-5). You are agreeing to make
sacrifices for God foremost and then others. All it comes down to this: you love the Lord
your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength, and your neighbor as yourself – the
Two Great Commandments (Mt 22:37-39, Mk 12:30-31, Lk 10:27).

Jesus really must become total Lord! Those who violate the covenant are no longer
subject to its benefits. Many will say this is too hard to accomplish – were only human.
Well, most are doing these very same things now (in an opposite way) with regard to
“self.” They are easily accomplishing a self-centered life. Its like this: the vast majority
have become blind to the things of the Spirit and allow their flesh to lead them about
(known as unbelief), putting all trust and obedience in self - their way. These are
following the example of those around them (everybody’s doing it) and their own selfish
desires according to the course of this world (Eph 2:2). Most are denying the Spirit
(quenching, grieving, 1 Thess 5:9, Eph 4:30) daily, taking up the cause of self and
following their lusts and desires (carnal, Eph 4:22) – fulfilling the desires of the flesh
(Eph 2:3). Most are forsaking the will of God for their higher priorities to self – whatever
gets in their way of accomplishing their desires and lusts. These love their own way (life,
path, will) and are seeking all they can get out of life - you only live once. Most will
endure or suffer the bondages, burdens, addictions, hardships, sicknesses and misery in
pursuit of “their” way. Most are led about by evil or unclean spirits (demons) that they
have opened themselves up to in seeking their way. In seeking their way they transgress
the will of God everyday in thought, manner and deed. It all comes down to this: Most
seek their selfish way with all their heart, mind, soul and strength. They sacrifice others
to get their way.

Now carefully consider this: all who seek their own way are really serving Satan (the
devil, serpent, dragon). This is his nature and his lie and all those who follow after are
worshipping him. If you are not obedient in Christ’s covenant, then you have made a
covenant with death (results from living in the devil’s lie) and an agreement with hell
(your destination, Is 28:15, 18). Do you, oh man, make such a fuss about serving self –
perhaps saying its too hard, we’re only human? The broad way is very accomodating
isn’t it? What is your perspective? Who will you serve? You are going to serve somebody
(this is a fact!), whether God or man (self, men and ultimately Satan). Romans 6:16,
“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to

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whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” Death to
self and obedience to Christ brings eternal life – a promise from God who cannot lie (Ti
1:2, Heb 6:18). Living for self and disobedience to Christ brings eternal death -
separation to torment. Satan promised those who followed him - life, but only delivered
bondage and death - you’ve been duped. The Lord God calls to those who are deceived,
in bondage and residing in the darkness - come forth; you have been redeemed – come
into the light (truth); - come forth and see (eyes opened) and partake of life. Who will
respond?

The nature of the darkness is to deny (disregard) established authority in order to seek
self. Everything will be interpreted based upon self and will favor self. In other words,
those things which hinder or upset the comfort of the flesh will have to be denied or
disgarded for the benefit of getting one’s way. This is why God’s Word will never be
taken literally or applied as written by those who insist on seeking God from within the
darkness – a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof (2 Tim 3:5). This is why
those with itching ears, seeking their own lusts, will always seek their comfort (what they
want to hear) in the myriads of groups (choices) that claim Christ (2 Tim 4:3). The
kingdom of God is light (truth) and opposite of the kingdom of darkness (lie). Therefore
to come to the light, you must do the exact opposite of what “self” wants or the tenets
(system of belief, doctrines) of the darkness.

If a religious doctrine states that once you are saved, then nothing you do will ever cause
you to lose your salvation, then you must reject it because it is based upon the principles
of darkness, which states that you can disobey God and ye shall not surely die (Gen 3:4);
rather than the principles of light, which clearly state that if you disobey God, thou shalt
surely die (Gen 2:17). If a doctrine says that God’s love toward you is unconditional
(regardless of behavior), then you must again reject it because it is based upon the tenets
of darkness (same as above). If a doctrine says that salvation is a free gift and cannot be
merited or sustained by anything you do (note: salvation is given through God’s mercy,
made possible through Christ’s sacrifice, but as per the conditions God set), then you
must reject it because it is based upon the darkness (if ye love me, keep my
commandments – Jn 14:15, He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings – Jn 14:24).
Don’t be tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of
men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive (Eph 4:14). Correct
doctrines must be based upon love, obedience, surrender, trust and reliance toward God
and the Lord’s truth. Correct doctrines must also recognize that the flesh or “self” is the
greatest hindrance (impediment, barrier, obstacle, encumbrance, limitation, interferance)
in serving God. Self does not want to serve, it wants to be served! You are to serve God;
the Lord does not serve you in seeking your way. Correct doctrines must place God
foremost with creation surrender to the Lord’s absolute will – and creation makes all
necessary sacrifices to yield to the Lord’s will.
The Kingdom of God

The kingdom of God must begin in your heart and be demonstrated in your actions. You
become a citizen through active participation – partakers of the divine nature, having
escaped the darkness (2 Pt 1:4). Romans 14:17, “For the kingdom of God is not meat and

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drink (fleshly things); but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” This
kingdom is one of love and such love extends to one’s enemies. There is no place for
hatred, bitterness, unforgiveness, or war, which is killing and violence (Gen 9:5-6, Ex
20:13, Lev 19:17, Job 4:21, Pv 25:21-22, Mt 5:39, 43-45, 22:39, Lk 6:27-36, Rm 12:20,
1 Jn 2:9, 11, 3:10, 15). We have been COMMANDED to abide in Christ’s covenant of
“love (Mt 22:37-38, Mk 12:30-31, Lk 10:27, 1 Jn 3:23-24, 4:9-11, 21).” If a man hates
his brother, regardless of cause, then he is in darkness and walks in darkness and is blind
to the truth (1 Jn 2:9-11, 3:10-11, 15, 4:20-21). These walk in the lie, which is abiding in
death (1 Jn 3:14). This applies to all who profess Christ and support war – killing and
violence! If a man love me (Jesus), he will KEEP my commandments (Jn 14:23). This is
the gospel!!! John 15:12, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have
loved you (also Jn 12:34-35, 15:17, Rm 12:10, 13:8, Gal 5:13, Eph 4:2, 1 Thess 3:12,
4:9, Heb 10:24, 1 Pt 1:22, 3:8, 1 Jn 3:11, 23, 4:7, 11-12, 2 Jn 1:5).” You must be
prepared to suffer violence, but never dish it out. Meekness includes forbearance under
injuries. This is the ability to suffer the wrong and not seek retribution. This is the
command of temper and restraint of passions. The exercise of patience, longsuffering and
indulgence toward those who injure us (Rm 5:3-5, Col 1:11, 2 Thess 1:4, Js 5:10, 2 Pt
1:5-7). Acts 14:22, “Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to
continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of
God.” We must consider the patience of Job (Js 5:11) – covered in Chapter One. Jesus
demonstrated great forbearance under injury when He walked the earth as a man – and
we follow. Consider the Lord’s example: Isaiah 53:7, “He was oppressed, and he was
afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a
sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.” 2 Corinthians 6:4-7,
“But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in
afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in
labours, in watchings, in fastings; By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by
kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, By the word of truth, by the power of
God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left.” One of the pillars
of the kingdom of God is forgiveness…
Forgiveness

Followers of Christ are required to live (walk) in the nature of their Master. The nature of
the Lord has the characteristics of mercy, forgiveness and longsuffering. God has
forgiven you much and you must also do likewise. Matthew 6:14-15, “For if ye forgive
men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not
men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” This statement is
very explicit (unambiguous, precise, definite, frank) and to the point and now requires
our obedience. Followers of Christ are expected to extend forgiveness regardless of the
situation. There are a couple of circumstances that should be addressed. The first
situation is when someone has wronged you and acknowledges the trespass while
petitioning (entreating, beseeching) for forgiveness. Jesus said: Luke 17:3-4, “Take heed
to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive
him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn
again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.” Peter asked a similar question:
Matthew 18:21-22, “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin

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against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee,
Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” This is saying that we may set no
limitations on extending forgiveness.

Perhaps you have asked God for forgiveness multiple times? The fallen nature of man
wants to lash out in retribution (vengeance, reprisal, payback) at those who wrong him.
This cannot be for those who walk in light and enter into the kingdom of God. Jesus told
a parable: Matthew 18:23-35, “Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain
king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one
was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents (large trespass). But
forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and
children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down,
and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then
the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the
debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed
him an hundred pence (small trespass by comparison): and he laid hands on him, and
took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down
at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And
he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his
fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their
lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou
wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not
thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his
lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due
unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts
forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”

Wrongs against us whereby the perpetrator (one responsible) asks forgiveness are
probably the easiest ones to forgive. Now let us consider a more difficult circumstance.
Mark 11:25-26, “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that
your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not
forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses (also Mk
11:25-26).” You may be wronged and the one responsible may refuse to admit fault or
ask for forgiveness. You must still forgive this individual. You do not have the authority
to hold them accountable (judgment is the Lord’s, Jn 5:22, 27). You cannot walk in the
nature of the Lord and hold unforgiveness, bitterness and enmity in your heart. Granted
this is a sort of one-sided forgiveness. What you are essentially doing is “suffering the
wrong” with no enmity against the perpetrator or expectation of recompense
(compensation, making up for) – this is absolution (pardon, release, forgiveness) from
the heart (Mt 18:35).

Consider Christ, our example: 1 Peter 2:23, “Who, when he was reviled, reviled not
again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth
righteously (also Ps 31:5).” We must practice forbearance under injury (facet of
meekness) – longsuffering toward others. Remember what Jesus said on the cross: Luke
23:34, “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do...” It is
much harder to forgive those who do not admit wrong (sometimes you are the one who is

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wrong) or are just plain vindictive (spiteful, malicious, hurtful, bitter, mean, cruel) and
antagonistic (aggressive, hostile). Do not become as (take on the nature of) the darkness
in your response. Forgiveness is an element of love, you sacrifice self for the benefit of
another – even when they are undeserving as was the case with man (you and I) when
Christ gave all. You overcome the darkness with love. The darkness seeks self, but love
sacrifices self – love triumphs over (conquers) all. One day God will right all the wrongs,
but remember you may have dished out (perpetrated, committed) some yourself – be
forgiving so that you may merit forgiveness. Luke 6:40, “The disciple is not above his
master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.” We must “follow” in the
steps of Christ (1 Pt 2:21).
Those Who do not Inherit the Kingdom

Those who seek the will of the flesh shall walk in continual iniquity and transgression
toward God known as unrighteousness. The fruit of their lives will reveal their hearts for
all to see. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the
kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor
effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor
drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” AND
Galatians 5:19-21, “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery,
fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance,
emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings,
and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they
which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”

These are the children of disobedience (unbelief) who had their lives in the lusts of our
flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children
of wrath - corrupt according to the deceitful lusts (Eph 2:2-3, 4:22). They walk in the
vanity of their mind – their thoughts and opinions (Eph 4:17). Ephesians 5:3-5, “But
fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as
becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not
convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor
unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the
kingdom of Christ and of God.” Be ye not partakers with them (Eph 5:7). Romans 1:28-
32, “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over
to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all
unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy,
murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful,
proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding,
covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the
judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do
the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.”

Notice that many have pleasure in them that do these things. Yes, many sit in front of a
television, rented movies or at a theater and actually take pleasure in all manner of sin
acted out in entertaining ways! Its all so innocent and everybody’s doing it. This is why
the broad way is so well traveled by so many – everybody’s doing it. Those who take

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pleasure in unrighteousness are surely apart of it all – they do not really believe the truth
(2 Thess 2:12). If they did believe the truth, they would live and practice it. Oh, the
deception of the darkness! Just how deceptive is the darkness? Many a professing
Christian who is a regular church attender practices characteristics named above as they
seek self and believe that all is well. Did God really say what He meant and meant what
He said? Many must think not!

The above negative attributes are the ways of darkness and those who live and practice
them really do not want to hear the truth. In the “Introduction” it was stated that many ask
“what is truth?,” but have no mind to hear. This book has stated the truth; do you have a
mind to hear or will you disregard? Jesus said: Luke 10:16, “He that heareth you heareth
me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that
sent me (also 1 Thess 4:8, 1 Jn 4:5-6).” The author has sought the Lord long and hard
concerning the things written herein. This is the message the Lord has spoken to my
heart. Discern dear reader (through prayer, Word and Spirit) if these things be not so.
Jesus said: John 13:20, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I
send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.” These shall
awake to shame and everlasting contempt (Dan 12:2). Contempt is to be treated as vile
and worthless – being despised. The “self” you loved and sought so much will be looked
upon as disgusting and despicable.
Final Restoration

Things in heaven were perfect and in right order before Lucifer (who became known as
Satan or adversary) exalted himself to seek “his” way (which was a great lie and
opposition or hostility to the truth). Things on earth were perfect and in right order before
man exalted himself (having been enticed by Satan) in seeking his way. In both cases the
creation exalted itself above the Creator in disregard to God’s will. This challenge to the
truth and authority of God would not stand and Lucifer, the evil angels and man were all
cast down and greatly humbled. The Lord God Almighty is just and true in all His ways
and shall prevail (Rev 15:3). The condemnation for all the rebellious is that thou shalt
surely die (Gen 2:17). All things must now be restored to right order and the wicked and
rebellious must be separated for all eternity. The absolute vanity (futility, emptiness),
wrongfulness (offense, transgression) and misery (gloom, despair, suffering, distress,
desolation, wretchedness) of rebellion must be understood by all of creation.

God in His manifold mercy and forgiveness offered man a path of reconciliation – a very
narrow way traversed by “following” Christ (Mt 7:14, Jn 14:6). There is no
condemnation (death sentence) to those men who abide in Christ Jesus and walk in the
Spirit, having died to the ways of the flesh (died to self, Rm 8:1). Since transgression
against the will of God (the Giver of life, Gen 2:7) brings death, it can be said: 1
Corinthians 15:26, “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” When the rebellion
is put down and wickedness is removed to the lake of fire, there will be no more death
(Rev 21:4). Things will be restored to right order, which is submission to the will of God.
Man was put out of the garden of Eden due to his rebellion lest he take of the tree of life,
and eat, and live for ever (Gen 3:22). Genesis 3:24, “So he drove out the man; and he
placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned

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every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.” Rebellious man was deny access to the
tree of life! However, restored man will once again regain access to the tree of life
(things will be put back into right order): Revelation 22:14-15, “Blessed are they that do
his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through
the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and
murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.” Those who loveth
(fallen angels and rebellious man) and maketh (Satan) a lie (challenge God’s truth) will
be without (in a lake that burneth with fire, Is 66:24). Those that live outside the truth or
in a “lie” are rebellious and shall surely die.

Notice that those that actually “do” God’s commandments have right (entitlement,
justification, permission, claim) to the tree of life! They also have place in Christ’s city,
New Jerusalem (Rev 3:12). Consider these two accounts: Isaiah 65:17-20, “For, behold, I
create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come
into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create
Jerusalem (New Jerusalem, Rev 21:2) a rejoicing, and her people a joy. And I will rejoice
in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in
her, nor the voice of crying.” AND Revelation 21:1-4, “And I saw a new heaven and a
new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no
more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of
heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of
heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them,
and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And
God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither
sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed
away.”

There will be no more death because there will be no more transgression of God’s will
(Pv 2:21). The transgressors will be in the lake of fire (Pv 2:22). We cannot image how
wonderful it will be to no longer have to walk through the valley of the shadow of death
(Ps 23:4). 1 Corinthians 2:9, “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard,
neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them
that love him (also Is 64:4).” Those that love Jesus are the ones who keep His
commandments (Jn 14:15-17, 20-21, 23, 15:10, 1 Jn 2:3-4, 3:24, 5:2-3). Psalms 145:20,
“The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.”
Revelation 21:7, “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and
he shall be my son.” To overcome is to forsake the darkness and love the Lord thy God
with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.

There is now a mixture of light (day) and darkness (night) just as there is a mixture of the
righteous (light, truth) and wicked (darkness, lie). One day (the Lord’s Day) there will be
a great separation between the righteous and the wicked. Only the righteous (who live in
truth) shall inherit the land (Is 60:21). At this time there will be no more darkness upon
the earth (night) or wickedness (lies). Isaiah 60:19-20, “The sun shall be no more thy
light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD
shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. Thy sun shall no more go
down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting

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light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.” AND Revelation 21:23, “And the
city (New Jerusalem) had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the
glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.” ALSO Revelation 22:5
And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for
the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. Truth shall
eternally prevail! The glory of the Lord will be the eternal light. There will be no more
darkness or “lie.”

Jesus said: John 12:48, “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that
judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” This
book has greatly endeavored to reveal what Jesus said and what we must do. However,
this book in no way replaces your responsibility to diligently and persistently study God’s
Word and seek the leading of the Holy Ghost. You must walk in the Lord’s ways with
truth, righteousness and uprightness of heart with all you heart and soul (1 Kgs 2:3-4,
3:6). Religious man, please note the following phrase spoken by Christ that will no doubt
resound throughout the judgment of man: Luke 6:46, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord,
and do not the things which I say?” You must repent of your wickedness; forsake the
darkness; come into the light; and yield to the Holy Spirit’s working in your life. This is a
lifetime of dying to your way and walking in the truth as led by the Spirit! If your way
does not die, then you are still in rebellion and will be eternally cast away! He that has an
ear! Listen! Listen! Listen! Now Act!
End Statement

Proverbs 24:12  If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the
heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he
render to every man according to his works? Matthew 16:27, “For 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.” Revelation 2:23, “…I am he which searcheth the reins and
hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.” Revelation 22:12,
“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as
his work shall be.” Jesus does not reward according to your belief (mental
acknowledgment), he is looking at what you actually “do.” Romans 2:6, “Who will render
to every man according to his deeds.” One is found in Christ by walking in Christ.

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Chapter 6, What is Love?

Most people think of love as a very emotional and sensual experience – affections
(feelings, passions) which excite pleasing sensations or desire of gratification. To many,
love is found in attraction based upon desire – perhaps lust. Most people base love upon
joy and delight that is given to “self” from another person or thing – whatever contributes
to your pleasure or supposed profit. The Lord God defines love differently than does
man. God defines love as the sacrifice of self for the benefit of another. God’s love is
based upon the denial of self (known as meekness) or giving up of oneself, not the
seeking or exalting of self (known as pride). In other words, God views love based upon a
foundation of meekness and man views love based upon a foundation of pride (or self).

Meekness is humility and the submission to the will of another. It is self denial,
gentleness, mildness, forbearance under injuries and provocations, lowliness of mind and
a broken and contrite heart/spirit. In our meekness we must willingly surrender to the
absolute will of God, which is our love toward God. The Lord God does not submit to the
will of any other, but does reach out to His creation in example to demonstrate the nature
(principles) of His truth. So, most people view love as what is good for or satisfies “me”
or “self;” such as what I like, desire or lust after. This is why so many relationships such
as marriages fail. Spouses tend to be self-centered rather than self denying and God-
centered. To seek self is to deny another. In relationships, if both are seeking self then
things fall apart quickly. One usually yields to the other to some degree, begrudingly, and
things may go along for a time, but difficulties will continually arise.

The Lord never directly defines the word love, but rather demonstrates it throughout His
Word and righteous actions. We are going to examine many well known verses and
understand how God’s love is clearly manifested as the sacrifice of self for the benefit of
others. Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth (represented worthy of notice, regard or
kindness) his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Notice that God had nothing to gain from us for His love. We were disregarding and
transgressing the Lord’s will – at enmity (hostility) and in rebellion. Man was following
in Satan’s nature, which is totally opposed to God’s truth and authority. Even so, God
sacrificed of Himself (His Son) for our benefit – our undeserved benefit. This is God’s
rich mercy and great love toward man (Eph 2:4). Man is under God’s condemnation of
“thou shalt surely die” (Gen 2:17) for transgressing the Lords commandments. God
would be completely justified in carrying out that sentence on all man. However, the
Lord has made a way that does not impugn His truth, for man to renounce his “self
seeking” and come back under the Lord’s authority. This is a very narrow way, in
keeping with God’s righteous character and eternal truth, and was provided for man’s
advantage at great sacrifice to God. Notice how God “forbears our injuries” to His
righteous character and worthy authority. Man dishonors God by violating His will and
provokes the Lord by disregarding His truth and authority and not walking in His “ways.”

Once again, consider God’s love: John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave
his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have

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everlasting life.” The Lord loved man so much that He gave (sacrificed) His only Son for
the benefit of man. Love denies self and gives, not expecting recompense or reward.

Perhaps you can recall how God once proved Abraham’s love for Him by requiring
Abraham to sacrifice his only begotten son, Isaac (Gen 22:1-14)? Hebrews 11:17, “By
faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the
promises offered up his only begotten son.” Abraham had waited a long time in faith for
his son Isaac, and this son was the dearest thing Abraham had. God told Abraham to
sacrifice the dearest thing he had in obedience to His will – to prove loyalty for the
Lord’s benefit (honor). The Lord said, “Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom
thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering
upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of (Gen 22:2).” Abraham’s love for God
was such that he did not question or even hesitate to do this thing. Fortunately for
Abraham, the Lord was only testing him and he was not required to carry through on the
command. Genesis 22:10-12, “And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife
to slay his son. And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said,
Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the
lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God (to love,
honor and obey), seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.”

Now, consider that God did follow through by offering up His Son (Jesus) for man’s
benefit. Can you see the strong and undeniable parallels between the two events? The
verse John 3:16 has a companion verse in 1 John 3:16. Let us consider: 1 John 3:16,
“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought
to lay down our lives for the brethren.” Jesus Christ died to his physical self for our
benefit and this is how God defines “love.” In like manner, we ought to lay our lives
down for the benefit of others. Can you see how love operates? Some would be terrified
at the thought of giving their physical life. 1 John 4:18, “There is no fear in love; but
perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made
perfect in love.” Fear seeks “self.” Consider what Jesus said: John 15:13, “Greater love
hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Your physical life on
this earth may be the greatest thing that “self” possesses.

When you can lay your physical life down for the benefit of another, then you have
achieved perfect love. Jesus achieved perfect love by putting all fear aside and laying His
life down thereby making a way of reconciliation for you, such that if you will follow
Christ in faith, you will not have to face the condemnation of “thou shalt surely die”
(Gen 2:17, Rm 8:1). John 3:17-18, “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn
the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not
condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed
in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” Jesus did not come to invoke the just
condemnation of God on man. Jesus came through God’s love to create a path back to
God for those who will renounce “self” and lovingly and obediently surrender to God’s
will and come back under the Lord’s authority.

Adam transgressed God’s will in Eden in seeking “self” and procured God’s
condemnation of death for all men. 1 Corinthians 15:22, “For as in Adam all die, even so

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in Christ shall all be made alive.” In transgressing God’s will, Adam died to or forsook
obedience to God. Jesus came to reverse what Adam did by providing “The Way” for
man to renounce or die to the “self” he gained and to obey God’s will and have
everlasting life. John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no
man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Jesus came and led “the way” back to God by
His example and He always says, “Come, Follow Me.” John 12:26, “If any man serve
me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve
me, him will my Father honour.” AND John 10:27-28, “My sheep hear my voice, and I
know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never
perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” Can you see how remarkably
consistent Christ’s objective is? Jesus came in love (self sacrifice for your benefit) to
bring eternal life to those who are under the condemnation of death (Gen 2:17). Only
God can offer life because He is the Author of all life. There is no life apart from God.
The devil and rebellious man have only found “death” in their transgressions to God’s
will and so shall it ever be.

Jesus summed up God’s expectations in two great commandments. Mark 12:29-31, “And
Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our
God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy
soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And
the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none
other commandment greater than these.” To love God with all your heart, mind, soul and
strength is to totally give or sacrifice “self” for the benefit of God and hence this is
“love.” This is the foremost duty (requirement) of man (Eccl 12:13)! 1 Corinthians 8:3,
“But if any man love God, the same is known of him.” Our love to God is the basis of our
relationship with God (to be discussed later).

The second commandment focuses our attention upon others. We sacrifice “self” for their
benefit ensuring that we treat them in a manner that we would like to be treated. Now,
when we deny self for God foremost and then others, there is very little (none) left for
“you” or “self” and this is the point. Man transgressed God’s commandment in Eden for
the benefit of “self.” Perhaps you noticed that this is the exact opposite of “love.” This is
known as hate; to sacrifice others for your selfish benefit. This is what man did to God,
and it greatly dishonored Him. So now God’s path, which is governed by these two great
commandments, is designed to destroy “self.” To put God foremost and then others
second requires that you “die to self.” Adam lost God to find self, so now you must lose
self to find God (faith denies the flesh). Jesus said it like this: Matthew 10:39, “He that
findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it ( also Mt
16:24-25, Mk 8:34-35, 10:21, Lk 9:23-24, 17:33, Jn 12:24-25).” To find your life is to
seek what self desires (the lust of the flesh) and you thus lose the selfish life you find by
incurring God’s condemnation of “thou shalt surely die.” To find “self life” is to sacrifice
obedience to God – and this is hatred (unbelief) toward God. To lose your “self” for
Christ’s sake (His benefit) is to find the eternal life Jesus promises – this is love (through
obedience) toward God. What this verse is saying is: live for self and die; die to self and
live. This is what a walk of faith is teaching you.

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Faith bypasses the understanding and reasoning of the flesh and God can only be
approached this way (Heb 11:6). No flesh will glory in the presence of God (1 Cor 1:29).
By strength of flesh shall no man prevail (1 Sam 2:9). Rather than ask you to sacrifice
your son, as God did with Abraham, the Lord asks you to sacrifice “self” for His benefit
and thus prove your love, loyalty and devotion to Him (Ps 7:9, 11:5, 17:3, Deut 13:3, 1
Thess 2:1). The ones who do are the ones God wants to be with Him eternally and He
thus gives them life or repeals the condemnation that they are currently under. 1
Thessalonians 5:9, “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by
our Lord Jesus Christ.” The whole gospel of Christ can essentially be revealed by living a
life that “dies to self for Christ’s sake.” Our faith worketh by love (Gal 5:6). In other
words, faith is a dying to the flesh (self) for the benefit of God foremost and then others.
Faith is never an occasion for the flesh, but service to God and one another (Gal 5:13).

When God gave the children of Israel the Ten Commandments, He was actually teaching
them the concept of “love.” Consider these commandments (numbered for the sake of
discussion): Exodus 20:1-17, “And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD
thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage
(representative of the darkness and its bondage). {1} Thou shalt have no other gods
before me. {2} Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any
thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under
the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy
God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third
and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them
that love me, and keep my commandments. {3} Thou shalt not take the name of the
LORD thy God in vain (disrespect, not honoring God); for the LORD will not hold him
guiltless that taketh his name in vain. {4} Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six
days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the
LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy
manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and
rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
{5} Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the
LORD thy God giveth thee. {6} Thou shalt not kill. {7} Thou shalt not commit adultery.
{8} Thou shalt not steal. {9} Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
{10} Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s
wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is
thy neighbour’s.” The first four commandments {1-4} relate to man’s relationship with
God. The next six commandments {5-10} relate to man’s relationship with man.

Man is to sacrifice self in obedience to God (for God’s benefit) – this is love. Notice that
God will hold those that hate him to their iniquity. In other words, if you disregard God’s
commandments in order to seek self you will still be under the condemnation. Also notice
that God says that those who love Him are those who keep His commandments. In other
words, they deny self in order to obey God’s will (theres no other way to do this but to
die to self) and thus receive mercy with regards to the condemnation. This will be more
extensively discussed in a later paragraph. The last six commandments are in place to
restrain “self” in your relationship with others. Your attention is focused on others and

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not self. You sacrifice the desires or lust of “self” for the benefit of others – this is love.
You would not want anyone to kill you, commit adultery with your spouse, steal from
you, bear false witness against you or covet your possessions, so you must not do so to
others. You would want your children to honor you, so you must honor your parents.
Realize also that God is your Creator (a higher level parent and true giver of life) and is
due such honor. Love worketh no ill to his neighbor and thus fulfills the law (Rm 13:10).
Followers of Christ must walk in love!

Now perhaps you can see how this list could easily be expanded to include thousands of
more detailed commandments dealing with all the complexities of life and how you
should treat others. There is a problem though. If it is not in your heart to do these things
then you will have missed God’s purpose and will for you. If you are just following a list
of do’s and don’ts, then you are serving under compulsion (forced adherrence). You
would be doing these things begrudgingly (resentfully) and without a whole heart. For
instance, you might not physically kill anyone, but you may hate others in your heart and
be full of bitterness and wrongful intent (Mt 5:22, 1 Jn 2:9-10, 3:15, 4:20). You may not
physically commit the act of adultery, but you may look at women and lust for them in
your heart, thinking all sorts of unseemly things (Mt 5:28). Galatians 3:19, “Wherefore
then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to
whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.”
The purpose of the law was to restrain man until the time that Christ would come. The
law was not God’s ideal, but rather faith. Galatians 3:21, “Is the law then against the
promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given
life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.” 1 Timothy 1:9-10, “Knowing
this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for
the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and
murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves
with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other
thing that is contrary to sound doctrine.”

Righteous men have always sought out God’s will and freely followed it. How did Christ
make things ideal? First, Jesus took your condemnation, died in your place and provided
forgiveness and remission for your past transgressions against God (sins, Rm 3:25). He
tasted death for every man (Heb 2:9). Next, Jesus provided the way for you to walk in
God’s will - as He had done. Jesus’ perfect obedience to the Father and sacrifice of self
for man’s benefit procured the “promise” of the Father, which was the Holy Ghost. Acts
2:33, “Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the
Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and
hear.” AND Romans 5:5, “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is
shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Being filled and led
of the Holy Spirit is the only way you can possibly walk in faith to God’s will. This is
why Jesus was so emphatic in saying: John 16:7, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is
expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto
you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” Expedient is for our benefit for a given
purpose.

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Why should this matter? Hebrews 10:16-17, “This is the covenant that I will make with
them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their
minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more (also Heb
8:10).” God’s laws are no longer on tables of stone, but rather written of the Holy Spirit
in your very mind and heart (Col 2:11). The Holy Ghost works in your life such that you
serve God with correct motive. Christ’s death did three major things for man. {1} The
first is that Christ’s sacrifice provided for the forgiveness of transgressions against God
(their sins and iniquities I will remember no more). {2} The second thing Jesus death
secured was the promise of the Holy Ghost to work in your life to transform you into
Christ’s image. {3} The third thing the love of Jesus provided was an example and path
that leads to reconciliation with God. Now lets consider the Holy Ghost’s workings more
fully. John 14:26, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will
send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance,
whatsoever I have said unto you.”

The Holy Ghost teaches us and is in absolute agreement with Christ’s Words. What did
the verse above say (Rm 5:5): “love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy
Ghost.” The love of God has been defined as sacrifice of self for the benefit of another.
Therefore: The Holy Ghost works in our hearts to teach the sacrifice of self for the
benefit of God foremost and then others. In other words, the Holy Spirit works in our
hearts to teach the two great commandments that Christ spoke (bring all things to
remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you). What else did Christ say? “He that
loseth his life for my sake shall find it” (also Mt 10:39, 16:24-25, Mk 8:34-35, 10:21, Lk
9:23-24, 17:33, Jn 12:24-25).” The Holy Spirit is teaching us to die to self for Christ’s
sake! This means that the Holy Ghost is actively working in your life to tear down the
things of the flesh. All the things that exalt themselves against the authority of God or
exalt you above others must be torn down in you! Acts 5:32, “And we are his witnesses
of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey
him.” The Holy Spirit’s work in your life can only be accomplished by your loving
surrender and obedience! God allows you a free-will choice and forces nothing upon you.
Since the Spirit’s work can only be accomplished in one that sincerely yields, only those
willing are given the Holy Spirit. Be warned: Romans 8:9, “But ye are not in the flesh,
but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the
Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” If you do not have the Holy Ghost, then you are not
found in God (Christ)!

Now consider the implications: If you are not actively obeying and yielding to the
Spirit’s workings, meaning dying to self, then you are not Christ’s. If self is not
decreasing, then Jesus is not increasing in you (Jn 3:30). If Jesus is not increasing, then
self is and what does that say about your yielding to the Spirit’s work? Now some may
ask, where does the Spirit reside? Actually that was answered in the verse above (Rm
8:9): “If so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.” Also consider: 1 Corinthians 6:19,
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you,
which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” Your body is where the Spirit resides!
Does this give you pause for concern? It should: 1 Corinthians 3:17, “If any man defile
the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye
are.” The Spirit of man resides in an earthen vessel of clay (Gen 2:7, 3:19, Job 10:9, Eccl

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3:20, 12:7). There is no reason why your clay vessel cannot be co-inhabited. Notice in
the above verse (1 Cor 6:19): “and ye are not your own.” When you enter into the solemn
covenant (Heb 8:6, 12:24) with Christ you have agreed to completely surrender to His
Lordship in obedience and to die to “self.” If you have not understood this or been living
such a life, then you probably are not found in Him. 1 Corinthians 6:20, “For ye are
bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are
God’s.” AND 2 Corinthians 5:15, “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.”
AND Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ
liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of
God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

So, the Spirit leads us to understand and practice God’s purposes (summarized in the two
great commandments) in very detailed and specific ways in our day to day lives. God’s
purposes are now written in our hearts. Galatians 5:18, “But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye
are not under the law.” Your not following the law, but rather the direction of God’s Holy
Ghost in you. Obviously you must obey the direction given. Romans 8:14, “For as many
as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” So, when we are led of the
Spirit, it can be said: Philippians 2:13, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will
and to do of his good pleasure.” God’s good pleasure was found in Christ – The Father
was “well pleased” (Mt 3:17, 12:18, 17:5, Mk 1:11, Lk 3:22, 2 Pt 1:17). Therefore, the
Lord’s good pleasure is to conform us to the image of His Son (Lk 6:40, Rm 8:28-29, 2
Cor 3:18, 4:10-11, Gal 3:27, Eph 4:13, 15, Col 1:20, 3:10, Heb 13:21). This is what the
Spirit does through your obedience!

It may surprise some to know that the two great commandments were actually spoken to
the children of Israel shortly after the giving of the law at Mount Sinai (Horeb). Consider
the first great commandment: Deuteronomy 6:4-6, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God
is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all
thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall
be in thine heart.” AND Deuteronomy 10:12-13, “And now, Israel, what doth the LORD
thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to
love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, To
keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day
for thy good?” Now consider the second great commandment: Leviticus 19:18, “Thou
shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt
love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.”

Throughout the history of man, certain men have recognized the will of God and yielded
to it. Known examples would be Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Samuel, David, Job,
and Daniel. The Lord moved in their lives through His Holy Spirit (i.e. 1 Sam 16:13, Mk
12:36, Acts 1:16, 2 Pt 1:21). Man by and large has been rebellious to the purposes of God
and is set on the seeking of self as per the principles of the devil’s lie (Gen 3:4-5). The
first four of the Ten Commandments is actually contained in “love the Lord your God
with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.” The last six of the Ten Commandments is
contained in “love your neighbor as yourself.” Romans 13:9, “For this, Thou shalt not
commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false

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witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly
comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” So it can
be said: Matthew 22:40, “On these two commandments hang all the law and the
prophets.” AND Mark 12:33, “And to love him with all the heart, and with all the
understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour
as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” In other words,
everything contained in the law; everything the prophets sent of God had said; and
everything burnt offerings and sacrifices represented is contained in the two great
commandments. Again, this is so important to understand: these two commanments are
telling us to sacrifice “self” for the benefit of God foremost, and then for the benefit of
others. This is saying to take your focus completely off of self. This is saying to die to
self. God’s definition of love has no room for self!
Love is Obedience

One of the foundational pillars of God’s truth concerns obedience. To “obey” is to do,
practice or live that which is commanded or required, or to forbear doing that which is
prohibited. This is why a perfect and upright man fears (obeys) God and eschews
(abstains from, avoids, forbears doing) evil (Job 1:1, 8, 2:3, 1 Thess 5:22). This is an act
of submission (denial of self), which is a facet (aspect, characteristic) of meekness,
which is under the umbrella of faith. God’s purposes require “voluntary” obedience with
a whole heart, as opposed to involuntary obedience. Forced obedience is nothing more
than supressed rebellion. This is why disobedient man (those who continue to stubbornly
seek self) will be separated from God for eternity rather than be forced to conform to
God’s will (2 Thess 1:9). God doesn’t desire more “devils” popping up or exalting “self”
in His presence throughout eternity. The creation shall obey the Creator. Obedience is a
facet (aspect, characteristic) of God’s definition of love also found under the umbrella of
faith. To obey the will of another, you must deny or die to your own will. So, to die to
your will for God’s benefit is to obey God, which is love. Jesus said: John 14:15, “If ye
love me, keep my commandments.” This statement is very matter-of-factly and to the
point. Your love to Jesus is a sacrifice of your will in obedience to Christ’s Words or
purposes for the Lord’s benefit. 1 John 5:3, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his
commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” You simply cannot separate
loving God from obeying God – not under the Lord’s definition, which is truth.

Satan attempted to destroy the truth of God by proposing that the creation could love
itself and seek its own way exclusive of God (Gen 3:4-5, Jn 8:44). The devil twisted
God’s truth and made a lie (opposite of truth) that presumed man could seek his own
benefit or purpose at the sacrifice of others. Jesus said about Satan: He abode (dwell in,
live by, practice) not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie,
he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it (Jn 8:44). Man bought into the
devil’s lie and took on his nature (living in his corrupted principles), which centers all
things on self, driven by desire and fleshly lust. God told the children of Israel over and
over that they must love and thus obey Him (Deut 6:5, 10:12, 20, 11:1, 13, 22, 13:3-4,
19:9, 30:6, 16, 20, Josh 22:5, 23:11, etc.). Jesus came relating the same purpose and thus
God is completely consistent in His requirements for, and dealings with man.

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Let us thoroughly consider just what Jesus did say so that there is no mistake of what is
required of us in entering into Christ’s covenant. Jesus said, John 15:10, “If ye keep my
commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s
commandments, and abide in his love.” To abide is to dwell with, continue in, adhere to,
maintain, stand firm, and endure. Christ also said: “I love the Father; and as the Father
gave me commandment, even so I do (Jn 14:31).” Our obedience gives us place in
Christ! Notice how Jesus led the way and set the example – He goeth before the sheep
(Jn 10:4). Christ kept the Father’s commandments and now sits at the Father’s right hand
(Mk 16:19, Lk 20:42, Acts 2:33-34, 5:31, 7:55-56, Rm 8:34, Eph 1:20, Col 3:1, Heb 1:3,
8:1, 10:12, 12:2, 1 Pt 3:22). Jesus offers the same to man for obeying His
commandments (Rev 3:21). Jesus lived a life of self denial and proclaimed, “I seek not
mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me (Jn 5:30, also Ps 40:7-8, Jn
4:34, 8:50, Heb 10:7, 9).” John 6:38, “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own
will, but the will of him that sent me.” Christ made this very clear to Satan in the devil’s
temptations (Mt 4:1-11, Lk 4:1-13). Jesus fully obeyed the Father in speaking His Words
(Deut 18:18, Jn 3:34, 7:16-17, 8:28, 38, 12:49-50, 14:10-11) and doing His works (Lk
2:49, Jn 5:17, 36, 9:4, 14:10-11, 31, 17:4-5). Christ then totally denied “self” for the
benefit of man. He healed, delivered, fed, taught, raised the dead, prayed, forbeared the
injuries of the religious – all with a heart of love and compassion.

God the Father was “well pleased.” Christ’s life bore fruit in that he had no
transgressions against the will of God – no sin or iniquity whatsoever (Jn 8:46, Heb 4:15,
1 Pt 2:22, 1 Jn 3:5) and fulfilled the Father’s purposes. We must take note of the example
– Jesus said “learn of Me” (Mt 11:29). Now the power of darkness is the lust of the flesh
(seeking of self). Jesus never sought the flesh (self) and thus Satan had no place in Him
(not even the smallest foothold, Jn 14:30). Consider how resigned Christ was to obey the
Father. Just before Jesus was apprehended by religious man and put to death on the cross,
He was considering His fate: John 12:27, “Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say?
Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.” - the cup which
my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it (Jn 18:11)? Matthew 26:42, “He went away
again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away
from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.” Jesus laid His life down not because of
some wrong he had committed (and thus being under the condemnation of death) or for
anything He hoped to personally gain, but rather for the benefit of man. He left His glory
in heaven to do this (2 Cor 8:9). Jesus paid the deserved condemnation of man of “thou
shalt surely die” (Gen 2:17). You see Jesus was not under the condemnation of death
because He perfectly obeyed the will of the Father – He never transgressed it. Jesus took
your condemnation and stepped in and paid your penalty. Jesus’ “perfect” love was to
sacrifice Himself for your benefit. What all this is saying is that Jesus led the perfect
example (in following the Spirit) for you to follow. Jesus, your Lord, denied self and
obeyed the Father perfectly as a man on this earth. Do not suppose that you will ever be
able to tell Him that He just doesn’t understand or that it can’t be done (Heb 2:18).
Hebrews 4:15, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling
of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”

So, continuing from above (referencing Jn 15:10): Jesus says, “as I obeyed My Father,
you are to obey Me.” There is no way around this if you want to be found in Christ. Let

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us continue on: John 14:23, “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will
keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our
abode with him.” Wow! If you deny “self” through your obedience to Jesus’ Words, then
Jesus and the Father will make their “dwelling” in you! Jesus’ is talking about the filling
of the Holy Spirit, the “promise” of the Father, which we discussed earlier. 1 John 4:13,
“Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his
Spirit.” Recall the Holy Ghost is given to those who obey Jesus (Acts 5:32). For the Spirit
of truth dwelleth with you, and shall be in you (Jn 14:17) and you are sealed by God with
this same Spirit of promise (Eph 1:13). When Jesus walked the earth as a man, the Father
dwelt in Him (through the Spirit) and we must follow our Lord exactly. Consider what
Jesus said about it: John 14:10, “Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father
in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth
in me, he doeth the works.” The Holy Ghost dwells within us and we have direct
understanding of the things of God and the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:11, 16, “For
what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so
the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God (who dwells in those who obey
God). For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have
the mind of Christ (through the Holy Spirit God has given us).” 1 Corinthians 6:17, “But
he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.” Ephesians 2:18, “For through him (Jesus) we
both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.”

We have habitation of God (God in us) through the Spirit (Eph 2:22). Now strongly
consider this: When we die to self (no longer seeking the lust of the flesh) and totally
surrender to the will of God through our obedience, things are put back into the order
they were before the fall of man (Adam) in the garden of Eden. In keeping with this
restoration, God renews our relationship with Him like before the fall of man, when God
walked with man (Gen 3:8-9) – no more separation from God. Isaiah 59:2, “But your
iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from
you, that he will not hear.” Death to self and obedience to God abolishes iniquity or
transgression and eliminates the separation. Jesus says, “I will come in to him, and will
sup with him, and he with me (Rev 3:20).” Obedience to Christ brings about relationship
with Jesus. How is a marriage suppose to work? Does each spouse take all they can get
from the other? Not if you want the marriage to endure. A marriage works when each
spouse sacrifices and gives for the others benefit. The two become as one (Mt 19:6, Mk
10:8-9)! This can only be achieved when each “self” dies and thus forms one unit based
upon God’s definition of love. When both spouses are each seeking “self,” then unity can
never be achieved.

Similarly, when man is seeking “self,” then unity with God (Christ) can never be
achieved. So, in marriage: Ephesians 5:31, “For this cause shall a man leave his father
and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a
great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” The mystery is this: Christ
sacrificed “self” for the benefit of man; man must now sacrifice “self” for the benefit of
Christ. This is done through obedience and unity is achieved. The two become as one.
Jesus said: John 14:20-21, “At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in
me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth
me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will

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manifest myself to him. (also Jn 14:11, 16:27).” Jesus made this statement when relating
how we would be filled with the Holy Spirit. Through our daily obedience to the Holy
Spirit’s direction, we achieve unity with God – Jesus in the Father, we in Jesus, Jesus in
us – becoming as one. How could this be achieved through Satan’s lie, whereby everyone
just seeks their own selfish way? Unity is never achieved because everyone is sacrificing
the other for “self.” This is why there is such a multitude of divorce in the world.
Marriage is symbolic (by design) of our relationship with the Lord. So, we marry Christ
and sacrifice self completely for Him by loving, honoring and obeying Him for life -
eternal life. Therefore: 2 John 1:9, “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the
doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both
the Father and the Son.”

Those who transgress God’s will are disregarding God’s will and thus are disregarding
God so they have not God. These prefer their own will and thus do not abide in the
doctrine of Christ, which requires obedience – they do not “know” Jesus. These walk in
the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air (meaning in
Satan’s lie), the spirit (not the Holy Spirit) that now worketh in the children of
disobedience (Eph 2:2). Their lifestyle is in the lust of the flesh, fulfilling the desires of
the flesh and mind (Eph 2:3). Satan’s spirit leads you to seek the lust of the flesh, which
is the power of darkness – this is opposite of where the Holy Spirit will lead you. This is
known as giving place to the devil and these are corrupted by their deceitful lusts (Eph
4:22, 27).1 John 2:3-5, “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his
commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar
(and walks in Satan’s lie), and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in
him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.” Those who
put self aside to obey or keep Christ’s commandments, have the Father and Son – for
they make their abode (dwelling) with them. 1 John 2:6, “He that saith he abideth in him
ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” You must walk as Jesus walked, in
following, to abide in Him (Col 2:6). This is a very personal relationship between you
and the Lord whereby the Lord knows your name (Jn 10:3, 14) and confesses it before
the Father (Mt 10:32) and the angels (Lk 12:8).

Notice above (1 Jn 2:4) that God’s love in us is perfected through obedience. As


mentioned before, the Holy Spirit tears down the things of “self” in our lives through our
obedience. Romans 8:13, “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the
Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” Thus “self” is continually dying for
the benefit of God’s purposes (that the life of God may be manifested in us, 1 Jn 3:5),
which is a perfecting of God’s love. Perfect love is obtained through perfect surrender
and obedience, which can only be accomplished through death to “self.” 1 Peter 1:22-23,
“Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned
love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born
again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and
abideth for ever.” We obey God’s truth by submitting to the Holy Ghost. This produces
sincere and genuine “love” or dying of self for others benefit. We are born again through
this yielding and obedience to the Spirit’s work in us. Therefore: 1 John 4:19, “We love
him, because he first loved us.” Rebellious man was lost and at enmity (hostility) with
God. The Lord reached out to man in love. God sacrificed of Himself for our benefit and

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now we must do the same. Relationships are reciprocal. We must now keep Christ’s
commandments by obediently sacrificing self for Jesus’ benefit. We must follow Christ’s
example and walk in meekness, completely surrendered to the will of God, and always
putting the needs of others first.

To obey or not to obey. Its like what Samuel told the children of Israel: 1 Samuel 12:15,
“But if ye will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of
the LORD, then shall the hand of the LORD be against you, as it was against your fathers
(as in Adam).” The hand of the Lord will always be against those who disobey Him; God
will become your enemy. The condemnation is already in place, “thou shalt surely die”
(Gen 2:17). When you stand before God at the great judgment, a life of self, disobedience
and transgression to the will of God shall certainly procure that condemnation – this is a
fact. 1 Samuel 12:24  Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for
consider how great things he hath done for you.” What hath God done for you? Sacrificed
His ony begotten Son for your benefit. 1 Jn 4:9, “ In this was manifested the love of God
toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live
through him.” What did Jesus do for you? John 10:15, “As the Father knoweth me, even
so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.” Jesus said, “No man taketh it
from me, but I lay it down of myself (Jn 10:18).” God’s kingdom is based upon voluntary
obedience and not forced servitude. John 12:32, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth,
will draw all men unto me.” Christ sacrificed self to draw us unto God and give us life.
Jesus asks the disobedient ones who are still going about in the darkness seeking self
within the devil’s lie (nature, principles), yet profess Him: Luke 6:46, “And why call ye
me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”
Loving Each Other

The second great commandment concerns the love of one’s neighbor, meaning all men (1
Thess 4:9). Matthew 22:39, “And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour
as thyself.” Since self always seeks its benefit, we are to seek benefit or good for our
fellow man. One must deny self if he is truly seeking benefit for others. 1 John 4:21,
“And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother
also.” You must deny self to love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. So,
you must also deny self to love your fellow man. The Lord God is taking your focus
completely off of self and placing it upon others. As previously mentioned, man chose
self in denial of God to follow in Satan’s lie. Self sacrifices all others, God and man, to
seek its own. Self must be overcome if you are ever going to be surrendered and obedient
to God and thus reconciled. 1 John 4:7-8, “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of
God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not
knoweth not God; for God is love.” Your obedience to the two great commandments is
your indication that you are born of God (born again - Jn 3:3, new creature – 2 Cor
5:17). If you are not walking in God’s love, then you do not “know” God – its just that
simple.

Paul wrote: Galatians 5:14, “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou
shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” God’s purpose is that you take your focus off of self
and the lust of your flesh and place it upon doing good for others. This is what the law

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was teaching man to do (Gal 3:24). Let us consider what Jesus said: John 13:34, “A new
commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye
also love one another (also Jn 15:12).” Wow! When Jesus walked the earth He did
nothing but demonstrate the love of God – totally dead to self, always giving for the
benefit of others. Jesus then laid down His life and died for you – He gave all. Now you
must do the same – your commanded! 1 John 4:11, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we
ought also to love one another.” Notice that this is a commandment! Remember, Jesus
said: John 14:15, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” Loving one another as Jesus
loved us is a clear and precise commandment (Jn 15:12). John 15:17, “These things I
command you, that ye love one another.” 2 John 1:6, “And this is love, that we walk after
his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the
beginning, ye should walk in it.” You either reverence this command in love or disregard
it in hatred toward its giver. 1 John 2:4, “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his
commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” Can it be anymore plain than that
statement? Those that obey Christ “know” God because obedience to Christ’s
commandments will require you to walk as He walked – there is no other way to fulfill
them. What is the old saying, “if you want to “know” me, then walk a mile in my shoes.”

Once you walk as Jesus walked you may find that you have been blind to so many things.
The darkness blinds (darkness = cannot see; walking in the lie = do no know the truth).
The walk (of faith) on God’s narrow way requires you to obey Christ’s commandments,
which will necessitate that you to die to self in order to do it (Mt 7:14). You see, all of
this is by God’s specific design – its a path that conforms you to the image of Christ and
accomplishes God’s purposes. Jesus walked in love and so will His followers. John
13:35, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to
another.” Conversely, if you walk in hate or the sacrifice of others for the benefit of self,
then you cannot be associated with Christ – He never did this. 1 John 4:20-21, “If a man
say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother
whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this
commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.” Those
who are seeking self are always disregarding others to do it and this is hatred for others –
the opposite of love. Satan disregarded God to seek self (Ez 28:15-17). The devil then
convinced one third of God’s angels to do the same (Rev 12:3-4). Satan also corrupted
man by tempting man to disregard God in order to seek self. Why? For selfish benefit,
such that the devil could be a god and exalt his throne (he is prideful and egoistic, Ez
28:2, 6, 31:10, Is 14:13-15). He stole man’s dominion on earth and set himself up as a
god (god of this world, 2 Cor 4:4, Lk 4:5-6) – the god of darkness (over all rebellious
transgressors of the One True God).

Consider the consequences: Every transgressor has been cut off from the life of God and
will be separated for eternity into a place of torment (2 Thess 1:9) – known as the second
death (Is 14:12). Satan was willing to sacrifice all of creation for his selfish benefit. This
is pure hate or perfect hate. The devil was willing to destroy his fellow creation in order
to seek his selfish way. So, to seek self at the expense of God or others is the very nature
of the devil and is rebellious to God’s purposes. Romans 13:10, “Love worketh no ill to
his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” Love never sacrifices another or
worketh ill to another. This means you cannot wish evil on another in your heart, have

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bitterness and resentment in your heart, or have unforgiveness in your heart. James 2:8,
“If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as
thyself, ye do well,” He that loveth another hath fulfilled the law (Rm 13:8, Gal 5:14).
Proverbs 10:12, “Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.” Seeking self
produces sins; love/charity covers sins (1 Pt 4:8, 1 Cor 13:1-7).

Charity is essentially love directed first to God and then others. Seeking self produces
strife and where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work (Js 3:16).
Seeking self produces envy, strife and division (1 Cor 3:3). Division is the opposite of
unity! This is being carnal and in the flesh. Romans 8:6-8, “For to be carnally minded is
death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity
against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they
that are in the flesh cannot please God.” Therefore: those who walk by faith grounded in
love (dying to self) please God (Gal 5:6, Eph 3:17). Those who walk in the flesh seeking
self (grounded in hate) cannot please God. As with Christ, God must be “well pleased,”
with those who follow on that narrow way. So, those who are living for self had best be
dying to self.

Satan brought great division to the kingdom of God through his great lie. For the time
being, the angelic community is fractured and the community of man is fractured. The
Lord God is bringing back unity (restoration) to His creation through Jesus Christ (Heb
2:8). 1 Corinthians 15:27-28, “For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith
all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things
under him. 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.”
Satan’s rebellion brought disunity, division, envy, strife and every evil work. This is the
nature of the devil’s lie and is manifested when one disregards others for the purpose of
self. Christ will restore and reconcile all things to God that can be restored through love.
Some cannot be restored because of their love of darkness and refusal to yield. All things
must be restored and reconciled through the truth and nature of God, which is love – God
is love (1 Jn 4:8, 16) and God is truth (Ps 31:5, Is 65:16, Jn 14:17, 15:26, 16:13, 17:17).
To do so outside of God’s truth would be to submit to the devil’s lie (that which is not
truth is a lie for no lie is of the truth, 1 Jn 2:21). If God submitted to the devil’s lie, then
the devil would be God. Therefore, all things must be done through God’s righteousness.
Our faith is our righteousness (Rm 1:17, 3:22, 4:5, 9, 13, 9:30, 10:6, Gal 5:5, Php 3:9).
In other words, our surrender and obedience to God’s truth (as led of His Spirit), which
worketh by love, is our righteousness before God, in Christ.

The love of God will produce unity among believers as each sacrifices self for the benefit
of the other. John 17:21, “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in
thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.”
Jesus said: Mark 9:35, “And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If
any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.” The kingdom
of God works differently than this fallen world. You must die to self and serve others to
be great. You do not rise to the top of the heap by climbing over everybody else. You
help others to rise above yourself for their benefit. To be greatest/chiefest, you must be
servant of all (Mt 23:11, Mk 10:44). This confounds the flesh, because it takes away its

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control. Jesus submitted to the will of God the Father. Submission is yielding to the
authority of another without objection or resistance. To be ruled by the decision, will or
judgment of another. This encompasses meekness, obedience, surrender, logsuffering,
and humbleness. We are told to: Ephesians 4:1-3, “…walk worthy of the vocation
wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing
one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace
(also Col 1:10-11).” We must be holy and without blame before Him in love (Eph 1:4).
We submit one to the other under the direction of the Holy Ghost. Jesus must dwell in
your heart by faith, which is rooted and grounded in love (Eph 3:17). 1 John 4:12, “No
man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love
is perfected in us.”

Consider some examples: Ephesians 4:28-30, “Let him that stole steal no more: but
rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have
to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth,
but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of
redemption.” The thief once sacrificed others (stole) for the benefit of self – hate. He is
now to work and sacrifice self for the benefit of others by giving to the needy – love.
Some once used foul language to put down or destroy others (sacrifice them) so as to
exalt themselves for selfish benefit - hate. They are now to die to their old ways and use
their language to encourage others for their benefit – love. Refusing to yield to God’s
workings in you, grieves the Holy Spirit, which is your sealing before God and signifies
that you are Christ’s (Rm 8:9, 1 Jn 4:13). Ephesians 4:31-32, “Let all bitterness, and
wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for
Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” AND Ephesians 4:25, “Wherefore putting away lying,
speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.”

Those qualities of hate (Satan’s nature) must now give way to God’s nature of love. You
must “change” to become the opposite of what you were. The Holy Ghost in you works
to bring about this change. Ephesians 4:24, “And that ye put on the new man, which after
God is created in righteousness and true holiness (also Col 3:10).” Consider this
example: James 2:2-4, “For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in
goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to
him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and
say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in
yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?”

Therefore: Consider some of the negative things you must die to: Colossians 3:5,
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth (die to self); fornication,
uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry
(also Ti 3:3, 2 Tim 3:2-5).” AND Colossians 3:8-9, “But now ye also put off all these;
anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to
another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds (died to self).” The
following are some of the positive things you must be: Colossians 3:12-15, “Put on
therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness

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of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if
any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above
all these things put on charity (love), which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace
of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body (unity); and be ye
thankful (also 1 Tim 6:11, 2 Tim 2:22).” You must die to the things in the “negative list”
to become the things in the “positive list.” The things on the negative list are seeking self.
The things on the positive list require denying self. Notice the continued emphasis on
love – the bond of perfectness. 1 Thessalonians 2:12, “That ye would walk worthy of
God, who hath called you (out of the darkness) unto his kingdom and glory (into the
light).”
What God’s Love Teaches Us

The author will put forth some examples of walking in God’s love that are applicable to
our modern times. This is in no way an all inclusive list. We walk in God’s Word as led
by the Holy Spirit and simply obey the Lord’s direction as it is revealed (unfolded) to us
– the Word and the Spirit will always be in total agreement. God’s laws are no longer on
tables of stone, but rather unfolded by the Spirit to your heart (Heb 10:16). God’s love
will teach us not to seek or exalt self, particularly in relation to others, through the use of
hair styling; jewelry; makeup; colognes or perfumes; designer clothes or the way you
dress in general; education; wealth; jobs; type of car you drive; status; electronic gadgets;
where you live; shopping in upscale businesses; or possessions that you own (e.g. 1 Tim
2:9, 1 Pt 3:3, Lk 12:15). These are all things of the world and lust of the flesh that you
must die to – they engender pride (which is self exaltation). 1 John 2:15-17, “Love not the
world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the
Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the
eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth
away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”

You are not to sacrifice self for the benefit of fleshly things – seeking your lusts. You are
to sacrifice self to do the will of God, which is true eternal love. God’s love teaches us
not to exalt self over others through the use of titles such as doctor, reverend or master
(Mt 23:9). Job 32:21, “Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’s person, neither let me
give flattering titles unto man.” These things separate and divide. We are not to exalt self
over others through athletic ability, musical talent, intellect, use of language or
personality, diplomas or certifications, specific skills, etc. Those that exalt self through
whatever means are the prideful. Jesus came to the lowly, meek and brokenhearted (Is
61:1, Lk 4:18). The meek will hear and respond, and these God teaches His way (Ps
25:9, Mt 5:5). All the things that the flesh lusts after are provided by the devil, for this is
the power of darkness – to keep you seeking self and transgressing God’s will. If you are
seeking money, jewels or fame, the devil will be your source. Men take the things they
lust after and use them to exalt themselves over others. Some will trample others to climb
the career ladder at work. Most teach their children these same things by getting them all
the popular things so that the children can exalt self over others at school (cell phones,
brand name clothing, accessories, mp3/ipod players, jewelry, etc.).

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Parents also want to make sure their children gain place (over others) and have the best
through private schools, student politics, or positions on sports teams – a cheerleading
daughter and a quarterback son. All the selfish maneuvering must cease! God’s love
teaches us not to cut someone off to gain the front row parking space or beat the other
guy in line at the store. God’s love teaches us to stop wanting things and be content (Php
4:11, 1 Tim 6:8, Heb 13:5). We learn to be a giver rather than always taking or seeking
advantage. God’s love teaches us to stop seeking entertainment for our flesh and to start
dying to self for God and others. We learn to abstain from evil and wickedness such as
what is shown on television, movies or played on video games. What we are talking
about here is learning to yield our way in surrender to God’s will. You learn to start dying
to all the temporal things of the flesh, so that you may have life eternal in God’s truth.
The flesh is mortal, but the truth is eternal – so which do you want to be found in? 1
Thessalonians 3:8, “For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.”
Hobbies and Collections

2 Corinthians 2:11, “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of
his devices.” Less the tempter tempt you (1 Thess 3:5).

The Lord impressed upon the author’s heart to write this specific section through events
or circumstances that were taking place in others lives at the time of this writing. As it
turns out, this will be a perfect example for understanding the seeking of self or walking
in darkness, and the deception involved. A hobby is an activity engaged in primarily for
pleasure. Hobbies generally involve collections, which may also be used in activities. For
example, when the author was a youth, he collected many things such as: stamps, coins,
rocks, indian arrowheads, fossils, civil war relics, music recordings, butterflies, model
trains, matchbox cars, toy soldiers, baseball cards, plastic dinosaurs, and miniature
whiskey bottles (crazy as that may seem).

People are generally collectors and there is no limit to the types of things they will
collect. Now most of these things seem quite innocent, such as coins or stamps. What
could possible be wrong with doing such things? The first problem is that these things are
self-centered and are undertaken for selfish pleasure. In other words, the focus of these
activities is on self. The second problem is that one will very quickly develop a “love”
and “devotion” for these things and this frequently becomes an obsession – some more
than others. You will sacrifice much for the benefit of these collections, which is for the
pleasure of self. For of what a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage (2
Pt 2:19). You must not be ignorant of Satan’s devices! We are to love the Lord our God
with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength (Mt 22:37, Mk 12:30, Lk 10:27). The devil’s
objective is to take your love and focus off of God and place it upon the lust of the flesh,
which is the power of darkness. Satan wants you to love or be devoted to anything other
than God. He blinds your mind to the things of the Spirit (2 Cor 4:4). This makes you
loving and devoted to Satan’s way and he is thus your ultimate god or father (Jn 8:44).

This is the nature of the devil’s wiles which are tricks or stratagem (subterfuge, devices)
practiced for ensnaring or deception; a sly, insidious (sinister, subtle) artifice - to deceive;
to beguile (Eph 6:11). Satan is an adversary to God and man – he seeks to kill and

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destroy (1 Pt 5:8)! The devil is hostile to God’s purposes and will gladly destroy you to
interfere with them. The devil knows that you cannot serve two masters; for either you
will hate the one, and love the other; or else you will hold to the one, and despise the
other (Mt 6:24, Lk 16:13). Satan also knows that you will love or hold to the thing that
benefits the flesh – brings the most selfish pleasure. Satan entices you to walk in the flesh
because then you will develop a relationship and love with the darkness (opposite of
walking in Christ) or become bound in its snare. Its like this: a con artists always tempts
or entices his victims with some fleshly benefit. Why? Because he hopes to ensnare you
and rob you of something precious. The con artist gains through your loss and this is
known as “hate.” Con artists are reflections of Satan’s nature. The devil offers you a
fleshly benefit so that he can rob you of your life in God. Then like the con artist, you
find that you were sold a bill of goods – eternally worthless junk.

Another quasi-comparison would be hunting. Satan is the hunter and you are the prey.
The safety and security (protection) is only found by walking within the boundaries or
limits of God’s will, otherwise known as the “truth.” When one ventures outside the
boundary of God’s will, they enter into the “legal” hunting ground or darkness (the lie).
The devil cannot take his prey by force; for he is far superior in intellect, skill and ability,
and this would not be fair. You must understand the rules that God enforces. Man is
given a free-will and he must be the one to decide or choose good or evil. The forbidden
fruit that man ate in Eden was to know good and evil. So, the devil cannot simply shoot
and kill his prey. Satan must entice his prey with baited traps or snares such that the prey
chooses to enter into the bondage – then the devil destroys them in their chosen fault. The
devil also uses decoys (2 Cor 11:13-15, Col 2:8). Satan lies, deceives, beguiles, tempts,
entices and lures with fleshly benefit (things desired, rewards). Once you fall prey to his
devices, then the devil accuses you before God demanding the full penalty of the
condemnation (Rev 12:10). He makes you an enemy of God so that the Lord will lift any
remaining restraints that hinder him from destroying you.

The author understands all too well how this “collecting” process works. You start out
collecting an item, and then continually lust or desire additional items to increase your
collection. Your hope and what consumes you is to get the rare or harder to find items to
add value and merit to your collection. These things are constantly in your thoughts and
are great motivators to your actions. You will spend time, money and travel to obtain the
things that you desire. You will admire your collection and display it for others to admire.
You want to beat the other guy in accumulating items such that your collection is the
best. In short, you worship and reverence your collection (hobby, activity, or whatever).
Your great hope and joy is to find unique or rare items at bargain prices such as at swap
meets, garage sales or antique stores. The greater the find, the more enjoyment. Perhaps
you will hunt for rocks, fossils or arrowheads for weeks in a field and then one day you
make a find that seems to make it all worthwhile. Most will seek out others that have
similar interests through the internet or by joining clubs. These groups or gatherings are
like “church” to the serious collectors. There are literally sub-cultures to some types of
collected things such as stamps, model trains and coins. There may be magazines, guides
and books to study up on the subject. Some will study catalogs for things they desire.
Once they get one thing they desire, they are already lusting after the next. This is a never
ending process of lusting and seeking the flesh that Satan hopes to draw you into. Why?

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Because in seeking your lusts, you are not seeking God; you are not reading His Word or
living therein; you are not praying to Him (except maybe to get the things you lust after);
you are not walking in His ways; your love and devotion is not to God – its on self and
your hobby or interest. The devil tempts, but you make the choice. He gives you the rope,
but you hang yourself.

You display your collection and make an “altar” to self. This collection is your great
accomplishment, love and pleasure – your god. You admire and worship at your altar and
desire others too also. What you generally find is that others do not have the same
admiration or devotion to your collection that you do – its mostly a self-centered thing.
You are convinced that you can love God and your hobby, but you are just deceived
through the darkness you walk in (dark = cannot see). Ultimately, these collections are
not truly fulfilling. These things take a heavy toll (as in a bell to announce one’s death)
and become a great bondage. You sacrifice others because you are consumed in self. God
is not foremost in your life, but may be another one of your interests – perhaps with His
own altar among others (Christian paraphernalia). Your hobby or interest also takes
money and time away from your family? You do not have time to look to others needs
because you are focused on your own.

The author knew a lady that was a real collector. She had the premier collection of
“tobacco tags” in her day. Ask one hundred people what a tobacco tag is and they
probably will not know. Yet this was her love and passion and it consumed her – money,
time and travel were no object in attaining them. Jesus said: Mark 8:36, “For what shall it
profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Well she did gain
the whole world of tobacco tags – there was nothing left to gain. In the process she lost
her very life in God – her soul. No one knows what a tobacco tag is, yet she was willing
to trade her soul for them. Who was pleased – Jesus or Satan? This lady had all there was
to gain in tobacco tags, then tired of them, and cast them aside in order to seek new
pleasures and unconquered realms. She next collected head vases. Within a number of
years, she had a premier head vase collection. Same story as before. Who knows what a
head vase is or cares? She does! - and has an altar to them in her home. What is eternally
redeeming in head vases? Absolutely nothing – all is vanity (Eccl 1:2, 11:8, 12:8). The
wisest man to ever live (Solomon) sought all that his heart desired and determined that it
was all vanity (Eccl 1:14, 2:1-19). What did he conclude: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, “Let us
hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this
is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every
secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”

Its not a matter of controlling your lusts or not allowing yourself to be consumed in a
given interest; its about where your heart is and who you are serving. You cannot give
your heart, mind, soul and strength to God and make all necessary sacrifices and still
have room for these things. The Lord has always stated that He will have no other gods
before Him (Ex 20:3). Jeremiah 25:6, “And go not after other gods to serve them
(hobbies, activities, collections), and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with
the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt.” Therefore: the devil’s insidious
(sinister, menacing, subtle) process is temptation or enticement to the lusts of the flesh,
which draws man into the darkness (sin, iniquity unrighteousness, unbelief, transgression

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against God’s will, disregard of God’s Word) and eventually death (Js 1:13-15). The
author’s strong advice to all who read this is to throw your collections in the trash
receptacle (the author did), forsake your hobbies and never look back (Lk 9:62, Gal
2:18). Tear down those altars to self – perhaps something so seemingly innocent as
trophies in your child’s room. Give God your love! Give God your devotion! Seek to
sacrifice for the needs of others. Let the Holy Spirit be your teacher and guide you in all
things. Do not let your flesh (lusts, desires, logic, human reasoning, sentiment, what
others do) be your guide. The flesh leads away from God on a very broad way (Mt 7:13).

Most people find their great love in an activity that they do. Some are consumed with an
interest or passion in an endeavor (interest, pastime) that they regularly do such as golf,
boating, hunting, fishing, woodworking, model airplanes, etc. Some are devoted to a
certain group or lodge that they belong to. Most are just fanatical observers or fans of
things like collegiate and pro sports, auto racing, music groups/concerts, theatrical
productions, films, wrestling, olympics, motorcross racing, etc.– giving their full
allegiance. Some are obsessed with community involvment such as through politics and
charities. Others are consumed in their love of games (including video) or forms of
literature and film (romance, science fiction, mysteries, action, classical, etc.). Some give
their love and devotion to their pets. Most are actively devoted to many hobbies,
collections and activities concurrently. Your love is manifested in your actions. What you
talk about all the time. What you spend your time doing. What you make sacrifices for.
What you spend your resources on. 1 John 2:15, “Love not the world, neither the things
that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
Why? The things described above focus one’s love and attention on the things that
compete for God’s glory – that which is due the Lord. These things place one’s sacrifices
for the benefit of self – fleshly pleasure.

All these fleshly activities are sometimes referred to as “pastimes.” A pastime is an


amusement or pleasure that you do to pass the time away – for recreation or diversion
(redeeming the time???, Eph 5:16, Col 4:5). The love of the Father focuses your
complete devotion upon God foremost and then others, within the Lord’s truth. One final
thing that needs to be mentioned. To be a perfect and upright man, you must not only fear
(surrender and obey) God, but also abstain from all evil – forbear doing that which is
prohibited. Most modern forms of entertainment are saturated (completely filled) with
evil. We are talking about things such as television, movies, music, magazines and video
games. Are you abstaining?

Having read thus far, many will be quite upset and say, “well, this means that you can’t
do anything.” The fallen nature of man focuses on “self” and what “me” wants and this is
a very broad way that is well traveled – by most (Mt 7:13). This is what Satan did and so
will those who walk in darkness, which is following in the devil’s nature or path. Self is
what must be overcome if you are ever to be submitted to God. The Lord wants your full
devotion to Him – heart, mind, soul and strength. The author will just frankly state: “the
path to God is a narrow way and few be there that find it (Mt 7:14).” You must be “born
again” with God’s nature and then follow Jesus in “the way” as led by the Spirit (Jn 3:3,
2 Cor 5:17, Eph 4:24, Col 3:10). To be born anew the old must first die. You will most
certainly reflect the nature of the one you follow – darkness or light. Perhaps you are not

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comprehending any of this? 1 Corinthians 2:14, “But the natural man receiveth not the
things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them,
because they are spiritually discerned.” Why? 2 Corinthians 4:4, “In whom the god of
this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious
gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”

Now for all of you who think the things of God written herein are as foolishness. Know
this, that the opposite is also true. 1 Corinthians 3:19, “For the wisdom of this world is
foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.” God
considers all the things of the world and flesh that you love to be foolish. Who is right?
Choose who ye shall serve (Josh 24:15)! 1 Corinthians 1:18, “For the preaching of the
cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of
God.” The cross represents death to self. Be not tangled up in the affairs of this life (2
Tim 2:4).
Loving Your Enemies?

Its not so hard to love those who love you back, but what do you do when this is not the
case? Luke 6:32-33, “For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for
sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you,
what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.” AND Matthew 5:46-47, “For if
ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans (despised
and often unjust tax collectors) the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye
more than others? do not even the publicans so?” What Jesus is saying is that your love
must go beyond selfish benefit. Your love must stand in the midst of evil and endure.
Christ’s love endured in the midst of evil (even religious evil) and we must follow. Even
those seeking self can tolerate a little love toward those who love them.

What are Christ’s parameters or boundaries (limits) for loving others? Matthew 5:43-45,
“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine
enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to
them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to
rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” Now
understanding this statement is critical to your relationship with God and others. God
defines your neighbor as all men; the Lord sends the rain and the sun upon all men –
good or bad. Jesus died for all men. Further, Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth his love
(sacrifice of self for our benefit) toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died
for us.” Jesus died for all men while we were yet sinners or enemies of God. When man
seeks self as per Satan’s lie, he does that which is opposed and hostile to God and is the
Lord’s enemy. The devil’s lie attempts to destroy God’s truth or the essence of who God
is. The devil’s lie rejects God’s authority and rule. This is hatred and rebellion to God.
Even so, God commendeth His love to His enemies while we were yet sinners. No
sincere believer can deny this fact or that we are to follow Christ by walking as He
walked (1 Jn 2:6, Col 2:6).

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So, when Jesus says to love your neighbors as yourself, He is talking about everyone
(Lev 19:18, Mt 19:19, 22:39, Mk 12:31, 33, Lk 10:27, Rm 13:9, 15:2, Gal 5:14, Js 2:8).
Now notice that man tried to separate a neighbor from an enemy (as two separate things)
or find a “loophole” in God’s commandment. Man wants to love his definition of a
neighbor (opinion, sentiment) and desires to hate his enemy. Man wants to love only
those who love him. What if Jesus had died for everyone, but you, whom He separated
out as an enemy? Be very careful with your reasoning, oh man: Matthew 6:14-15, “For if
ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye
forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” You
have been undeservedly forgiven of much, how can you possibly justify your hate of
others? Jesus forever ended man’s supposed “loophole” by declaring quite bluntly: “Love
your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you.” You are to even
sacrifice of self by praying for their good or benefit.

Now modern man, and particularly religious man will quickly pull out all their arguments
of self defense and defending their nation from the armies of hostile nations (warfare and
fighting). They will refer to the Old Testament quite often to justify their hate and
darkness. Why? Because they cannot justify it in Christ’s New Testament. Recall that we
are under Jesus’ direct commandment to love one another (Jn 13:34-35). We are to love
as Jesus loved us (Jn 15:12). Human reasoning always muddies or obscures God’s truth.
Your disregard of God’s Word does not change God’s Word. Do Christ’s Words have
any place in you? Please consider: Did Jesus war with Caesar or even encourage others
to? How many fist fights did Jesus ever participate in? How often did Jesus role up His
sleeves to defend Himself? What if Jesus had defended “self” and not gone to the cross
for you, His enemy? Christ is our example to follow and conform to precisely. When
Jesus was apprehended in the garden of Gethsemene, Peter drew a sword to defend Jesus
and Christ immediately put a stop to it (Mt 26: 51-53, Jn 18:10). Luke 22:37, “For I say
unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned
among the transgressors…(also Is 53:12)” Peter was considered a transgressor for having
drawn and used the sword. Jesus could have called multitudes of angels to His defense,
but did not (Mt 26:53, Jn 18:36). To inflict violence or hatred upon another is to walk in
the devil’s nature or darkness (God’s righteous judgment is exempt, Rm 3:5-6). 1 John
3:14, “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.
He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.”

Love brings life; hate brings death – these are opposites. God is love and life, so the
opposite is hate and death. So, you are to love everyone - the good, the bad, and the ugly.
This means that a follower of Christ can never enter into warfare (be in the military). A
follower of Christ cannot be in an occupation wereby one may be required to inflict
violence toward another (i.e. policeman, security guard, boxer, prison guard, etc.). God
has ordained secular governments (non-believers) for such a purpose (Rm 13:1-4). You
must also consider if your livelihood contributes to such things. We are to walk in the
nature of Christ, sacrificing self for the benefit of others. You cannot do this if you are in
an organization whose purpose is to kill and destroy. All of the “what ifs” do not matter
because: “we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren (1 Jn 3:16).” Jesus also said:
Luke 6:27-31, “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them
which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

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And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh
away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and
of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should
do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” Notice that when someone hits us (sacrifices
another for the benefit of self – hate) we are to be nonviolent or passive (pacifist) toward
their aggression – and offer also the other cheek. Why? Because we are to walk in
Christ’s nature, which sacrifices self for others. The one hitting is walking in Satan’s
nature of sacrificing others for self. Notice that Jesus ended the thought with the “golden
rule” - do unto others as you would have them do unto you. You do not want to be hit, so
do not hit others, even in retaliation.

Jesus said: Matthew 5:38, “Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a
tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite
thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” No hit for hit or evil for evil. 1
Thessalonians 5:15, “See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that
which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.” You are to put an end to the
violence by sacrificing yourself and offering the other cheek. If you defend yourself and
hit back (revenge, self defense, whatever), then you take on Satan’s nature of hate and are
no longer in God’s nature of love – you are overcome by the evil. Romans 12:21, “Be not
overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” You must walk in love. Your life’s walk
must be in God’s light (truth) and not in Satan’s darkness (lie). Do you allow your
enemies to conform you to their nature of hate? Hating enemies and fighting seeks to
exalt self and this is walking in pride. God hates pride (Ps 119:21, Pv 8:13, 16:5, 21:4, Is
2:12, Js 4:6, 1 Pt 5:5)! Forbearing the injuries of others is meekness. God loves the meek
(Ps 22:26, 25:9, 37:11, 76:9, 147:6, Is 11:4, Mt 5:5)!

It is so easy to talk about these concepts of love, meekness, surrender, and obedience
until it requires something of “self.” Jesus says we are to do the opposite of hate (evil,
violence): Romans 12:20, “Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give
him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.” Our love will diffuse
the hatred in another. Violence will only increase the hatred and bitterness. Do you hate
your enemies? 1 Jn 4:8, “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” God is
love and He reached out in self denial to those at enmity (hostility) with Him for their
benefit or good. Those that are the Lord’s must be found in His love – both living and
practicing love – doing the same thing. Therefore: Christ’s gospel gives no authority to
the believer to inflict violence or participate in war. Jesus’ gospel does have a
commandment that you love one another as Christ loved you (Jn 13:24, 15:12). You may
hold to your opinion or give Christ’s Word place in you.
Love In Marriage

Marriage was briefly discussed earlier in this article. This section will take the discussion
a bit further. When a man and a woman enter into marriage, the two are to become as
one, which is perfect unity. How is this accomplished? The answer is through”love,”
which is the death to self for the benefit of the other. Consider how this works: {1} for
the wife: Ephesians 5:22-23, “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto
the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church:

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and he is the saviour of the body.” The man is clearly the head of the marriage unit,
having been ordain so by God (1 Tim 3:13). A “follower” submits to Christ in total
surrender to Jesus’ will through love and obedience. Similarly, a wife submits to her
husband in total surrender to his will through love and obedience (Col 3:18). This is
meekness. You die to self for the benefit of your husband. Violation of this God given
order makes you a transgressor and also sets up your marriage for failure. Ephesians 5:24,
“Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands
in every thing.”

Please consider very thoughtfully just how the church is subject unto Christ and what it
means for Jesus to be the head. Jesus is the head of the body, the church, and has
preeminance (Col 1:18). The head directs the actions of the body (for the body’s good).
Jesus directs the actions of the church (ekklesia, meaning “called out” ones – from the
darkness). The husband directs the actions of the body – meaning a united husband and
wife (the two become one). The head commands the body; the body does not command
the head (1 Cor 11:8-9). The woman is also to submit to the husband as the spiritual head
as will be discussed next. Proverbs 31:30, “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a
woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” {2} for the husband: Ephesians
5:25-27, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, 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 church, not having spot, or wrinkle,
or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Christ loved the
church so much that He laid down His physical life for its benefit. Colossians 1:22, “In
the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and
unreproveable in his sight.” In doing so, Jesus never sought selfish benefit, but always
gave Himself for the benefit of others. Similarly, husbands are to never use their wives
for selfish benefit, but are to always be concerned about their wives welfare. They are to
provide for and care, to heal and to teach (Col 3:19).

Notice that Jesus sanctified or set apart the church and cleansed it by leading the church
in God’s truth in order to present it to God as holy and without blemish. Recall, that in
the garden of Eden, the woman was deceived and led her husband astray to violate God’s
will for selfish benefit (Gen 3:6). 1 Timothy 2:14, “And Adam was not deceived, but the
woman being deceived was in the transgression.” The husband is to be the spiritual head
of the woman (and the home) and lead her (and the family) in God’s truth so as to present
her holy and without blemish. The husband (with Christ as head, 1 Cor 11:3) becomes
the Savior of the marriage body in this sense (scripture noted above - Eph 5:22-23, thus
the children are clean, 1 Cor 7:14). Woman led man to violate the will of God. The
opposite must now occur; man is to lead woman to surrender to the will of God. Christ is
the shepherd of the church. The husband is the shepherd of his family subject unto Christ.

Consider God’s established order: 1 Corinthians 11:3, “But I would have you know, that
the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of
Christ is God.” This is God’s divine order and it is not to be transgressed. For the reasons
just mentioned, the woman cannot be in spiritual authority or teach. 1 Timothy 2:11-12,
“ Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection (submission). But I suffer not a
woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.” AND 1

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Corinthians 14:34-35, “Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not
permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also
saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it
is a shame for women to speak in the church.” Consider how perfectly this fits in with the
above verses concerning Christ sanctifying and leading the church and teaching it God’s
truth. The husband sanctifies and leads the wife, teaching her God’s truth. This means the
husband must be walking in God’s truth (by example). This is all done for the spiritual
benefit of the marriage unit. Ephesians 5:28, “So ought men to love their wives as their
own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.” The husband and wife become one
body, so the husband must seek the good of his own body. We are not talking about some
archaic cultural means whereby men dominate over women. We are talking about a very
precise and ordered method to achieve the Lord’s will of unity based upon God’s intent at
creation (neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man, 1 Cor
11:9, Gen 2:18, 23) and aspects of the fall of man (she took of the fruit thereof, and did
eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat, Gen 3:5).

Therefore: putting all things together. The woman came out of the man: Genesis 2:23-24,
“And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be
called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father
and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” In marriage,
the woman returns back to the man and becomes one body again. The woman was taken
out of man’s body (the side) and not the head; the body is subject to the head. The wife
submits to the rule and authority of the husband, giving herself for his benefit. The
husband dies to self and wants only good for his wife. The husband leads the wife in
God’s truth, seeking righteousness and holiness, and they are thus likeminded. Each puts
self aside for the benefit of the other and the two become one and are unified in God’s
truth. Those who use hypenated last names, marriage contracts or agreements, or seek
skills for supporting self due to the potential for a future divorce, are totally out of order
and are not walking in God’s love. True love excludes self. Each must die to self and give
to the other. If you prior consider that your marriage may eventually fail, then you should
not enter into marriage at all. Marriage is for the sincere and committed just as
“following” Christ or being His disciple is for the sincere and committed. Neither is for
those who just want to try it out and see what happens.

Now many will say that this is the ideal, but the world doesn’t always work this way. A
husband may say that his wife will not submit to his leadership and holds to the world’s
values of equality between sexes and all the human reasoning behind it. A wife may say
that her husband will not provide spiritual leadership or love her as Christ loved the
church. This is why it is so important not to be unequally yoked with an unbeliever (2
Cor 6:14). Yes – wives that do not submit to their husbands or husbands that do not
spiritually lead their wives are “unbelievers.” An unbeliever disregards God’s Word and
does not walk in it. They cling to their own stubborn ways based upon the world around
them (Jdg 2:19). To “believe” is to reverence God’s Word/will and live it (do it). James
1:22, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
Such relationships are as righteousness trying to fellowship with unrighteousness or light
with darkness (2 Cor 6:14). These marriages will have great difficulty, but that does not
make void the truth of God. There will always be troubles when you live outside of

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God’s truth. Even so, God is merciful to those who sincerely seek and serve Him (1 Chr
16:10-11). Women keeping silent in the church and being commanded to be under
obedience will not set well with most modern religious men and women, because they are
more conformed with the ways of the world than to God’s own Word – which they
profess to believe. They believe God’s Word to be archaic (outdated, antiquated, old
fashioned) and think to conform it to their sentiments (opinions mixed with strong
emotions) by disregarding it or twisting it (handling the Word of God deceitfully, 2 Cor
4:2) to say what it doesn’t. Many, if not most, religious institutions now allow women
pastors and teachers in direct disobedience to the Word of God. Galatians 4:16, “Am I
therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” This is not the author’s
word, but rather God’s – the author yields.
Unity

Marriage teaches us true love and unity. A man and a woman each die to self (sacrifice)
and give to each other to become one – unified (with the husband as head, Eph 5:22-24).
Similarly, they die to self (sacrifice) and yield to Christ and become one – unified (with
Christ as head, 1 Cor 11:3). The church (ekkelsia – called out ones) is a body of
individual believers that have died to self (sacrifice) for each other in order to become
one (hence, the body) – unified (with Christ as head, Jn 17:21, Eph 1:22-23, 5:22-24).
Ephesians 2:22, “In whom ye also are builded together (as a body) for an habitation of
God through the Spirit.” The Father, Son and Holy Ghost are one – unified (with the
Father as head, Jn 10:30, 14:10-11, 1 Cor 15:28, 1 Jn 5:7). John 14:20, At that day ye
shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you” – as one - unity (with God
as the head, also Jn 14:17). As we discussed earlier, through our obedience, God
(Father, Son and Holy Ghost) make their abode in us (dwell, Jn 14:17, 23, Eph 2:22).
Ephesians 2:18, “For through him (Jesus) we both have access by one Spirit unto the
Father.” 1 Corinthians 6:17, “But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.” Summing
things up: In marriage the husband and the wife must sacrifice self for the benfit of the
others and thus unity is achieved. If the husband or wife seek self at the sacrifice of the
other, then they will be going separated directions always diverging and never achieving
unity. Similarly, you must sacrifice self for Christ’s benefit if unity will ever be achieved.
Jesus already sacrificed Himself for your benefit. To seek self is to walk opposite of Jesus
and thus unity will never be achieved. You will not be found in the Lord.
A Serious Discussion

Most religious people reading this article will not appreciate the truth contained herein
and may even say that it is unloving (Eph 5:11, Ti 1:16) – by their definition. Things like
dying to self, forsaking the lusts of the flesh, total obedience to God, the wrongfulness of
violence and war, and a woman’s role in God’s order. However, charity (your love
toward others) rejoiceth in the truth (1 Cor 13:4-7) and the truth is after godliness (Ti
1:1). Jesus came to bring the truth and eternal life to those who will embrace it. 1 John
5:20, “And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding,
that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus
Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” To disregard Christ’s Word or truth means
that it has no place in you (Jn 8:37, 43, 45, 47). Jesus said: John 3:19-21, “And this is the
condemnation, that light (or truth) is come into the world, and men loved darkness

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(Satan’s lie) rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil
hateth the light (the truth), neither cometh to the light (embraces the truth), lest his deeds
should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be
made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” The Holy Spirit is the “reprover” of the
world’s sin or transgressions against God’s will (Jn 16:8).

Now lets consider the magnitude of what has just been said. If you are guilty of
transgressing God’s will, then know this: Psalms 86:5, “For thou, Lord, art good, and
ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee (also Ps 103:8,
Ps 86:15, 103:11, Mic 7:18-19, Joel 2:12-13).” Jesus is ready to forgive you at this
moment – for He demonstrated His love for you by laying down His life for your benefit
– today, if you will hear His voice and harden not your hearts (Heb 4:7). However, the
condemnation is that men love the darkness. To be forgiven, you must forsake the
darkness and come to the light or truth (Is 55:7). You must forsake the lie and embrace
the truth. But men love the darkness, the transgressions; they are not willing to forsake
them, but rather to justify them. Forgiveness is available, but not desired. They do not
want to acknowledge their wrongs, they love them. How can one be forgiven of that
which one refuses to acknowledge much less forsake (Pv 28:13)? Men love their
opinions, sentiments, ways, and doctrines. They will not come to the light (truth) because
it will reveal the wrongfulness of the darkness they love. Jesus says to them: John 5:40,
“And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” The condemnation is that they
love the darkness because their deeds are contrary to God’s love - which this article has
endeavored to define. By and large, given the truth, most people will not walk therein –
they love their ways and everybody’s doing it. Ephesians 5:13, “But all things that are
reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.”
The truth exposes the darkness and its evil. Those that do the truth come to the light
(embrace the truth). Those that sincerely love God forsake the darkness and come to the
light and are in Him that is true (Jn 3:21, 1 Jn 5:20). Know this: Psalms 145:18-20, “The
LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will
fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. The
LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy (also Ps
25:14, 33:18).” Those who love the darkness (i.e. the wicked) and refuse to come to the
light will experience the full wrath of God’s just condemnation, which was defined at the
beginning of creation (Gen 2:17).

STOP seeking self and your own way and yield to the Lord and start dying to “you.”
Proverbs 4:19, “The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they
stumble.” While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light
(Jn 12:26, also 1 Thess 5:5). John 8:12, “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am
the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the
light of life (also Jn 9:5).” Jesus is the Word, which is the truth, which is the light, which
is the way, which is the life (Jn 1:1-2, 14, 14:6). Christ is all in all and you must abide in
Him who is the light (Jn 15:1-8, Col 3:11). To follow Jesus, you must forsake the
darkness (the devil’s lie). Ephesians 5:14, “Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest,
and arise from the dead (those walking in the darkness of the devil’s lie), and Christ shall
give thee light (truth, also Col 1:13).” You must cast aside your opinions, thoughts and
doctrines and approach God to know His will/ways even if it destroys everything you

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hold dear. Jesus said: John 7:17, “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the
doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” Jesus also said: “If ye
continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and
the truth shall make you free (Jn 8:31-32).” Stop defending and justifying the darkness
and start walking in the light. Be warned: Jeremiah 13:16, “Give glory to the LORD your
God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains,
and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross
darkness.” Beware: Titus 1:16, “They profess that they know God (those walking in the
blindness of the darkness); but in works they deny him, being abominable, and
disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.”
Conclusion

Which love do you practice? The devil’s version, which is a lie, that proposes, “its all
about me?;” or God’s truth, which states that “I” must “die.” To walk in “true” love, as
God defines love, is to die to self, totally surrender to the authority and will of God, and
sacrifice for others. Most will consider the things written herein to be extreme or
fanatical. Well, consider that basis for Christ’s entire gospel is extreme or fanatical in
human reasoning – love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. Consider
carefully what it takes to implement that. Was Christ just mouthing God’s Words with no
intent for us to really follow them? Jesus said over and over that to enter into the
kingdom of God you must DO the will of God (Mt 7:24-25, 12:50, Mk 3:35, Lk 11:21,
28, Jn 7:17). Matthew 7:21, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter
into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”
You enter into the kingdom of God “now,” maybe today (Heb 4:7)! This walk with the
Lord begins now and continues throughout eternity. We are made partakers of Christ, if
we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end (Heb 3:14).

Saying Lord, Lord (sinner’s prayers) is not sufficient (Mt 7:21). Doing religious things
or works is not sufficient (Mt 7:22-23). You must Do the will of God! This is only
accomplished by being led by the Holy Spirit in obeying Christ’s commandments. The
Holy Ghost’s work can only be accomplished through your obedience, which is your
free-will love (sacrifice of self for God) in surrendering to the Lord’s purpose in you. The
Spirit will tear down the flesh (the imaginations and high things that exalt themselves
against the glory of God, 2 Cor 10:5) and you must not love this darkness and hold onto
it. The Spirit leads in the path of righteousness (Ps 23:3), which is Christ’s narrow way
that He forged back to God through His demonstrated walk or example. The golden rule
tells us: Matthew 7:12, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to
you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets (i.e. love thy neighbor as
thyself).” Most agree with this in principle, but the seeking self and desires of the flesh
always seems to get in the way. We must overcome the flesh through our love. No man
could do this in and of self (self cannot overcome self), but we have the Holy Ghost.

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Chapter 7 – Relationships

The purpose of this chapter is to further establish the relationships that have been
discussed throughout this book. A relationship is the quality or state of being related.
These relationships can be thought of in terms of simple mathematics – some things
equate or equal and some things do not. Mathematics can symbolically represent precise
and accurate relationships and their attributes. Let us consider some of the relationships
that are so clearly defined in God’s Word in a sort of spiritual mathematics. We should be
able to come to some very logical and real conclusions.

Jesus is the Word of God! John 1:1-2, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word
was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God.” Jesus
is God! When Christ came to the earth as a man, He became the very embodiment
(personification) of the Word - incarnate. John 1:14, “And the Word was made flesh, and
dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the
Father,) full of grace and truth.” Therefore we can now establish the following
relationships (in any combination):
(1) Jesus = The Word
(2) Jesus = God

The Word of God is the truth (Jn 1:14)! John 17:17, “Sanctify them through thy truth:
thy word is truth.” Jesus said that He was the truth (Jn 14:6). John 8:31-32, “Then said
Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my
disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” So, we
can now establish the following relationships (or combination thereof):
(3) Jesus = The Word = the truth
(4) God = the truth

The Holy Spirit is the truth (Jn 14:7, 15:26)! 1 John 5:6, “This is he that came by water
and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the
Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.” John 16:13, “Howbeit when he,
the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of
himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to
come.” Therefore we can establish:
(5) Holy Ghost = truth
(6) Jesus + Holy Ghost = one (unity) = truth

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We can easily understand from (3) and (5) that the Spirit and the Word will always be in
agreement. They are representing the same truth of God. Jesus said: John 14:26, “But the
Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost (which is the Spirit of truth, Jn 15:26), whom the
Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your
remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” In other words, the Holy Spirit will
verify (bear witness, lead-in) the Word or truth that Jesus spoke. Since the Word, which
is Jesus, is truth and the Holy Spirit is truth, then Jesus (the Word) and the Holy Ghost are
one in perfect unity dwelling within the truth of God. The Word of truth equals the Spirit
of truth, which will always equal perfect agreement.

Jesus came speaking the Father’s Words! – not His own words as a man. John 12:49-50,
“For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a
commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his
commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said
unto me, so I speak.” John 14:10-11, “Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the
Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that
dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in
me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.” Jesus further stated: John 12:45, “And
he that seeth me seeth him that sent me (also Jn 14:9).” Jesus was sent of the Father (Jn
5:23, 30, 36-37, 6:44, 6:57, 8:16, 18, 29, 42, 12:49, 17:21, 25, 20:21). Finally, Jesus
stated quite bluntly: John 10:30, “I and my Father are one.” Therefore, we can
undoubtedly conclude:
(7) Father = Word = truth
(8) Father + Jesus = One (unity) = truth

Now combining some relationships we can conclude from (3), (5) and (7) that the Father,
Son (Word) and Holy Ghost all equate to the truth. There is only one eternal truth and this
truth is God. God’s truth does not change (Ps 96:13, Ps 100:5, Ps 111:8, 146:6, Heb
1:12, 13:8)! Psalms 33:4, “For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done
in truth.” We can further conclude by combining (6) + (8) an astounding truth of God as
follows:
(9) Father + Son (Word) + Holy Ghost = One (perfect unity) = God = truth

Can this be verified elsewhere in scripture? Yes! 1 John 5:7, “For there are three that bear
record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” The
Lord God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) is in perfect unity of purpose in truth. Colossians
2:9, “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”

Jesus is referred to in scripture as the Word of life (1 Jn 1:1). John 1:4, “In him was life;
and the life was the light of men.” 1 John 5:11-12, “And this is the record, that God hath
given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he
that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” Christ further stated: John 11:25-26, “Jesus
said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were
dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.
Believest thou this?” Jesus stated that He is “the life” (Jn 14:6). John 17:3, “And this is
life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou

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hast sent.” You only have life by coming to Jesus. John 5:40, “And ye will not come to
me, that ye might have life (also Jn 5:47-48, 51, 58).” We can now conclude:
(10) Jesus = Word = life

Combining other previously defined relationships, we can conclude from (3) + (10):
(11) truth = life

Jesus expressed the reality of this statement when He said: John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto
him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
This of course concludes that God’s “way” is found in truth and produces life. Therefore:
(12) the way = truth = life

We are told very matter-of-factly throughout the bible, that we must obey God’s
commandments or truth, to be found in His life. Jesus stated this very plainly when He
said: John 14:15, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:21, “He that hath
my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall
be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” John 14:23,
“Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my
Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” 1 John
2:5, “But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby
know we that we are in him.” 1 John 3:24, “And he that keepeth his commandments
dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit
which he hath given us.” Christ’s commandments equates to God’s Word or truth.
Therefore we can conclude:
(13) obedience + truth (Word) = relationship in God (unity) = life

Another way of saying this {(12) + (13)} is that the way to life is through obedience to
the truth. Similarly, our life is found in relationship with God (Father, Son and Holy
Spirit) through our obedience to His truth or Word. Jesus spoke of our obedience as being
the manifestation of our love for Him. Love is clearly defined in scripture as the sacrifice
of self for the benefit of another. God made this clear through His sacrifice of His Son for
our benefit – a great act of love (Jn 3:16). 1 John 3:16, “Hereby perceive we the love of
God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the
brethren.” Romans 8:32, “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all,
how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” God is love! 1 John 4:16, “And
we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that
dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” Love is a pillar of truth. How does
one dwell in love? You must sacrifice self for the benefit of God and then others
(neighbors). Christ expressed this in the Two Great Commandments: Mark 12:30-31,
“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with
all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is
like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other
commandment greater than these.” So, those that sacrifice self for God foremost, and
then others is to dwell in love and thus dwell in God. This is why Jesus stated: Matthew
16:24-25, “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him

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deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall
lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.” 2 John 1:5-6, “And now
I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which
we had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk after
his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the
beginning, ye should walk in it.” Therefore, we can now conclude:
(14) God = love = sacrifice of self for others
(15) obedience = sacrifice of self for God = love for God = dwelling in God

Our complete/total (heart, mind, soul and strength) obedience to God is our love for God
and is reciprocal to God’s love for us in that He laid down His very life for our benefit.
The love is mutual, one for another and this is a relationship. So, our relationship with
God {(13) + (15)} is based upon our sacrifice of self (love) or obedience to God’s will
(truth, commands). So what is self? Self is that which the flesh desires known as your
way. This is the lust of the flesh/eyes, pride of life, deceitfulness of riches, pleasures of
this life, love and cares of the world, etc. (Mk 4:7, 19, Lk 8:14). This is the sacrifice of
God to seek your way. Self, which equates to the flesh comes first. God says: 1 John
2:15-17, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the
world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh,
and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And
the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for
ever.” Therefore we can conclude:
(16) flesh = your way ≠ love of God ≠ relationship with God

This is easily verified or proven through scripture. Romans 8:5, “For they that are after
the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the
Spirit.” John 4:24, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit
and in truth.” Romans 8:8, “So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.”
Romans 8:13-14, “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do
mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God,
they are the sons of God.” So, we must be led of the Holy Spirit and not be led of the
lusts of the flesh. The two are diametrically opposed and seek different things. Galatians
5:17, “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these
are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.”
Therefore:
(17) flesh ≠ Spirit thus from (5): flesh ≠ truth {Spirit = truth}

Thus, we can conclude from (16) + (17) that those that seek after the things of the flesh
are not found in God’s truth and have not the love of God. Those led by the flesh are not
led by God’s Spirit and cannot achieve truth. If you are not found in truth, then you can
only be found in Satan’s lie. John 8:44, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of
your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth,
because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is
a liar, and the father of it.” We can now conclude:

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(18) your way {flesh} + profession of Christ ≠ truth ≠ relationship
(19) {devil = lie} ≠ truth

Those who do not do the truth walk in unrighteousness, which is the violation of the will
of God (i.e. the truth). 1 John 5:17, “All unrighteousness is sin…” 1 John 3:8-10, “He
that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this
purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he
cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the
children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that
loveth not his brother.” So, we can now conclude:
(20) flesh = sin = devil = lie ≠ truth

The devil represents the darkness (Col 1:13)! Ephesians 6:12, “For we wrestle not
against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the
darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” John 3:19, “And this
is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather
than light, because their deeds were evil.” We may now conclude:
(21) Love (obedience) + lie/darkness = relationship with Satan

To love the darkness (Jn 3:19) and obey the lie (abide not in the truth) is to have
relationship with Satan (i.e. he is your father, Jn 8:44). Seeking the desires of the flesh is
the way of Satan and is the power of the darkness. There is absolutely no way, religious
or not, that you can walk in darkness (the ways of the flesh) and still be found in God’s
truth or love thereof. This is not achievable from scripture (God’s truth, the Word). Jesus
said: John 12:46, “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me
should not abide in darkness.” Those who follow Christ come out of the darkness and
into His light (truth) – this occurrence is a must. Jesus is the light of truth and the light of
the world (Jn 8:12, 9:5). 1 John 1:5-6, “This then is the message which we have heard of
him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. Those who
remain in the darkness are not following Christ. If we say that we have fellowship with
him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.” Therefore:
(22) darkness = cannot see = blindness = deception ≠ truth
(23) {darkness = lie = death} ≠ {light = truth = life}

Walking in darkness is a great blindness and deception regarding the truth. The darkness
is founded in Satan’s lie. No lie is of the truth (1 Jn 2:21). From (20), sin or transgression
against the truth of God is a principle of the darkness. God’s original condemnation to
man for the violation of His will was: “thou shalt surely die” (Gen 2:17). Romans 6:23,
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our
Lord.” If ye live after the flesh ye shall die (Rm 8:13). Therefore:
(24) flesh = darkness = sin = death
(25) transgression against God’s will = death
(26) living after the flesh = death
(27) transgression of God’s will = living after the flesh = death

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This is the original condemnation given by God to man in Eden. The Lord told man that
if he transgressed (disobeyed) God’s command (truth) then: “thou shalt surely die” (Gen
2:17). Those who follow their way or the flesh (thus disregarding God’s way = truth)
will die. Conversely, those who walk in God’s way, which is truth, find life – through
Christ (Jn 14:6). Sin is unrighteousness which results in death (1 Jn 5:17). Unbelief
embraces the things of the flesh while disregarding the things of God and results in death.
Faith disregards the things of the flesh while embracing the things of God (opposites) –
cleaving to the Lord (surrender, love, obedience, trust). Faith is righteousness to God
(Rm 1:17, 3:22, 4:13, 9:30, 10:6, Gal 5:5, Php 3:9). Proverbs 11:19, “As righteousness
tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.” Proverbs 12:28, “In
the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.” Therefore:
(28) unbelief + flesh = sacrifice of God for self = death
(29) faith = righteousness = life

The Lord said a perfect man feareth God and escheweth evil (Job 1:1, 8, 2:3). To fear
God is to lovingly surrender to the will of God. This requires obedience to God’s
commandments and trust in God’s purposes. Abstaining from evil is to avoid those things
which dishonor God and violate His will. This is the beginning of wisdom (Ps 111:10,
Pv 1:7, 9:10). Fearing God equates to faith. Ephesians 4:13, “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 Christ.” Jesus was a perfect man (fearing God
and eschewing evil) and our faith leads us to conform to Christ’s image (Rm 8:29, 12:2).
(30) perfect man = feareth God + escheweth evil
(31) feareth God = loving surrender + obedience + trust = belief
(32) feareth God = faith = righteousness

We must approach God through faith (Heb 11:6). Faith bypasses the flesh and trust in
God for all things. We walk by faith and not by sight (that which the flesh can see and
understand, 2 Cor 5:7). We walk as Jesus walked (Col 2:6, 1 Jn 2:6, 2 Jn 1:6) – totally
surrendered to the will of God. Our faith procures God’s grace (Rm 5:1-2), which is the
forgiveness given through Christ’s shed blood and the gift of the Holy Ghost to work in
our lives (teach, convict, comfort, lead, enpower, etc.) and lead us in paths of
righteousness (Ps 23:3). God’s grace was discussed extensively in Chapter Two. The
Lord God is righteous (Ps 5:12, 9:8, 11:7, 15:1-2, 18:23-24, 24:3-4, 32:11, 33:5, 34:15,
17, 21, 45:7, 92:5, 13, 97:2, 6, 106:3, 146:8, Pv 8:20, 10:2, 30, 11:4-5, 13:6, 12:28, Hos
10:12, Zech 2:3, 8:8, Zeph 2:3, Lk 1:74-75, Heb 1:8-9, 1 Jn 3:7, Rev 19:11) and we must
be righteous (Pv 11:5-8, 18-19, 23, 30, 12:3, 7, 28, 13:6, 9, 25, 14:2, 15:9, 16:8, 18:10,
28:18, Ps 97:12, 119:142, Is 26:7, 45:23-24, 51:1, Dan 12:3, Mal 3:18, 2 Cor 6:7, 7:1, 1
Pt 2:24, 1 Jn 2:29, 5:18).
(33) God’s grace = forgiveness + Holy Ghost
(34) faith + grace {forgiveness + Holy Ghost} = eternal life (salvation)

What we must realize is that there is no way that you can “profess Christ,” yet walk in
darkness (your way) and be justified before God. This is not a possible scenario in God’s

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Word. If any religious man tells you that you can (or alludes to such) then he is a false
prophet. The opposite of faith is unbelief. Those who are unbelieving do not walk as
Christ walked. In other words, they do not apply Jesus’ Words to their lives. To regard
God’s Word is to practice God’s Word. So, faith is actually living a life of loving
surrender, obedience and trust to the will of God – everyday! In order to do this one must
be very humble and meek or dying to self. This is the example that Jesus set and is very
apparent in the gospels. Those who walk in faith in Christ are justified before God. To
walk in unbelief is to regard your way or will. This is a self exaltation (pride) or living
for self. Jesus never sought or exalted self. However, Jesus did point out quite often how
the religious men around Him did seek self (i.e. Mt 6:2, 5, 7-8, 16, 19, 23:5-8, 13-16, 28,
Mk 12:38-40). These men were sure that they represented God, but really lived for self –
they were blind and deceived (22). Ultimately, they killed God’s own Son who did
nothing but live for the will of God (spoke God’s Words and worked God’s works). Are
you so sure that your religious practice is not the same as the Jews at the time of Christ?
What did Jesus say about these men? Matthew 5:20, “For I say unto you, That except
your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in
no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus also said of these highly esteemed
religious men, Matthew 23:33, “Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape
the damnation of hell?” AND Matthew 12:34-35, “O generation of vipers, how can ye,
being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil
man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.” Jesus told others to beware of the
doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees (their religious teachings, Mt 16:6, 12).
Jesus further said to these religious men: John 5:42, “But I know you, that ye have not the
love of God in you.” Recal from (16) above that seeking “your way” or the “flesh” is to
not have the love of God. Finally, Jesus said: Matthew 15:13, “But he answered and said,
Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.” That which
is not found in truth will surely be destroyed. Woe to them who do not walk in truth!
What Equates?
(A) Jesus = Word = truth = the way = life = love = light = faith = righteousness =
obedience = sacrifice of self for God (humbleness)
(B) Satan = lie = fleshly lusts = unrighteousness = sin = unbelief = hate = darkness =
disobedience/transgression = sacrifice of God for self (pride) = death

List (A) will never equate to list (B). These are complete opposites. To be found in one
list is to be absent from the other. Those walking in the principles of list (B) while
professing to be in list (A) are deceived and know not the truth (1 Jn 1:6). Those who are
obediently found in God’s truth receive life.

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Conclusion

The truth of Christ’s gospel stands! The light has burned bright for two thousand years
and is just as applicable today as when Jesus faithfully spoke the Father’s Words. God’s
immutable truth has been established for countless eons and will remain for eternity to
come. The question is, “where do you, dear reader, fit into the truth?” Will you regard or
disregard? Lucifer arrogantly thought to have changed God’s truth, but only founded a
great lie. Most have accepted the lie as more valid (the way in which they live) than the
eternal truth – just as their forefather Adam had done. 1 Corinthians 15:22, “For as in
Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” Adam sought his way and
transgressed God’s way and brought death. Jesus died to His way and sought God’s way
and brought life.

Throughout history, many a religious man has also tried to change the truth into a lie to
accommodate his love for the darkness (rather than the light) - self seeking ways and the
devil’s lie. They say if you believe “our” doctrines and follow “our” truth ye shall not
surely die (Acts 20:29-30, 2 Cor 11:4). Those who walk in the devil’s lie will be eternally
separated from the truth. There is a multitude of opinions and that which is not founded
in the truth is a lie. The truth will certainly always spell death to the exalting of the flesh
– the love of your way. Many will cast this truth aside in favor of the doctrines and
traditions of their religious denomination (of man, Col 2:8) – in serving their Lord and
authority, which are the things of man, his institutions and organizations (Is 29:13, Mt
15:8-9, Mk 7:7-9) – that which has actually exalted itself in the place of Christ.

The Lord God Almighty has a distinct purpose for His creation (thou hast loved
righteousness, and hated iniquity, Heb1:9) and those not found in that purpose will not
perservere – they will be cast away as a vile and filthy rag (Ps 14:3). He that walketh
uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart will be
reconciled (Ps 15:2). We must fear God in righteousness and truth (Ps 19:9, 112:1)! You
must completely die to your way, which is founded upon a great lie and find your life in
God’s way, which is founded upon His truth. The author extends an invitation to you (as
does Christ, Rev 22:17). to come out of the darkness and directly (Rm 5:1-2, Eph 2:18,
3:12) into Christ’s marvelous light and serve this true Lord and King who is given much
greater authority than any in heaven and on earth (Php 2:9-11, 1 Pt 2:9, Rm 14:11). This
book has endeavored to reveal just how this is done. This is not a frivolous (flippant,
superficial, inconsequential, vain, lighthearted, ineffective, facetious) repeated prayer
statement, but an entire new life of devotion that begins today. This new life cannot be
accomplished without sincerity of purpose and God’s intervention. Fall on your knees
and genuinely cry out for God’s mercy. Psalms 86:5, 15, “For thou, Lord, art good, and
ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. But thou, O
Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy
and truth.”

Dear Reader, Mercy and truth must meet for there to be reconciliation (Ps 85:10). By
mercy and truth iniquity is purged and by the fear of God, men depart from evil (Pv
16:6). Truth must and shall prevail. Psalms 25:10, “All the paths of the LORD are mercy

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and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.” Psalms 119:142, “Thy
righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.” Psalms 96:13,
“Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the
world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.”

The devil enticed man to transgress God’s will and seek his own. There are thousands of
paths in this world that are set up to do the exact same thing. There may be a multitude of
paths, but rest assured they all lead to the same place, which is eternal damnation -
opposite of God. All these paths accommodate “self” (have it your way – choose your
course) and make up a very broad way (Mt 7:13). This broad way is the presumption that
you can transgress the will of God and not die – the lie (Gen 3:4-5). The Lord God has
established one small path, a seemingly insignificant path in this fallen world full of
choices, and this path leads to life. Jesus came and forged this path and leads the way
back to God through example - the Giver of life and life eternal. This very narrow way is
the truth (that exposed the lie) and is not very well traveled because to travel this way,
“your way” must cease - the principles of the lie must die in you (Mt 7:14). The
tremendous and almost overwhelming temptation is to seek “your” own way via the lie;
of which Satan is the father (Gen 3:4-5, Jn 8:44). Those who sincerely and genuinely
love God, will cast self aside and go against the strong pressures of this world to
conform, in surrendering to the will of God. These are the ones that the Lord is looking
for to be reconciled to Him for eternity. These are the “few.” These are the harvest from
the earth. This is what this time of trial, testing and separation (know as your life) is all
about on this earth. Who will be wise and seek the light, which is the truth (Is 9:2, Mt
4:16, Lk 1:79)?

The light is burning bright, who will see it? The Lord is calling man out of the darkness,
who will respond (Ps 128:1)? You must follow the light for the path is very narrow,
darkness abounds and you know not the way. Certainly this bright light of truth hurts
those eyes so accustomed to darkness, but come forth (anoint thine eyes with eyesalve,
that thou mayest see, Rev 3:18). The gospel of Christ brings forgiveness and the
“promise” of the Father, which is the Holy Spirit. These are necessary for reconciliation
to God and eternal life. Forgiveness and the Holy Spirit cannot be purchased with any
amount of money (Acts 8:18-19), yet to receive them will cost you everything you have –
a paradox! The gospel will make the poor rich and the rich poor (Rev 2:9, 3:17-18) – a
paradox! You will never understand these things until you walk that glorious walk! Oh
that rugged path.

Men love the darkness (Jn 3:19)! John 5:40, “And ye will not come to me, that ye might
have life.” You must first leave the darkness before you may enter the light. John 5:38,
“And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.”
To believe is to change course and walk as Jesus in following Him back to the Father.
You must “believe” on Jesus in every sense of the word to have everlasting life (Jn 6:40,
11:25-26, 20:31, Rm 6:22-23). John 12:36, “While ye have light, believe in the light, that
ye may be the children of light…” John 5:42, “But I know you, that ye have not the love
of God in you.” To love God is to sacrifice self for His benefit – even unto death (Rev
2:10, 12:11). Do you seek the honor of self, one from another, or the honor that cometh
from God (Jn 5:44)? Who will heed this message? Revelation 22:11, “He that is unjust,

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let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is
righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.” Everyone
that is of the truth heareth My voice (Jn 18:37).

He that heareth, let him hear; he that forbeareth, let him forbear (Ez 3:27). The wicked
shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand
(Dan 12:10). We must be able to stand before God and truthfully say: “The Lord my God
hath triumphed over me (self), and I rejoice in it!” Will God prevail over you in this life?
Will you be a chosen and peculiar person (odd, different from the majority, unique with
respect to the norm) who has been called out of the darkness into His marvellous light (1
Pt 2:9)??? He knoweth them that trust in Him (Nah 1:7)!!! They shall be my people, and
I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness (Zech 8:8). Malachi 3:16, 18,  “Then
they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and
heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the
LORD, and that thought upon his name. Then shall ye return, and discern between the
righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.”

My prayer is that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good
pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: That the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God
and the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thess 1:11-12). Are you a sheep? John 10:27-28, “My sheep
hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life;
and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”

 
Isaiah 45:5-7, “I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I
girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the
sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none
else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do
all these things.”

This is the third book of four that have been written. The author periodically writes other articles and tracts as the Lord
puts them on his heart. These are offered free of charge and may be obtained by writing: 209 Cedar Pond Dr., Madison,
Al. 35757

May you be encouraged to walk in God’s truth and righteousness.

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Appendix

The chart below portrays the two paths that have existed since the creation of man. These
two paths are expressed in scripture as either: light verses darkness; tree of life verses the
tree of the knowledge of good and evil; flesh verses the Spirit; mercy verses judgment;
faith verses unbelief; wheat verses the tares; sheep verses the goats; wise verses the
foolish; truth verses the lie; life verses death; righteousness verses unrighteousness; and
surrender and obedience to God verses seeking the lusts of the flesh. We all follow one of
these paths. The path which we are on is determined through our actions and not our
profession (to be discussed).

There is a separation between the two paths (barrier). Just as light and darkness or water
and oil do not mix, neither do these two paths. In all these charts, you must consider
which path you are actually on. You cannot claim to be following the Spirit while your
life’s actions seek the lusts of the flesh and expect to receive (produce) life - See Chart #2
(Be sure and read the scripture at the bottom). A further example is given on Chart #3 –
the main message is in “orange” with a secondary message in “green” and “aqua.” Notice
the “red” line of separation. Be sure and read the scripture by the “yellow” splat for the
secondary message.

Just follow the “blue” and “red” color coding on Chart #4 and be sure to read the verse at
the bottom. The message couldn’t be more clear.

Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. This is vividly portrayed in Chart #5. The
works of the devil result from his lie which is the darkness that is sustained through the
lusts of the flesh. This produces sin and unrighteousness and results in death. Following
the desires of the flesh will surely lead you to be ensnared by the devil and brought into
bondages and burdens. Jesus offers freedom, but you must not love the darkness. You
must be prepared to forsake and leave the darkness.

Chart #6 gives some insight into the devil and his “followers.”

Chart #7 considers what is found in the darkness – what must be “overcome” in your life.
Chart #8 ponders the “strong delusion” given to those who love not the truth (because
they love the darkness, Jn 3:19).

Chart #9 vividly portrays the path Christ followed and the path Jesus rejected by denying
the flesh.

1 Thessalonians 3:8, “For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.”


Luke 13:24, “Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to
John
enter 10:7-10, “Then
in, and shall notsaid Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the
be able.”
door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep
did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and
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shall go in and out, and find pasture.”
Christ Note regarding the Charts belonging to this Book:
Is the
Door Chart #1 – Chart #11 you can download at the following page. Was not possible to
integrate them in here:434

http://www.scribd.com/doc/15113769/Chart-111-Out-of-Darkness-Into-the-Light
216

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