The Book of the law found again

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1 tie Book of the Law Found Again

Chapter I The Two Sons Of Zebedee And Their Religion

The names of these two boys were James and John. Their father was a fisherman by occupation. The record says when these two boys were found they, with their father, were mending their nets. Peter and Andrew were also brothers, who were the sons of Jonas. They were partners in fishing with Zebedee and his boys. They were also called to be fishers of men at the same time as were James and John. It is interesting to trace the training of these boys and why the Master called them to his work. One of the best ways to learn the greatness of these boys is to study their production of Scripture in later life. In doing this, we will note the Epistles of John first. Never have we seen so much in the writings and character of these boys as we now see. Therefore we try to give to the reader the merits of these writings as we enter into the search for truth contained in them. The pith, as we sum it all up, is to teach each individual reader whether they are a child of the devil or a child of God — which? The examination of the subject, as given by the Apostle, is a critical one. Examine it carefully and ask yourself the question, when through: To whom do I belong? If found to be a child of the devil, we urge a speedy effort on your part to be released from him before it is too late by following the rule laid down by the Apostle. In doing so, remember there is but one way and one rule to follow to obtain that freedom.

The Epistles of John on Obedience.

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

“(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)

“That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with the Son Jesus Christ.

“And these things write we unto you that your joy may be full.” — First John 1:1-4.

The thought in the above introduction to the Epistles of John is : First: That in the beginning the Father and the Son were one in fellowship. Second: The Son, which in this is spoken of as the word, was from the beginning. Third: That word was seen, handled, and made manifest to the Apostles, which was from the beginning. Fourth : That eternal life was in Christ, which was from the beginning. Fifth. All who believed these things had the same fellowship and eternal life as that which existed between the Son and the Father in the beginning.

“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.

“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.” — Verses 5-7.

This shows that this fellowship and eternal life with us and the Father and the Son depends on our walking in the light, as he is in the light. Says David, “Thy word is a light to my feet.” Another says, “The entrance of thy word giveth light.” It is on condition that we walk in the truth, that we are cleansed from all sin.

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

“If we say that w^e have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” — Verses 8-10.

The light, as we walk in it, shows us that we are born in sin and to say we are not in sin makes God a liar, for he has said that sin and death passed upon all men for that all have sinned.

“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

“And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our's only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

“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.

“He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” — 2:1-6.

God desires us not to sin, but if any does sin after walking in the light, then they have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous. The test is, then, whether we are in him or not. Also that we now keep his commandments. “He that sayeth he knoweth him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a Liar, and the truth is not in him.” Obedience is ever the test as to our standing before God. It is not our feeling or our saying we believe, neither some experience in healing, or some miraculous supposed happening, but remember it is ever and always obedience that settles the matter with God. He that abideth in him must walk as he walked. That is, do the things Christ did.

“Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.

“Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.” — Verses 7, 8.

Says the Apostle, this is not something new, but the same we had from the beginning. No, there are no new commandments, but the same old commandments we had from the beginning. John says, “This old commandment is now new to us, because the true light now shineth upon it.” We often use the expression about some old thing as it is becoming new to us. So when the commandments are taught in their true light, which we have had from the beginning, they appear new to us.

“He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.

“He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.” — Verses 9, 10.

In this scripture the light and darkness are both explained. The light is to keep the commandments. Darkness is to break the commandments.

“But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

“I write unto ; u little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.

“I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

“I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.” — Verses 11-14.

Note that it is stated here twice that Christ was from the beginning and the appeal is to those who have accepted Christ, that the word of God abideth in them. Thus showing they have obeyed that form of doctrine which was once delivered to the saints. Not some new doctrine, but that which was from the beginning, which the saints of God had known from the beginning.

“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.” — Verses 15-17.

The last statement here made is, he that doeth the will of God abideth forever. It is ever the doer. Faith, says James, without works is dead, being alone.

“Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.

“And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.

“These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.

“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.” — Verses 24-27.

Passing over verses 16 and 17, vdiich is an exhortation, the Apostle again reminds us of that which was from the beginning, which is the commandments which was with the Father and the Son. If those commandments, says the Apostle, remain in us, then we have the fellowship with the Father and the Son. He further says, this is the condition of eternal life wdiich is promised us. We are also reminded that our teacher, the Holy

Ghost, teaches no lies, but the truth according to the word which abides in us.

“And now, little children, abide in him; that when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him

at his coming.

“If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one

that doeth righteousness is born of him.” — Verses 28, 29.

The person who abides in obedience has boldness in the day of his coming. The test of true righteousness is always the performance of the commandments of God. The Psalmist says, “All thy commandments are righteousness, and thy law is the truth.”

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

“And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

“Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.

“Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.” — 3:1-7.

Every man who embraces the hope of seeing him at his coming and being changed to immortality purifies himself, even as he is pure. This purifying process is by ceasing to break the commandments of God and doing that which is righteous. Christ came to take away our sins, not the law, but sin, which is the violation of the law, for in him was no sin. He was not a law breaker. If we abide in him we sin not, but if we sin we have not known him. The test of obedience is what determins whether we are what we claim to be or not. The man who is not willing to obey any commandment of the law of God is no Christian, no matter if they belong to all the churches in the land. The more of a profession they make the greater hypocrites they are. Said Christ, “Yea, rather blessed are they who hear the word of God and do it.” Many don’t like to hear about the do religion. In fact the preaching of strict obedience to the commandments of God will kill any of the so-called revivals now in existence. That is not what they want. They want every thing else but the genuine obedience. The warning in verse eight is, not to be deceived by those who merely profess to be followers of God.

“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 bom 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.

“For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

“Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.” — Verses 8-12.

The story is here plainly told how to detect one class from the other. Namely, if a person will not, or is not, keeping the Co^uandments of God, he is a sinner, and has never been born of God, (converted) . They are of the devil. A man who is converted cannot break the commandments of God because his seed abides in him. Says Peter, “that seed is the word of God by which we are converted.” I Peter 1 :22. That word teaches obedience to the law of God, so that man cannot break the commandments of God as long as he regards the instructions of God. This is sanctification in its purity. It is all easy to argue sanctification in the abstract, but apply the test given, namely, if the person is willing to keep all the laws of God as written, the Sabbath not accepted, then we have evidence they are sanctified through the truth. If not willing, then we know they are not sanctified and do sin.

Note. The Apostle is not arguing whether a man can fall from grace in back-sliding. Neither is he arguing the point whether a man knows it all when he is converted, and if he violates in the least degree he is not sanctified. These points are all taken up in other scriptures, such as the text that says “If a man does sin after conversion he has an advocate,” and so on. But the point here is not whether a man is born of God at all, but it is whether he is of the devil or of God, which? That is the question here. It is decided by his relation to the commandments of God. We are safe in saying that the person who opposes any of the commandments of God is of the devil. Those who are willing to be taught what the commandments require and accept them by obedience are of God. This is the message we have had from the beginning says the Apostle.

“Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.

“We know that we have passed from death unto life because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

“Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.” — Verses 13-15.

Love and hatred is a test of our obedience. Hate results in murder, which is a violation of the sixth commandment. Love of the brethren is an evidence that we have passed from death unto life, (converted). The devil and the world always hates loyalty to God’s law.

“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.

“But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

“My little Children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

“And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

“For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

“Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.

“And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” — Verses 16-22.

The test of love is further given in plain language which, as Paul says, “Love is the fulfilling of the law.” Rom. 13:8. The last six precepts pertain to our duty to man, the first four to God. This, says Christ, is to “love the Lord our God with all the heart, and our neighbors as ourselves.”

“And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

“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.” — Verses 23, 24.

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

“Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

“And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

“They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.

“We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

“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.” - 4 : 1 - 8 .

The above is a most important scripture and all should understand it. We are admonished to “try the spirits, whether they be of God” or not. Surely in our day this is necessary when, if it were possible, they would deceive the very elect. It says the test is this, “every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God, and this is the spirit of anti-christ.” Verse four tells us how to test whether the spirit of Christ has come in our flesh or not. It says plainly, “Little children ye are of God, and have overcome them. For greater is he that is in you (your flesh) than he that is in the world. They are of the world, therefore they speak the things that are of the world, and the world heareth them. Hereby we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.” Hence, Christ here, is spoken of as coming in the flesh. That is, he is to come in our flesh by his spirit, and aid us in doing that which we cannot do in our own strength. Namely, aid us in the keeping of the commandments of God, which the world cannot do because they are not born again. Verse 13 says, “Hereby know we that we dwell in him and he in us, because he hath given us of his spirit.” Chapter five says, “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 ihe Key that Openeth and No Man Shutteth 13 and his commandments are not grevious.” Ch. 5:2, 3. This power to overcome the world and keep the commandments of God is obtained by faith through Christ who gives us that power.

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

“Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

“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.

“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

“And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

“If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.

“He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of the Son.” — 5:4-10.

The above scripture abounds with proof that all the Apostle has said is true, and the last statement is that we have the witness within ourselves that it is true. First, there are three in heaven, the Father, the Word (Christ), and the Holy Ghost. These three are one. They are united. Christ said, “Me and my Father are one” in unity. He also said, “He would send the Holy Ghost unto us which would lead us into all truth.” So they are one in perfect harmony. There are also three in earth, says John, that bear witness. The spirit, the water, and the blood, and these three agree in one. So there are six mentioned of which all agree in one. The three in heaven witnessed to Christ being the Word that came and dwelt among us: First, by Christ being conceived by the Holy Ghost. Second, at his baptism there was a voice from heaven saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” And third, on the cross, when his blood was spilled for the world, the voice from heaven again was heard, and the sun refused to shine on the scene. These three witnesses on earth were all given to bear testimony to us that Christ was the Son of God. And last, says John, we have the witness within ourselves We know the works of the flesh has been destroyed in us by his coming in the flesh in us. Thus enabling us to do that which we could not do without him. Namely, keep the commandments of God. For, “The carnal mind is not subject to the law of God neither indeed can be. ,, Rom. 8 :8. Paul says, “Now the works of the flesh are manifest which are these: adultery, lasciviousness, witchcraft, variance, emulation, strife, sedition, heresy, drunkenness, idolatry, and sedition, which as I have told you before, that they which do such things cannot inherit the kingdom of God and Christ. But the fruit of the spirit is joy, peace, longsuffering, meekness, temperance, and faith.” Gal. 5:19. Thus we see it is the same truth which has been from the beginning, not a new doctrine, not a new plan, not some side issue to tell whether we are sanctified or not, but obedience is the test. This obedience or disobedience is seen by the fruit we bear whether it is the works of the spirit or the works of the devil whether we are the children of God or the children of the devil. All is plain when the heart becomes in a condition it is willing to turn to the Lord by obedience. Don’t be deceived in these last days as to who are followers of God and who are not. “Great peace have they that love thy law and nothing shall offend them,” that is, nothing in the law, when presented, will be of the least objection to any child of God, but the children of the devil 'will argue against it and do all in their power to avoid its obligations. It is easy to know of what spirit we are of.

The Second Epistle of John.

“I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.

“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.”— Second John 4-6.

This Epistle is written to the Church as a whole as expressed by the term Lady. Again it is repeated that the commandment is from the Father and from the beginning. The beloved disciple is rejoiced to know that the children walk in the truth.

“For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the Flesh. This is 3 deceiver and an antichrist.

“Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

“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.

“If there come any unto you and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed.” — Verses 7:10.

The warning given to the Church is to beware of deceivers. He calls them anti-christ. He tells us who are anti-christ, it is those “who transgresseth and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ,” and that doctrine is the keeping of the commandments. Also anti-christ are those who say Christ is not come into our flesh, to strengthen us so we can keep the commandments of God. Some say anti-christ is the Catholic Church, some say one thing and some say another. But the facts are, every one who in any way opposes obedience to the whole law of the Father as written either on stone or in a book by Moses, is anti-christ. Every one who says the law cannot be kept, or is abolished, or is not good, or is contrary to us, or is a yoke of bondage, or says the Sabbath is Jewish, or in any other way opposes the laws of God are anti-christ, and no evading it. Who will dare deny it ? The beloved says, “If any man has this doctrine he has both the Father and the Son.” The last verses quoted are strong, namely, “If any come to you and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, (congregation). Neither bid him God’s speed.” We cannot conscientiously bid a law-breaker God’s speed in his rebellion, for in so doing we become partakers of his evil deeds. Paul says, if any be a covetous man we are not to so much as to eat, (the Lord’s supper). This shows us that no law breaker who purposely violates any of God’s commandments are entitled to the communion of the Lord’s body. Some make the test as to whether you have been baptised by a minister who has been authorized by a certain denomination, as though the saving virtue was in their authority. Shame on such ignorance. Paul says let each “examine himself” and see that he does not eat and drink unworthy, for, “for that cause many are sickly and die among you.” Hypocracy is a terrible thing. Ignorance like a dumb brute is another awful mistake, and what is still worse, is for teachers to teach that their organization and membership to it, entitles one to partake of the communion unwarned as to the result. All such ignorance in any sect or creed will say anti-christ is the Catholic Church when they are equally guilty.

Three Boys.

James and John were the sons of Zebedee, Peter was their partner. We now see how the beloved John taught the law and obedience, if you will read the book of James, following this you will have another example. Then I read that when Peter was told by the Lord to arise and slay and eat all manner of beasts let down to him in the sheet, which represented the unclean Gentiles, he said, “Not so Lord, for nothing common or unclean has ever entered my mouth.” And further said, “I perceive that in every nation he that feareth God and worketh righteousness (keeps the commandments) is accepted of him.” This tells me that his parents had raised the boy to obey God and his commandments, and in his home, did not have his table filled with hog, turtles, rabbits, frogs and every abominable thing. It teaches me also that Christ knew where to get his disciples, among boys that had been trained right. Who will profit by this lesson of these boys and obedience?