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Salvation of the Soul BOOK

A website for those who wish to digest the "strong [solid] meat,"

not just "the milk or meat," of the Word of God. ~ Hebrews 5:12-14

A Stool Requires at Least Three Legs to Stand!

The Biblical Number THREE Represents Divine Perfection!

God's Word Speaks of Three Aspects of Salvation!

Spirit -- Body -- SOUL

Salvation of the Soul BOOK
By Arlen Chitwood of Lamp Broadcast

“Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted Word, which is able to save your souls [the souls of Christians, those who have ‘passed from death unto life,’ the only ones in a position to received ‘the implanted Word’]” (James 1:21).

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18)

Are they [angels] not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit [lit. “for the sake of the ones about to inherit”] salvation? (Hebrews 1:14)

1)  Christians have been saved.

2)  Christians are being saved.

3)  Christians are about to be saved.

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:23)

1)  Naked.

2)  Separated from God.

Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, You are very great: You are clothed with [“You have put on”] honor and majesty. (Psalm 104:1)

Who cover Yourself with light as with a garment, who stretch out the heavens like a curtain. (Psalm 104:2)

1)  Divine intervention.

2)  Death and shed blood.

(Two different words are used for “naked” in the Hebrew text of Genesis 2:25 [before the fall] and Genesis 3:7 [after the fall].  In the latter [3:7], the word has to do with absolute nakedness, but not so in the former [2:25].

Remaining within the way a person dressed in the East at the time Moses wrote Genesis, and at later times as well, the word used relative to nakedness pertaining to Adam and Eve preceding the fall [2:25] could be used to describe a person clothed in a tunic [inner garment] but lacking the mantle or cloak [outer garment].  In the preceding respect, prior to the fall, Adam and Eve were clothed in the Glory of God but had yet to possess the regal outer garments worn by kings [fulfilling the reason for man’s creation — to rule the earth (Genesis 1:26-28)].

Then, following the fall, no longer clothed in the Glory of God, Adam and Eve were no longer in a position to be further clothed in regal garments, realizing the purpose for their creation.  They, apart from the inner garment [the Glory] could not wear the outer garments [royal apparel].

Adam, prior to the fall, never wore regal garments or held the scepter.  In this respect, he never moved beyond the description given in Genesis 2:25 — a “naked” condition, “naked” in relation to the reason for his creation [lacking the outer regal garments].

Thus, if man, now separated from the Glory, is to ever fulfill the purpose for his creation, God must act.  Redemption has to occur; and this, of necessity, has to include the complete man — spirit, soul, and body — with a view to not only a restoration of the Glory but to regality beyond this restoration.)

receiving the end of your faith -- the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:9)

Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted Word, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:21)

But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe [are faithful] to the saving of the soul. (Hebrews 10:39)

O wretched man that I am!  Who shall deliver me from this body of death?

(For information on the redemption of the body, refer to the appendix — “Adoption, Redemption of the Body” — in the author’s book, God’s Firstborn Sons BOOK, in this site.)

But the natural man [the “soulical” man] does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14)

And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual . . . . (1 Corinthians 3:1a)

. . . but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:1b)

(The use of “flesh” or “fleshly” in the preceding respect would be a direct allusion back to that which occurred in Eden at the time of the fall.  Man, following his fall, possessed a body that was no longer enswathed in a covering of Glory, with the exposed flesh openly demonstrating this fact.  This is what is meant by Christ coming “in the likeness of sinful flesh” [Romans 8:3].  Christ came to earth in a body not enswathed in the Glory of God.

This was the crux of the ignominy and shame surrounding the events of Calvary.  Not only was Christ’s body of flesh [apart from the covering of Glory] arrayed in a mock regal manner [with a robe and a crown of thorns], but He hung on the cross without even His Own garments to cover His body, for all to behold that which had been wrought by sin 4,000 years earlier — nakedness, and death [Matthew 27:27-36].

There though is nothing wrong with “flesh” per se.  Man was created in a body of flesh, Christ presently has a body of flesh, and both God’s Son and man will live in bodies of flesh forever.

But, though there is nothing wrong with a body of “flesh,” there is something wrong with a body of flesh that is not enswathed in the Glory of God.)

(Unredeemed man can understand the letter of Scripture [i.e., the stories or accounts of events in Scripture, viewing them as he would a secular book].  But to take these stories or accounts of events and see the spiritual content that God has built into them is completely beyond his ability [cf. 2 Corinthians 3:6ff].  He simply cannot understand the things of the Spirit, for, spiritually, he is dead; he is alienated from God.)

(The subject surrounding pastor-teachers and each having been entrusted with a flock, with a view to the salvation of not only the souls of the pastor-teachers but the souls of those in their flocks as well, is developed more fully in Chapter 8, The Ministry of Elders, of this book in this site.)

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone [any of you] desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

For whoever desires to save his life [soul] will lose it, but whoever loses his life [soul] for My sake will find it.

For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. (Matthew 16:24-27)

1) The true identity of Christ (Matthew 16:13-16, 20).

2) The impending inception of the Church (Matthew 16:17-19).

3) The approaching crucifixion of Christ (Matthew 16:21-23).

4) The salvation of the soul in relation to the coming kingdom (Matthew 16:24-27; cf. Matthew 16:28; 17:1-9).

1) A finished work in His past ministry as Prophet.

2) A continuing work (to be completed in the future) in His present ministry as Priest.

O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!

Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory? (Luke 24:25-26 [25b]).

(Note that the Passover lamb was given to Israel, and only Israel could slay this lamb [Exodus 12:1ff].  Thus, only Israel could have slain the Paschal Lamb in 33 A.D., which is exactly what occurred [Acts 2:23, 36; 7:52].

Man today is saved on the basis of the death of a Jewish Paschal Lamb and His shed blood — a Lamb slain by the only one who could slay this Lamb, by Israel.  But, though the Lamb was given to Israel and Israel slew the Lamb, unsaved man today doesn’t have to go to Israel per se to avail himself of that which has been done.  Rather, the slain Lamb [who was raised from the dead and lives forevermore], with His shed blood, has been made available for all — Jew and Gentile alike.

And because this is true, all that a person has to do today — Jew or Gentile alike — is “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ” [Acts 16:30-31].  Then, because of Christ’s finished work at Calvary, the believing individual passes “from death into life” [John 5:24; Ephesians 2:1, 5].

This then allows the Spirit to perform a work in the individual [an immersion in the Spirit], placing him “in Christ.”  And this, in turn, allows the individual to be numbered among those forming the new entity — the “one new man” — which Christ announced during His earthly ministry that He was about to bring into existence.)

(The word “Church” [Greek: ekklesia, meaning “called out”] is used more than one way in the New Testament.  The word is used, for example, in Revelation 2; 3 to refer to all of the saved during the present dispensation, those called out of the world.  But the word is also used in a futuristic sense, as seen in Matthew 16:18, referring to a segment of the saved — those called out of the larger body of Christians, those called out of the saved [cf. Hebrews 12:23].)

For many are called, but few are chosen [lit., “few are called out,” referring to a select group removed from the “called”]. (Matthew 22:14)

. . . whoever  loses his life [soul] for My sake will find it.

For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. (Matthew 16:25b, 27)

(The fact that the heavenly sphere of the kingdom was taken from Israel at Christ’s first coming, following almost fifteen centuries of Jewish history dating back to Moses, or following almost two millennia dating back to Abraham, cannot do away with the attitude that numerous Old Testament saints took relative to this sphere of the kingdom.  Many Old Testament saints exercised faith relating to the heavenly sphere of the kingdom, and they will not be denied an inheritance therein [Hebrews 11:39-40].)

(That which is seen in the mystery revealed to Paul was not something unknown and foreign to the Old Testament Scriptures.  Rather, that which is seen in the mystery revealed to Paul was a major subject of Old Testament typology.  The Spirit of God simply took that which is seen in the types and, by Paul, opened up and revealed numerous things previously recorded in this manner.)

(For additional information surrounding “the one new man” in Christ, refer to the author’s book, Search for the Bride BOOK, Chapters 7, 8, in this site.)

(Note:  Removing these verses from their contextual setting and using them in relation to the unsaved does away with and destroys that which is actually taught in this section of Scripture, along with fostering confusion relative to the biblical teaching concerning the salvation of the soul.

Other passages of Scripture dealing with this same overall subject are, more often than not, accorded this same type of treatment [e.g., the warning passages in Hebrews, or the overcomer's promises in Revelation 2; 3].)

(Note that Matthew 16:28-17:5 forms an additional explanation and provides commentary for Matthew 16:27, explaining that which is in view by the Son of Man coming “in the glory of his Father with his angels.”

And the thought of reward according to works is dealt with in related Scripture, seen both in connection with the kingdom [Luke 19:12ff] and the salvation of the soul [Hebrews 10:35-11:1, 23-26; James 2:5, 14-26].)

(Blessings in connection with man’s self-life though are not as one may be led to think — having the best of both worlds, for such is impossible.  Blessings in connection with the self-life are inseparably connected with dying to self.  One has to die in order to live [John 12:24-25].  The section that follows deals with this aspect of the matter.)

For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. (Romans 8:13)

(The translation of the parallel passage in Luke’s gospel, “. . . let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23b), would seemingly militate against the preceding.  This though is not the case at all.

First, there is some question concerning the validity of the word “daily” in the text.  The word is not found in a number of the better manuscripts.  But, if the word is to be considered part of the text, this part of the verse should be translated and understood in a similar manner to the way Wuest has it in his Expanded Translation:  “. . . let him at once and once for all pick up and carry his cross day after day.”)

(James is the main epistle in the New Testament dealing particularly with faith and works in relation to the salvation of the soul.  This subject is developed more fully in Chapter 5, Faith Made Mature.  Also see Appendix 1, Faith and Works.)

Of His own will He brought us forth by the Word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted Word, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:18, 21)

(For additional information on the divine work in a Christian’s life in the preceding respect, as set forth in James 1:18, 21, refer to the author's book, in this site, Brought Forth from Above BOOK.

The issue surrounding redemption in relation to alienated, unredeemed man has to do with the salvation of his spirit; and the issue surrounding redemption in relation to redeemed man, who possesses a right relationship with God, has to do with the salvation of his soul.  Thus, relative to the salvation of both the spirit and the soul, man has been saved [salvation of the spirit] in order to bring him into a position where he can be saved [salvation of the soul].

The former has to do with eternal verities and the latter with millennial verities.  Through the salvation of man’s spirit, he comes into possession of eternal life; but only through the salvation of his soul does he come into possession of the inheritance awaiting the faithful, to be realized during the Messianic Era.

And the latter [the saving of the soul], not the former [the salvation of the spirit], is the subject in view in James 1:18, 21.)

“Therefore, putting away all filthiness and all prevailing wickedness, in meekness receive the implanted Word, which is able to save your souls.”

Putting away therefore all wickedness, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speaking,

As newborn babes, long for the spiritual milk which is without guile, that ye may grow thereby unto salvation.  (1 Peter 2:1-2 ASV)

(The words eis soterian are found in some Greek manuscripts but not in others.  The weight of manuscript evidence though would favor the inclusion of these two words in the text, which is why most Greek texts printed in modern times include these words.

A translation of these two words is not found in the KJV because the Textus Receptus, the main Greek text used for the New Testament portion of the KJV, does not include these words.  Most English translations in modern times though, using later Greek texts based on more manuscript evidence than the Textus Receptus, include these words. (Ref. Textus Receptus - Wikipedia.)

And, because of the subject matter at hand — the saving of the soul — these two words fit perfectly into the overall text.)

Therefore lay aside [lit., Therefore laying aside] all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive . . . . . (James 1:21a)

Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking . . . desire [long for] . . . . . (1 Peter 2:1-2a)

(Note that both “milk” and “meat” have an association with that which is living in both the physical and spiritual realms.  Man may attempt to duplicate both; but, in reality, he can duplicate neither.  Life of this nature — physical or spiritual — comes only through breath, which comes from God.

This whole overall thought will explain what is meant in John 6 by partaking of Christ as the Bread of life, or eating His flesh and drinking His blood [John 6:33-35, 48-58].  There is the living Word, and there is the written Word [which is living as well].  The two are inseparably related, for, by way of explanation concerning that which is stated in John chapter six, John had previously called attention to the Word becoming flesh [John 1:1-2, 14]. 

God’s Son is a manifestation of the Old Testament Scriptures in the form of flesh [cf. Luke 24:25-27, 44].  And, accordingly, an individual partakes of the Word made flesh through an intake, assimilation, and digestion of the written Word.  Both are simply manifestations of the Word, which is God, in two different forms.

Everything is alive.  It is a partaking of the living Word through a partaking of the written Word [which, again, is living as well].  It is a progression from living milk, to living meat, to living strong meat (solid food).  Only through this means can spiritual growth for the man now possessing spiritual life occur.)

that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. (Genesis 2:7)

(The word “Spirit” in the Greek text is Pneuma, a word that also means “breath.”  It is used in the latter sense in the New Testament to show life being produced by “a breathing in,” or death being wrought by “a breathing out.”  In Luke 8:55, life was restored to a young girl by her “spirit [breath]” returning; and in Luke 23:46, Christ terminated His life on the Cross by giving “up the spirit [lit., from the wording of the Greek text, He ‘breathed out’].”)

. . . darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over (KJV: moved upon) the face of the waters.

Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.

For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. . . .

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation . . . .

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

So that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV)

1) Unlock the door concerning the Neshamah of God in relation to saved man (past or present).

2) Demonstrate the power of the Word of God.

3) Reveal the reason Christians are commanded to “receive the implanted Word.”

(The Neshamah of God, relating to saved man and the salvation of his soul, is continued in Chapter 4 of this book, The Breath of God, Ch. 4, Salvation of the Soul by Arlen Chitwood.)

And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath [neshamah] of life; and man became a living being. (Genesis 2:7)

All Scripture is God-breathed [theopneustos] and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16, NIV)

(Background material for “the breath of God” can be found in The Implanted Word in this site.)

For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword . . . .” (Hebrews 4:12a)

And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,

speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,

giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, (Ephesians 5:18-20)

Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3:16-17)

(Adoption in connection with the salvation of the soul is dealt with in a more extensive manner at the end of this chapter.)

And do not be conformed to this world [age], but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

Israel is out of place.

The Gentile nations are out of place.

Christ and His co-heirs (those destined to occupy regal positions with Him in the kingdom) are out of place.

Satan and his angels are out of place.

The rightful place for Israel is dwelling in the land covenanted to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, within a theocracy, at the head of the nations.

The rightful place for the Gentile nations is dwelling in their respective lands, out from under the dominion and rule of Satan, in a position subservient to and blessed through Israel.

The rightful place for Christ and His co-heirs is ruling (from the heavens over the earth) in the stead of Satan and his angels.

The rightful place for Satan and his angels is in the abyss and ultimately in the lake of fire.

(The preceding is dealt with at length in the books of 1, 2 Samuel, in the typology surrounding Saul and David.  Refer to the author’s book, Judgment Seat of Christ BOOK, Chapter 12, “Crowned Rulers,” for a discussion of this type in the light of the antitype.)

“. . . be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

and have put on the new man who is renewed [lit., ‘is being renewed’] in knowledge after the image of Him who created him.

Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.

Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves;

and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.

And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.

Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” (Matthew 16:28-17:5)

For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty [His greatest regal magnificence — a superlative in the Greek text]. (2 Peter 1:16)

(At the end of the present dispensation, all Christians will be resurrected, or removed from the earth without dying, in the same type of body in which Christ was raised from the dead.  Christ was raised in a spiritual body rather than a natural [soulical] body [cf. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44].  He was raised in a body of flesh and bones, with the life-giving, animating principle of the body being the Spirit of God rather than the blood [which He had previously “poured out” (Isaiah 53:12)].

Christ though was not raised in a glorified body.  He was raised in a type of body that possessed capabilities outside the scope possessed by a natural [soulical] body [e.g., He could appear at a certain place and disappear from that place, moving to another place, at will (Luke 24:31, 36)].  But there was no Glory connected with His resurrection body until “a cloud” received Him out of the disciples’ sight at the end of His forty-day post-resurrection ministry, when He was “received up into glory” [Acts 1:9; 1 Timothy 3:16].

This can be easily seen, for example, by noting the differences in two of Christ’s post-resurrection appearances.  He appeared to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus later on the same day that He was raised from the dead [appearing apart from His Glory (Luke 24:13-31)], and He appeared a few years later to Paul on the road to Damascus [in connection with His Glory (Acts 9:1-5; 26:12-15)].  At Christ’s former appearance, it is apparent that there was nothing visibly different about His overall appearance that distinguished him from any other man.  However, at His latter appearance, there was a major difference in this respect.  There was a brightness surrounding His appearance that was above that of the noon-day sun [Acts 26:13; cf. Revelation 1:16].

When Christians are removed from the earth at the end of the present dispensation, they will receive bodies like Christ’s body at the time of His resurrection — a spiritual body of flesh and bones, apart from the Glory.  The “redemption” of the body will then occur at a later time, synonymous with “the adoption” [Romans 8:23], not in connection with the removal of Christians from the earth at the end of the present dispensation.

[The manner in which the Greek text is worded in Romans 8:23, the redemption of the body and the adoption are synonymous.  One is simply another way of saying the same thing as the other.

“…waiting out adoption, (namely) the ransoming of our body” (Lenski).

“Patiently awaiting son-placing, the redemption of our body” (Wuest).]

The adoption of Christians can occur only following events surrounding the judgment seat of Christ, for the adoption has to do with sons occupying the position of “firstborn” [firstborn sons] — something that cannot occur preceding a separation of Christians [the overcomers from the non-overcomers], based on decisions and determinations rendered at the judgment seat.  Christians having been shown faithful at the judgment seat, realizing the salvation of their souls/lives, will be adopted as firstborn sons.  But such will not be, for it cannot be, the case for unfaithful Christians, those having forfeited their souls/lives.

According to Romans 8:18-23, adoption as firstborn sons is in connection with rulership [in the human realm, only firstborn sons can rule in this manner within the theocracy].  And the unfaithful, though possessing spiritual bodies of flesh and bones, will be in no position to rule and cannot be adopted into a firstborn status.  They can only appear as the ones seen in Hebrews 12:8 — as individuals who had previously rejected God’s child-training [Hebrews 12:5-7] and cannot now be His sons [the sons seen in Romans 8:19, adopted into a firstborn status in Romans 8:23].

[The word “chastisement” (KJV) in Hebrews 12:5-8 is from noun and verb forms (paideia, paideuo) of a Greek word that means “child-training.”  Then, the word translated “bastard” (KJV) in v. 8 is nothos in the Greek text.  The word, contextually refers to those who reject God’s child-training and cannot be His sons.

“Sonship,” with a view to rulership, is in view.  And only those capable of spiritual perception, only those born from above, would be in a position to reject God’s child-training.  Thus, the unsaved cannot be in view; nor is eternal salvation even the subject at hand.]

Only following the adoption can the Glory be connected with the body, with man brought back into a full realization of that which Adam forfeited at the time of the fall [at the end of six days, at the end of 6,000 years].  Man, following the adoption and the corresponding restoration of the Glory will once again be enswathed in a covering of Glory and in a position to be further clothed in regal garments [refer to the text in parenthesis on in Chapter 1 of this book for additional information in this realm].

Thus, the redemption of the body in Romans 8:23 can have nothing to do with the change in the body that will occur when Christians are removed from the earth at the end of the dispensation.  As shown by the context, the redemption of the body in this verse can only be a reference to that future time when “the glory . . . shall be revealed in us,” in Christians; it can only be a reference to that future time when “the sons of God,” a new order of Sons — Christ with His co-heirs [overcoming Christians, adopted and properly arrayed] — will be manifested for all to behold [Romans 8:18-19].

[For additional information on the preceding subject, refer to the appendix, Adoption, Redemption of the Body, in the author’s book, God’s Firstborn Sons BOOK, in this website].)

What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?

But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?

Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?

Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect [brought to its goal]? (James 2:14, 20-22)

“My brethren, if anyone says he has faith, but does not have works, he cannot profit, can he?  Faith [apart from works] cannot save him, can it?”

1)  A corruption of the biblical teaching concerning salvation by grace.

2)  A corruption of the true message in the book of James.

(Works surrounding eternal salvation can enter only as they pertain to Christ’s finished work at Calvary, or to the Spirit’s work of breathing life into the one having no life [on the basis of Christ’s finished work].  Unregenerate man, “dead in trespasses and sins” [Ephesians 2:1], cannot act in the spiritual realm.  Divine intervention alone can and must occur [Ephesians 2:5].

And saved man cannot act in this realm either, for God is no longer dealing with him relative to eternal salvation.  God is now dealing with him on an entirely different plane — relative to the saving of the soul, where man’s works can enter, which is the subject matter of James.)

. . .  if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work. (Romans 11:6)

(Note the central Old Testament type in the preceding respect — the Israelites under Moses.  Following the death of the firstborn [Exodus 12:1ff], God dealt with the Israelites on an entirely different plane.  God then dealt with them relative to the land set before them, not relative to that which was a past, finished matter — the prior death of the firstborn in Egypt.

And so it is with Christians under Christ in the antitype.  This is more fully developed in Chapters 6, 7 of this book.)

For as the body without the spirit [Greek: pneuma, ‘breath’ in this context] is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? (Genesis 22:21)

Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? (James 2:25)

For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,

each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by [in] fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is.

If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.

If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. (1 Corinthians 3:11-15)

(There will be an interval of time, of apparent short duration, between the removal of the Church and the beginning of Daniel’s Seventieth Week [Revelation 1:11-6:1].  The ratifying of the covenant between the man of sin and Israel marks the beginning of this period, not the removal of the Church.  And in the chronology of events seen in Revelation chapters one through five, events surrounding the judgment seat of Christ [among certain revealed events that both precede and follow those of the judgment seat] will occur preceding the Tribulation, which is seen beginning in Revelation chapter six.

Refer to the author’s book, in this site, The Time of the End BOOK, Chapters 6-10 for a discussion of the chronology of these events between the removal of the Church and the beginning of the Tribulation.)

For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward [recompense] each according to his works. (Matthew 16:27)

(For additional information on this subject, refer to in this following appendix, “Faith and Works.”)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

 

to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved [‘preserved’] in heaven for you,

 

who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3-5)

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15)

that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal [aionios] life.

but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.

For many are called [as the entire accountable generation under Moses], but few are chosen [lit., “called out,” as Caleb and Joshua]. (Matthew 22:14)

1)  Ruler of the household under and for the father.

2)  Priest of the family.

3)  The reception of a double portion of the father’s estate.

Have you only one blessing, my father? Bless me -- me also, O my father! (Genesis 27:38a)

And Esau lifted up his voice and wept. (Genesis 27:38b)

(The way in which Genesis 27:38 is worded in the Hebrew text shows that Esau was literally beside himself with grief at this time, apparently from not only coming into a full realization of the value of that which he had forfeited but from realizing the finality of his previous actions as well.)

For ye know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected; for he found no place for a change of mind in his father, though he sought it diligently with tears.

“Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine” (Genesis 35:22).

Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity and the excellency of power.

 

Unstable as water, you shall not excel, because you went up to your father’s bed; then you defiled it -- he went up to my couch. (Genesis 49:3-4)

The tribal rulership was bestowed upon “Judah.

 

The priestly office was bestowed upon “Levi.”

 

The double portion of the father’s estate was given to “Joseph.”

1)  A position as ruler.

2)  A position as priest.

3)  The reception of a double portion of the Father’s estate.

Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion [let them rule] . . . .” (Genesis 1:26)

 

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable [without a change of mind]. (Romans 11:29)

Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations [the Gentiles] for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession.  (Psalm 2:8)

(God’s present dealings with Christians in relation to the rights of the firstborn is with a view to Christians being adopted yet future, adopted into a firstborn standing.)

“To deny the parallel is to overthrow inspiration: to ignore the parallel is to silence Scripture: to admit the parallel is to disclose a momentous peril to the believer in Christ.”  — D. M. Panton

For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward,

 

how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation . . . ?  (Hebrews 2:2-3a)

“For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak [lit., ‘concerning which we are speaking’], in subjection to angels” (Hebrews 2:5).

That the genuineness [KJV: “trial”] of your faith [approval of your faith], being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested [KJV: “tried”] by fire [it is approved through fire], may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation [KJV: “appearing”] of Jesus Christ,

whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

receiving the end [goal] of your faith — the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:7-9)

“That the ‘approval’ of your faith . . . but being ‘approved’ through fire . . . .”

(Refer to the appendix in this book, “Faith and Works,” in this site, to see the correct relationship of one to the other.)

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved [KJV: “tried”], he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it [the prize].

And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.

Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.

But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified [be “disapproved”].

Now these things became our examples [lit., “these things happened as types for us”], to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.

Now all these things happened to them as examples [lit., “as types”], and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

. . . For whoever eats leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that person shall be cut off from Israel. (Exodus 12:15b)

(In the type, it was impossible for God to change His mind and remain true to His Word concerning that which He had previously stated would occur if the Israelites did not obey His voice; and, in the antitype, in like manner, it will be impossible for God to change His mind and remain true to His Word concerning that which He has previously stated will occur if Christians do not obey His voice.)

1) Their attitude toward both “the food” (the manna) that God had provided and “the land” (the land of Canaan) that lay before them.

2) Their attitude toward both “the food” (fish, etc.) that they had previously enjoyed in Egypt and “the land” (the land of Egypt) that they had left.

Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?

Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.

Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. (1 Corinthians 5:6-8 [6b])

(Note that Christ can presently minister in the heavenly sanctuary after the order of Aaron, though not of the tribe of Levi, because He is not ministering on behalf of a people under the Mosaic Economy.

But, when Israel is brought back into the picture yet future, Christ’s priesthood will, of necessity, have to change.  In that day Christ will come forth as the great King-Priest after the order of Melchizedek.)

(Note:  God’s Word cannot be exalted [magnified] above His Name, for both, as seen in the Hebrew text of Psalm 138:2, are different manifestations of the same thing — the triune God [cf. John 1:1-2, 14].)

The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:

Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;

nor as being lords over those entrusted to you [KJV: God’s heritage], but being examples [types] to the flock;

and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. (1 Peter 5:1-4)

Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!

Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” (Luke 24:25-26)

. . . if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. . . .”

(Along with being called “children” [Greek: teknon], Christians are also referred to in a present sense as being “sons” [Greek: huios] three different places in the New Testament [Romans 8:14; Galatians 3:26; 4:6-7; Hebrews 12:5-8].  In each instance, the context deals with different aspects of present faithfulness in the Christian life, with a view to faithful Christians being among those adopted into a firstborn status following events surrounding the judgment seat.

For additional information on sonship and adoption in this respect, refer to the parenthetical section near the end of The Implanted Word in this site.)

. . . when He testified beforehand the sufferings with respect to Christ [i.e., with respect to Christians entering into Christ’s sufferings], and the glory that should follow.

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;

but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. (1 Peter 4:12-13; cf. James 1:2-12)

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12)

(The word "heritage" is a translation of the Greek word kleros.  Cognate forms of kleros would be the Greek words for “heir” [kleronomos] and “inheritance” [kleronomia].

Kleros is used two ways in the New Testament when referring to groups of individuals [such as the Church].  It is used referring to a segment of the people [Acts 1:17, 26], and it is used relative to an inheritance awaiting the people of God [Acts 26:18; Colossians 1:12].

The thought inherent in the use of kleros in 1 Peter 5:3 appears to be a combination of both usages of the word seen in the New Testament.  That is to say, a segment of Christians [comprising a church] has been placed in charge of elders in a particular area;  and these elders’ ministry to the Christians placed under their care is with a view to leading these Christians into the realization of an awaiting inheritance.)

Depend upon and be submissive to the ones leading you; for they watch on behalf of your souls, as ones having to give an account, that they may do this with joy and not groaning; for this would be unprofitable for you. (Hebrews 13:17)

1) That the elders might be able to properly carry out their God-ordained responsibility of caring for the flock.

2) That the sheep might receive the proper care as they “grow thereby unto salvation [‘with respect to salvation’ — the salvation of their souls]” (1 Peter 2:2b, ASV).

a) He must be “blameless” (1 Timothy 3:2):  The Greek word translated “blameless” is anepilemptos.  This is a compound word prefixed with the letter “a.”  The verb form without the prefix is epilambano.  Epi means “upon,” and lambano means “to take.”  Thus, the two words used in a compound form mean “to take hold upon.”  Prefixing the letter “a” to the compound form makes the word mean exactly the opposite — “unable to take hold upon.”  This is the thought behind the meaning of “blameless.”  An elder must be an individual that no one can take hold of (lay his hands upon, point a finger at) in the sense of bringing a charge of wrongdoing against him.  He must be “above reproach.”

b) He must be “the husband of one wife” (1 Timothy 3:2):  The construction of these words in the Greek text, standing alone, refers to “a one-woman type man [whether married or unmarried].”  However, the context associates this “one-woman type man” with the marriage relationship existing between husband and wife (1 Timothy 3:4-5); and when used in this manner, the construction refers, as in the Authorized Version, to “the husband of one wife” (note 1 Timothy 5:9 where the same construction is used).

c) He must be “temperate” [KJV: “vigilant”] (1 Timothy 3:2):  The word in the Greek text means “dispassionate,” or “circumspect.”  His ability to function must not be affected by personal or emotional involvement.  He is to look carefully at all related circumstances before acting.

d) He must be “sober-minded” (1 Timothy 3:2):  The word in the Greek text means “serious-minded,” “sensible,” “one who shows good judgment.”

e) He must be “of good behavior” (1 Timothy 3:2):  The word appearing in the Greek text is kosmios.  This is closely related to the word kosmos (from which we derived the English word, “cosmos”), referring to an “orderly arrangement,” as opposed to chaos.  The thought behind kosmios is “order.”  An elder must be an “orderly type person.”

f) He must be “hospitable” (1 Timothy 3:2):  The compound word philoxenos appears in the Greek text.  Philos means “fond of” or “loving,” and xenos means “stranger,” “foreigner,” or “alien.”  Thus, philoxenos refers to one who “loves strangers.” The early Church met in homes, and “strangers” — new converts, among others — were continually being brought into these meeting places.  And these “strangers” were to be joyfully received and nurtured along with the others.  The same attitude is to prevail concerning “strangers” today.  When new converts are brought into the assembly, or when Christians move into a new area, both are to be received in a hospitable manner by the elders, with a view to these individuals occupying their proper place in the assembly.

g) He must be “able to teach” (1 Timothy 3:2):  The Greek word refers to one who is “able and skilled in teaching.”

h) He must not be “given to wine” (1 Timothy 3:3):  Wine in countries where churches were established during the first century, as in certain countries in the same area today, was a common beverage.  The word in the Greek text refers to one who becomes addicted to wine.

i) He must not be “violent” (1 Timothy 3:3):  The Greek word refers to a “belligerent” or “hostile” type person.

j) He must not be “greedy for money” (1 Timothy 3:3):  The best Greek manuscripts omit these words.  Consequently, this portion is not included in many recent translations.  However, the expression is found in 1 Timothy 3:8 (referring to deacons) and in Titus 1:7 (referring to bishops [elders]).  The expression in the Greek text refers to “dishonesty” or “disgraceful base gain.”

k) He must be “gentle” (1 Timothy 3:3):  The Greek word refers to one who is “gentle,” “mild,” “reasonable.”

l) He must not be a “quarrelsome” (1 Timothy 3:3):  The word in the Greek text is amachos.  This is the word mache (“fight”) with the prefix “a,” which negates the word.  Thus, amachos refers to “one who does not engage in fights,” “one who is not quarrelsome.”

m) He must not be “covetous” (1 Timothy 3:3):  The word in the Greek text is aphilarguros.  This is a compound word (philos and arguros) with the prefix “a.”  Philos, as previously seen, means “fond of” or “loving”; and arguros means “silver,” referring to “money.”  Philarguros means “a lover of money”; but the word used in the text, negated by the prefix “a,” is aphilarguros, which means exactly the opposite — “one who does not love money.”

n) He must be an individual who “rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence” (1 Timothy 3:4):  The word “rules” is a translation of the compound Greek word proistemi (comprised of pro and histemi).  Pro means “before,” and histemi means “to stand.”  Thus, proistemi means “to stand before,” “to take the lead.”  Then, the word translated “reverence” [KJV: “gravity”] is from a Greek word (semnotes), which refers to “dignified behavior.” An elder is to take the lead role — stand before all others — in “supervising” or “managing” his house, and he is to accomplish this with “dignified behavior.”  An elder must manage his own house in this manner: “(for if a man does not know how to rule (manage) his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?)” (1 Timothy 3:5).

o) He must not be a “novice” (1 Timothy 3:6):  The word in the Greek text is neophutos, from which we derive our English word “neophyte.”  Neophutos is a compound word comprised of neos (“new”) and phutos (from phuo [“to spring up”]).  The word refers to “a new convert.” The reason given why “a new convert” is not to hold the position of elder is because he may be “lifted up with pride” and “fall into the condemnation of the devil.”  Satan, in the pre-Adamic world, became dissatisfied with his position as ruler over this earth and sought to elevate his throne above his God-appointed position (Isaiah 14:12ff; Ezekiel 28:12ff).  As a result, the cosmos became a chaos (Genesis 1:1-2a), necessitating restoration through divine intervention (Genesis 1:2-2:1 [2b]).  An immature Christian is not to hold the position of elder, lest he, through pride, as Satan, might seek to elevate his office above his God-appointed position (rule over the flock, etc.).  Such a move would, after some fashion, have the same results as Satan’s move.  In Satan’s case it was cosmos to chaos relative to the earth; and in the elder’s case it would be cosmos to chaos relative to the church.

p) He must “must have a good testimony [KJV: ‘report’] among those who are outside” (1 Timothy 3:7):  In addition to everything else that has been named, an elder must possess a good testimony in the eyes of those outside the church (those in the world).  As stated at the very beginning of the list of qualifications for elders, he must be “above reproach.”  An elder must be an individual against whom no one can bring a charge of wrongdoing.

. . . that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers.

I thank my God always concerning you . . . .

always in every prayer of mine making request for you . . . .

We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you.

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work . . . For this reason we also thank God without ceasing . . . .

We are bound to thank God always for you . . . Therefore we also pray always for you . . . But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you . . . .

. . . without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day.

I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers. 

(Romans 1:9; 1 Corinthians 1:4; Philippians 1:4; Colossians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3; 2:13; 2 Thessalonians 1:3, 11; 2:13; 2 Timothy 1:3; Philemon 1:4).

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1)

However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. (1 Timothy 1:16)

that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (Hebrews 6:12)

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

Knowing therefore, the terror of the Lord [at the judgment seat], we persuade men [to prepare themselves for that which will transpire at this judgment] . . . .” (2 Corinthians 5:10-11a)

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

(The Greek word translated “judgment seat” is bema.  The word refers to a raised platform upon which a judge or magistrate would stand or sit, rendering decisions.  The word is used twelve times in the New Testament;  and, aside from two references relative to a future appearance of Christians [Romans 14:10; 2 Corinthians 5:10] and one reference relative to the future inheritance of Abraham and his descendants [Acts 7:5], the word is consistently used in connection with a place where negative judicial decisions or acts occurred.

The word bema is used in Matthew 27:19 and John 19:13 as the place where Pilate sat when he delivered Christ to be crucified;  it was the place where Herod sat when he made an oration, failed to give God the glory, was smitten by an angel of the Lord, eaten of worms, and then breathed out — expired, died [apparently eaten alive, from the order given in the text (Acts 12:21-23)];  it was the place where Paul was brought to be falsely accused, with the chief ruler of the synagogue [Sosthenes] being beaten before the bema [Acts 18:12, 16-17];  and it was the place where Paul was again brought to be judged relative to his ministry, which set the course for his appeal to Caesar and eventual trip to Rome for trial and sentencing at Caesar’s hands [Acts 25:6, 10, 17].

Refer to the author’s book, Judgment Seat of Christ BOOK, in this site, for details surrounding Christians before the bema.)

1) As ones who sounded the warning from God, delivering (saving) their own souls and the souls of those who had heeded the message (Ezekiel 3:17, 19, 21; 33:5, 7, 9).

2) As ones who failed to sound the warning from God, failing to deliver (failing to save) their own souls and the souls of those who were to hear the message (Ezekiel 3:17-18, 20; 33:5, 7-8).

David slew Goliath.  But it could also be said that the Lord slew Goliath.  It is the same principle seen in the actions of the two angels in Genesis 18; 19.  Acting under fixed laws, the actions of these angels were seen as the Lord’s actions; and acting by faith, David’s actions were seen as the Lord’s actions. Thus, comparing these accounts in Genesis, Numbers, Joshua, and 1 Samuel, acting by faith can only be seen as acting under a fixed divine law that cannot change.

Appendix 1

Faith and Works – Not Contradictory
Justification by Faith, Justification by Works

What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?

But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?

Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?

Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?

And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” 

and he was called the friend of God. 

You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. (James 2:14, 20-24)

And the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you little by little; you will be unable to destroy them at once, lest the beasts of the field become too numerous for you.

But the LORD your God will deliver them over to you, and will inflict defeat upon them until they are destroyed.

And He will deliver their kings into your hand, and you will destroy their name from under heaven; no one shall be able to stand against you until you have destroyed them. (Deuteronomy 7:22-24)

You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.

This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.

Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’S, and He will give you into our hands. (1 Samuel 17:45-47 [45b])