WHISPERS OF THE MYSTERIES

WHISPERS OF THE MYSTERIES
BY: RAY~DORIS PRINZING
CHAPTERS 1-16
CHAPTERS TITLE PAGE

1 STEWARDS OF THE MYSTERIES 1
2 THE MYSTERY OF BABYLON 6
3 THE MYSTERY OF INIQUITY 11
4 THE MYSTERY OF GODLINESS 17
5 THE MYSTERY OF OUR CHANGE 23
6 THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL 29
7 THE MYSTERY OF THE FAITH 35
8 THE MYSTERY OF THE GOSPEL 40
9 THE MYSTERY OF THE CHURCH 45
10 THE MYSTERY OF THE SEVEN STARS 51
11 THE MYSTERY OF ISRAEL’S BLINDNESS 55
12 THE MYSTERY OF THE KINGDOM 60
13 THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST 65
14 THE MYSTERY OF THE FATHER 70
15 THE MYSTERY OF THE SEVEN STARS 74
16 THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE MYSTERY 79
The Spirit of the Word
"The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life." - Jesus
"The letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life." - Paul
PREFACE
"The Lord, the Eternal, has given me a well-trained tongue, that I may rightly answer the ungodly; morning by
morning He awakens me to learn my lesson, and never have I disobeyed, or turned away." Isaiah 50:4-5,
Moffatt, translation.
"The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to
our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this Iaw." Deuteronomy 29:29
"Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law." Psa. 119:18
The truths, which are shared in this book, are only as the first whispers of things so profound and blessed, that
it is difficult to articulate that which one begins to see in their spirit. But we rejoice in the promise that "then
shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: His going forth is prepared as the morning." (Hosea 6:3) May
the Spirit of Christ, which comes to abide within, to guide us into all truth, go far beyond the limited expression
made, and use these truths as seed-thoughts, which shall grow into precious revelations and understanding of
Divine Verities.
That which is contained therein cannot be valued in terms of material goods, but is shared with others because
it has become life and light to us. May it be received in the same spirit of love in which it is shared. If there be
any thoughts expressed that seem to be the result of only natural thinking, we trust that a little breath of
kindness will blow the chaff away, that the kernel of truth might remain to bless.
With love we dedicate this book to all those who seek to know the mysteries of spiritual reality.
CHAPTER ONE
"STEWARDS OF THE MYSTERIES"
"Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is
required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." [1 Corinthians 4:1-2]
While in the context there is a definite reference to the apostles, Paul, Apollos, and Cephas, certainly this
includes more than these three men of God in that time, for when we read "Let a man so account of us..." the
US will surely include the called and chosen, the elect of God - those who have been foreordained, and are
WHISPERS OF THE MYSTERIES, Chapters 1-16 [Ray-Doris Prinzing] ~ BOOK 1
now being prepared in this hour, to bear the message of the Gospel to all creation. His firstfruits of the new
creation, specifically apprehended of Him, to be brought into the fullness of redemption and an understanding
of the mysteries of God, that these might be able to instruct mankind in the ways of the Lord.
Therefore we account, reckon His firstfruit company, to be "ministers of Christ." It is also to be noted that the
word "Christ" is not prefixed in the Greek text with the definite article "the" to identify it solely as our Lord Jesus
Christ, but rather it bespeaks of QUALITY - and while it does include The Christ, it also includes that entire
ANOINTED COMPANY of which He is the Head. These are they who shall be led by the Spirit, speak by the
unction of the Spirit, to fulfill the will and purpose of God. The word "minister" is a Greek word that literally
means - an under rower, assistant. At no time will these "laborers together with God" [1 Corinthians 3:9] ever
usurp His Headship, even though we are to "grow up into Him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ."
[Ephesians 4:15] There is a HEADSHIP REALM in which the over comer shall share, "to sit with Me in My
throne." [Revelation 3:21] However, it is also emphatically clear, "that in all He shall have the pre-eminence."
[Colossians 1:18]
"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech by us: we pray in Christ's stead, be ye
reconciled to God." [2 Corinthians 5:20] The terms are all very expressive - we are to become saviours in The
Saviour, mediators in The Mediator, anointed ones of the Anointed, and thus be able "in His stead" to further
His claims upon mankind. These are the VISIBLE VESSELS through whom the Invisible God ministers to man.
Indeed, "the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God," [Romans
8:19] for these will be the visible expression of His redemption - and thus all earth shall SEE the salvation of
the Lord IN WHICH ALL CREATION SHALL HAVE A PART.
Of the firstfruits it is written, "Whom having not seen, ye love; in Whom, though now ye see Him not, yet
believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory." [1 Peter 1:8] For with Moses they "endure, as
seeing Him who is invisible." [Hebrews 11:27] But when for them, "reality breaks through, they shall reflect His
likeness, for they shall see Him as He really is." [1 John 3:2, Phillips] And then shall they BE faith made sight,
hope expressed in reality, and love personified. Living epistles to be "known and read of all men." [2
Corinthians 3:2]
Not only are these to be thought of as "ministers of Christ," but also as "stewards." A fascinating word in the
Greek text, for it literally means a "house manager," one who has been given oversight of the household, to
govern all the affairs thereof. Joseph, that blessed example of the trailblazer in the Old Testament, when sold
as a slave by his brethren, taken down into Egypt, bought by Potiphar and brought into his house, when
Potiphar saw that the Lord was with Joseph, "he had made him OVERSEER in his house, and over all that he
had...he left all that he had in Joseph's hand..." [Genesis 39:5-6] God has been processing His firstfruits
company to be trained and fitted for a stewardship position, that He might entrust them with His precious
mysteries.
The word "mystery" also bears examination, for it comes from the Greek word "musterion", meaning: what is
known only to the initiated, from a derivative of "muo," to shut the mouth. Through the idea of silence imposed
by initiation, it comes to refer to a secret, or mystery.
From the noun "mystery" comes the adjective "mystic" in reference to one who has been initiated into those
secrets. We also have the adjective "mystical" as in reference to the MYSTICAL BODY OF CHRIST. This is
defined as: Having a spiritual meaning, reality, neither apparent to the senses nor obvious to the intelligence
(of the carnal mind). But it refers to an individual's direct communion with God through contemplation, vision,
an inner light, giving spiritual insight.
Because creation is waiting for a visible expression, they always look for that which they can recognize by their
senses, see, hear, touch, taste, smell. So the church has to be a collective body of people gathering in a
building with a cross and steeple, etc. If you tell them "I cannot go to church, because I am the church," they
have no idea of what you are talking about. Church - Greek, ekklesia, means CALLED OUT. We are to BE His
called out ones, called out of the world, called out of Babylon, to become His own peculiar treasure. We can
gather together in a building, certainly, but not because the building is the church, but because we are HIS
CHURCH, we are His BODY, and truly it is a MYSTICAL BODY, for it speaks of those who have a direct
contact and communion with God, beyond the knowledge of the natural flesh senses, beyond the intelligence
of the carnal mind, but by the Spirit revelation of the carnal mind, but by the Spirit revelation within, they know
Him, and are learning of His secrets. This is beautifully expressed in the little chorus:
"O to know the Father's will and plan

And to share the secrets of His heart,
O to love mount Zion ever more,
Then for Zion's sake deliverance will come."
One who is "initiated" is one who has been instructed in the rudiments and principles. God isn't taking just
anybody and entrusting them with His "SECRET PURPOSES", but those who have been instructed, trained,
disciplined in the rudiments of His kingdom, and then are able to progress into the deeper realities. "Therefore
let us go on and get past the elementary stage in the teachings and doctrine of Christ, the Messiah, advancing
steadily toward the completeness and perfection that belongs to spiritual maturity." [Hebrews 6:1, Amplified]
"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." [Matthew 7:21] There are those who claim to be of the "deeper life" who still
have never been initiated in the principles of Christian behaviour and character and development. So filled with
self, their own ways, petty carnal doctrines, they are not yet subject to the will of God. And neither are they
receiving an understanding of the mysteries of God.
"And He said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that
are without, all these things are done in parables: But without a parable spake He not unto them: and when
they were alone, He expounded all things to His disciples." [Mark 4:11-34]
"When they were alone..." many resist this "aloneness", they desire the fellowship of the multitudes, and the
excitement of the gatherings. But we find that those who are being SPIRIT-TAUGHT, the ones to whom He
expounds the deeper truths, are those who are willing to walk alone with God. Not that they never are
permitted fellowships, to share with others of "like precious faith," [2 Peter 1:1] but they are not dependent
upon others for their life, they have learned to draw from Him who is the Source.
"How I long for you to grow more certain in your knowledge and more sure in your grasp of God Himself. May
your spiritual experience become richer as you see more and more fully God's great secret, Christ Himself!
For it is in Him, and in Him alone, that men will find all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." [Colossians
2:2-3, Phillips]
Becoming stewards of the mysteries, Paul goes on, there is a definite requirement, as we read, "Moreover, it is
essentially required of stewards that a man should be found faithful - proving himself worthy of trust." [1
Corinthians 4:2, Amplified] Note also William's translation, "Now in this matter of trustees the first and final
requirement is that they should prove to be trustworthy."
"He who is faithful in a very little thing, is faithful also in much; and he who is dishonest and unjust in a very
little thing, is dishonest and unjust also in much. Therefore, if you have not been faithful in the case of the
unrighteous mammon - the deceitful riches, money, possessions - who will entrust to you the true riches? And
if you have not proved faithful in that which belongs to another (whether God or man), who will give you that
which is your own (that is, the true riches?)" [Luke 16:10-12, Amplified]
Suffice it to say that all of these natural things - our families, our homes, our jobs, etc. are but loaned to us for a
time, that we might learn to be faithful and trustworthy, and if these character traits cannot be developed in us
NOW, we shall never qualify for Him to reveal unto us the true riches, and the deeper mysteries.
"For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me,
if I preach not the gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation
(stewardship) of the gospel is committed unto me. What is my reward then? Verily, that, when I preach the
gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel." [1
Corinthians 9:16-18]
God has laid hold of us for a stewardship - if we yield to His in working with a willing heart, there shall be a
reward. But, Paul also points out, if we are not of a "willing heart", we'll still have to bow to Divine Will, but what
then is our reward? So as He moves within us, prepares and fits us for His purpose, may we do so with all
willingness to do, yes, to BE an expression of His will, giving ourselves to Him with a whole heart, and ready to
learn through His disciplines how to please Him in all things. We learn to accept the adversities He sends our
way, and yield to the processings, so that they work in us faithfulness, trustworthiness, and we can say with all
that is within us, "Lo, I come, I delight to do Thy will, O my God." Amen.
Now then, what a sacred trust is ours - the secret purposes of God revealed by His Spirit to our heart. If we
cannot handle properly the small revelations of the "in part" realm, who will commit to our trust those truths
which are to be revealed? If we cannot properly use the "gifts and graces" which are presently loaned to us,
who will give us the Spirit without measure? If we cannot "house-manage" our little vessel of clay, who shall
give us a glorious body in His own image?
IF God favors us with these precious blessings now, loaned to us, that we might learn to be trustworthy, and
we continually mis-use them, turn them to advantage for self, to build our own selfish kingdoms, seeking only
our own selfish ends, how shall He ever commit to us the true riches of His kingdom? All that we have, whether
natural or spiritual, we have because of His kindness towards us. "What hast thou that thou didst not receive?
now if thou didst receive it, who dost thou glory, as if thou hadest not received it?" [1 Corinthians 4:7]
LOANED BY GOD, He now watches to see how we will manage them - take care of these responsibilities,
diligently, honestly, faithfully, with an eye single only to His glory and praise. "Wherefore also we pray always
for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling." [2 Thessalonians 1:11] To be found "approved
unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed." [2 Timothy 2:15]
Therefore, "I have seen the travail that is given to the sons of men to be exercised thereby." [Eccl. 3:10]
Called to be a gardener, yours ought to be the best garden in the region. Called to be a dishwasher, you ought
to have the cleanest dishes possible. "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ."
[Colossians 3:23-24] Proving ourselves to be faithful stewards in that which is least, that we might be counted
worthy to receive the true riches, yea, and share in that stewardship of the mysteries of God.
"Now unto Him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ,
according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began. But now is made
manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made
known to all nations for the obedience of faith." [Romans 16:25-26]
To begin with, let us rejoice that HE has the POWER to establish us, to process, purge, purify, prepare, until
we are proved to be faithful stewards. "Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it." [1Thessalonians
5:24) And He is "able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that
worketh in us." [Ephesians 3:20]
Next, we observe that the mysteries, which God is now bringing to light, have been kept secret since the world
(Greek, ancient ages) began. Peter wrote that "the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who
prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ
which was in them did signify." [1 Peter 1:10-11] But God's secrets were kept - it was silent, quiet. One
translation speaks of it as a "hushed secret." HE controls the timing of the revelation.
"I have showed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them. They are
created now, and not from the beginning; even before the day when thou heardest them not; Iest thou
shouldest say, Behold, I knew them. Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time that
thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacherously, and wast called a
transgressor from the womb." [Isaiah 48:6-8] This is a strong indictment against the carnal man. But God also
had a remedy, for going on to the 10th verse of the chapter, we read "Behold, I have refined thee, but not with
silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction." Full well He knows the purifying that is necessary before
He can trust us with His secrets. So He keeps the mystery silent, it is hushed, while He processes a people,
and then sends His Spirit of truth to guide us into all truth. There is no other way to come into an understanding
of the mysteries. It is BY REVELATION to those who are prepared by Him, "for how should My name be
polluted? and I will not give My glory unto another." [Isaiah 48:11]
Surely we are drawing near to the hour when there shall be a further declaration from His throne. A new
manifestation of His Word. A message, "at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle." [1
Samuel 3:11] "The word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision." (verse 1) Then
God apprehended the ear of a young lad, Samuel, and it was time for a word to be given - an ear-tingling
message. Again in this day "the Word of the Lord is precious ", it is rare, for there is no open vision. God has
HUSHED His secrets, while He is preparing a people in whom He can place His Word - yea, the message and
the messenger shall become one.
Revelation is given at the prerogative of the Revelator! One does not demand, claim, appropriate revelation.
One yields to the purgings, and then waits with an open, listening ear, ready to "hear what the Spirit saith unto
the called out." [Revelation 3:6]
Revelation - Greek, apokalupsis, an uncovering. Only as the Spirit uncovers, is a thing revealed to us. He
illumines! You might even have heard another share what the Spirit has spoken to them, and the words come
to you, letter by letter, and yet they have no real meaning to you, because it takes the Spirit to quicken them.
You might even repeat by rote what you have heard others say, and only jangle as a sounding brass or a
tinkling cymbal, because until the Spirit causes it to become LIFE in you, you cannot speak it with life. Then
suddenly HE uncovers it to your understanding, and you cry out, "I see, I see." The words you might have
known for some time, but the message lay hidden, hushed, until He prepared you for the hearing. The parable
the multitudes heard, and they could repeat the story over and over, never grasping its deeper message. Then
He drew His disciplined ones aside, an expounded unto them - uncovered, quickened understanding.
HIS SPIRIT DWELLS WITHIN US, and IN HIM are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Hence the
uncovering takes place within. "The Word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart." [Romans 10: 8]
Uniquely, once a revelation is made known, it is as if you had always known it. This is it; it can be no other
way. The eternalness of truth. Praise God!
Paul writes on, "If ye have heard of the dispensation (stewardship) of the grace of God which is given me to
you-ward: how that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery... and prophets by the Spirit."
[Ephesians 3:2-3, 5]
There was no theological university where Paul could go to learn these things. The Rabbi held no classes that
could instruct him in the mysteries of God. Other ages had not known of them, they were hushed, held secret,
and it was only now that BY REVELATION it was being made known. And even now, while being uncovered,
those who receive them cannot impart them, they can share what they have received - but only as the Spirit
quickens them to you, while you read, hear, etc. do they become yours. And indeed, we dare to say with John,
"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." [1 John 2:27] Certainly we share, and yes, we receive from one another - but it still requires
that personal quickening of the anointing within, before we KNOW in Whom we have believed.
Furthermore, beloved friend, the understanding of all mysteries must be controlled by love, else of no profit to
us. "For though I have prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge...and have not love, I am
nothing." [1 Corinthians 13:2] The deeper the revelation, the more imperative that it be covered by love. Truth
in unsanctified vessels can be used to destroy. Love suffereth long, and is kind. Love is not puffed up, nor
behaveth unseemly. Love being the motivating force, will use all revelation to bless, build, and bring life.

It is also to be noted that ignorance of a mystery makes one wise in their own conceit, for Paul writes again, "I
would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, Iest ye should be wise in your own conceits."
[Romans 11:25] The specific mystery referred to here, we shall come to in another chapter, for the moment it
is this principle that we would take note of: ignorance only serves to aid our self-conceit. Man builds an image
of error, puffed up and arrogant, and suddenly truth is uncovered which proves the whole thing to be empty
and false, and it all tumbles down. With a revelation of truth there is balance, there is rightness. No false work,
no illusions, but by righteousness the throne is established. Thank God, there shall be an unfolding of the
mysteries as He inworks His purpose - we shall "KNOW in Whom we have believed."
It is BY HIM, who is the Author and the Finisher of our faith, that we shall be energized and enabled to bring
"so great a salvation" unto every man. But for now, beloved friend, remember, "it is required of stewards that a
man be found faithful." Ever we are entrusted with the mysteries, that we might share them and initiate others
into their glories, it will be because we have been tested and tried, and found approved unto Him, our Lord and
our God. Faithfulness can only be proven by the passing of time. That the years can slip by, and yet one holds
steadfast to the vision, unwavering, this becomes proof of our faithfulness. And by testing - when it seems that
all the contrary winds blow, with no sign of positive fulfillment, and yet one is faithful to their charge, this
redounds to the glory of God, and is also preparing us for those greater things ahead. Precious indeed are the
inworkings of God, and every mystery; brought to completion will reveal yet the more of His manifold wisdom
and purpose, and how great is that love which He bestows upon us, that we might be stewards of these
verities.
MYSTERY'S ILLUMINATION
Mysteries so long concealed in the deep of man,

Are at last to be revealed, grace doth bridge the span,
Bringing now unto the light, truth God did encase
Past the bounds of natural sight; in the secret place.
Now the Spirit comes to teach, bringing to thy mind

Wisdom far beyond thy reach, so that you can find
A foundation firm and true, that thy feet might stand
Steady when the storms do blow, victory, His command.
When God places in thy soul blessings from above,

Though the gates of hell do roar, nought can conquer love.
Love that's found in every word from the Saviour's throne,
Given thee to undergird for the path unknown.
Steadfast and unmovable, when thy root is firm

In the strength of God's degree, truth He doth confirm,
Wondrous hope that now contains power to fulfill
All the scope of our birth pangs, fullness of His will.
Inner depths now bursting forth, glorious in their sweep,

From east to west, south to north, destiny to keep.
Hinder not their onward course, open wide the gate,
While the light from inner Source doth illuminate.
Transformations long ordained before ages past,

By the Spirit are attained when the soul at last
Fully yields itself to Him, the Life, Truth, and Way,
Then mysteries, nought can bedim, shine clear as the day.
CHAPTER TWO
"THE MYSTERY OF BABYLON"
"So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet colored beast,
full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. And upon her forehead was a name written,
MYSTERY, BABYLON the great, the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth. 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." [Revelation 17:3,5-6]
The very word "Babylon" means CONFUSION, and it matters not to which part of today's world systems we
look at, be it economical, political, or religious, you can write one word across it all, CONFUSION. Furthermore,
Babylon also represents an incarnation of all that is opposed to God, it is anti-christ.
Yet even while we acknowledge this, let us remember that it is still the sovereign hand of our God Who
controls, therefore even Babylon, in spite of all its corruption, has been under God's hand, to use for a
purpose, and then to bring her to an end. Thus we read, "Babylon hath been a golden cup IN THE LORD'S
HAND that made all the earth drunken." [Jeremiah 51:7]
Interesting that in speaking of MYSTERY BABYLON, the symbolic language of the Scripture speaks of a
woman. And a woman prefigures a church. The true church, for example, is likened to a bride-wife, "a glorious
church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish."
[Ephesians 5:27] Again, "and His wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be
arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of the saints." [Revelation 19:7-8]
She is to be presented "as a chasted virgin to Christ." [2 Corinthians 11:2] In a most vivid contrast to this,
Mystery Babylon is spoken of as an unclean woman, a very defiled woman, and to use the very plain speech of
the Bible, she is a "whore."
This mystery goes back a very long time. "Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth. He
was a mighty hunter before the Lord: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the Lord.
And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel (or, Babylon)." [Genesis 10:8-10]
Briefly: Nimrod became a mighty one, powerful, famous, a leader in the affairs of men. He is the first one
spoken of in the Scriptures to organize a kingdom. And it is stated that he was a mighty hunter "before the
Lord." Strong's Concordance bears out the fact that the Hebrew word for "before" is used in a great variety of
applications, and in this instance, as in some others (see Numbers 16:2) it literally means AGAINST. Nimrod
set himself up before God, or literally, AGAINST GOD. His name has been given various meanings by different
Bible Scholars, as upstart, or, let us rebel. And one writer points out that the Jewish Encyclopedia says
Nimrod was "he who made all the people rebellious against God." Much of the paganism which has been
woven into the practices of so-called Christianity is actually dated back to the time of Nimrod, and the religious
confusion carried on then, against, instead of, or literally ANTI-God.
It takes the illumination of the Holy Spirit, imparting divine revelation, to discern between the true and the false.
So CONFUSED has it all become, so interwoven is truth with error, that the nominal church-goer is not even
aware of how much of his religion is actually anti-christ, against the truth. Only those who are "initiated" into
God's kingdom will be able to see clearly how vast Nimrod's kingdom has become. Furthermore, today
Babylon is a union of religious, political, and economical mire - expressed through three different avenues, yet
all under the same Anti-Christ spirit. Catholicism, with all of her Protestant daughters, bespeak of the religious
part of Babylon. Socialism, expressed through its various forms, has gripped all governments. While Zionism
has certainly grabbed hold of the economical realm. All three are very intertwined: money, politics, religion all
go hand in hand. This is evident in the little community church at the crossroads, to the vast denominations of
our times. One man enterprises, to the vast dictatorial regimes. BABYLON!
But the mystery is certainly intensified when it comes to the religious realms - and the natural but serves as a
portrayal ground of the spiritual.
In Genesis 11, we have the record of how the people found a plain in the land of Shinar, and proceeded to
build a city and a tower, but God intervened, confounded their language, and scattered them. "Therefore is the
name of it called Babel; because the Lord did there confound the language of all the earth." (verse 9)

We find that the Hebrew word for "confound" used here is "babal" meaning TO MIX, MINGLE, and thus
literally, to mix self in. The more self-centered each man became, with his own expression, the less they could
communicate one with another, and so frustration took over, and they left off building, and went every man his
own way. Self had well been in evidence before hand, but now it was turned inward, and this caused greater
confusion.
There are four things which are revealed in this passage which bespeak of the projection of SELF in man, and
which must needs be dealt with by the "Cross of Christ," lest we, too, be brought into utter confusion.
1) Self-satisfaction. They came to this particular plain, saw that it was a good place to dwell, and decided to
settle down right there. Self would be satisfied with its ease and prosperity. Religion still capitalizes on this
aspect of SELF, preaching their prosperity doctrines and blessings. Until many "suppose that gain is
godliness..." [1Timothy 6:5] and measure their spirituality by how much supposed faith they have claim their
prosperity. Likewise they find their comfortable creed and doctrine where flesh is appeased, and they settle
down to just enjoy themselves. All ANTI to the way of the Cross, going without the camp bearing His reproach,
and seeking for those things which are above.
2) Self-will. As soon as men become satisfied with their surroundings, they immediately come to this next
expression, self-will, and LET US BUILD. We read that "Cain went out from the presence of the Lord... and he
builded a city." [Genesis 4:16-17] First time that the word "builded" is used in the Bible, when one LEFT THE
PRESENCE OF THE LORD, and then began to build for self. Build kingdoms, fence in this corner as MINE.
Man builds a Cathedral and CONFUSES it in his mind with God's temple, though "He is Lord of heaven and
earth dwelleth not in temples made with hands." [Acts 17:24] But man will build, expressions of his self-will,
and then exclaim with pride, "Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the
might of my power, and for the honor of my majesty?" [Daniel 4:30] The confusion in so much of our building -
we say it is for God, for His kingdom, but all the time self is taking pride in MY ministry, MY efforts for God, and
it is a mingling of self into the things of the Lord, until it becomes MY Church, MY kingdom.
3) Self-exaltation. Immediately with the building comes the thought, "let us make us a name." I am satisfied
here, so I will build here, and then I will make myself a name - that my renown might spread from here. How
men like the sound of their own name, and they attach it to everything they are able to, that it might become
well-known and lifted up. "God at first did visit the nations, to take out of them a people for His name." [Acts
15:14] How hard it is to lay down our own name, that we might exalt HIS NAME! How strange is the path of
being a "no name" people - called out of every named denomination, to lose all identity, that we might be found
only IN HIM.
4) Self-preservation. "Lest we be scattered." Self-preservation is one of the most basic instincts of the natural
man. Once you have built a kingdom, then you have to fight to preserve that kingdom, and fear takes over -
fear of loss, fear of being scattered, etc. As soon as men become identified with a doctrine, they begin to fight
to preserve that doctrine - because it has their name on it. To become self-centered is to find that we are no
longer centered in the will of God, but in the will of man, and then we have to depend solely upon what man
can do. So immediately begin to devise ways of self-protection and defense. The cure for all of this is to
abandon ourselves to God, and then HE will keep us. "Whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever
will lose his life for My sake shall find it." [Matthew 16:25]
There are also four prominent things in Babylonian philosophy, four things which are ingrained in all systems of
the world today. When God scattered them from the tower of Babel, they carried their philosophy in all
directions.
1) The very basic philosophy of Babylon is that all things are the result of ORGANIC EVOLUTION. This
eliminated God as Creator, and opened the way for man to think that he helped in his own creation and
evolvement. Man would like to think that he is his own god, that inherent in his own selfhood lies the power for
his advancement. It is easy to see how this has crept into all of religion, as men feel they have to "help God
out." "Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?" [Galatians 3:3]
"For it is GOD which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure." [Philippians 2:13] "For we
are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus..." [Ephesians 2:10]
2) There was strong emphasis on what they termed the "thinker," or the brain. This projection of the ego of
man, and emphasis on the BRAIN BANK, gives pre-eminence to the INTELLECT. Our Educational system
today is a great monster that gobbles up the greatest portion of our taxes. Now, to be sure, we thank the Lord
for good education, and the many privileges we have today for advancement in these fields, but when this
becomes so over-balanced that we place the MIND OF MAN in prominence over against the "MIND OF
CHRIST," we have severe problems.
3) We next find that part of Babylon's philosophy promoted promiscuity (sex-abandonment). This kind of
thinking has permeated man's whole way of life today - every ad to sell goods is tied with sex-appeal. It brings
a break-down of the home, and all society. The lusts of the flesh become the focal point. And religion has not
helped this at all. In subtle ways it has aided and abetted the very things it claimed to preach against.
4) Finally, the fourth part of Babylon's basic philosophy was for a TOTAL STATE, WELFARE SOCIETY (or
what might be termed, totalitarianism). This simply means that The State will think for the people, act for the
people, and do every thing for the people.
Our nation was not founded on such a principle. The whole of religious popery follows this. Be it the local
pastor who binds the sheep unto himself, or the "headquarters" which sends out its edict for every group to
follow. When popery comes in, the individual leading of the Spirit ends. It may be called a way of heresy, but
there is a way wherein we are able to walk as the Spirit leads, away from the thinking of the carnal mind. God
is bringing forth a people who choose to COME OUT OF BABYLON'S SYSTEM, to seek Him, and His
sovereign will for their lives.
"We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her, and let us go every one into his own
country: for her judgment is lifted up even to the skies. The Lord hath brought forth our righteousness: come,
and let us declare in Zion the work of the Lord our God." [Jeremiah 51:9-10]
Many have tried hard to heal the religious systems of our day, they have worked, fasted, prayed, travailed - but
the system remains unchanged, and God calls them one by one to "come out of her, My People, that ye be not
partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." [Revelation 18:4]
Many have tried to clean up politics, and place better men into governmental positions, hoping that they can
straighten things out, and get rid of the corruption. Others have tried to come up with a better economic
system, or at least seek to modify the horrendous grip of taxes, etc. which are upon the earth. But all of man's
efforts will fail, until that day when GOD is finished with her. For, as great a mystery as it is, we repeat,
"Babylon hath been a golden cup IN THE LORD'S HAND." He has used it - we would recognize it for what it
is, but we will not rail against it, knowing that God still holds control over all her ways.
Yes, she has slain the prophets and martyred the saints. But God has used this in their purification. She has
robbed men of their vitality and strength, yet God has used this to bring them low, until they will surrender to
Him alone. She has craftily drained men of their finances, but thus He has collected the offerings which they
would not freely give to Him. No, we will not glorify Babylon - for "He hath judged the great whore, which did
corrupt the earth with her fornication, and (He will) avenge the blood of His servants at her hand." [Revelation
19:2] Yet neither will we rail against that little "church on the corner" which God has used in the lives of people.
We see the system for what it is, and we see those who are under its bondage, and we KNOW that in due time
God will bring the system to an end, and He will bring salvation to the people. For us, we would, as He
enables and gives the understanding, "Flee her," and then know in His time He will END the mystery of
Babylon also. Confusion shall cease in the land, and His true order will be established. HIS kingdom shall
come, and it shall fill the whole earth.
In Jeremiah we have a more explicit account of how God shall bring down the ways of Babylon, so note the
types used, they are most symbolic in meaning. [Jeremiah 51:21-23]
"WITH THEE WILL I BREAK IN PIECES THE HORSES AND HIS RIDER." This stands for all the economy of
the world's financial systems, and beautifully parallels the horsemen of Revelation 6. While especially noting
that the "White Horse" rides out conquering and to conquer - God's ultimately victorious sons, there follows the
three-fold system of Babylon, political, economical, religious - the red horse, the black horse, and the pale
horse. But God's victorious army shall defeat them, break them in pieces, until, praise His name, there will be a
righteous system of economics established in the earth.
"WITH THEE WILL I BREAK IN PIECES THE CHARIOT AND HIS RIDER." This is a very interesting symbol,
and we need to go back into history to understand it. The walls of the city used to be built very wide, so wide
that the city of Babylon was built to that they could race their chariots upon the walls for sport. Yes, the world is
literally gone mad for "sports" these days, and multiplied millions are spent every year to be entertained by
them. But God shall bring the whole perverted, over-balanced system to nought. This most consuming passion
for "sport" and "fun" shall be dealt with by the correctional processes of God.
"WITH THEE WILL I BREAK IN PIECES MAN AND WOMAN." Here we deal with two of the greatest problems
with man and woman; that of the labor force, with its constant problems, and that of the "divorce and re-
marriage." But all the affairs of men and women, both in their domestic and commercial areas, will be
thoroughly dealt with by God. SO CONFUSED has this become, that earth's leaders cannot untangle the
difficulties. The Equal Rights movement, as women press for certain privileges, etc. has only added to the
confusion. Women want to be treated as men, men want to act as women, and confusion has driven them to
extremes, bringing tremendous turmoil to both the home, and the market place.
"WITH THEE WILL I BREAK IN PIECES THE YOUNG MAN AND THE MAID." Now we come to the YOUTH,
with their myriad of problems, sex, dope, and rebellion. The systems of the world can no longer handle these
problems. The philosophy which Babylon has advocated has produced results which she cannot cope with. But
GOD shall conquer them - He has the ANSWER, and He shall unfold that answer through His people.
"I WILL ALSO BREAK IN PIECES WITH THEE THE SHEPHERD AND HIS FLOCK." This symbolism has long
stood for the religious realms, the preacher and his congregation. All the earth reels beneath the blood spilled
by religious factions fighting each other. So-called holy wars and crusades. This confusion must end, and it
shall. He will raise up His true "pastors according to Mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and
understanding." [Jeremiah 3:15]
"WITH THEE WILL I BREAK IN PIECES THE HUSBANDMAN AND HIS YOKE OF OXEN." This takes in the
whole agriculture program of today, including the poisonous insecticides and fertilizers. The shameful practice
of paying people not to raise crops while millions are starving - just so in their greed they can gain higher prices
for their produce. There is no way that natural man can now begin to unravel the knotty situations which he has
brought about by his greed and selfishness. But God shall restore and correct, until every man shall be able to
sit under his own vine and fig tree, and eat the fruit of his labors, and be satisfied.
"WITH THEE WILL I BREAK IN PIECES CAPTAINS AND RULERS." Which speaks of all the armed forces
and whatever their armor might be. The demands for wartime economy, and the constant shedding of blood,
shall not go unpunished by the Almighty. Yet thank God, He has promised, "they shall beat their swords into
plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they
learn war any more." [Isaiah 2:4]
Babylon - confusion, to mix and mingle. Seen in Israel when "they did not destroy the nations, concerning
whom the Lord commanded them: but were MINGLED AMONG THE HEATHEN, and learned their works. And
they served their idols: which were a snare unto them." [Psalm 106:34-36] They substituted the holidays of the
heathen for the proper feast days the Lord had appointed them. Now we have our Christmas and Easter, and
other days, filled with CONFUSION, partly pagan customs mingled with what we thought was "putting Christ
into them." Having learned their works, they practiced them. Having learned who their idols were, they served
them. The whole has become a snare unto God's people.
The Harlot has substituted her Sunday for the rightful Sabbath. She denies the name of God's chosen people,
and offers her own name of religious brands. She denies God's law, and offers a multitude of her own
traditions and commandments. And to the nominal Christian the whole thing is of such confusion, that they
know not what is of the heathen, what is of the truth.
Then Leviticus 18:23 forbids the mixing of the seed of man with a beast "it is CONFUSION." Taking this
beyond its natural applications, with all of its racial overtones, and the commandment against the mixing of the
races, we find that Babylon has mixed the beastly flesh nature into the things of the Spirit, until it is terrible
confusion. So much pomp and ceremony of the flesh has been offered to man as something deeply spiritual.
Thank God, we come nigh unto the hour when He will bring an end to this horrible practice. "The hour cometh,
and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such
to worship Him." [John 4:23]
Finally, of Babylon it is written, "Behold, I am against thee, O destroying mountain, saith the Lord, which
destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out Mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will
make thee a burnt mountain. And they shall not take of thee a stone for a corner, nor a stone for foundations;
but thou shalt be desolate for ever, saith the Lord." [Jeremiah 51:25-26]
God is bringing forth a NEW ORDER, and He will take nothing from the old and mix it in with the new - that
only brings CONFUSION, Babylon all over again. There is not one stone out of Babylon that will be brought
over and built into His new, divine order. The former shall be forgotten, and it shall not be brought to mind any
more. We will not long for its fellowship, we will not yearn for its pomp and ceremony. For He shall fill the NEW
TEMPLE with His glory, and we shall be satisfied with His fullness. Praise God.
O mystery of Babylon,
I see thee as a snare,
Deception with allurement,
My God shall lay thee bare.
No more to work confusion,

More birthing of thy kind,
Religious in thy wand'rings,
Yet blind all leading blind.
Come out of her, My People,
God calls - and we obey,
Lest with her plagues and torments
We share in her dismay.
A golden cup, with purpose
God used her in His plan,
And when her time is over
Shall rescue every man.
And bring to nought the system,
Expose her deadly snare,
Discover her foundation,
And empty out her lair.
No more of earth's confusion,
A God of order, He
Shall speak His Word most plainly,
And give reality.
CHAPTER THREE
"THE MYSTERY OF INIQUITY"
"For the mystery of iniquity doth already work..." [2 Thessalonians 2:7]
"And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according
to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the
children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation (or, manner of behavior) in times past
in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of
wrath even as others." [Ephesians 2:1-3]
There are many dimensions of relationship with our God, and the believer is challenged to "go on to
perfection," [Hebrews 6:1] being changed "from glory to glory." [2 Corinthians 3:18] We are keenly aware
that we share out of a limited understanding, "for we know in part, and we prophesy in part." [1 Corinthians
13:9] Nevertheless, though we "see through a glass darkly," we believe that our path shall be as the morning
light "that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." [Proverbs 4:18] It is BY HIS GRACE that we see
more today than we did in our yesterdays, and it will be BY HIS GRACE that we receive added revelation in
coming days. Currently we have heard but the" whispers of the mysteries," in His time we shall hear more
clearly what "the Spirit saith the called out." [Revelation 3:6]
One thing we are becoming aware of, until we understand our GOD in relationship to, in control over, and His
purpose in "the mystery of iniquity," we do not really begin to know Him as much as we thought we did. We
would not rush in where angles fear to tread, but softly taking those steps, which He marks out with an open
heart, we will consider these things.
We perceive that our God is sovereign! He alone is God, there is none else! He also is the first Cause of all
causes, "For of Him," literally, OUT OF HIM, "are all things." [Romans 11:36] It is also written, that not only is
He the Alpha, He is also the Omega, therefore INTO HIM shall all things RETURN, be consummated. It is in
this interim of the ages, having come OUT OF HIM, and before returning INTO HIM, that we have the workings
of the mystery of iniquity. But it is still the SAME GOD working all in all, in control, accomplishing His own
purpose, to His glory and praise.
Paul writes, in Romans 9:21, "Hath not the potter power over the clay; of the same lump to make one vessel
unto honor, and another to dishonor?" The substance of the lump is the same for both, it is what HE forms and
fashions out of that lump, and the purpose He chooses to fulfill through each one, that reveals His sovereignty.
While in His purpose, "willing to shew His wrath, and to make His power known, He endures with much long
suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction." [Romans 9:22] He is also able after they have served their
negative purpose, to "make it again another vessel, as seemeth good to the potter to make it." [Jeremiah
18:4] And He shall, for the Son shall reign "till He hath put all enemies under His feet," and then shall He
deliver up the kingdom to the Father, "that God may be all in all," that is, very-thing in everybody, the indwelling
and controlling factor of life. [1 Corinthians 15:25, 28]
It was God who "turnest man to destruction: and sayest, Return, ye children of men." [Psalm 90:3] "For the
creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of HIM who hath subjected the same in hope."
[Romans 8:20] Subjected to frailty, condemned to frustration, under the tyranny of change and decay, not
voluntarily, not because of some intentional fault on its part, BUT BY THE WILL OF HIM WHO SO
SUBJECTED IT. Yet with a view to the ultimate deliverance, when all creation shall share in the magnificent
liberty that belongs to the children of God. Praise God!
The Hebrew word "avon" for iniquity means "perversity," while the Greek word "anomia" means "lawlessness."
Workers of iniquity are literally those who are lawless, rebelling against the law, choosing a state of anarchy.
Proverbs 29:18, "Where there is no vision, the people perish (or, are made naked): but he that keepeth the
law, happy is he." Our vision is our covering until it is fulfilled in reality. The need for a vision is obvious. But it
is the next statement that we would call to attention, for "he that keepeth the law, happy is he." There is a
specific law for the fulfillment of every vision. If one does not keep the law that applies to the vision, they will
never realize its fulfillment. Break the rules, disregard the law and order whereby one progresses to the goal,
and they will never arrive there. One might have received a vision, but if they become lawless, and will not
follow the governing principles whereby it can be brought into fruition, they shall never know its happiness.
Jesus said, "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy
name have cast our devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto tem, I
never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity." [Matthew 7:22-23] Why won't He know them?
Because they were not within the confines of His divine order for proper fulfillment. They wanted to do the
miracles, prophesy, have dominion over devils, etc. but they did not want it God's way. They wanted it all for
their own selfish ends, to fulfill their own purposes, to build their own kingdoms. Doing their own will, in contra-
distinction to doing the Father's will, branded them as "workers of iniquity", as lawless ones.
Prophesying, casting out devils, wonderful works - they are all to be done for one purpose, to fulfill HIS WILL,
to build HIS KINGDOM, to glorify HIM. He has a law, a divine order for this operation, we do well to obey.
It is most heartening to read statements such as found in Ezekiel 21:25, "And thou, profane wicked prince of
Israel, whose day is come, when iniquity shall have an end." Man's lawlessness shall not continue forever.
While He has always exercised that control which brought restraints, kept evil within bounds, He has also
decreed the day when INIQUITY SHALL HAVE AN END. This is confirmed in 2 Timothy 3:1, 9, "This know
also, that in the last days, perilous times shall come," and then follows a listing and description of all their
lawless ways, being "men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. BUT THEY SHALL PROCEED NO
FURTHER.
The Amplified gives, "in the long run they won't get very far."
Rotherdam: "But they shall not force their way further."
"Every man's work shall be made manifest: for THE DAY shall declare it." [1 Corinthians 3:13] Concerning the
reprobate, workers of iniquity, their folly shall be manifested to all men. They shall proceed no further, for
iniquity shall have an end. Yes, we have all these evil manifestations these days, but that is not the end of the
matter - the end comes when HE PUTS DOWN all self-rule, all authority and power which has rebelled against
God, that righteousness might fill the earth. Perilous times and conditions can proceed no further than what
God's purposes ordain. "When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a
standard against him." [Isaiah 59:19] God sets the bounds, to say, "thus far, and no farther."
There is a true principle, based on Biblical truth, though not expressed in "chapter and verse," and it is this: all
evil shall self-destruct, all good will perpetuate. God built these laws into both. Even nature teaches us these
things. It is a survival of the fittest. The weak, the sick, they become prey for the healthy and the strong. The
law was built in, "the wages of sin is death." [Romans 6:23] But the GOOD "if ye be willing and obedient, ye
shall eat the good of the land." [Isaiah 1:19] "In His days shall the righteous flourish; and the abundance of
peace so long as the moon endureth." [Psalm 72:7] And again, "The house of the wicked shall be overthrown:
but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish." [Proverbs 14:11]
The mystery of iniquity makes its appearance in the Garden of Eden, when we read, "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."
[Genesis 2:17] The next chapter goes on to give the record of how Adam and Eve did partake of the tree, and
reaped the consequence. Isn't it interesting, that from that time on, all the world has put a sanction on it,
including Christendom, and now they say it is all right to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, so
they daily partake, and they continue to die.
The serpent wanted Adam and Eve to eat of this tree, because he knew that in the day they partook thereof, it
would DIVIDE AND DESTROY. "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy." [John
10:10]
Now, if God had wanted to protect His naive creation from damage by the work of the adversary, it would
certainly have been better for Him to have placed man where the adversary had no access. Or at least, as
Satan said to the Lord, "hast not Thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he
hath on every side?" [Job 1:10] And with an hedge GOD-PLACED, Satan could not come in as a thief.
Obviously God did not place this hedge about Adam and Eve. God also took away that hedge from around
Job, so that the adversary could try him sore.
Or God could have at least not planted the tree of the knowledge of good and evil so close to Adam and Eve,
He could have "hedged up the tree" with no access to it.
Therefore we conclude, either God had some most glorious purpose in view, or it was the most profound
blunder in all of His creativity. We must see the Hand of God in it all, His sovereignty, His total victory. I dare
say, the mystery of iniquity does more to bring out the sovereignty of God, than some of the realms of blessing,
which we enjoy.
Why did God arrange for man to partake of this tree of the knowledge of good and evil? Yes, He forewarned
them of the consequences if they did so, but He did not take measures to prevent it. In His foreknowledge He
knew what they would do, that they would sin, and He had already provided for this, with His own Son to be
that "Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." [Revelation 13:8] Before there was a sickness, He had
purposed the cure. Before there was iniquity and a fall, He had planned redemption. Yet there is a purpose in
the working of the mystery of iniquity.
"How be it...God left him, to try him that he might know all that was in his heart." [2 Chronicles 32:31] The
purpose is to work something in man. God already knows what is in man. We read that Jesus "knew all men,
and needed not that any should testify of man: for He knew what was in man." [John 2:25] "Neither is there
any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with
whom we have to do." [Hebrews 4:13] So what is God doing in all this? He is exposing man to himself. Of the
natural man it is written, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I
THE LORD SEARCH THE HEART, I try the reins..." [Jeremiah 17:9-10]
Yes, God can turn His searchlight on, and illumine that which is within us. But that is not the only part of His
marvelous working. He is able to set before us certain negative things, which draw out of us that which is
within. Paul wrote, "For there must be also heresies among you that they which are approved may be made
manifest among you." [1 Corinthians 11:19] Bring some form of heresy into our midst, and if there be any
thing within us which responds to that thing, we take up with it and thus expose ourselves concerning this
deviation.
Again, so in control is God over all this working of the mystery of iniquity, that we read, "I will also choose their
delusions, and will bring their fears upon them." [Isaiah 66:4] And He uses these things to DRAW OUT OF
US all of the self that would respond to these things and we come face to face with ourselves - forced to
acknowledge that this was in us, else we would not have responded to it.
Amazing the things which God arranges to come our way - teachings that appeal to some aspect of self,
sounding so spiritual and deep, but actually only serving to satisfy some part of the flesh within. As He opens
our eyes to see these things, and our responses, we weep before Him for that cleansing, and a purging out of
the very root of this iniquity in us.
When God withdraws the consciousness of His presence from us, and we are left to face things, seemingly on
our own, whatever is remaining of self in us will respond to those iniquities. The Psalmist knew this well, and so
he prayed, "Cast me not away from Thy presence; and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the
joy of Thy salvation; and uphold me with Thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors Thy ways; and sinners
shall be converted unto Thee." [Psalm 51:11-13]
The word of the Lord came unto Ezekiel, saying, "Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus..."
[Ezekiel 28: 12] The Hebrew for this word "upon" is literally - over him, or beyond him. In the foreground you
have the king of Tyrus as the focal point, but actually the things you are going to speak go beyond him, speak
of another of which this king simply stands in figure for the moment. Of this one to which reference is really
being made, it was then said, "Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity
was found in thee." [verse 15] What was that iniquity - that perversity - that lawlessness? In the parallel
passage with this, of Isaiah 14:12-15, we read five times, "I WILL." It was this rebellion to the law and will of
God, to pursue the course of self-will.
"Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that
it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, and that My fear is not in thee, Saith the
Lord God of hosts." [Jeremiah 2:19]
No, we don't have all the answers now, to deal with the problem of evil, its why and wherefore, etc. we are,
barely into the "whispers" of the mysteries. But even so we see our God has arranged it, controls the interplay
of good and evil, and it has never gotten out of His Hand. HE uses things we never dreamed possible, because
we could not see God in it at the time.
Titus 1:1 begins, "God, that cannot lie. . ." And Numbers 23:19 reads, "God is not a man, that He should lie."
Then there came a day when the Lord said, "Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-
gilead?" And there came forth a spirit that said, "I will persuade him. And the Lord said unto him, Wherewith ?
And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. " And so, said Micaiah,
"Behold, the Lord hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the Lord hath spoken evil
concerning thee." [1 Kings 22:20-23]
Thus God uses the negative, a lying spirit, to persuade Ahab to go into a battle wherein he would fall. Why a
lying spirit? Because there was that thing in Ahab, which would respond more to a lying spirit, than respond to
the truth. Lawlessness was within him, and a Lying spirit drew out that lawlessness, and brought about his
downfall.
"Because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause GOD shall send
them strong (Greek, in working) delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who
believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." [2 Thessalonians 2:10-12]
The case is clear they "had pleasure in unrighteousness." They delighted in lawlessness. Iniquity freely worked
in them. Therefore God would send them a strong delusion an in working delusion. Two ways are set before us
here: receiving the love of the truth to work into us into salvation, or, to receive an in working delusion so that
we believe a lie. Interestingly enough, GOD SENDS THEM BOTH, and so brings forth vessels of mercy, and
vessels of wrath. Those who receive the Love of the truth find that it works in them divine graces unto
salvation, to become His vessels of mercy revealing His love and grace to all mankind. But those who are
lawless, who cannot receive the love of the truth, in turn receive an IN WORKING ERROR. And then they will
be "damned." The Greek word is "krino" meaning, TO BE JUDGED. They will have to pass through those
correctional chastening processes until they are purged of all lawlessness that responded to the delusion the
error. When everything within is purged, so that "all that is within me, bless His holy name." [Psalm 103:1]
Then the error is dissipated by the light, and truth shines on, bringing life and victory.
"Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil." [Matthew 4:1] Had it read
that Jesus led by the Spirit into the Temple, we would have understood such leading divine, spiritual. But to be
led into a wilderness for the specific purpose of being tempted, tested, tried by the devil - ah, that is another
matter. But He was "in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." [Hebrews 4:15] There was not one
particle of lawlessness in Him, which could be ignited into flame by the tester. "Because I seek not Mine own
will, but the will of the Father which hath sent Me." [John 5:30] And thus He could summarize His entire
earthly sojourn with the testimony, "the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me." [John 14:30] He
was totally free of iniquity, He was "a Lamb without blemish, and without spot." [1 Peter 1:19] It is into this
same purity, this same holiness that He is bringing His people, when the in workings of our salvation are
consummated. And thus "INIQUITY SHALL HAVE AN END."
"And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I
have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." [Luke
22:31-32]
Now for sure, if this had been in our times, as a good charismatic, or a deliverance ministry believer, we would
have gathered around him, had Peter sit on a chair in the middle of the circle, and we would have rebuked and
commanded Satan what to do, where to go, etc. But Jesus simply prayed that his faith would not fail. Jesus
knew that His Father controlled the whole working of the mystery of iniquity, how it would be used to test and
try, and with the end secure, Jesus simply prayed for Simon's faith to come through the trial.
John wept, until "one of the elders saith unto him, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of
David, hath prevailed..." [Revelation 5:5] God is not losing out, He has a perfect plan of absolute victory.
Weep not, dry your tears, it is going to be all right. God controls the Interplay of good and evil, and He shall
"work all things together into good."
"The Lord hath made all things for Himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil." [Proverbs 16:4]
"And I have created the waster to destroy." [Isaiah 54:l6]
Paul once wrote to the elders of a certain group, "to deliver such an one unto Satan, for the destruction of the
flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus." When this sinner was being disciplined, it
would appear that utter destruction was in view BUT GOD purposed that though the "flesh" would be
destroyed, the spirit would be saved. [1 Corinthians 5:5]
Paul understood this, because God had given him a revelation that though messengers of Satan were sent to
buffet him, and used to abase him, humble him, it would all be used to draw him closer to God. And that God's
grace was sufficient for the entire operation. To rightly understand these things gives a new outlook on our
daily travail. Not to lament with Jacob, " -all these things are against me," [Genesis 42:36] but to be able to
say with Joseph, "as for you, ye thought evil against me; BUT GOD MEANT IT UNTO GOOD, to bring to pass,
as it is this day, to save much people alive." [Genesis 50:20]
When Israel was finally carried away into captivity, as discipline for their sin, Daniel prayed to the Lord one day,
"Therefore hath the Lord watched upon the evil, and brought t it upon us: for the Lord our God is righteous in
all His works which He doeth: for we obeyed not His voice." [Daniel 9:14] The Lord watched upon the evil! He
knew what was going on, He knew the sin of His people, and He knew the evil HE HAD PREPARED FOR
THEIR DISCIPLINE.
"Yet, behold, therein shall be left a remnant that shall be brought forth, both sons and daughters: behold, they
shall come forth unto you, and ye shall see their way and their doings: and ye shall be comforted concerning
the evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem, even concerning all that I have brought upon it. And they shall
comfort you, when ye see their ways and their doings: and HE SHALL KNOW THAT I HAVE NOT DONE
WITHOUT CAUSE ALL THAT I HAVE DONE IN IT, saith the Lord God." [Ezekiel 14:22-23]
We are so prone to ask, why? why? why? Certainly "the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of
God..." [1 Corinthians 2:14] "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the
Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thought
than your thoughts." [Isaiah 55:8-9] So even while our carnal mind cannot solve the mysteries of iniquity, yet
in our spirit we know that HE has not done without cause all that He has done. He has and is using it all to
work out His purpose. Sin has been allowed to exist for wise ends, and when those ends are secured, it shall
cease to exist. The lawlessness in the creature shall be thoroughly purged out, and from every fiber of our
being shall come that blessed surrender, "not my will, but Thine, be done." The illusions and delusions, which
appealed to the old adamic nature will find no response in us, and "where no wood (carnal nature) is, there the
fire goeth out." [Proverbs 26:20] Having served its purpose, iniquity shall have an end, and He brings forth
"new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." [2 Peter 3:13]
"For the mystery of iniquity doth already work, only there is one who restraineth now, until he may become
from the midst. And then shall be revealed the lawless one, whom the Lord Jesus shall slay with the breath of
His mouth and bring to nought by the manifestation of His presence." [2 Thessalonians 2:7-8, Clementson]
The King James Version gives "until he be TAKEN OUT of the way." But the Greek word here is "BECOME."
There is that which is BECOMING FROM THE MIDST, it is now in the process of being formed and brought to
maturity, and until it has fully BECOME, all else is in restraint.
Creation is waiting - for what? The unveiling of the man of lawlessness? No! Such does have an appointed
time, but he cannot be revealed until those who are the "WITHHOLDING" force have first BECOME. Creation
is waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God. Let the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing.
[Psalm 2:1] Let them go daily onward, seething as a boiling pot. The climatical explosions of iniquity cannot be
brought forth until God has completed the development of HIS TRUE STABILIZING INFLUENCE in His
creation His sons! Then there shall be an uncovering of THE LAWLESS ONE whom our Lord shall destroy,
utterly bring to nought. And all of the "sons of disobedience" shall pass through the fires of purging, and be
reconciled to God again.
Iniquity is not a mystery to our God! He controls every facet of its working, it becomes a servant to His
purpose, and it shall be brought to an end, and HE shall be glorified. Bless His holy name forever!
O myst'ry of iniquity
Who now can tell the score?
Who knows the why, the purpose of?
What you're existing for?
Indeed, the thought is most profound,
The carnal mind is numb,
Yet we perceive that God is GOD,
Creates thy evil sum.
Until we grasp this truth of God
We can't begin to know
His sovereignty, His victory,
The power He doth show.
Totality of His control,
The interplay withal
Of good and evil, while He brings
Glory out of the fall.
He holds the darkness in His hand
A servant to His plan,
And makes the blackness of the night
Reveal His love for man.
For after all is said and done,
The mystery fulfilled,
The universe shall know the depth
Of handiwork so skilled.
Iniquity shall have an end,
The Word on this is pure,
Its work complete, God shall be praised,
His grace shall e'er endure.
CHAPTER FOUR
"THE MYSTERY OF GODLINESS"
"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit,
seen of angels, preached unto the nations, believed on in the world, received up into glory." [1Timothy 3:16]
Without controversy - literally confessedly, said unanimously; for the Greek combines three words: homo - like,
logou - speech, menos - remain, and thus bespeaks that everyone remains with the same confession, THAT
GREAT IS THE MYSTERY OF GODLINESS. Indeed, this it has been, for even Christendom has never
uncovered much of the mystery. Nor would we indicate that we have a full and complete revelation on it, but
we share what He has quickened, and know that He shall add thereto, line upon line, precept upon precept.
Such spiritual treasures are not comprehended by one individual alone, for there are so many facets of
beautiful truth, but as the body flows together in sharing, each of their portion, a clearer view emerges, and in
Him we rejoice,
Godliness - Greek, eusebeia, piety, reverence. As a noun it bespeaks of a state of being, the quality or state of
being pious, righteous. As an adjective it would be GODLY, showing the qualities of being god-like, but as a
noun it speaks of what he IS IN BEING.
Significantly, Paul outlines this mystery in six progressive steps. Six is the number of man, and this
GODLINESS deals with mankind, portrayed for man through the MAN CHRIST JESUS, as that which we also
are to share, for "as He is, so are we in this world." [1 John 4:17]
Remember also, a mystery is that which is "known only to the initiated." Only in the measure that the Spirit of
God works these processings into us, do we comprehend them. We might be well able to quote "the letter of
the word" in outlining the steps, but until the SPIRIT OF THE WORD quickens it within, and works it into us, we
do not rightly and fully understand. For just as surely as this "mystery of Godliness" is revealed in Christ Jesus,
as a work to be wrought in us, it is also true that "having eyes to see, they saw not," for "God hath set the world
in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end."
[Ecclesiastes 3:11] Therefore "He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him
not." [John 1:10] He was in the world in human form, and the very personification of godliness - in state, in
being, in quality. He did not just act godly, He was in very essence true godliness.
Now, the operation of the mystery of godliness is also being wrought out today, but the world, even the
religious world, knows little, or nothing about it.
The Lamsa translation reads: "Truly great is this divine mystery of righteousness; it is revealed in the flesh,
justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached to the Gentiles, believed on in the world, and received up into
glory."
The first key in understanding this mystery, as it relates to us, is in the fact that the word translated as "God" in
the King James version, is not "THEOS" in the Greek text, but it is "hos" which means "who, or which," even as
Wuest translates it, "WHO was made visible in the sphere of flesh." For while it gives the process as wrought
out in our Lord Jesus Christ, it is also to be shared by those who are apprehended to become ONE IN HIM.
Yes, "in all things He shall have preeminence." [Colossians 1:18] Yet He is "the firstborn among many
brethren," [Romans 8:29], for He is "bringing many sons unto glory." [Hebrews 2:10]
1) "WHO was manifest in the, flesh." For all the glories of the very heavenlies to be revealed, for all the
wonders of the spiritual heights to which He has called us, let it be known that the process begins right down
here in the sphere of flesh. "That the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh."
[Corinthians 4:11] Greater revelations will require transformed bodies to manifest them, but there is that
which can be revealed right in the nitty-gritty of our earthly sojourn, and it is part of the mystery of godliness.
Not only was Jesus Christ to reveal the nature of God in human form, but He also shall have a people who
reveal HIM through their daily living. And "we have this treasure IN EARTHEN VESSELS, that the excellency
of the power may be of God, and not of us." [2 Corinthians 4:7]
Truly, "THE WORD was made flesh, and dwelt among us ...full of grace and truth." [John 1:14] "Forasmuch
then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also likewise took part of the same." [Hebrews 2: l 4]
A part of the mystery of Godliness is the fact that God has made it a part of His purpose of the ages to place
His "spirits" (for He is the Father of spirits) in human flesh. [Hebrews 12:9] He has subjected us to this earthly
body for a purpose.
The vast majority of people are born, live, and die without ever knowing why they had this sojourn upon earth.
Yet God is able to quicken to our understanding the reason why out from the bosom of God; He brought us to
tabernacle in these vessels of clay, with our minds veiled over with darkness upon the face of the deep. We
shall yet understand why we are brought through this travail, learning obedience by the things we suffer, etc.
even as Christ. Though we have but heard the "whispers of the mysteries," we shall go on to "know even as
also I am know." [1 Corinthians 13:12] "If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine..." [John
7:17] Suffice it for now, to repeat, the mystery of godliness does not begin when we all get to heaven, it has
begun even now with our being made "manifest in the flesh."
"For Thou has possessed my reins: Thou has covered me, in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am
fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." [Psalm 139:13-
14]
The wonders of our spirit being placed in this flesh body, to be exercised by this subjection to vanity is
awesome to contemplate. And then the even greater wonder that because we are partakers of flesh and blood,
HE ALSO likewise took part of the same - miraculous in His conception, condescending to men of low estate,
to share with us our weakness, that we in turn might share with Him of His life and power. Truly a mystery of
godliness.
2) "Justified in the spirit." That which is being wrought in us while we are in this flesh body, has its deeper
consequences in our spirit. This body is but loaned to us for a time while He is processing our spirit. The
outward becomes the portrayal ground for the inner work in our spirit. The inner attitudes, the developing
character, as God, through the very operation of our daily travail brings us into that state of being where we are
piety, righteous. Not just to act pious, but to BE. Purged of all jealousy, envy, pride, etc. these distortions of
spirit are not godliness, they are a part of the workings of iniquity. But there shall be those who are truly
JUSTIFIED In spirit.
Remember, righteousness does not consist in doing righteousness, but of BEING righteous, it is a state of
being, "as He is." To be declared justified, is literally TO BE DECLARED RIGHTEOUS. What you are IN
BEING then you will manifest in action, for the doing is the result, the being is the cause.
To be justified in spirit, is to be declared righteous in spirit. It is also to be noted, this is not forgiveness or
pardon. Forgiveness is, of necessity, a recognition of guilt, but justification is a declaration of NOT GUILTY. It
does not mean to make righteous, for this, too, would be a recognition of guilt, of unrighteousness, and thus
justification would be a correcting of an unrighteous state, not a declaration of being righteous. Nor, as so often
taught, does it mean just-as-if-I've-never-sinned, for this would be an admission of guilt which would make it
impossible to be declared not guilty.
We read, "And all the people that heard Him, and the publicans, justified God" [Luke 7:29] They did not make
Him righteous, or as though He has never sinned, nor did they forgive Him, or pardon Him, THEY DECLARED
HIM TO BE RIGHTEOUS, for that is what He is in state of being.
There is only one way we can be justified in spirit, and that is to have been so dealt with His cross, that we
have died out to all other spirits, to become ONE SPIRIT in Him, "he that is joined to the Lord is one spirit." [1
Corinthians 6:17]
Of Jesus THE MAN, we read, "Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He
suffered; and being made perfect…" [Hebrews 5:8-9], it rightly follows that HE WAS DECLARED
RIGHTEOUS IN SPIRIT.
Justified in spirit means that no more are we tainted with the spirit of the world, or any of the things which
pervert and destroy, no more are we of that "I will" spirit of self, but totally become a new creation in Christ.
Therefore the mystery of godliness includes all the processing whereby we are made free from all defilement of
spirit, that we might be JUSTIFIED, i.e. be declared righteous in spirit - pure as He is pure, holy as He is holy.
"If ye know that He is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of Him." [1 John
2:29] "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for His seed remaineth in him: he cannot sin, because
he is born of God." [1 John 3:9]
Religious systems of man have all produced their outward works, to be judged by their deeds, with standards
to be met, and thus declared righteous because of what they did - but works only produce a self-righteousness.
God deals from inside out, and HE cleanses our spirit. "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right
spirit within me." [Psalm 51:l0] "I will put My laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts." [Hebrews
8:10] "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you ...and ye shall keep My judgments,
and do them." [Ezekiel 36:26-27] When we are filled with His Spirit, one in His Spirit, then "the prince of this
world cometh, and hath nothing in me." [John 14:30], and we will have been brought to that state of being
where HE can declare us justified in spirit, for we are "to be made (BECOME) the righteousness of God in
Him." [2 Corinthians 5:21]
3) "Seen by angels." The Greek work for "angels,' is simply MESSENGERS which can be either earthly or
heavenly, depending on the context of the scripture. where it says that John the Baptist sent "his messengers
to Jesus" to ask Him something, it is the same Greek word for "angels." Certainly God has sent those earthly
messengers to us which were able to aid us on our way, and this is a vital part of the outworking of the mystery
of godliness. But in no way would we limit this to our earthly helpers. Christ was often ministered unto by the
heavenly host, "behold, angels came and ministered unto him." [Matthew 4:11] And when they came into the
Garden to take Jesus away, and Peter took out his sword to defend Jesus, our Lord reminded him, "Thinkest
thou that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He shall presently give Me more than 12 legions of angels?"
[Matthew 26:53] Full well He knew of that angelic assistance that was constantly available.
How blessed also is the promise to us-ward, "For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all
thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy food against a stone." [Psalm 91:11-12]
"The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them." [Psalm 34:7]
Praise God for those "ministering spirits, sent forth to minister, for them who shall be heirs of salvation."
[Hebrews 1:14]
Our God knows our frame, He remembereth our weaknesses, and that we need HELP in these processings, if
we are to come to the full glory of the outworking of this mystery of godliness, and HE has those who stand in
attendance before Him, whom He sends forth to minister unto us, though for the most part we are not aware of
their ministry.
4) "Preached among the Gentiles." Preached - literally, to be announced, or proclaimed. While the word
"Gentiles" is simply "nations." He was announced by the Angels at His birth. He was announced by John the
Baptist at the beginning of His public ministry. He was announced by His disciples after His resurrection. We
need not list the many scriptures which bear witness to how He has been preached about the nations, for it is
evident to all.
But how does this aspect of the mystery of godliness apply to us. Jesus clearly stated, "He that speaketh of
himself seeketh his own glory." [John 7:18] Paul stated, "For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the
Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake." [2 Corinthians 4:5] Because of our desire to exalt only
Christ, we will not go forth proclaiming our own name. They who do so have not progressed very far in this
working of the mystery of godliness. Yet, it is equally true that a "city set on an hill cannot be hid." [Matthew
5:I4] So the more HIS LIFE is revealed through you, the more others will speak of you, announce you among
the nations. They said of Paul and Silas "These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also."
[Acts 17:6] Yes, others announced Jesus, but Jesus directed all attention to His Father. Today, others may
speak of us, because of what HE is becoming within us, but we will speak only of HIM, not of ourselves. This is
a true manifestation of PIETY.
5) "Believed on in the world." When Jesus had ministered unto the woman at the well, she in turn went and
announced Him to the city of Samaria, and they came out unto Him, received His word, "And many more
believed because of His own word." [John 4:41] Believed on - YES, and we too believe on Him, and by our
believing receive of the inflow of His life.
"Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe His prophets, so shall ye prosper." [2
Chronicles 20:20] Thus God places His message of truth in the mouth of His people, they declare it, and
those who believe them receive its blessing. The more that we become HIS TRUTH, with our life consistent
with what we speak, the more we, also, shall be believed on in the world. No need to expand this further now,
but it is a part of the mystery of godliness.
6) "Received up into glory." "While they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight."
[Acts 1:9] "He raised Him from the dead, set Him at His own right hand in the heavenlies, far above all
principality, and power, and might, and dominion..." [Ephesians 1:20-21] He shares the Father's throne,
crowned with glory and honor.
Now, of His own it is also written, "Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward RECEIVE ME IN
GLORY." [Psalm 73:24] And Jesus prayed, "And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them." [John
17:22] "Because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification to the obtaining of
the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." [2 Thessalonians 2:13-14] Indeed, "I reckon that the sufferings of this
present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." [Romans 8:18]
The process which begins with our subjection to vanity and the bondage of corruption, "manifest in the flesh,"
then proceeds through all the various purgings and purifying until we are "justified in spirit." Aided by all the
ministries of angels, there shall come forth a people renown - indeed, "The whole creation is on tiptoe to see
the wonderful sight of the sons of God coming into their own." [Rom. 8: l9, Phillips] They shall stand out in bold
relief against the blackness of iniquity, and they shall be in sharp contra-distinction to the confusions of
Babylon. Tidings of HIS FIRST FRUITS of the new creation shall be announced everywhere, and they shall be
believed on in the world. "When he seeth his children, the work of Mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall
sanctify My name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel. They also that erred in
spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine." [Isaiah 29:23-24]
"And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together." [Isaiah 40:5] For being
"received up into glory" does not mean a rapture away to a far distant galaxy, but being received into new
dimensions of His life and reality, that in turn they might MANIFEST HIM to all mankind. "For the earth shall be
filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." [Habakkuk 2:14] And then
shall be fulfilled the Word of the Lord, spoken through the prophet, "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the
glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. The Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee. And
the Gentles shall come to thy light, and the kings to the brightness of thy rising." [Isaiah 60:1-3] This is the
mystery of godliness fulfilled in those who become piety, become His righteousness!
The mystery of godliness is revealed through Jesus Christ, demonstrated before man, as a living parable; men
saw it, but understood it not. They knew not that it was GOD manifest in the flesh, Emmanuel, "God with us."
And little does the world realize today that there is a new creation order being brought forth to fulfill again this
glorious mystery. Not until man had done unto Him "whatsoever Thy hand and Thy counsel determined before
to be done," [Acts 4:28] did some acknowledge, and "feared greatly, saying, truly this was the Son of God."
[Matthew 27:54] And "when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, certainly this was a
righteous man." [Luke 23:45] So also, not until HIS PROCESSINGS IN US ARE COMPLETE, as we are
received into glory, will the world begin to understand what has been taking place in their midst.
Earth in wonderment shall stand to survey what God hath planned

Scarce believing what they long have searched to see,
A creation fully new, with the image of the true,
A new man possessing perfect liberty.
It is not of the old creation, it is of the NEW. "Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
[2 Corinthians 5:17]
After the healing of the lame man at the Gate Beautiful, Peter said, "Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or
why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness (godliness) we had made this man to
walk?" [Acts 3:12] They were looking only on the outward flesh-form, and Peter was determined that they
would not glorify his flesh. It was not a miracle wrought by human holiness, or godliness, piety. It was by the
power of the CHRIST WITHIN, the new spiritual life, which they could not see.
Earlier, as they had approached the lame man, Peter had said to him, "Look on us," to gain his attention, and
"he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. " But he saw only the natural, and expected
only the natural. So Peter went on, "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: in the name of
Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk." Then the invisible virtue of God healed the man. LOOK, but not on
the outward, the weakness of the flesh. Nor look not upon any form of self-righteousness. But see the INNER
LIFE, the Christ-life, for there is evolving a GODLINESS, a new creation that is all righteous, it is Christ within.
When Paul spoke to the men on Mars' hill, having beheld their devotions, with an altar "To the unknown God,"
he said to them, "Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, Him declare I unto you." [Acts 17:23] The word
"worship" is the adjective form of our word for godliness, piety. While some have a little piety toward God, they
are engulfed in ignorance concerning a personal relationship with Him, or their BECOMING a part of this
godliness.
The there are others, Paul writes, "Having a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof." [2 Timothy 3:5]
Or, as Wuest gives, "Having a mere semblance of piety toward God but denying the power of the same." It is
the POWER of our piety toward God that will change us into the same - these did not want to be changed.
They would accept a form of religion so long as it did not upset or change the course of their lives. We have no
desire to follow any longer just the form of godliness, appearances of reverence and piety, but we desire that
HE who dwells within us, and is the very POWER OF GODLINESS would continue to work in us until we have
BECOME the personification of this mystery fulfilled.
"But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. Godliness is profitable
unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." [1Timothy 4:7-8]
Note the word "profane," from the Greek word signifying "crossing the doorway," that is, going outside of that
which is sacred, to take up with that which is pagan heathenish. There is no overcoming, no kingdom life, in
the mixing of truth with paganism, yet Christendom is filled with such confusion. Creeds and traditions of man
based on this violation of truth do not gender holiness, or godliness. That which is being INITIATED INTO
GODLINESS will refuse all that is profane. And I dare say, only those in whom His Spirit dwells, to guide us
into all truth, will be able to discern between the holy and the profane - and thus be able to discard that which is
unsanctified.
They shall also refuse old wives' fables. Many things are taught which are only handed down myths and
legends, out of the carnal mind from long ago. But though they are venerable as the tradition, as ancient as the
pyramids, as orthodox as anything in past or modern theology, when it is only the fruit-age of the carnal mind,
and not Spirit-revealed truth, we do well to cast it aside.
Peter was able to write, "For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you
the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty." [2 Peter 1:16]
Thank God, there is "the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness." [Titus 1:1] The Amplified gives,
"Accurate discernment and recognition of and acquaintance with the truth which belongs to and harmonizes
with and tends to godliness." For the inworking of truth will result in our being changed into a state of
godliness.
But those who are of "corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, (will) suppose that gain is godliness: from such
withdraw thyself." [1Timothy 6:5] Another translation bears out the thought that those who are bereft of the
truth will imagine that godliness or righteousness is a source of profit - a money-making business. Certainly
there are enough examples of that in the land these days. More interested in money than they are in BEING
CHANGED INTO A STATE OF GODLINESS. Rather they would only use "the religious realm" as a means of
making money. we need not expand on this abomination.
Others have done despite to the truth when they suppose and equate gain with godliness - that is, suppose it is
because they are so "spiritual" is why they are being blessed with such prosperity, and they measure a man's
spiritual state with his possessions. Godliness is not something used to bring gain, nor is it measured by gain.
It is the inner transformation wrought by God whereby we become ALL-RIGHTEOUS. Certainly to those
interested only in natural things, gain, prosperity, true godliness is a mystery.
Nevertheless, we rejoice in that "According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto
life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue." [2 Peter 1:3] And He
shall lead us through every processing and dimension of inworking until He has truly "received us up into glory.
" Bless His holy name!
Mystery of godliness goes far beyond
Acts of piety that mask a vagabond.
It's not with outward form and stance,
With mumbled prayers and hopes of chance,
That bring a union with our God - love's true bond.
For in this making of His sons by His grace,
Religious form and carnal creed have no place.
The Spirit must the truth reveal,
And in thy inner being seal,
To transform thee as one of His godly race.
From realms of flesh until we stand by His throne,
His likeness, image, nature be - of His own.
This is a process of great change,
To natural man it seemeth strange,
Yet He promised we should be bone of His bone.
All that which flesh calls godliness fades away,
As chaff upon the threshing floor cannot stay.
From earth to glory let us rise,
HIS LIFE our everlasting prize,
Behold the dawning of the new, glor'ous day.
Iniquity shall have an end, but we know
That righteousness shall fill the earth with its glow,
And turn our sorrow into joy,
our lips His praises shall employ,
Mystery of godliness assures us so!
CHAPTER FIVE
"THE MYSTERY OF OUR CHANGE"
"Behold, I shew you a mystery, We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the
twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible,
and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on
immortality." [1 Corinthians 15:51-53]
Paul had just written a beautiful presentation on resurrection, first on the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ,
then "every man on his own order." He spoke of its certainty, its triumph, and even illustrated the manner
thereof - how God truly gives the new body with its glories as it pleaseth Him. "So also is the resurrection of the
dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised incorruption: it is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in
weakness; it is raised in power: it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. And as we have borne the
image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly."
It is also understood "that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is
spiritual." Then Paul makes it very clear that "flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth
corruption inherit incorruption." And so, he says, "I will shew you a mystery." The Greek word for "shew" is
"lego" meaning - to lay out, tell, describe. And remember that a mystery is that which is known only to the
initiated. Paul had received by divine revelation an understanding, which he then desired to unfold to us,
concerning our change. Since this corruptible cannot inherit incorruption, then there is necessity of a change
from the earthy to the spiritual - the heavenly.
Furthermore, resurrection and change is an ACT OF GOD, HE RAISES UP, He appoints the time thereof. And
so many will "sleep" and wait for that hour. But we shall not all sleep. What is meant by sleep? John 11:12-13
"Then said His disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death." Word had come
to Jesus that Lazarus was sick, and Jesus would go to him, and He told His disciples that "Lazarus sleepeth;
but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep." Because they thought that Jesus was only speaking of sleep as
that restful slumber, repose, Jesus had to tell them plainly, "Lazarus is dead." Thus, physical death is likened
unto sleep.
Many have thought that physical death is a must, if we are to follow Christ all the way, because He
experienced a physical death. "For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that He might be Lord
both of the dead and the living." [Romans 14:9] It was needful for Him to experience even physical death -
because He would conquer and be Lord of that realm, too. Henceforward physical death holds no terror for the
child of God, Christ is victor over that realm, and "whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die,
we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's." [Romans 14:8] But while He died
physically, conquered that realm totally, is LORD OVER ALL THE DEAD, He is also LORD for us who "are
alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord." [1 Thessalonians 4:15] And Paul clearly stated that "we shall
not all sleep," because he foresaw that there would be those who were living at the appointed hour of their
CHANGE.
While it is true, should God's timetable go beyond our own allotted threescore and ten (figurative of our earthly
sojourn), and we do go the way of all flesh, into sleep, yet there is no loss, for at the time of His coming, "them
also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him." [1 Thess. 4:14] God does not penalize us for being born in
the wrong time span, and even Job believed, and was able to declare - "For I know that my Redeemer liveth,
and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet
in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another." [Job
19:25-27] Our body may be sown in corruption, but it shall be raised in incorruption, because of the
resurrection and change, which is wrought, and thus God will give us a new body that pleaseth Him, like unto
His own glorious body. Again Job said, "If a man die, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will
I wait, till my change come." [Job 14:14]
But the mystery of the change is not limited to those who physically die, for "we shall not all sleep" - and while
it is obvious there is tremendous need for a change via resurrection for those who have died, it is equally self-
evident there is tremendous need for change for those who are living. This flesh and blood body will not,
cannot inherit the kingdom of God, it must needs be changed.
In the unfolding of his revelation on this mystery of our change, Paul begins "IN A MOMENT ..." The Greek "en
atomo," literally IN THE ATOMS, it is a change that is wrought in the very atomical structure of our being - the
very atoms will be altered, (made other). That which is of the earth, earthy, will be completely changed in its
atoms, and take on a totally new expression, and that is why "we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working
whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself." [Philippians 3:20-21]
Now we find Paul uses another Greek word, "metamorphoo" for the CHANGE, from which we get our English
word metamorphosis, which is defined as "change of form, structure, or substance." It is not a change brought
about from the outside, but one produced by the nature within. The example has often been used of the worm
and the butterfly. Inherent in the worm is the nature and expression of the butterfly, it simply requires that a
change take place. When we were by nature "the children of wrath," [Ephesians 2:3] there was no way we
could manifest the image of the heavenly. It is the receiving of CHRIST to dwell within us, to become our new
nature. HIS is the life, which produces the change.
"In Whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of
our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession." [Ephesians 1:13-14] We have a measure
within, a divine portion, and it is working in us of that change, but it is needful that this "Christ within" receive
much more from the "Christ without" to complete the change. Therefore, we are admonished to "gird up the
loins of our mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto us at the revelation of
Jesus Christ." [1 Peter 1:13] There is a certain metamorphosis taking place now, but it will climax when HE
comes to us, and imparts that added grace which will complete the change.
"All of us, with face unveiled, gazing on the mirrored glory of the Lord, are hourly being transformed into the
same likeness, from a mere reflected glory into an inherent glory, as may well be, since it proceeds from the
Lord, the Spirit." [2 Corinthians 3:18, A.S. Way translation]

Wuest: "… are having our outward expressions changed into the same image from one degree of glory to
another according as this change of expression proceeds from the Lord, the Spirit."
Until we receive Christ within, there can be no change, for HIS is the life, which changes us - if it is not within, it
cannot be manifested outwardly. Reflections will not bring praise to God - it is essential and imperative that it
be a true expression of our inner state of being.
There is little glory in the worm - you'd have to love worms to see the beauty of that dimension, however limited
that beauty and glory is. But once it has passed through the CHANGING PROCESS, the butterfly emerges out
of the cocoon. Nothing was put into the cocoon as an outside additive, it is all the result of the IN WORKING.
And though natural illustrations are very limited in their scope of applications, the finite can never fully express
the infinite, yet there is a sense in which nothing can be added to His life within us for our changing, it is all
INHERENT IN HIS LIFE, flesh can add nothing, contribute nothing. As already stated, the fullness of Christ
will come to us and be added to the indwelling measure, but flesh will add nothing.
"And be ye not conformed to this world: but be transformed (metamorphoo) by the renewing of your mind."
[Romans 12:2]
Obviously a great portion of this present working of the transformation process deals with the mind, in all of its
related aspects. A RENEWED MIND requires the process of repentance. The word "repentance" from
"metanoia" meaning A CHANGE OF MIND. As the mind is changed, so also the outward expression will be
changed. Thus repentance is not a one-time experience, but a PROCESS, an on-going renewal, as we put off
the old mind, and put on the new. IF our thinking is in accord with the spirit of this age, even though we might
have received Christ into our hearts, so that He dwell there by faith, still we will manifest outwardly the things of
this world. It will not be a true expression of Him that dwells within, it a masquerade, expressing only the mind
that is attuned to the world, not of the inner state of the heart. But as the mind is renewed - becomes one with
the Christ within, "bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of the Christ," [2 Corinthians 10:5]
then, as we are thinking, so we will express, even HIM.
One thing this is not - it is not just one covering over the other, it requires the process of a complete change -
changed in the atoms. The image of the heavenly has no resemblance to the image of the earthy, than does
the butterfly look like the worm.
A brief look at the negative also produces some truth to be considered. "They changed (Hebrew, mur,
exchanged) their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass." [Psalm 106:20]
How did they do this? With a change of mind, involving a change of Gods. We are ultimately to be changed
into the same image as our God - man is to become the image and glory of his God. Now, if you change to
"other gods," then whatever your god is, that is what you will become. On this occasion Israel forsook serving
Jehovah, and made unto themselves a god in the image of a golden calf - an ox that eateth grass. Then to
share the glory of their god, all they had was the glory of an ox. Turning from the glory of the Creator, to take
up with the glory of the created.
This takes on vital meaning and application when we consider the creeds and doctrines which warp the minds
of Christendom, so that in their mind they have the image of a God that is a despot, filled with wrath, vengeful,
cruel. And imputing to God all the base emotions of carnal man, no wonder there is NO CHANGE IN THEM,
their god is as base as themselves. You cannot be changed or redeemed beyond whatever your God is. "We
shall be LIKE HIM, for we shall see Him as He is." [1 John 3:2]
While there is to be an instantaneous climax to the process, nevertheless there is also that change from one
degree of glory to another. "The righteousness of God is revealed FROM FAITH TO FAITH." [Romans 1:17]
"Blessed is the man whose strength is in Thee; in whose heart are the ways to Zion. They? go from strength to
strength, till every one of them in Zion appeareth before God." [Psalm 84:5,7]
To go from glory to glory, from faith to faith, from strength to strength, increasing in victorious power until each
of us appears before God in Zion. What a challenge indeed! Certainly the processings of these days are
preparing us for that glorious, climactic hour when HE shall appear and finish the work HE has begun, and the
last atom of our being shall be fully CHANGED - into His substance, structured like to His glorious body.
There is a threefold process being wrought out in our change, which could be expressed as ,fusion, infusion,
and transfusion. A fusion is to blend, unite, for a union. "I in UNION with the, and You in UNION with Me, so
that they may be perfectly united." [John 17:23, Williams] "The man who is in UNION with the Lord is
spiritually one with Him." [1 Corinthians 6:17, Williams] "For it is in Him that all the fullness of Deity continued
to live embodied, and through UNION with Him you too are filled with it." [Colossians 2:9-10, Williams]
The Spirit of God UNITED to our spirit begins the process, this is the fusing. "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." [John 14:23]
He dwells within, "Christ in you the hope of glory." [Colossians 1:27] His Spirit and our spirit fused into ONE
SPIRIT, to be the inherent life that will bring forth the changes.
Then by infusion, the soul (mind, intellect, emotions, will) receives the illuminations, revelations, which change
the mind. When the Word, the LIGHT, has illumined the mind in every part, every thought and imagination
exposed to the light and brought into oneness with the light, then death is abolished. "To be carnally minded is
death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." [Romans 8:6]
From the Spirit to the soul passes all that is needed to bring forth the change and new growth, even as the
umbilical cord sustains the unborn child, and from the soul to the Spirit passes the waste from the tainted blood
of Adam's inheritance. Thus "old things are passing away, and all things becoming new." [2 Corinthians 5:17]
This infusion, pouring in of spiritual truth, some have experienced, that there is a definite reaction to sudden
revelation, a quickened pulse, clearer thinking, and a surge of energy which can be noted even in these
present physical bodies.
While these changes are taking place in their cycles, there is still to be that climactic moment, with its
TRANSFUSION, when He appears unto His own with that ADDED GRACE which completes the work within,
and we shall all be changed. While beholding Him in bodily form, we shall receive of Him that divine inflow
which shall fill us to overflowing with Himself, and so shall we be swallowed up into the image of the heavenly.
Now, Paul spoke of our change also as threefold, "in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, IN (Greek is in not
at ) the last trump." In a moment has dealt with substance, our being changed in the atoms to be of His own
substance. Next we find that "in the twinkling of an eye" is concerned with condition, while "in the last trump"
refers to time. Reading this verse superficially, we might be inclined to believe that the bodily change of God's
people will take place in a split second, or in the time it takes to wink the eye. This may have its application,
too, but as we have already stated, there is a being changed by degrees, from glory to glory, so that being
changed is not just some drastic one-moment event, it is a process with a climax, the speed of the climax still
to be revealed with the happening.
The scriptures gives its own interpretation of its symbols, and it will be found that the eye is symbolic of the
"spirit," for "the light (lamp) of the body is the eye." [Matthew 6:22] And "the spirit of man is the candle (lamp) of
the Lord." [Proverbs 20:27] While Revelation 5:6 speaks of the Lamb having "seven eyes, which are the
seven Spirits of God ..." It is the spirit of man within which is the eye, beholding spiritual realities.
Next, what about the "twinkling" of the eye. The word "twinkling," comes from the Greek meaning "the casting
down," or the winking of the eyelid over the eve. The winking of the eye physically is most important, for by this
means is the eye kept lubricated, and foreign substances cleared out. Even in application to spiritual truth this
is so. So consider:
2 Corinthians 7:l, "Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and SPIRIT (typified by the eye),
perfecting holiness in the fear of God." Many have relegated all cleansings to the removal of the lusts of the
flesh, etc. but there is also to be a washing away of all filthiness of the spirit. Seems there have been many
little things of the past that yet inhabit our spirit, sometimes to irritate a bit, sometimes to distort our true
visions. We remember the glory of the good old days of past blessing and it keeps us from seeing clearly what
is before us in the NEW. Doubts, fears, condemnations of self and others. They are not a part of the CHRIST-
SPIRIT within us, but they are remnants of our own human spirit, or cast upon us by the turmoil of the
atmosphere and conditions about us. But as the winking of the eye washes away the particles of dust, etc. and
tears are often used to bring a cleansing, so this typifies that the brokenness, the tenderness, the humility
comes to cleanse our spirit of all defilement, that we might be changed to see clearly.
"The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light." [Luke
11:34] Not "IF" but "WHEN," for only when our spirit is totally single to Him shall we be filled with His light.
Methinks that much of the chaotic happenings of these latter days is for the purpose of causing us to become
so weary of this world's ways, that we will look ONLY into Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith, and in so
looking we shall see HIM, and become like Him.
Being changed in the atoms, to be of His substance, and coming into the condition of a single eye unto Christ,
with all debris and defilement washed away, we shall surely be brought to the hour of our total redemption, "IN
THE LAST TRUMP."
"And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world
are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever." [Revelation
11:15]
We are but presenting "whispers of the mysteries,'' with so much to yet be revealed and quickened by His
Spirit. But it appears that the "last trump" harmonizes with this seventh and final trumpet spoken of in
Revelation, and is also that which is referred to in 1 Thessalonians 4:16, "For the Lord Himself shall descend
from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and WITH THE TRUMP OF GOD ..." Thus linking
our CHANGE to the very COMING OF THE LORD.
An added clarification is found in the word "shout," for He shall descend from heaven with a SHOUT.
Conybeare translates it, "a shout of war." And in his footnote explains, "this word denotes the shout used in
battle." Thus we could rightly term this A WAR CRY. This brings a whole new aspect into the truths of the
coming of our Lord, and our change. It will be a time of great battle, the conflict of the ages coming to its
climax, and the CAPTAIN OF THE HOST descending with a shout of war, to urge on, encourage, and give the
command, "TIME TO POSSESS THE KINGDOM.'' No rapture Is inferred any place in this text, but rather HE
COMES TO US, He brings that added grace which will complete His work in us. He will change our vile body
like unto His glorious body, and then He will issue those commands to subdue the nations, and turn the
kingdoms to righteousness.
There is a specific time in view, it is "IN THE LAST TRUMP," even that trumpet which proclaims the coming of
our Lord and the taking of all these earthly kingdoms to Himself. And since flesh and blood cannot inherit the
kingdom of God, it necessitates that ALL SHALL BE CHANGED, which change will first be realized in His
firstfruits, then every man in his own order. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must
put on immortality.
Due to some mistranslations, there is quite a lot of confusion as to whether "incorruption" or "immortality"
becomes the goal toward which we press. In the past the glory has been placed in the immortality part, and the
land where we'll never grow old. To determine the essential difference between incorruption and immortality,
note two verses:
"That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
When in His times He shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
WHO ONLY HATH IMMORTALITY, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath
seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen." [1Timothy 6:14-16]
"Now unto the King eternal, immortal (Greek, INCORRUPTIBLE), invisible, the only wise God, be honor and
glory for ever and ever. Amen." [1Timothy 1:17]
God, being INCORRUPTIBLE, makes it self-evident that nothing is greater than incorruptibility. Corruption
signifies a change from a state of uprightness, truth, to a perverted state, or a defiled and pollute state. We
realize that in our present realm, creation being made subject to vanity, and fallen into a bondage of corruption,
there has been a changeover from pure spirit existence into a state of gross materialism, subject to decay.
Now we need that changing back from this corruptible into that which is of pureness of spirit.
"Who only hath immortality..." The Greek word for immortality, "athanasia," is only used three times in the New
Testament, in 1 Corinthians 15: 53, 54 and 1 Timothy 6:16. ALL OTHER TIMES in the King James Version
where the word immortality is used, it is an incorrect translation, and the word incorruption should be used.
Bearing this in mind, Paul declared that it is "mortal" which must put on immortality, or un-death. To be mortal
means to be in a state of dying, or one subject to death. This condition needs to be reversed, changed into one
of HIS DIVINE LIFE. By this we can see, then, what Paul meant when he said that ONLY ONE had immortality.
He certainly did not mean God, the Omnipotent Spirit, for as such God was never mortal. But JESUS, the
manifestation of God to creation, was "found in fashion as a man... and became obedient unto death, even the
death of the cross." [Philippians 2:8]
Then, as the risen Lord, He declared, "I AM He that liveth and was dead; and behold, I AM alive for ever more.
Amen; and have the keys of hell and death." [Revelation 1:18] Was dead, but now alive for ever more! This is
HE, WHO ONLY HATH IMMORTALITY, DEATHLESSNESS, but which state He also desires to share with
those who are partakers of the fellowship of His sufferings, are made conformable to His death, and then
receive the fullness of HIS resurrection life. Brought into oneness with Him, then no more can it be said that He
only hath immortality, for it shall be our inheritance, also.
Then we note that l Timothy 1:17 states that the "only wise God" Is incorruptible. As the Most High, in His
highest form of Godship, He is incorruptible, yet it is not stated that He alone is incorruptible, for such a state
can be attained unto as we become partakers of His Divine Nature, by His grace.
Paul wrote that both incorruption and immortality must be put on, and he wrote this after Jesus had been
raised from the dead, and hence THE POSSESSOR of them both. Paul could not state that Jesus alone was
incorruptible, for God, Omnipotent Spirit, is also incorruptible. Why then did Paul so emphatically state that
ONLY ONE hath immortality? Because God, being incorruptible, never mortal, made it unnecessary to state
that God possesses "deathlessness," but now he was stressing the fact that JESUS ALONE, THUS FAR, was
complete conqueror over death, thus to be Lord both of the dead and the living.
That which is incorruptible, never given over to decay, cannot know death, for death is the fruition of sin. "Sin,
when it is finished, bringeth forth death." [James 1:15] When one is brought into a sinless state (that blessed
mystery of godliness), it is self-evident that death is annulled. Thus our desire is not just to be brought into a
state of "no death," but into a place where there is no corruption, for then we will never have to face the
ultimate consequence of sin, which is death. It is this corruption, which must be swallowed up, CHANGED, into
a state of incorruption, and then shall be brought to pass the saying, "death is swallowed up in victory." To
become incorruptible makes it unnecessary to add that they are also immortal.
Paul made his statements on mortality and immortality in his desire to point out that everything in a death-state
must be swallowed up INTO LIFE, for "the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death." [1 Corinthians 15:26]
But the process and conditions which make that possible is the outworking of the CHANGE, all coming into a
state of incorruption - then it is self-evident that death is forever conquered, for it has lost its sting, which is sin.
HE SHALL CHANGE US! As to the time, we do not know the day nor the hour, but we are looking for our
change, which necessitates that we also look for our Saviour, Who shall change us, for "unto them that look for
Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." [Hebrews 9:28] His first coming was to deal
with sin, and to become our sin offering, and to conquer death, but He shall appear this second time to finish
the process of putting away all sin, as we are completely changed and brought into a state of incorruptibility.
When all are CHANGED, become new creatures in Christ, spirit, soul, and body, then this will be a mystery no
longer, for all will have become a partaker of Its reality. Praise God!
From glory to glory, as line upon line

He inworks His purpose thy life to refine.
A transfiguration, a process divine,
The wonder, the marvel of His rare design.
Where once it was earthy, the image of man,
The heavenly image is His final plan.
The butterfly out of the worm to emerge,

His life and His mercy in thee to converge.
Process of becoming, the cycles must turn,
Discipline's working, our lessons to learn.
The heat and the cold and the dark of the night,
Develop within us a spirit contrite.
The path of repentance - a changing of mind,

Until to His will we are fully aligned.
From glory to glory, inwrought by degrees,
Unshackled, praise God, from corruption He frees.
Forgetting the old, reaching out for the new,
The Spirit is leading in paths sure and true.
The changes, though painful, betoken His love,

With Christ-like expressions sent down from above.
We oft' stand in awe while beholding His ways,
Assured, grace sufficient for all of these days.
And when He has finished the process begun,
Conformed to His image, and one in the Son.
CHAPTER SIX
"THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL"
"Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed
in Himself that in the dispensation of the fullness 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." [Ephesians 1:9-10]
So precious are these verses, we must share them also from two other translations, each which adds to the
beauty and wonder of this glorious truth.
Phillips: "For God has allowed us to know the secret of His plan, and it is this: He purposes in His sovereign
will that all human history shall be consummated in Christ, that everything that exists in Heaven or earth shall
find its perfection and fulfillment in Him."
Weymouth: "He made known to us the secret of His will. And this is in harmony with God's merciful purpose for
the government of the world when the times are ripe for it - the purpose which He has cherished in His own
mind of restoring the whole creation to find its one Head in Christ; yes, things in heaven and things on earth, to
find their one Head in Him."
We stand in awe before the revelation of this secret of His will - of His plan, of His purpose. It has been
"according to the riches of His grace; wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence,"
[Ephesians 1:7-8] that He would unfold to man such a glorious truth. Deuteronomy 29:29 states, "The secret
things belong unto the Lord our God: but these things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children
for ever, that we may do all the words of this law."
Truth spoken before its time may not; only be hurtful, but even most unlawful. Paul once said that he "heard
unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter." [2 Corinthians 12:4] But Peter admonishes us to
"be established in the present truth." [2 Peter 1:12] For there is an ever-unfolding revelation for each day and
age. The word "present" coming from a Greek word that literally means "to be alongside." There is truth for
today, which was not revealed in Noah's day, and there was truth revealed in Noah's day which is not for today
- except as the Spirit takes it and symbolically applies it to our hearts with a special message and meaning for
us. The command of the Lord to go out and build an ark and fill it with animals of the clean and unclean,
because a flood of water was coming, that is not present truth for us today, it was for Noah's day. True, we can
spiritualize it all, find applications of truth and meaning - but not the lateral command to build a literal ark with
specific dimensions to be filled with animals to ride out a given flood of water. God promised He would not
flood the earth in that manner any more - so how then could that be present truth? But there is a word for this
day, and "he that hath an ear, let him hear what the ,Spirit saith unto the called-out." [Revelation 3:6]
The fact that God Himself is ever unfolding His truth is sufficient reason for making it known. Age after age
when the day arrives to utter something which until that appointed day, has been a secret hid in God. Yet in
every age the man of faith can only say, "we having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I
believed, and therefore have I spoken, we also believe, and therefore speak." [2 Corinthians 4:13] Once He
has imparted the revelation, we shall be bold enough to declare it.
Truth. may, indeed - it must - vary in form as time goes on. Christ Himself, THE TRUTH, at different stages
appears differently, for God has stooped to this, to give us truth as we can bear It. Because He is LOVE, He
waits to reveal Himself in further dimensions until we are prepared for that revelation. "The path of the just is as
the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day (Hebrew, day we are prepared)." [Proverbs
4:18]
Paul realized that God had revealed things to him, "which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of
men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit." [Ephesians 3:5] And we can
now rejoice in "the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made
manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made
known to all nations for the obedience of faith." [Romans 16:25-26]
In his translation, J. B. Phillips points out the fact that the disclosing of this secret purpose, which, after long
ages of silence, has now been made known, is "in full agreement with the writings of the prophets long ago."
We find all truth is related, and tucked into that which the prophets saw and spoke long ago, is that truth which,
when the Spirit illumines it, becomes a sure revelation. It is contained in the scriptures, and waits for the time
HE will bring it to light.
"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." [Galatians 3:8] And then, after this marvelous truth
and promise were spoken, God proceeded to give forth a law unto Israel, based on their works. Thus, the truth
of justification, blessings of righteousness, the in workings of God through faith, not works, was veiled over by
the giving of the law. Indeed, the law was the very agency that veiled this secret, because of its introduction of
works. "But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, the just shall live by faith."
[Galatians 3:11] And so men waited for the coming of Him who would bring to light this truth so long ago
declared to Abraham. "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." [John
1:17] Indeed, JESUS was the first revelation of that veiled secret, being the Firstborn of that whole new
creation which God had purposed. Jesus taught all the truths of reconciliation found in Paul's teachings. Paul
simply amplified as time for further revelation came into focus. Yet, no one can top Christ's own statement, "No
man can come unto Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him; - THEY SHALL ALL BE TAUGHT OF
GOD." [John 6:44-45]
Praise God for that inflow of wisdom and understanding from above, as He lifts that veil of ignorance, illumines
our darkness, and causes us to KNOW the secret of HIS WILL. He gives this revelation with respect to the
calling He has for His chosen - to become a part of that administration which shall carry out His will and
purpose, to the intent that the whole of creation will be brought into perfection and fulfillment in Him.
It is super abounding of His grace INTO US, imparting the wisdom and intelligence of His will, that enables us
to yield to Him as He works out His purpose - first in us, and then placing us into the administration of that will
to be wrought out in the fullness of time. Until His will is worked into us, specifically and individually, we will
never be able to work in harmony with His will for all mankind. Without the revelation of His will to, and IN us,
we are not able to yield ourselves to Him and give obedience. We can wait in submissiveness before Him, but
we dare not act until we know what is His will, for without that knowledge we would simply set about to
exercise our own will - "doing that which is right in our own eyes."
Jesus taught His disciples to pray, "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." [Matthew
6:10] And with all our heart we do earnestly pray this. Yet until He gives us a revelation of what His kingdom
is, and how it shall appear, we often end up opposing and fighting the very thing, which we prayed would
come. Because we do not recognize His will in a given situation, we resist His will and insist on having it our
way. So with our praying for His kingdom to come, and His will to be done, we pray for that revelation of His
will - that we might submit to it, yea, become one in it.
Praise God, "The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know His will..." [Acts 22:14]
KNOW HIS WILL, not only in the details of our own daily living, but even to know the MYSTERY OF HIS WILL
in regards to His purpose of the ages, and His ultimate plan for all men.
Jesus declared, "For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will but the will of Him that sent me. And
this is the Father's will which hath sent me, That of all which He hath given me I should lose nothing, but
should raise it up again at the last day." [John 6:38-39]
LOSE NOTHING, but ultimately that everything should find its one Head in Christ, and be raised up into His
perfection and LIFE. All that Jesus did in His earthly sojourn was geared toward, preparing for, and looking
toward that day when in "the completion of the epochs of time" He would "bring back again to their original
state all things in the Christ." [Ephesians 1:10, Wuest]
"The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which is lost." [Luke 19:10] The Greek word for lost is
"apollumi" meaning to mar, reduce to ruins. That which has been marred by sin, out of fellowship with God
because of self-will, HE came to search them out and draw them back to the Father again. Nor shall His
Saviour-ministry be ended until ALL have been taught of God, and returned to Father's house. Whatever has
gone into selfhood is marred, "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way."
[Isaiah 53:6] But while "the vessel that He made was marred in the hand of the Potter: so He made it again
another vessel, as seemed good to the Potter to make." [Jeremiah 18:4] So all that has been marred shall be
made anew, to redound to His glory and praise, for this is HIS WILL.
"For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved
(be made sound, brought into wholeness.)" [John 3:17]
Perhaps one of the most beautiful verses of assurance is ours when we read, "And I, if I be lifted up from the
earth, will draw ALL men unto Me." [John 12:32] He was lifted up ON THE CROSS. Little did those wicked
hands realize that by their very act and deed they were sealing their own fate. They thought they were resisting
Him, and had won their cause when they placed Him on that cross, but that simply verified the promise, and
now they, too, are numbered among the "ALL" that shall be gathered unto Him.
"For the love of Christ constraineth us, because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: and
He died for all." [2 Corinthians 5:14-15] Truly Christ died for ALL - for men of all nations, of all characters, and
all professions. Furthermore, Paul states, if One died for them all, then all were dead. What does this mean?
Paul understood that when Christ did, by the grace of God, "taste death for every man," [Hebrews 2:9], it was
an act that ensured that all men would ultimately partake of that death - dying out to self, that they might come
alive to God. His death insured the death of all men. What He did was in the behalf of the whole world. Not to
absolve us from dying, but to make sure that we would all DIE TO SELF, die out to our own rebellion against
Him, die out to evil and all its perversions, and then by the power of His resurrection life, come alive to God,
alive to righteousness. Therefore "In Christ shall all be made alive but every man in his own order." [1
Corinthians 15:22-23]

"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." [Romans 5:12] We know full well that through Adam death passed upon all men. And we
also, "were dead in trespasses and sins," [Ephesians 2:1] until He quickened us, and gave us His new life.
But just so as by Adam, we died out to God and righteousness, to walk our own way of self, so now Jesus
Christ purposely tasted death for every man - to guarantee that every man will die out to self and sin, that they
might then be made alive in Him. Through the first death, via Adam, we were brought to ruin, marred. Through
the second death, via the Christ, we are brought to the end of the ruin, and into the new life. Only God can
ordain such a marvelous working, and turn it all to His praise. No longer does the adversary hold the key of
death, but it is written of our Lord, "I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for ever more,
Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death." [Revelation 1:18] HE HAS THE KEY, and He can use it to
open the door OUT OF SELF, and INTO HIS MORE ABUNDANT LIFE, and this He can, and shall do for all
men. "Who WILL have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth, For there is one God,
and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be
testified in due time." [1Timothy 2:4-6]
We read other scriptures concerning the will of God, "This is the will of God, even your sanctification."
[1Thessalonians 4:3] And, "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning
you." [1Thessalonians 5:18] But this is not ALL the will of God, nor do these verses refer to the final
consummation of His will in His plan of the ages. These are only phases of His will being wrought in us, until
we become His will in the earth. But all these workings of His will steadily bring us toward that desired goal,
when "HE WILL HAVE ALL MEN TO BE SAVED, and to come to the knowledge of the truth." When they know
the truth, the truth shall set them free of all sin, self, etc. that they might receive the inflow of His life, and
become a new creature in Christ Jesus.
The glorious fulfillment of His will shall be realized when all things are summed up into one Head, even Christ.
Everything to find its perfection and fulfillment in Him. It is because men know not the mystery of His will, nor
are they ready to pray, "nevertheless not my will, but Thine, be done." [Luke 22:42] We still find them trying to
usurp that headship, and lord it over one another. They want to be the "head," the "covering," the "shepherd,"
the ruler over men. It is when we come to understand that it is HIS WILL that all things be summed up in
Christ, that HE BE THE HEAD OVER ALL, and everything, everyone be joined to Him who is the Head, then
we cease to build our own personal kingdoms, and try to lord it over others.
The pastor, the evangelist, the pope, whoever - these did not give their life a ransom for you, CHRIST DID. He
"gave Himself a ransom for all" and it will be testified, witnessed to by all, in due time. And John foresaw that
hour when "every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the
sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be UNTO HIM that
sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever." [Revelation 5:13] That is the witness which
shall be given in due time.
"And He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of THE WHOLE WORLD."
[1John 2:2]
"And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be THE SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD." [1
John 4:14]
We already made reference to the fact that this is "in full agreement with the writings of the prophets long ago."
[Romans 16:26, Phillips] So, what saith the prophets? Do they actually teach that Christ is to be the Saviour
of the whole world? Of course they do, in many places and ways the truth is presented, but it is as Christ said,
"ye do err not knowing the scriptures." And, we might add, men have erred from this understanding of His will
because they read much of the word through previous teaching and doctrine of self-conceived opinion.
Reading the word with a view of establishing former opinions and doctrines, rather than to gain further
revelation and understanding, does not bring us into additional light. But note what the prophets have said.
"ALL THE ENDS OF THE WORLD shall remember, and turn unto the Lord: and ALL THE KINDREDS OF THE
NATIONS shall worship before Thee." [Psalm 22:27]

"ALL NATIONS WHOM THOU HAST MADE shall come and worship before Thee, O Lord; and shall glorify
Thy name." [Psalm 86:9]
"And it shall come to pass in the last day that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top
of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, AND ALL NATIONS shall flow unto it." [Isaiah 2:2]
"Look unto Me, and be ye saved, ALL THE ENDS OF THE EARTH: for I am God, And there is none else. 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." [Isaiah 45:22-23]
The list could go on and on, but it is not our purpose here to reprint the Bible in this book, only to illustrate that
the prophets did see and proclaims the truth of how all things would find their fulfillment and perfection in Him.
This is God's will, and there is nothing that shall prevent nor hinder Him from realizing that purpose and plan.
He is God, and He is "working all things after the counsel of His own will." [Ephesians 1:11] "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?" [Daniel 4: 35] "The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I
have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand." [Isaiah 14:24]
Now we bow before Him, to pray anew, "Thy kingdom come, THY WILL BE DONE in earth, as it is in heaven."
we are coming to understand what His will is, and we rejoice that it means total redemption for every creature.
With the understanding of the universal scope of His will - salvation of every man, we can also begin to find its
expression in our individual lives. Indeed, this knowledge of His will is to underscore every facet of our being,
while our daily committal to His will in the nitty-gritty of each day also serves to establish His will in the whole.
The fact remains, His WILL can be known, experienced daily. "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way
which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with Mine eye." [Psalm 32:8]
This is no mysticism, no visionary's dream, "The sheep hear His voice: and He calleth His own sheep by name,
and leadeth them out." [John 10:3] At the age of 12, Jesus said, "Wist ye not that I must be about My Father's
business? And they understood not the saying which He spake unto them." [Luke 2:49-50] But He knew His
Father's will for His daily living.
I dare say, to do God's Will is always the uncommon thing. People will think it quite commonplace perhaps the
doctrine is, but not the outworking. Jesus must needs wait till Lazarus is dead, and not rush ahead in sentiment
and sympathy of the natural. He must needs go through Samaria, not because He was "need-centered" in the
people, but because He was centered in the Father's will. Again on occasion He sent His disciples on up to
Jerusalem, saying, "My time is not yet come." [John 7:6] and He tarried until proper time. The central issue, to
which all else bows, the underlying principle for being - TO DO AND BE GOD'S WILL. And he who does God's
will need never give excuse. We need not apologize to man for fulfilling our Father's will.
One writer has pointed out that God's will is written in two books, THE BIBLE as His will in words, formal
thoughts; and NATURE as God's will in matter, tissue, force. The laws of nature are for our bodies, the Bible
for moral laws. The lower laws are HIS WILL, and if we do not obey them, we will never fully know the higher
laws.
The law of moderation, sleep, regularity, exercise, cleanliness, all of these are essential for our natural well-
being. Taking good bread, pure water, bespeak God's will in minor things as needed as a good conscience.
Whoever heard of gluttony as doing God's will, or laziness, or uncleanness? If we disobey these, what
certainty is there that we will obey the higher laws for the soul? Self that will not be disciplined for natural
things, will not partake of HIS CROSS, that HIS WILL might be supreme.
"This is the will of God, even your sanctification." [1 Thessalonians 4:3] As clear a statement as this is, to
many it remains a mystery. Yet as the Lord spoke clearly to Paul, "The God of our fathers hath chosen thee,
that thou shouldest KNOW HIS WILL, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of His mouth. For
thou shalt be His witness unto all men," [Acts 22:14-15] and so Paul was able to declare "the mystery of His
will," so also HE would reveal to us exactly what this means in our own lives. To be SANCTIFIED - to be set
apart from the world, and unto Him. It is both a "from," and an "unto," for we are not pulled out of the world to
aimlessly wander in a barren wilderness. We are to be brought into HIM that HE might become the fullness of
our life.
In the Old Testament sanctification was often outward, as a field, a house, an altar, gold and silver, anything
set apart, devoted for sacred use was said to be sanctified. In the New Testament it goes beyond only the
outward consecration, to become an IN WARD HOLINESS.
"Then said He, Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that He may establish the second.
BY THE WHICH WILL WE ARE SANCTIFIED through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ." [Hebrews
10:9-10] This is God's will in action, a will that sanctified. And to know His will is to know that which will set you
apart from the world, and certainly set you apart as unto Himself, to become "His peculiar treasure." Therefore,
"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?" [Romans 8:32] This is HIS WILL, not His gain, not His eternal advantage, but OURS, not His
holiness, but OURS. It is not so much for His sake - but OURS; He has our good in view.
Thus we offer up our will to RECEIVE HIS WILL, get our will out of the way to make room for His will in us. We
are admonished to "present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God ...that ye may prove what
is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." [Romans 12:1-2] This has nothing to do with that
perverted teaching of God having "two wills i.e. the permissible, and the perfect will. Nor do the words "good,
and acceptable, and perfect" denote a threefold division of His will. Rather, these are all descriptive terms of
His WILL, ONE, HOLY WILL. Immediately we have to acknowledge that HIS WILL is always good, even as He
purposes to work "all things together into our good..." [Romans 8.28] And we firmly declare that His will Is
acceptable - the Greek literally means: well-pleasing. And of course it is perfect - all that He does is perfect,
and "it is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect." [Psalm 18:32]
Strange workings of discipline have disturbed the quiet flow of your life. Strange things happen, strange
troubles, strange providence, the explanation of the mystery is that GOD WOULD HAVE US HOLY, THIS IS
THE WILL OF GOD, because it is hell to be unholy. Therefore, "in everything give thanks; for this is the will of
God in Christ Jesus concerning you." [1 Thessalonians 5:18] The thought is twofold. IN EVERYTHING we
are to give thanks, because it is HIS WILL for us to praise and thank Him in, and for everything; and because
we come to recognize that HIS WILL is being expressed to us in all that befalls us. THIS IS HIS WILL -
whatever He sends our way in His divine interplay of good and evil, we will thank Him for it, knowing He will
work it into our Good, and for His praise.
The mystery of His will - to save ALL MEN, and to use all things in our own individual lives, until everything is
fully SANCTIFIED, set apart to His glory and praise, that He might be all and in all. Bless His name.
The sovereign will of our sovereign God,

Working His purpose within this clod,
Molding and shaping with tender care,
A new creation to thus prepare.
Long is the process beneath His hand,

Learning obed'ence to His command,
The object of His marvelous grace,
Ready to fill the appointed place.
The sovereign plan of our sovereign God,

In love undergirding this poor clod.
Before time began He did ordain
That in His chosen His grace should reign.

Not a byproduct or afterthought
Is now this vessel He has inwrought,
But fully prepared against the day
When wrath would be balanced mercy's way.
The sovereign act of our sovereign God,

Marking the way for His chosen clod.
Amid the mountains and valleys deep,
A rendezvous with our God to keep.
To be clothed with immortality,

Equipped to unfold the mystery
Of His will for every man, to wit,
Salvation in full, as it seemeth fit.
To God be the glory, to God be the praise,

May His will be the total of all our days.
CHAPTER SEVEN
"THE MYSTERY OF THE FAITH"
"Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience." [1Timothy 3:9]
Faith is more than a tenet, a creed, a doctrine of theology. Faith is a living, vital confidence founded in the
revelation of divine truth.
When we possess and hold the mystic secret of the faith, it does not refer to just "any faith," but of THE FAITH.
The identifying article "the" is used in the Greek text, and specifically identifies it as a certain faith, that TRUTH
which was kept hidden from the world until revealed at the appointed time, and which is secret to ordinary
eyes, but is made known by divine revelation. It bespeaks of truth, which is only understood by the illumination
of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 4:16 speaks of "the faith of Abraham," and if we possess this faith we would obviously do the works
of Abraham. As we also read, "If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham." [John
8:39] To hold his vision, to have his faith, results in his way of living.
If you have the "faith of the Baptists" you would live in accordance to their creed and doctrine. lf you have the
"faith of the Pentecostals' you would follow their mode of living. And if you have the "faith of the Catholics" you
would be following their religious system, form, and ceremony. But we are not speaking of these kinds of faith,
i.e. system of beliefs, as good as they might be in their own share, and as much as God has used them in
former days. But we now address ourselves to that specific faith, that which is GOD-IMPARTED, which indeed
Abraham also possessed. And "Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of
Abraham." [Galatians 3:7] As Abraham received directly FROM GOD, so also we would receive directly
FROM GOD, by the indwelling of the holy Spirit - and as such would be counted as the children of Abraham,
following God in like manner.
"But before the faith came, we were kept under (guarded by) the law, shut up unto the faith which should
afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our school-master to bring us unto Christ, that we might be
justified by faith. But after that the faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster." [Galatians 3:23-25]
In all cases, in the Greek text, in this passage it is identified as THE FAITH. Abraham had received this faith,
however much in a mystery capsule it was given to him, for "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." [Galatians 3:23-25]

Long before the gospel - or GOOD NEWS was announced, yes, even prior to the dispensation of the law,
which preceded the good news, God already spoke some of the MYSTERY OF THE FAITH into Abraham, and
He lived by that faith. "Abraham BELIEVED GOD . . ." [Romans 4:3]
But it wasn't time for the "mystery of the faith" to be revealed, and so God instituted the law, which served as a
schoolmaster until ...so note this word "schoolmaster" from a Greek word that literally means "a child-
conductor." The child-conductor was that servant which simply guarded and kept the child between home and
school, until they could safely commit the child into the hand of the teacher. So also, the law was given, to hold
in restraint until Christ, The Teacher, The Faith, (Editor's note: The Revelator), should come, and then the
lesser ministry was swallowed up into the greater.
With The Christ came the gospel, and with the gospel came THE FAITH. "When HE, the Spirit of Truth, is
come, He will guide you into all truth . . ." [John 16:13] We repeat, it requires the illumination of the Spirit if we
are to understand the mystery of the faith. And when we do receive this inflow, we need to possess it, to hold it
in a pure conscience.
Concerning "THE FAITH," Jesus said to His disciples, "Have faith in God." [Mark 11:22] Or, as the margin
gives, "HAVE THE FAITH OF GOD." So we have two thoughts, "faith IN God" denotes that He is the OBJECT
of our faith, while "faith OF God" bespeaks of God being the Source thereof, and it is HIS faith placed into us,
making it of divine quality.
This is not have faith instilled in us through the traditions of men, having the elders pass on down from
generation a system of beliefs. This is a God-given placement, imparted by His Spirit, quickening the word so
that we have a solid foundation for our believing.
"The law was given by Moses, grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." [John 1:17] Moses did not impart THE
FAITH, though he truly fulfilled all that he was called to do. He did set forth the various and sundry laws, the
moral concepts and precepts, which would hold in restraint the rebellion and self-will of man. But GRACE and
TRUTH came by Jesus Christ. Indeed, grace, that boundless, unmerited favor of God uncovered the truth to
give us a foundation for our faith.
While Jesus walked among them, He was The Truth in their midst, howbeit they knew Him not, "for had they
known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." [1 Corinthians 2:8] And only when the Spirit
sovereignly gave illumination did they really know Him. Jesus said to Philip, "Have I been so long time with
you, and yet hast thou not known Me?" [John 14:9] And when Peter did say to Him, "Thou art the Christ, the
Son of the living God," Jesus made it clear, "Flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father
which is in heaven." [Matthew 16:16-17] Most saw Him only as a MAN, but when the Spirit opened their eyes,
they were able to say with the centurion, "Truly this was the Son of God." [Matthew 27: 54]
Jesus also knew that His sojourn among men, as a man, was of short duration, that He was soon to leave
them, so He promised, "I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter (HE, as Jesus, had
been their Comforter up to that time), that He may abide with you for ever (for the age; Even the Spirit of truth;
...for He dwelleth with you and shall be in you." [John 14:16-17] As the Son of Man He dwelt with them, but as
the Spirit of Christ, the Anointing from the Father, He would be IN them! He would then bring all things to their
remembrance, to comfort, encourage, challenge. It would be a daily ministration of the vitality of THE FAITH,
by His indwelling.
"So then, faith is out of the source of that which is heard and that which is heard is through the agency of the
Word concerning Christ." [Romans 10:17, Wuest]
In our Lord Jesus Christ we have both the object of our faith, and the Source of our faith. Furthermore, "Say
not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above) or, Who shall
descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead). But saith it? THE WORD is nigh thee,
even in thy mouth, and in thy heart; that is, the word of faith, which we preach." [Romans 10:6-8]

So then, "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." HE speaks a word within, He imparts the
illumination, the revelation of His will and purpose, and thus we have SUBSTANCE for our believing. Only HE
can give THE FAITH!
Paul then proceeds to give that powerful message, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall
be saved. (BUT) how then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe
in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher (to cry or proclaim as a
herald?) And how shall the preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that
preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" [Romans 10:13-15]
And so we are taken right back into the mystery of the faith again, and are beginning to see that while our Lord
Jesus Christ is the object of our faith, we BELIEVE INTO HIM, yet we cannot believe into Him until we KNOW
who He is, and there must be that which DECLARES HIM - which means that He must bring forth a
MESSENGER COMPANY, those who become a living manifestation of the message, conformed to His image,
partakers of His divine nature, and they shall reveal Him.
Furthermore, Paul pointed out that while the "sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of
the world. But they have not all obeyed the Gospel." For Isaiah saith, "Lord, who hath believed our report?"
Because it still requires that the Holy Spirit individually quicken to each one that which they see and hear,
before they can personally believe. One might go forth and preach everywhere, but only in the measure that
"THE LORD works with them, and confirms the WORD . . ." [Mark 16:20], is it effective.
One can go forth and preach "another gospel," setting forth their own precepts and doctrines, and convince
certain men, and gain followers. We see this all the time. Men set forth their teachings and build their
kingdoms. But when it is THE FAITH, it definitely requires that GOD HIMSELF participate in the action. It is
INTO HIM that men must believe, and therefore He must reveal Himself to them by the spirit so that they can
believe into Him. We, as "laborers together with God" can declare Him, to plant the seed, to water that which Is
planted, but "GOD GIVETH THE INCREASE." [1 Corinthians 3:7]
"Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it." [Psalm 127:1]
There will be those who will say to Him, "Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have
cast our devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works?" [Matthew 7:22] But they were not doing this
WITH HIM, in harmony with His will, in His time, according to His law for the vision, they were doing it their
way, just using His name in the program, and it had nothing to do with THE FAITH.
When the ministry is in OBEDIENCE to His revealed will, and we are doing that which He commanded, we are
working with Him, He is working with us, and the results are to His glory and praise. HE giveth the increase!
There is a TRUE WORD, He is even now quickening that Word in the hearts of His apprehended firstfruits,
they are believing into Him, they are becoming a part of THE FAITH. Indeed, "We have a more sure word of
prophecy whereunto ye do well that ye take heed." [2 Peter 1:19] This is not the following of cunningly devised
fables, nor is it holding to the traditions of our elders, it is the direct receiving of revelation from the Father. He
may use various means and men to be the carriers of that massage, but HE is the One who quickens it
WITHIN, that we might possess THE FAITH. And is not this "the faith which was once delivered unto the
saints?" [Jude 3]
These are they "Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the
mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made
strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens." [Hebrews 11:33-34]
The Greek word for "faith" is "pistis" meaning: faithfulness, or steadfastness. It bespeaks of adhering to,
cleaving to, believing without wavering. This requires a solid foundation for such a commitment. And so we
read, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." [Hebrews 11:1] We need to
examine this word "substance" from the Greek "hupostasis" meaning: a setting under, substratum. Why can it
be said that THE FAITH is the undergirding, substratum for all that is hoped for? Because possessing THE
FAITH presupposes that we have received a revealed, anointed truth out of divine knowledge, illumined by the
Spirit, so we have HEARD THE WORD OF THE LORD, and thus are able to believe INTO HIM for its
fulfillment.
We read on that "by faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an
ark..." [Hebrews 11:6] Usually we seem to mentally read it, "by faith Noah built an ark, " but there is a
qualifying statement that we skipped over, "BEING WARNED OF GOD. " Noah had received a direct Word
from God, this SURE WORD became the foundation for his faith, and the action that followed. Without a direct
Word from God there would have been nothing to BELIEVE! It is true, God's word to Noah was of things "not
seen as yet" - a time of destruction which they had never known, of the floods of waters which the natural mind
could not comprehend. But there is no need to give over-emphasis to the unknownness of things to come, the
true fact is that GOD SAID IT, he had a direct word from the Lord, and thus a solid foundation for this faith. He
was committed to that Word, and so he acted thereon - following DIVINE INSTRUCTION in building and
preparing an ark.
Without a "Divine declaration" we act in foolishness, presumption. It is not THE FAITH if the thought springs
out of the "carnal mind" and we set about to do it. The faith signifies that it is GOD-originated, God-quickened.
We might have faith in our schemes and abilities, but such has nothing in common with the mystery of THE
FAITH.
Again we read, "By faith, Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should go after receive
for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went." [Hebrews 11:8] Many would read
this, "By faith Abraham went..." and then wonder if they ever could have faith such as this, to go out into a new
and strange place. But they overlook the vital, qualifying phrase "WHEN HE WAS CALLED..." For the record
states very clearly, "Now the Lord has 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." [Genesis 12:1] He had both the clear
command of God to GO, and He had the promise that God would eventually show him the land where he was
to dwell. On this definite word, God-imparted, he could base his faith and prove his steadfastness. It was not
fantasy to "go out," it was God's Word. He was believing ON and IN the most solid foundation - God's will and
command. Inherent in the Word of the Lord, when quickened by the Spirit, is THE FAITH to believe and give
obedience thereto. It is the responsibility of the One who speaks the Word, to impart it in such a way as to
inspire faith therein, so that we believe it and obey it. That is why it is called THE FAITH, because it is THE
GOD who inspires that faith, and gives His Word for its basis.
Paul certainly realized all this, when he wrote, "My speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of
man's wisdom; but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of
men, but IN THE POWER OF GOD." [1 Corinthians 2:4-5]
Full well we realize the folly of trying to base our faith, find a footing for it, in the plausible oratory of man, the
projection of carnal arguments, strong personality control. Man's wisdom is not to be the basis for our faith, for
it should be IN THE POWER OF GOD.
So Paul goes on, "But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God
ordained before the world unto our glory." [1 Corinthians 2:7] This is no spur-of-the-moment scheme excitedly
presented to a people to rally them around a cause. This is wisdom that was firmly decreed from the heart of
God before the time of the ages began. And now the Spirit is uncovering, revealing His truth to His called ones.
Hidden from human understanding, to man it remains a mystery, but to those who are INITIATED INTO THE
WALK OF THE SPIRIT, these are truths which He is quickening to become the foundation for THE FAITH
which will enable us to pursue an unwavering course. Anything short of this will not suffice as the storms wage
in their fury. Everything that can be shaken will be shaken, "that those things which cannot be shaken may
remain." [Hebrews 12:27] But those who are receiving a revelation of the "hidden wisdom" are finding they
possess THE FAITH which is equal to the challenge.

Let the people rage, and the heathen imagine a vain thing, let them riot, let them take their crafty counsel
against you - it shall have no effect, for the gates of hell shall not prevail against that which GOD PLACES
WITHIN. The truth, which God imparts is rooted in the eternal counsel of God which was decreed for our
glorification before the ages began.
"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him: rooted and built up in Him, and
stablished in THE FAITH, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man
spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and
not after Christ." [Colossians 2:6-8]
"The Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from THE FAITH, giving heed to
seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils." [1Timothy 4:1] For this latter phrase "doctrines of devils," one
translator, Bible scholar, brings out the fact: "Not that demons were the authors of them (though that may be
true), but doctrines concerning demons." Unbalanced emphasis upon demons, giving power thereto, speaking
of them excessively, etc. give strong indication that one is beginning to depart from THE FAITH. For THE
FAITH is centered in God, His sovereign control, to see HIM in all that touches our lives. Rather than giving
heed to "doctrines concerning devils," we do well to give our undivided attention to the Lord. To have an eye
single unto Him at all times - this enhances THE FAITH.
"O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoid profane and vain babblings, and opposition of
science false - so called: which some professing have erred concerning the faith." [1Timothy 6:20-21]
What has been committed to our trust? We have been made stewards of the mysteries of God - and this
definitely includes the mystery of the faith. It will also necessitate that we avoid "profane and vain babblings."
Or, as one translation gives, "unhallowed and empty mouthings." What is an UNHALLOWED MOUTH? One
that has not been sanctified, set apart by the Spirit to speak only the truth, declaring THE FAITH. We hear far
too much "empty mouthing" these days - and it does not build us up in the most holy faith, nor does it lend itself
to profit. In due time it will cause one to MISS THE MARK, to err from the faith.
"Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of
some." [2 Timothy 2:18] Someone comes along, proclaiming a new and fuller revelation - it has already come,
it has already happened, no need to look ahead with HOPE, because it is here, we've got it, we claim it, we
profess it, and we have it. And others who observe this, not seeing the fruits thereof, find that such teaching
actually demolishes their faith.
Not only can we find this error, in claiming the resurrection is already past, the same can be said today for
those who claim that the Lord has already come, and we need look for Him no longer. You ask, where is He?
they will say, He has come in His saints. You look at these so-called saints to see the manifestation of the Life
of Christ, a redeemed body, an out-breathing of life, and you are sadly disappointed. True, He has already
come in the form of the INDWELLING SPIRIT OF CHRIST, but this does not set aside the appearing of the
Lord as the scriptures have clearly foretold. But with a mishandling of the Word; many would destroy the faith
of some. O, may we keep that which is committed to our trust, until HE fulfills for us exactly what His Spirit has
revealed to us personally. Let not other's claims overthrow your faith - your vision comes from HIM, and HE
alone will fulfill lt.
"Holding fast the faithful word as we have been taught... for there are many unruly and vain talkers and
deceivers... whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not,
for fifthly lucre's sake... wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith." [Titus 1:9-11, 13]
Unruly, not submissive to the Spirit nor their brethren, vain talkers and deceivers, they do it for one purpose -
MONEY. They will spin a yarn that brings in the largest offerings, and satisfy the itching ears just so long as it
pays off. The crowd goes awhoring after them, and they will ask you, why aren't you receiving this? Ah,
beloved, it is time we take a strong stand against this realm of perversion that His people might become
SOUND IN THE FAITH.

It is a fact, we are engaged in the conflict of the ages, A SPIRITUAL WARFARE which shall bring this current
evil age to an end, and usher in the new age of His kingdom. And the adversary is increasing his pressure
against the saints, until, if it were possible, it would deceive the very elect. But we are admonished, "whom
resist steadfast in THE FAITH." [1 Peter 5:9] The enemy may go about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he
can devour - but they who know their God shall be strong - not in themselves, but they stand fast IN THE
FAITH, they hold it in a pure conscience, and will not be swayed. Only by that which God places within us, can
we stand. Full well He knows just what we need for every skirmish and part of the battle, and He will quicken
that Word which will enable us to STAND FAST.
"For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the FAITH OF GOD without effect?" [Romans 3:3]
Nothing can nullify the faith of God! It is a mystery to the world, how God can speak a Word deep within your
being, and by it give you a solid foundation upon which to stand - faithful, steadfast until HE has fulfilled all that
He has spoken. Others may not believe, but that cannot alter what HE HATH SAID. We hold the faith in a pure
conscience, to His glory and praise.
O path of faith that knows no end,

And feareth not storms that impend,
But stretched onward - upward still,
Into the fullness of God's will.
To take thy step not knowing where,

A going out - new realms to share,
With minds untroubled by the way,
Nor fretting at the length of day.
O faith that pierces the unknown,
How glor'ous are thy mysteries shown
Unto the one who dares to walk
Highways where lions never stalk.
The vulture's eye hath ne'er beheld
This way divine - unparalleled,
For holiness shall undergird
The entrance through the living Word.
Thy avenues are all unseen,
Yet glist'ning with a dewdrop's sheen.
So rare a path thou cannot find
By walking with a carnal mind.
'Tis not by fancy - worlds of dream
For things are not all as they seem,
The path of faith is solid, sure -
An upward way that shall endure.
Each step is measured by His love,
And linked unto His throne above,
And they who take its way shall be,
Enthralled with pure reality.
CHAPTER EIGHT
"THE MYSTERY OF THE GOSPEL"
"Praying ...for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the
MYSTERY OF THE GOSPEL, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I
ought to speak." [Ephesians 6:18-20]

It appears that in the very beginning part of this mystery, lies the fact that it is GOOD NEWS, the word "gospel"
literally means "good news." Few seem to understand even this, let alone the deeper aspects, which are
"known only to the initiated."
There has been much ranting and railing, negative condemning that doesn't have anything to do with the
GOSPEL. In fact, there are two different Greek words that have been translated as "preach," one being,
"kerusso" and means: to cry or proclaim. This word is used in Luke 3:3, "preaching the baptism of repentance
..." This was the message of John the Baptist, as he came to prepare the way for Jesus Christ, through whom
the GOSPEL would be announced.
Romans 2:21,"Thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?" If you are preaching a certain
thing, are you doing what you are crying about, what you are proclaiming? We often wonder about this when
we hear so much preaching about this and that, especially when it appears to have little or nothing to do with
the good news.
Galatians 5:11, "If I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution?" One might preach creed,
politics, clothes-line holiness, etc. fighting this and that ism, but there is no GOOD NEWS in any such
preaching. Let those who do not have any GOSPEL proclaim such things, and let those who are being initiated
into the good news, faithfully declare it.
The other Greek word for "preach" is "euaggelizo" meaning: to tell or announce good news. The prefix "eu"
literally means GOOD, and "aggelizo" from the root to carry, or proclaim. There is a bringing of glad tidings,
and a definite part of its mystery is how the messenger and the message become one. No wonder many
cannot preach the gospel, they are not yet become good news. The more we are conformed to His image, and
a partaker of His divine nature, the better the news we will have to share with others.
We can often read in the Scripture words similar to Hosea 1:1, "The word of the Lord that came unto Hosea..."
and as the word came to the prophets, they in turn would share it with those about them, being able to say,
"Thus saith the Lord."
Then again we read, "The burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see." [Habakkuk 1:1] Next chapter, verse
1, "I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what He will say unto (literally,
IN) me." Then he goes on to tell how the vision would be written upon tables, which Hebrews 8:10 indicates is
"into their mind, and write them in their hearts. "Receiving this message INTO US, having it ingrained into our
very being, we then actually BECOME THY MESSAGE. Some would be only a mouthpiece, to hear It and
pass it on. Others shall be so processed that they will see the vision, receive it into their being, it will work in
them "in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter." [Revelation 10:10]
For it must be digested, and worked out into experience with the nitty-gritty processes of every day living. But
then when ANNOUNCED, it will be a sure message.
There is a word in God's message to Paul, which bespeaks much for us even now "I have appeared unto thee
for this purpose; TO MAKE THEE a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of
those things in the which I will appear unto thee." [Acts 26:16] But the point is summed up in the three words,
"TO MAKE THEE." This is more than just becoming a parrot to mouth the message to others, but it requires
that deep in working of His truth into us, until HE DOTH MAKE US THE MESSAGE OF GOOD NEWS.
"But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it
of man, neither was I taught, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ... Who called me by His grace, to reveal His
Son IN me..." [Galatians 1:11-12, 12-16]
The REVELATION of the gospel - the only way we receive and comprehend the good news is by revelation -
divine illumination. If we hear only the words thereof after the natural, it is a "letter that killeth," but when we
receive it by the Spirit, "the Spirit giveth life." [2 Corinthians 3:6] Thus another part of the mystery of the
gospel is the fact that it must needs be personally quickened by the Spirit to every individual. We are weary of
just hearing words, we desire that deep inner quickening of the Spirit to cause truth to become LIFE within.
And it is to be received TO MAKE THEE something - even a messenger of that which is received.
"But the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word by which the gospel is preached unto you." [1
Peter 1:25] We are being (process) born again by the Word (Logos) of God. The Logos - entire nature, will,
purpose, intent, mind of God behind the Word given. Being a partaker of His will and mind, His purpose and
plan, it becomes obvious that when we speak forth the message, it will embody the same.
"Whom shall He teach knowledge? and whom shall He made to understand doctrine? them that are weaned
from the milk, and drawn from the breast." [Isaiah 28:9]
"For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat
belongeth to them that are of full age (or perfect)." [Hebrews 5:13-14]
There are mysteries, which are being revealed only to those who are now being weaned away from the milk,
going on to perfection, and being initiated into the deeper realities of the truth. "And this is the word (rhema,
sayings, parts of speech) by which the gospel is preached unto you." When the gospel is preached it is the
bringing forth of the GOOD NEWS of the sayings of God which are to built up into the same image of the
Logos of God. Beautiful are His in workings as line upon line, and precept upon precept the Word is given,
received, experienced, and BECOME.
The term "gospel" is a generality. It is manifold in its scope, but for comprehension, its ONENESS can be
clarified by three divisions, though I do believe there are 12 different approaches to the Gospel, being spoken
of as: the gospel of God, the gospel of Christ, the gospel of His Son, gospel of the kingdom, gospel of peace,
gospel of the grace of God, etc. each of which holds within it a particular shade of meaning, but they can be
summed up into three divisions, as: the gospel of the grace of God, which speaks of His character and love to
us-ward; the gospel of the kingdom, which speaks of His authority and dominion; and the gospel of God, which
speaks of the declaration of the prerogative of God, His total sovereignty, etc.
We are only touching upon the "whispers of the mysteries," but one thing is certain, these things are only
known to the initiated, as we BECOME the reality of every part of the gospel, to share as one with our Lord
Jesus Christ.
"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for MY SAKE and the
GOSPEL'S, the same shall save it." [Mark 8:35] As long as we struggle to retain our own soulish, ego-self-life,
we shall never partake of His life, nor of the glory of the GOSPEL. But the more we are willing to lay down our
own self, the more we shall become one in Him, and a partaker of the Gospel, to become one in its message
and outworking.
THE GOOD NEWS OF THE GRACE OF GOD is the declaration of His character, of His love and favor, which
we are to share.
Paul speaks of "the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God."
[Acts 20:24] Certainly it was GRACE manifested in his life, as God sovereignly transformed him from a man
who was breathing out threatenings and slaughterings, to one ready to give his own life for the GOOD NEWS
of God's grace to others.
It is GRACE, not works that makes it a gospel for both the circumcision and the uncircumcision. [Galatians 2:7]
For to both realms the message is, not of works, "but FAITH which worketh by love." [Galatians 5:6 ] And thus
it becomes the "gospel of your salvation." [Ephesians 1:13] The good news being that it is GOD'S
OPERATION IN US, and not of ourselves, not of self-effort, not of human works, but totally His in workings of
grace. No wonder it is also called "the gospel of peace." [Romans 10:15]
Remember, also, the Hebrew word for "peace" is "shalom" from the same root as given for completeness. The
good news of His grace is that God shall do a complete work of transformation which will bring us into the full
image and character of our Creator. "Lord, Thou wilt ordain peace for us: for Thou also hast wrought all our
works in us." [Isaiah 26:12] "The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me." [Psalm 138:8] "Being confident
of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."
[Philippians 1:6] All by the sovereign intervention of the grace of God.
"For you know by experience the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that He being wealthy, for your sakes became
poor, in order that, as for you, by means of His poverty you might be made wealthy." [2 Corinthians 8:9,
Wuest]
Herein is the message of GRACE. We were not able to rise up to share fellowship with Him on the basis of
wealth, for we are "wretched, and miserable, and poor, blind, and naked." [Revelation 3:17] We have nothing
to offer, all our self-righteousness being as filthy rags. So He emptied Himself, "made Himself of no reputation,"
[Philippians 2:7] and came down to our realm of poverty, condescending to men of low estate, to take upon
Him the form of a servant, until He confessed, "I can of mine own self do nothing." [John 5:30] Identified with
our poverty, we have a point of contact with the Man of sorrows, and then He releases His grace into us,
imparts of His LIFE that we might rise up and RETURN to our Father's home. Such is the good news to us!
"Moreover God is powerful to make every grace superabound to you in order that having an all-sufficiency in
all things, you may superabound to every good work." [2 Corinthians 9:8, Wuest]
If the grace of God manifested toward sinful man is a mystery, how much more is that mystery intensified when
we BECOME so one with that grace, that we will be able to minister grace toward all mankind, as "saviours
shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau," [Obadiah 21] and reveal His grace in correction
unto righteousness.
"Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound." [Romans 5:20] That is the GOOD NEWS. While we
have heard a tremendous amount of proclaiming of this and that, until the air waves are jammed, and the earth
suffers with noise pollution, we have heard very little ANNOUNCING THE GOSPEL OF THE GRACE OF
GOD. But it shall be proclaimed, for God is in the process of preparing His GRACE-MESSENGERS, and the
shoutings of grace have scarce begun. There is a "grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of
Jesus Christ," [1 Peter 1:13] and with His appearing unto His firstfruits, and the infusion of grace which
completes their transformation, then it will be time for the messengers to fly in the midst of heaven "having the
everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth." [Revelation 14:6]
Hear also, the GOOD NEWS OF THE KINGDOM, the declaration of the authority of God. Jesus went about
"preaching the gospel of the kingdom." [Matthew 4:23] Declaring the authority of God over His creation, over
the traditions and creeds of men, over all the elements, over all other powers including demons. "Never man
spake like this man," [John 7:46] for He announced such good news that it overwhelmed them.
Certainly the gospel of the kingdom is the gospel of restoration. For He has total authority over every situation,
to work all things together into good, and for His praise.
The gloriousness of this good news is that not only is the "kingdom within you," but we shall enter into that
which has been within because of its outward manifestation. So shall we also enter into the kingdom. It must
be both inward and outward. What is within shall burst forth and fill the earth, for "the earth shall be filled with
the knowledge of the glorify of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." [Habakkuk2:14]
In all phases, from the "gospel of His Son," [Romans 1:9], to that good news which "brought life and
incorruption to light," [2 Timothy 1:10] the message rings out that there is One who as authority over all
adversity, and shall bring victory to all men. "The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed
..." [Revelation 5:5] and through Him we also overcome.
Yes, the earth shall yet face her darkest night, as the cup of iniquity is brought to the full, but the good news is
there is One who has total authority over it all - He sets the bounds, He controls the interplay of good and evil,
and He shall ultimately subdue all things, "the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death." [1 Corinthians
15:26] What triumph, what absolute victory! This is a gospel that brings courage to press on, for the end is
secure, and we "are more than conquerors through Him that loved us." [Romans 8:37]
Furthermore, the good news of the kingdom includes the fact that while HE is LORD OF ALL, He is also "King
of kings, and Lord of lords..." for this authority is to be shared with those who become kings and lords IN HIM.
When one did ask, "What is man, that Thou art mindful of him?" the same went on to state, "Thou hast put all
things in subjection under his feet." [Hebrews 2:6, 8] True, at this present time "we see not vet all things put
under him. BUT WE SEE JESUS..." For in our Lord Jesus Christ we see the total victory that shall be shared
with those who believe INTO HIM. He came demonstrating the authority of the kingdom.
Mark begins his record, "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Jesus came into Galilee
preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at
hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. And they were astonished at His doctrine: for He taught them as One
that had authority, and not as the scribes." Then He immediately manifested that authority, for there was a man
with an unclean spirit there, and He cast out the unclean spirit, so that "they were all amazed, insomuch that
they questioned among themselves. What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? For with authority
commandeth He even the unclean spirits, and they do obey Him." [Mark 1:1, 14-15, 22, 27]
"O earth, earth, earth, hear the Word of the Lord." [Jeremiah 22:29] We stand at the threshold of the time
when the GOSPEL shall be declared with authority, and no man shall gainsay that good news. His elect are
now being initiated into its profound truths, and they shall speak out as His voice. "For the Father... hath
committed all judgment unto the Son." [John 5:22] and the Son shares His throne with those who have
OVERCOME the world, for "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," [Rev. 3: 21] and they shall "execute the judgments
written: this honor have all His saints." [Psalm 149:9]
But do remember, the kingdom is within, before it is manifested without. "He that is slow to anger is better than
the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city." [Proverbs 16:32] Let the authority now be
within us, to control the passions, which rise up. When all the enemies within us have been subdued, then shall
He commit unto us the authority to go forth and establish righteousness in the earth. "Having in a readiness to
revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled." [2 Corinthians 10:6] Then, "he that overcometh
...to him will I give power (authority) over the nations: and he shall rule (shepherd) them with a rod of iron ..."
[Revelation 2:26-27]
We also read, "The Son of man hath power (authority) on earth to forgive sins." [Matthew 9:6] Not only is it
good news that HE is able to forgive us our trespasses, but HE enables us to "forgive our debtors." [Matthew
6:12] And even more than that, "Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them." [John 20:23] For
no more shall we "impute their trespasses unto them," but we will "pray in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to
God." [2 Corinthians 5:19-20]
"Now is come salvation, and the kingdom of our God, and the power (or authority) of His Christ (anointed
ones)." [Revelation 12:10]
"Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment. And a man shall be as a hiding
place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great
rock in a weary land." [Isaiah 32:1-2]
The mystery of the Gospel has not even begun to be uncovered - our eyes are just now beginning to be
anointed to see the wonder of that which He hath prepared for them that love Him. A ministry of blessing to all
mankind. Such good news, "to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide their
feet into the way of peace." [Luke 1:79] Indeed, this mystery of the Gospel stands out in bold relief against the
negative message of doom and despair, eternal hell fires and damnation. Such a gross distortion of the
GOSPEL, one can only conclude that they who are proclaiming such things have never been initiated into its
secrets, and therefore are unable to ANNOUNCE THE GOOD NEWS.

Paul also wrote, "we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God." [1 Thessalonians 2:2] For
the message also includes the good news concerning our God - His total sovereignty, etc. Since more shall be
said on this in the chapter on "The mystery of God," we shall be brief in present remarks. Suffice it to say, how
little GOOD NEWS has been spoken of our God. Men have made a caricature of His love, of His nature, of His
being. They have imagined Him to be a vengeful monster with uncontrolled passion, needing to be appeased
at the expense of taking out all His wrath upon His own Son. In ignorance they have imagined all sorts of vain
things, for the gospel of God has not been revealed to them.
Many also have transferred all the power of God to Satan, so that they believe the adversary is capable of
frustrating and thwarting His purpose. But praise God, there is an unfolding revelation of HIS SOVEREIGNTY,
that He is truly God, and none else. "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?" [Daniel 4:35]
There is coming a revelation of His creative power in redemption, which shall amaze all men, "For I know the
thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans, for welfare and peace, and not for
evil, to give you hope in your final outcome." [Jeremiah 29:11, Amplified]
Furthermore, Jesus prayed, "That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in thee, that they also
maybe one in Us…" [John 17:21] so that we shall share in the joy of ministering that creative life and peace.
Then shall be fulfilled the scripture, "out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." [John 7:38] Quickening
streams of divine flow, to be placed in every barren desert, to bring forth life to His glory and praise.
The mystery of the Gospel is so glorious, we have not uttered more than the first few whispers, but "lf any man
will do His will, he shall know the doctrine." [John 7:17] "Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord:
His going forth is prepared as the morning." [Hosea 6:3] There shall be a continual unfolding of His glory,
bringing life, light, and salvation, until the universe shall be made anew, greater far than before the fall, (fall or
God's leading?) and our God shall be ALL IN ALL, that is, the indwelling and controlling factor of life in every
one. Bless His name!
The myst'ry of the gospel to many seemeth sealed ,

The very word means "good news," and yet must be revealed.
For far too many think that it's all so negative ,
While fear and condemnation obscure the positive.
They trumpet out a message, calamity and doom,
A woeful tale of sorrow, of darkness and of gloom.
Then wonder why the hearers fail to respond with joy,
Or why their so-called gospel few tongues care to employ.
How gladly do we turn from these blighted ways of men,
Receive the glor'ous message that flows from prophet's pen.
The good news of salvation that reaches unto all,
To every tribe and creature that's tasted of the fall
To know that God is Victor, that He doth hold the reins,

His kingdom ever ruleth - our vict'ry He ordains.
The mystr'y of the gospel - O may the Spirit give
Inner illumination that we might know, and live.
CHAPTER NINE
"THE MYSTERY OF THE CHURCH"
"This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church!" [Ephesians 5:32]
The Greek word for "church" is "euclose" from EK, meaning OUT OF; and KLETOS, meaning CALLED, thus
put together it literally means THE CALLED OUT.

Jude begins his epistle, "to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and
CALLED." [Jude 1] God has apprehended and called to Himself a people, and we would do well to "give
diligence to make our calling and election sure." [2 Peter 1:10]
In this calling, it means more than just to have "a call of God" upon your life, directing you into some particular
ministry or service, though this is all good in its place. But the full word ekklesia specifically speaks of being
called OUT OF - there are realms left behind, and new realms to enter into, as we go "from strength to
strength" and "from glory to glory."
We realize that the word "church" has come to mean something far less in modern usage, for many it is almost
the same as the word "denomination." Ask them to gather with you in a Bible Class, and their first question is,
"To what church do you belong?" meaning, "What is your denomination?"
Suppose you had asked this of Peter, on the day of Pentecost, after being so mightily anointed of the Spirit,
preaching to a vast crowd, and having the joy of seeing 3,000 believe in the message - "Peter, tell us, what
denomination is this?" What would have been his answer?
You might "join" or "un-join" some man-made group, but THE CHURCH is not something that can be joined.
"The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." [Acts 2:47] THE CALLED OUT ONES ARE
GOD'S. He gives the calling, and He works it out experientially in each one.
The first time the word "church" is used in the New Testament, is found in Matthew 16:18, when Jesus said, " -
and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." The context reveals
that it is upon the solid, divine revelation that HE is "the Christ, the Son of the living God,'' [Matthew 16:16],
that the church is founded. We observe that the mystery of the church is both revealed and concealed in this
very passage. Because of his tremendous confession, there are those who believe that Peter was the rock
upon which the church was built, rather than his confession, or rather, CHRIST Himself, the subject of that
confession, HE is the Rock of both the church and of every individual believer in that body. "For other
foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." [1 Cor. 3:11] And the title "Rock" is indeed
an evidence of our Lord's divinity; for "Who is a rock, save our God?" Jehovah was the Rock of Israel.
[Deuteronomy 32:30-31] And lastly, Paul reaffirms this, stating "that spiritual Rock that followed them: that
Rock was Christ." [1 Corinthians 10:4] (Might also point out, if Peter had been that rock, when he fell, by
denying his Lord [Matthew 26:69-72], then whatever was built on him must have fallen also.)
With Himself as the Rock for its foundation, Jesus also clearly stated that HE was the One who would build the
church. "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it." [Psalm 127:1] The entire work of
building is HIS, and if we are in some small way allowed to be "workers together" with God in this operation,
yet HE REMAINS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS BUILDING. There is no need to criticize what God is
doing, nor to condemn one another. If we see any present imperfections and lacks, commit them to God, for
He knows His work far better than we do, and how dare "the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest
thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?" [Isaiah 45:9] Truly He is building His called out ones.
There is a specific revelation of HIS HEADSHIP, His position to the church that even in this day remains a
mystery to the vast majority, as men would usurp that place, and become "lords over God's heritage." [1 Peter
5:3] But for all the deceptions of man, HE IS building His church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against
it, nor against the foundation upon which the church stands.
"Gates of hell..." some hold that this means, refers to the violence and power of the devil, and of all the fierce
adversaries of Christ, which would war against the church. But we note that the word "hell" is from the Greek
"Hades', and bespeaks of the unseen state of the dead. Once man felt terror and dread of this UNSEEN
REALM, but now that we know that Christ is Victor over all, even Hades, we can be at peace, knowing that HIS
PRESENCE PERVADES EVERY REALM, and He is Lord both of the dead and the living. Considering death
as the gate to the invisible world; we regard this statement of Christ to mean that the church will never die, nor
become extinct, for it is founded upon HIM who is truly LIFE ETERNAL. Death cannot destroy the hope of the
believer, nor can Satan, with all his host, either in the way of heresy or infidelity. No force of any type can
prevail against the church, so as to overturn it. God's true church has always remained triumphant!
Nor is His church without a continuous flow of divine revelation. Manmade systems dwell in the past, and when
they have milked out the last drop of glory from former days, they just carry on with their own zeal and
program. But in God's called out ones there abides the Eternal Flame of divine revelation, and He leads them
"from faith to faith." [Romans 1:17] He is "bringing many sons unto glory," and He is "sanctifying" them until
they are "ALL OF ONE: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, I will declare Thy
name unto My brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto Thee." [Hebrews 2:10-12]
For reasons of illustration and pondering, we find that the ekklesla can be said to be threefold in its dimension,
corresponding to body, soul, and spirit, or; the body of Jesus, the body of Christ, and the Lord's body.
While the word "church" is a New Testament term, we find it applied to that "CALLING OUT" which began long
ago, when Israel was called out of Egypt, thus becoming God's "called out ones" passing through the
wilderness. "When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and CALLED My son OUT of Egypt." [Hosea 11:1] And
so Acts 7:38 refers to them as "the church in the wilderness." And this beautiful type, calling Israel out of Egypt,
was also fulfilled in our Lord Jesus Christ, who was taken into Egypt, "and was there until the death of Herod;
that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called My
Son." [Matthew 2:15]
Egypt has long been recognized as the type of the world, and we surely have been CALLED OUT of the world
through the inner voice of the Spirit. "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." [1 John 2:15-17]
The first dimension of our call deals with the realm of the flesh, as God calls us OUT OF, or, out from among
those who serve the world in all the lust of the flesh. Jesus also prayed "I have given them Thy word; and the
world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that Thou
shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil." [John 17:14-15]
To be CALLED OUT, and yet not "taken out" makes for a real testing process. Being yet somewhat held in
bondage by the world, we groan for release, and this works for our purification. Of Israel it is written, "To whom
(Moses) our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into
Egypt." [Acts 7:39] Yes, God calls us out of the world, yet for a while leaving us in the midst of this world's
system, to see whether our heart will cling to and retain a lust for the things of the world, or if we will forsake it,
and truly follow Him with all our heart.
One thing is certain, as soon as you declare that the world cannot satisfy the desire of the heart, you alienate
its sympathy and affection, and receive its condemnation. "If ye were of the world, the world would love its
own: but because ye are not of the world, BUT I HAVE CHOSEN YOU OUT OF THE WORLD, therefore the
world hateth you." [John 15:19]
How well spoken are the words of one who wrote:
"O world, with all thy smiles and loves -
With all thy song and wine,
What mockery of human hearts -
What treachery is thine!
O World, there's fever in thy touch -
And frenzy in thine eye;
To lose and shun thee is to live -
To win thee is to die!
Most of Christendom's preaching has been to this dimension of the church, calling them out of the world, to
serve Christ. It has also immediately brought them into a wilderness, where they wander - far too often in a
maze of confusion, with law after law laid upon them, not divine law, but the laws of tradition and creed, and
various standards of men. So there is another depth we would perceive in this being called out of Egypt.
Revelation 11:8 speaks of a realm "which spiritually is called Sodom and EGYPT, where also our Lord was
crucified." While Jerusalem was the city where our Lord was crucified, it is not the geographical location, but all
that the city represented, that we are interested in, and so consider:
Paul drew a clear line of distinction, which clarifies the point, when he said that there was a realm,which
gendered to bondage, "and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But
Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all." [Galatians 4:25-26] "Jerusalem, which killeth
the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee." [Luke 13:34] The whole religious system of this world
is spiritually called EGYPT. They have forms and ceremonies, the laws and bylaws, creed and dogma, yet they
fain would kill all the prophets, rejecting the message of truth that is brought to them, for such threatens the
very foundation of their system. THE ROCK is not their foundation, man, with his own kingdom-building, is their
foundation. OUT OF this "spiritually called Egypt" God is calling a people, and adding thereto day by day.
Whatever dimension of our being CALLED OUT, however, it is all based upon divine revelation. When God
says, "Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will
shew thee." [Genesis 12:1] Until God quickens this call within, and causes us to hear His voice, we have no
basis for our action. Any effort of trying to leave Egypt on our own will fail, and we'll fall back into her ways,
fulfilling the desires there of, because HE has not yet begun His work within.
And even when He does call, and we are led forth into the new way, that doesn't mean we are ready to enter
right into the Promised Land - to be filled with His fullness, instantly mature saints. Hence the wilderness
processings, so we become "the church in the wilderness," while He purges all the ways of Egypt out of us.
"The Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, to prove thee, to know what
was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep His commandments, or no. And He humbled thee, and
suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; 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." [Deuteronomy 8:2-3]
But it is not God's purpose to keep His church in the wilderness, He has another land before her - new
dimensions of relationship. Once processed and humbled by her wilderness experiences, she is to be so
purified that He joins her to Himself, into new realms of His glory, as expressed in the term of marriage. It is
with a view toward this new UNION, that He brought us into the wilderness and all the processing which is so
essential for our development and change, that He might lead us out of the realm of the flesh, and out of our
own soulishness and self-nature, to where our will becomes one in His will. These things have been a great
mystery, yet they are being unfolded as He becomes our Head. In His headship alone we find the complete
victory over our own nature and desires, and that, which speaks of the very selfishness of our own way.
Therefore, God hath given Him, Christ, to be "the head over all to the church, which is His body." [Ephesians
1:22]
The "body of Jesus" bespeaks of those who have come to know Him as Saviour, and are being dealt with on
the sins of the body - natural realm. These also know Him more as "the man Christ Jesus," than they do on
any deeper spiritual level. So they see Him as a Babe in the manger every Christmas, and the Man who rose
out of the tomb every Easter, etc. It is no concern of theirs of the paganism mixed into these holidays, or that
the whole realm is part of Babylon's confusion. They respond according to their natural senses and feelings.
They also perceive Him to be "in heaven" and they wait until that day when they shall see Him to be "in
heaven" and they wait until that day when they shall see Him in literal form again. We rejoice in this truth, HE
IS THE SAVIOUR OF THE BODY, even of our physical body. He has called us out of the flesh, to be partaker
of His divine nature, and however by degrees this is fulfilled, we praise God for those who have been CALLED
OUT, even on this level.
Paul goes on to write, however, "Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular." [1 Corinthians
12:27] There is a calling to COME OUT of just this natural, carnal realm, where we live in a sense-conscious
state, to receive of the anointing - to be a part of the Christed (anointed) body. Brought out of Egypt and into
the wilderness is a specific working, which prepares us for this next dimension.

There is also that revelation of leaving behind all the usurped headship of denominationalism, etc. giving
allegiance to the religious systems, that we might now give total allegiance and obedience to Christ, to be led
by His Spirit. "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as The Christ is the head of the church; and He is
the Saviour of the body." [Ephesians 5:23]
Do keep in mind, in being called ever onward, one does not leave the blessings of each realm behind, rather
the lesser is always swallowed up into the greater. Paul uses the marriage union to symbolize a certain aspect
of His headship. Not only is He the Supreme Potentate, to exercise His will over all, but He is that LOVING
AUTHORITY as portrayed in the matrimonial headship, unto whom the church learns submission. This leads
unto the renewal of the mind, the soul realm. For a wife has her own mind, thoughts, emotions, intellect, and
yet there is a learning to yield and merge into one with her husband. The renewing of our mind, into the "Mind
of Christ" is not an easy process, but there is a "casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth
itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought to the obedience of Christ." [2 Corinthians
10:5]
"We are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones." [Ephesians 5:30] There is something
mysteriously captivating in the becoming "bone of His bone, and flesh of His flesh." It bespeaks of a oneness
which stirs deep within. It means being brought past the servitude of the flesh, to now give complete obedience
to Him who is our Head. Thus this call goes beyond the natural, flesh realm, into the realm of the soul. "And
they that are of The Christ have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us
also walk in the Spirit." [Galatians 5:24-25]
The mystery - that which is known only to the initiated, deepens when we begin to MIND THE SPIRIT, going
beyond the subjection to the laws which govern the body, to be subject to the INWARD laws which govern the
soul, even the law of the Spirit, i.e. the law of the anointing. For we are "not without law to God, but under law
to Christ.'' [1 Corinthians 9:21] And we would be careful lest "ye sin against Christ." [1 Corinthians 8:12]
There is an insistence upon our own will and way, after we have committed ourselves to be led by His Spirit,
which is literally a sin against the anointing. And we learn the hard way what it means for Him to withdraw the
consciousness of the anointing, so that we struggle on in our own efforts, and fall flat on our face. Then we
seek to be totally overshadowed by Him, and we learn to cherish that oneness with the anointing of His Spirit,
walking in harmony with His will and way. There are many called out of the world, who know little of this deeper
aspect of our calling.
But there is more, for 1 Corinthians 11:29-30, tells us that there are many who are weak and sickly among us,
and many sleep (premature death) "not discerning the Lord's body." This is more than the "church in the
wilderness" and more than just being as the "church which is His body" of Christ, it is going on to where He is
TOTALLY LORD of all in us, and we then "grow up INTO HIM in all things, which is the Head, Christ."
[Ephesians 4:15]
That there is a body within a body is shown in Revelation 12:5, where we read of the woman "being with child
...and she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations..." This MAN CHILD is a firstfruit company that
come forth out of the whole body, and are become ONE IN THE LAMB. There is a "headship company," those
who have grown up into the Head, to become so one in Him, that they share His throne, and with Him rule the
nations. "He that is JOINED TO THE LORD is one Spirit." [1 Corinthians 6:17] These are known as "the
church of the Firstborn." [Hebrews 12:23]
There are many who know Him as Jesus, Saviour; and there are those who know Him as the Christ, The
Anointer, and they have received of this anointing; but there are also those who are coming to know Him as
Lord - both in the sense that HE has total control over all within them, and then in the sense that they enter into
His lordship - to know the authority and dominion of that deeper realm.
Jude writes of these "Lo, comes the Lord in holy myriads of Himself." [Jude 14, Literal] They are the HIMSELF
COMPANY, the Lord's body. That have heard and responded to that calling out, calling out, calling out - to
leave behind the lesser realms, that they might indeed "go on to perfection. "

The church in the wilderness knows Him as Saviour, for He saves them out of the bondage of Egypt, calls
them out of the servitude of the flesh.
The church which is the body of Christ knows Him as the Anointed One who anoints them with His own Spirit,
to guide them onward into all truth.
The church of the Firstborn know Him as LORD, in His sovereignty. They become members of Himself, and He
will "glorify them with His own self..." [John 17:5] They are indeed, "a glorious church, not having spot, or
wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." [Ephesians 5:27]
The church in the wilderness is not "perfect," that is why they are in the wilderness, for their processings and
purifications. The church which has been anointed does not necessarily signify perfection either, for we receive
the Spirit to work in us to guide us on to that goal. But when we are totally joined TO THE LORD in one spirit,
He will "present us faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy." [Jude 24]
Yes, He is able to "present you holy and unblamable and unreproveable in His sight: if ye continue in the faith
grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel." [Colossians 1:22-23]
To speak of the "church" is indeed a mystery that is known only to the degree we have been CALLED OUT
and lead onward - what we experience, what is worked into us, we begin to understand. What is on the horizon
to yet be fulfilled, ah, that remains a mystery till He quickens it. But suffice it for now, to reaffirm, HE HAS
BEEN STEADILY BUILDING HIS CHURCH, He has never turned it over to man, nor given it to denominations;
nor has it ever gone into apostasy. What He has been building through each generation is a called out
firstfruits, a remnant that He receives to Himself, and through whom He shall reveal His grace and glory at the
appointed time.
I do not know the measure of this, the call, I hear,

The many shades of meaning, the scope It shall entail.
The heights to which it leadeth, beyond my gaze to rise,
Though for the present turning, the path more downward goes.
But this one thing is certain, to me becoming clear,

That whether it be sunshine, or storms of fiercest gale,
To follow, Him is vital, I can't do otherwise,
He sealed me to His purpose, when my poor heart He chose.
Called out of worldly pleasure, with all its pride of life,

Called out of kingdom building which centerized in man,
Called out of all co-joining the spirit of the world,
To leave behind the passions, which fleshly thoughts enflame.
That He might lead up higher, above all present strife,

And work in me His purpose, which ages past began.
The building of His kingdom, and truth to be unfurled,
Conformed unto His image, to bear His glorious name.
I cannot tell the process whereby I shall become

A transformed state of being, fulfillment of the call,
The discipline and testing are given by His hand,
According to the pattern of purest love's design.
But when He has completed and rounded out the sum,

There shall be no part lacking - remembrance of the fall,
As in His holy presence I clearly understand
The glory of His calling upon this heart of mine.
CHAPTER TEN
"THE MYSTERY OF THE SEVEN STARS"
"And He had in His right hand seven stars: ...the mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in My right
hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the
seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches." [Revelation 1:16, ]
John was "in the Spirit on the Lord's day," when he received this great revelation of our Lord. The
circumstance is such as to afford encouragement to us all. John had been banished to the isle of Patmos, "for
the word of God, and the testimony of Jesus Christ," yet this did not interrupt his walk with his Lord whom he
loved. And because of his constant communion with the Lord, when God would give him this marvelous
revelation, he was ready to receive. The spirit enveloped him right where he was, so that he heard and saw.
So we, also, may daily walk with God, and at the time of His choosing, in fulfillment of His purpose, receive
those revelations which will lead us on from glory to glory. He comes to us where we are, and lifts us up to
where He is. Out of the natural, into those spiritual dimensions where we understand things, which the natural
mind cannot comprehend.
As John turned to see the Voice that spake with him, he saw the seven golden candlesticks, and in their midst
was one "like unto the Son of man..." The description of His appearance is full of meaning for every symbol,
and would take a detailed study in itself, but suffice it for now to come to the phrase, "He had in His right hand
seven stars."
Revelation 2:1 carries right on with this, adding one more word to the phrase, "These things saith He that
HOLDETH the seven stars in His right hand..." We note the word "holdeth" - from the Greek "krateo" TO LAY
HOLD ON. God has, and IS laying hold of, apprehending a people for Himself. They are becoming a part of
His RIGHT HAND COMPANY. They are so held by Him, that His hand cannot move without them being moved
with it. Furthermore, they don't move until the hand moves. But becoming totally one in the WILL of the right
hand, when moved it is with all the ability, power, authority of that hand.
Also, inasmuch as HE holds these stars in His right hand, they are HELD, RESTRAINED from any movement
apart from His direction. But at the proper time they are to voice a message to the churches, the called out - of
the wilderness, of His body, of the Firstborn. Each message is fitted to the realm to which it is spoken, truths
for the preparation, truths for the growing, truths for the establishing. The message of maturity is not given in
detail to those who are babes, "strong meat belongeth unto them that are of full age." Yet we declare that God
shall give a message to every realm that is needed for that realm, it will be in clarity, and it will build up and
lead on to the dimensions beyond. None will be stagnated in their level, but being built up on their most holy
faith, will be able to "grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." [2 Peter 3:18]
Because it is a "mystery" there was also given the meaning for the seven stars, "the seven stars are the angels
of the seven churches..." The Greek word for "angel" is "aggelos," literally A MESSENGER. The word "angel"
is not the translation of the Greek word, only its English spelling.
They are in "His right hand." The right hand is the place of power, of strength. "Hereafter shall we see the Son
of Man sitting on the RIGHT HAND OF POWER..." [Matthew 26:64] There are two words in the Greek for
power: exousia, meaning privilege, or authority; and, dunamis, meaning ability, or power. It is this latter that is
used here. Dunamis is the word from which we get our English word "dynamite" - that explosive power which
can blast loose and move things. But it is also the root for the word "dynamo" which speaks more of a
continuously generated, controlled energy, supplied to continue the task until it is brought to completion. They
who become a part of His right hand will have sufficient ability to fulfill His command. He will be IN THEM a
LIVING DYNAMO, a constant supply of energy, so that "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth
me." (Greek, Who makes me powerful inwardly) [Philippians 4:13]
How frustrating to declare a message, but have no power to back it up, or carry it out. The limitations of our
own imperfections, combined with the subjection to time, and the lack of power to accomplish, have kept us
before the throne of His grace, longing to be filled with His fullness. Yet we see a ministry on the horizon, which
God shall unveil at His appointed time, who will not only declare His Word, but have the authority and ability to
see it established in the earth. Jesus said, "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life"
[John 6:63] and thus were effectual in accomplishing the purpose of God.
Fearless messengers, because they know the in working and OUTFLOW of His power. "Thy right hand, O
Lord, is become glorious (adorned) in power: Thy right hand, O Lord, hath dashed in pieces the enemy."
[Exodus 15:6] Every time the "enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard
against him." [Isaiah 59:19] So impregnated with power shall be the message, that we read, "So shall My
Word be that goeth forth out of Mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I
please, and it shall prosper in the thing thereto I sent It." [Isaiah 55:11]
We know that the message and the messenger become one, so it becomes self-evident that the messenger is
vitally alive with God's power. And then shall these say with the Psalmist, [18:35] "Thy right hand hath holden
me up, (supported me) and thy gentleness hath made me great."
Seven stars - seven is the number of perfection and completeness. While the Greek word for "star" is "aster"
and is in the masculine gender. That which is masculine is that which is OF SPIRIT, for the SPIRIT is the
gendering force of life. This messenger company shall certainly move in the very fullness of the Spirit - the
seven spirits of God [Isaiah 11:2], in union with the LORD. These are truly His "sons of the right hand."
Another thought, the stars are fixed in the heavens, whereas planets, actually the satellites of a star, follow the
paths of their orbits. Again we hear the Psalmist declare, [108:1] "O God, my heart is fixed ..." and, "He shall
not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. He shall not be afraid of evil tidings:
his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord. His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire
upon his enemies." [Psalm 112:6-8] This all speaks of a place of stability, of steadfastness, unmovable. There
has been much in working of grace, with all of the suffering and travail, the purging and purifying, but - "the
God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while,
make you perfect, Establish, strengthen, settle you." [1 Peter 5:10]
In Jude 13, we read of "wandering stars..." but the Greek word is actually planet, for they are moveable, and
going in their negative orbits in the way of unrighteousness.
In astronomy, our SUN is actually a star, and the center of our system, radiating its light of life regardless of our
position towards it, regardless of where our planet earth is in its orbit and relation to the sun. It all becomes
symbolic of beautiful truth. The Christ, THE SON, becomes the Center of our life and being. And there is a
being joined to the Lord in one spirit, to the effect that we become a son in The Son, a star in The Star.
There is a divine constancy in the outshining of the SON. There may be that which veils off His light from us,
"your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you..."
[Isaiah 59:2], but as soon as all this is removed, we find He has been continuously shining upon us just the
same, we simply were not conscious of it. "He maketh His sun (SON) to rise on the evil and on the good."
[Matthew 5:45] "If we believe not, yet He abideth faithfully. He cannot deny Himself." [2 Timothy 2:13]
Our God is "the Father of lights (the heavenly luminaries), with whom there can be no variableness or shadow
which is cast by the motion of turning (such as that cast by the movements of the heavenly bodies - planets). In
accordance with His deliberate purpose He brought us into being by means of the word of truth, resulting in our
being a kind of first fruits of His creatures." [James 1:17-18, Wuest]
His is producing a certain kind of first fruits of His creations! The word "His" could rightly be given as "Himself"
for these are the HIMSELF CREATURES, or, the creatures of Himself. Thus, exact reproductions of the
Father. Like begets like. And taking this fact into consideration, in view of these verses, He is referred to as the
"Father of lights." Since He is the Source, the Originator of all LIGHT, then when He brings forth after Himself,
He is rightly producing "lights," or, "heavenly luminaries."
"God IS light, and in Him is no darkness at all." [1 John 1:5] There is no variation, no changeableness, no
shadow cast by His turning, as in an eclipse, but His glorious light shines on without any possibility of decline.
With this descriptive qualification of our Father, it soon becomes self-evident that we are yet in the process of
BECOMING, for no man has arrived into this state of perfection to be "AS HE IS." We have far too many times
of shadow, or even seemingly of gross darkness, when we cannot see or know which way to turn. We can,
thank God, when we lack wisdom, "ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not." [James
1:5] and be assured that it shall be given us - for after all, He is the Giver of every good and every perfect gift.
But when this IN WORKING of His complete free gift is finished, we shall be IN HIS IMAGE, with the same
stability and constancy, which we find in Him.
Coming into oneness with the "I AM," there is a fixedness which brings us into an unchangeableness, no
longer driven and tossed like the waves of the sea, no longer turning to eclipse the very light we seek after with
our own self-will, but FIXED IN GOD, ready to radiate forth light irrespective of the circumstances, or the
intensity of darkness. Then "the people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the
land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined." [Isaiah 9:2]
Ephesians 5:8, Williams, "For at one time you were darkness itself, but now IN UNION with the Lord you are
light itself. You must live like children of light." The vital emphasis right now surely must be upon this word
"UNION," for it is only by virtue of our union with Him that He in us is the light. It often appears that all the
negative forces in the world today are arrayed against this union, so that men would turn away from Him for the
allure of the world. But while promised light and freedom, "of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he
brought in bondage." [2 Peter 2:19] So subtle are the devious ways of the enemy, if you cannot be enticed into
outright sin and forsaking the way of truth, then the adversary would try to cause you to become so religious,
working a spiritual pride, or a false humility, or just present the allure of another man becoming your shepherd,
or covering, or spiritual mentor, that you are kept from that PERSONAL UNION with Christ as your Head, so
that in ONENESS with Him you are led by His Spirit. If ever we LIVE like children of the light, it will be because
of our UNION WITH HIM WHO IS THE LIGHT.
Ephesians 5:13, Phillips, "For light is capable of ‘showing up' everything for what it really is. It is even possible
(after all, it happened with you!) for light to turn the thing it shines upon into light also."
Not only does light reveal, here it is stated that when the light shines upon one, it changes them into light also.
Thus we see why "the god of this world hath blinded the mind of them which believe not, lest the light of the
glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." [2 Corinthians 4:4] But there is a
Light that "shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not (could not overpower it)." [John 1:5]
And so when the STARS OF HIS RIGHT HAND begin to beam their light unto mankind, it will accomplish that
which He has determined - dissipate the darkness, and fill the earth with the knowledge of the glory of the
Lord. "I will also give thee for a light of the nations, that thou mayest be My salvation unto the ends of the
earth." [Isaiah 49:6]
Following the promise of the birth of the Christ, we read, "Therefore will He give them up, until the time she
which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of His brethren shall return unto the children of Israel. And
He shall stand and feed in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God; and they
shall abide: for now shall He be great unto the ends of the earth. And this shall be the peace, when the
Assyrian shall come into our land: and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him
seven shepherds, and eight principal men." [Micah 5:3-5]
There is a REMNANT OF HIS BRETHREN which He is bringing forth, "For whom He did foreknow, He also did
predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren."
[Romans 8:29] All of ONE, of Himself - to be His sons, His lights. They shall give forth His light, HIS
MESSAGE, to stand and feed in the strength of the Lord, in the power of His right hand. They shall abide - not
like unto those who rise up in a brilliant display to dash across the heavens, and burn out - these are FIXED in
God, positioned in the place He has prepared for them, and prepared them for. They are His sign of PEACE
when the enemy would tread in the palace - seeking to usurp the dominion. They shall destroy the adversaries
with the brightness of their shining, and they shall restore righteousness in all the earth. "Peace on earth, good
will toward men."
At the time when the Assyrian treads - seeking to destroy the kingdom, and rule over God's heritage - in that
day shall there be raised up "seven shepherds, and eight principal men.

Seven, again noted as the number of perfection and completeness. A perfect and complete shepherd ministry.
For "I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion. And I will give you pastors
(shepherds) according to Mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding." [Jeremiah
3:14-15]
Eight principal men. Eight is the number of new beginning, resurrection. While the Hebrew word here for
"principal" is literally, ANOINTED. There is an anointed ministry of HIS RESURRECTION LIFE to be revealed
in that day.
"Seek Him that maketh the SEVEN STARS and Orion and turneth the shadow of death into the morning."
[Amos 5:8] The seven stars refer to Pleiades, while Orion is made up of eight principal stars, and is called the
mighty hunter. "Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion?" [Job 38:31]
How sweet shall be the influence of the SEVEN STARS, to minister His life, His joy, His peace unto creation.
The heart of the shepherds will be to lead all mankind to the Fountain of Living Water. To feed them in green
pastures. To cause them to lie down and rest, and be not afraid.
Then note the phrase, "Canst thou loose the bands of Orion?" The word "bands" literally means "drawings
together." Who can tear apart that which the mighty hunter hath drawn together? Ah, here is that anointed
ministry of the New Covenant, of the resurrection, that shall "gather together in One all things in Christ, both
which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even in Him" [Ephesians 1:10] And what they have gathered
together shall not be torn asunder again. Here is a restoration, a reconciliation that shall endure for the ages.
When He has raised up His seven shepherds and eight principal men, then "THY RIGHT HAND shall teach
thee terrible (awesome) things." [Psalm 45:4] There will be a reverence brought forth - men shall begin to fear
the Lord, and learn to walk in His way. They shall come to understand and know His love. "HIS RIGHT HAND
doth embrace me." [Song of Solomon 2:6] There is no harshness in the ministry of the seven stars - theirs is
a SWEET INFLUENCE. Even as it is said of Asher, "his bread shall be fat, and ye shall yield royal dainties
(Hebrew sweet influences)." [Genesis 49.20] For all the terribleness, the awesomeness of His holiness and
righteousness to be revealed, yet there is a sweetness, a tenderness, the blessings as of ROYAL DAINTIES.
Proverbs 29:17, "Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight (sweet influences)
unto thy soul." There will be divine correction, certainly, but because it is MINISTERED IN LOVE it shall reap
the same, bringing forth sweet influences from those corrected. In the messages of the seven angels to the
seven churches, we do read, "As many as I LOVE, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent."
[Revelations 3:19] For there is the correctional processes which are essential, but it is such a ministry of love,
it will both set-to-right, and yield sweet influences.
The messengers which declare "the everlasting gospel" will declare "with a loud voice, Fear God, and give
glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him..." [Revelation 14:7] There is a teaching
of "terrible things" - a calling for creation to FEAR GOD - for this is the very beginning of wisdom. But it also
follows that "when Thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness."
[Isaiah 26:9] and thus they shall bring forth their sweet influences, LOVE RETURNING to Him who loved
them. Worship ascending to Him who has favored them with His loving-kindness.
As often stated, we are but sharing "whispers of the mysteries" and the expanded horizons, and the greater
depths, HE will quicken in His time to those who seek Him. But there is one more little "whisper" we would
comment on, as we bring this chapter to a close.
It is to be noted that the Hebrew word for "influences" is in the feminine gender, while the stars, the
messengers, the shepherds, the anointed men, etc. all speak of the masculine realm. Therefore we see that
there has been a UNION of the two. Eve has returned into her Adam. This is not a setting of one gender over
against another; this is the uniting of them both into one. This is not the divisions known on the natural,
physical realm, with all its confusion, competition, etc. for now we shall have that ONENESS which Jesus
prayed so earnestly for - "that we might all be ONE." All the strength, the authority, the ability of the masculine,
combined with all the tenderness and compassion of the feminine, which Jesus felt, when He said, "How often
would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings." [Luke 13:34]
He who was strong to take the whip and drive the moneychangers out of the temple, has all the tenderness
and love which would gather, protect, shelter, and minister "tender loving care" to all mankind.
Yes, God shall have a SEVEN STAR ministry with a message for the churches, and ultimately with a message
for all mankind. As "in Christ shall all be made alive, but every man in his own order."
A Star shall rise out of Jacob,

This word was proclaimed long ago,
And He who is the Fulfillment,
Brings forth of His kind, this we know.
And so John saw revelation,

He holds seven stars in His hand,
The life and the light of the message,
In these latter days shall they stand.
Proclaiming a truth that pierces

The black of the night, to dispel
The horror of darkness engulfing,
E'en victor o'er the gates of hell
Light of the ages forth-shining,

Sweet influence that shall remain,
Seven stars no more a myst'ry,
Let man now receive of thy gain.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
"THE MYSTERY OF ISRAEL' S BLINDNESS"
"For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own
conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the nations be come in. And so all
Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away
ungodliness from Jacob: For this is My covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins." [Romans
11:25-27]
We ought not to be ignorant of this mystery - literally, to be without knowledge, because if you are, it will result
in your becoming "wise in your own conceits." This is a very interesting phrase in the Greek text, for the words
"own conceits" simply mean: alongside of yourselves; which another translation renders as "self-opinionated."
When all of our opinions are formed out of our own selves, and not received through divine revelation, we are
going to be very ignorant of the truth. "HE will guide you into all truth." [John 16:13] But the conceited opinions
of self will lead us into error.
Paul was able to say, "I certify you, brethren that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I
neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." [Galatians 1:11-12]
He "conferred not with flesh and blood," nor sought out the apostles to see if he could learn the right doctrines
from them, but he went into Arabia, and waiting before God received that which he could teach with authority.
By the Spirit he was instructed, initiated into the deeper truths of many things, including that of Israel's
blindness.
Blindness came "in part" upon Israel. IN PART - a division or section. God has ALWAYS HAD A REMNANT
that can see. Always He has had His little flock who have faithfully followed Him. They have been scorned,
rejected, cast out by the majority, for they were misunderstood completely. The blind could not see what they
saw, therefore rejected their testimony, and slew the prophets, and tore down their altars. There is no
understanding of the truths of Israel's blindness, and the out workings thereof, without knowing that He also
maintains HIS REMNANT unto Himself.
Then we note the word "blindness," the Greek word is "porosis" and comes from the root meaning
HARDNESS. This links us back to the "mystery of iniquity" "I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply My
signs and My wonders in the land of Egypt." [Exodus 7:3] Every time Pharaoh was softened by another blow,
another plague, and was beginning "to see the light" God would harden his heart again, to prepare him for the
next blow. And He would continuously harden him until He could utterly smash, crush, and bring down the
Egyptians. "Therefore hath He mercy on whom He will have mercy, and whom He will He hardeneth."
[Romans 9:18] This, too, is included in the workings of our God, who doeth all things well.
Israel is hardened in their relationship to their God. Israel is hardened in their relationship to their brethren; and
Israel is hardened in their understanding of their own identity and their relationship to the nations among whom
the dwell. It is constantly amazing to hear how Israel speaks concerning their God. They talk so glibly, "He is
the Man upstairs." There is no awesome reverence, no worship involved. If they get into a real tight spot they
might pray for help, but mostly in the thought that He would bail them out of the consequences for their wrong-
doing. "There is no fear of God before his eyes. For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be
found to be hateful." [Psalm 36:1-2]
It is also amazing how Israel is hardened against her own identity. She has assumed the identity of the nations
among whom she has been scattered, calls herself a "gentile," and knows not the lineage of her fathers. What
a BLINDNESS has happened to them - a hardness of heart, so that they refuse to believe, and thus refuse to
shoulder the responsibilities which belong to Israelites, to keep His laws and to walk in His covenants. We will
not condemn them, this has been GOD - ORDAINED, He blinds and hardens whom He wills. But we do
observe the extent to which it covers His natural Israel people.
Yet it is equally amazing how across our nation God is opening the eyes of HIS REMNANT to know who they
are, both naturally and spiritually.
Israel was called to be "an holy people unto the Lord ...chosen ...to be a peculiar people unto Himself, above
all the nations that are upon the earth." [Deuteronomy 14:2]
"Ye are My witnesses, saith the Lord, and My servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe Me,
and understand that I am HE: before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me. I, even I,
am the Lord; and beside Me there is no saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed when
there was no strange god among you: therefore YE ARE MY WITNESSES, saith the Lord, that I AM GOD."
[Isaiah 43:10-12]
God had revealed Himself to Israel in a way and manner that was not known by other nations. He lavished His
love upon them, fought their battles for them, provided for their every need, instructed and cared for them.
They knew that there was no other God. He chose them to be HIS WITNESS; first to experience for
themselves of His redemption, His power, His love, that HE alone is God, and having become firsthand
partakers, viewing and experiencing, then they were to give testimony to the nations of the God whom they
served.
Furthermore, we read, "For God's gifts and His call are irrevocable - He never withdraws them when once they
are given, and He does not change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends
His call." [Romans 11:29, Amplified]
Backslidings and disobedience do not alter an irrevocable calling, but they do hinder it from being fulfilled
totally, and consciously. Therefore the more the hardness of their heart is removed, the more they shall be
prepared to fulfill that call in ways and manners beyond all that we have known. We do praise God, however,
for how even the REMNANT have been obedient, and for what witness has gone forth. Part of the very
mystery however, is the manner after which Israel has been fulfilling much of her calling, even though unaware
of what is happening. For God will fulfill His purposes, and do it HIS WAY, not after the way and program of
man. HE still controls the entire interplay of good and evil. Indeed, we find that "the foolishness of God is wiser
than men; and weakness of God is stronger than men." [1 Corinthians 1:25] Regardless of how foolish in
man's eyes certain workings of God appear, there is a rare wisdom and plan unfolding, that when our eyes are
opened to see HIM, we marvel at how He truly "works all things together into good."
For all that He does, for all the means He uses, we would bow to give Him praise. We see man's missionary
programs, and we certainly do not condemn them, but how man sets about to accomplish the task is certainly
far different than what God has been doing all these years. And unless we see by divine revelation - we know
not what HE has been accomplishing both in His remnant, and in all the nations of the earth.
Consider the uniqueness of God's operation, "For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that He might have
mercy upon all." [Romans 11: 32] The Greek word here for "concluded" literally means "shut up together."
Israel was called and chosen to be God's special people, and through whom He would bless all nations. And
then comes this rarity of His operation, He took Israel, scattered her among all nations, hardened their hearts
and shut them up in unbelief with all nations, and then purposes to have MERCY UPON ALL - upon all Israel,
and upon all nations among whom they have been scattered.
"What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest
were blinded (hardened)." [Romans 11:7] At present time, only a remnant, an "election of grace," are receiving
that which He has prepared for His people. AND THE REST WERE HARDENED. Again we emphasize, we
must understand that God DOES, and ALWAYS HAS HAD His little remnant - "I have reserved to Myself
seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal," God said to Elijah, when he
complained that he was the only one left, and they sought his life also. Then Paul added, "Even so then AT
THIS PRESENT TIME also there is a remnant according to the election of grace." [Romans 11:4-5] But the
vast majority are hardened.
Jesus "came unto His own, and His own received Him not." [John 1:11] "But though He had done so many
miracles before them, yet they believed not on Him: that the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled,
which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, 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." [John 12: 37-40]
Then John, the beloved apostle, having observed and confirmed all this, as though needing some additional
confirmation, that these words from Isaiah were true, adds one more statement, "These things said Esaias,
when he saw His glory, and spake of Him." [John 12:41] It was while he was mightily blessed and filled with
reverence to the Lord, beholding the glory of Him who "was high and lifted up," that he uttered this profound
statement that it was GOD who blinded the eye, and hardened the heart. This was not an idea brought forth
out of the carnal mind of man, this was truth which emerged out of a revelation of GOD. How high and holy,
how sovereign He is!
Jesus Himself affirmed this also, "Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and
hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias ..." [Matthew
13:13-14] To even aid in their blindness, to keep them in their hardened state, Jesus taught them only in
parables, so they would not understand the truth He declared. It was not TIME for them to believe. God was,
and is, working out a different purpose in this "mystery of Israel's blindness."
In fact, after Isaiah gave this prophecy, it is recorded no less than seven times more in the scriptures, in all four
gospels, and three times Paul makes reference thereto, in Acts 28:26-28, Romans 11, 2 Corinthians 3:13-14,
we quote the latter, "But their minds were blinded (hardened)... even unto this present day."
Back to the original prophecy, so astounded was Isaiah by this word of the Lord, that He would "make the
heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes, lest they see with their eyes, and hear
with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed." That Isaiah answered with the
probing question, "Lord, how long?" And the answer came back, "Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant,
and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate. And the Lord have removed men far away, and
there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land." [Isaiah 6:10-12] UNTIL THEY ARE ALL SHUT UP IN
BELIEF! And yet, the final verse gave promise of that remnant, for He said, "But in it shall be a tenth, and it
shall return, and shall be eaten: ...so the HOLY SEED shall be the substance thereof."
"I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but through their fall salvation is come unto
the nations, for to provoke them to jealousy. Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the
diminishing of them the riches of the nations; how much more their fullness?" [Romans 11:11-12]
O, what a mystery, that Israel has been blinded "till the fullness of the nations may come in," as Young's Literal
Translation gives.
Certainly, "This mystery was never disclosed to human beings in past generations as it has now been revealed
to His holy apostles and prophets by the Holy Spirit. It is this that the nations are now to be fellow heirs,
members of the same body, and joint partakers sharing in the same divine promise in Christ through their
acceptance of the glad tidings, the gospel." [Ephesians 3: 5-6, Amplified]
How tremendous, that God can scatter, and shut up into unbelief, and through this fall and diminishing of them,
use it for the reconciling of the world. For having promised that He would save "ALL ISRAEL," then with Israel
so scattered among all nations, He must needs save ALL NATIONS while in the process of restoring His
people Israel. This is seen again in the parable of Jesus, how that "the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure
hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he
hath, and buyeth that field." [Matthew 13:44]
He found His treasure, Israel, "He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; He led him
about, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye." [Deuteronomy 32:10] Then in due time He hid
them in the earth, among all nations - "For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all
nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth." [Amos 9:9] But full
well He knows where every one is hidden. And then He goes about to "sell all that He hath"... for "Himself He
emptied, Himself He made void…" [Philippians 2:7, Wuest] as He came and bought the field. Now, "the field
is the world." [Matthew 13:38] Therefore, "He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for
THE WHOLE WORLD." [1 John 2:2]
The nations, accepting the GOOD NEWS, do not become natural Israelites, but they are permitted, by
believing into Christ, to be "partakers of the root and fatness of the olive tree." [Romans 11:17] Through Christ
they will receive all the blessings, which God had already purposed for His people. As an olive tree, Israel
stands, and other nations, as branches, are privileged to be grafted in to partake of the root and fatness that
flows through the tree. Thus fulfilling what God promised to Abraham, "In thee shall all nations be blessed."
[Gal. 3:8]
Paul also gave a caution to those who are grafted in, and becoming partakers of the blessings, not to boast in
themselves, but to remember, "thou bearest not the root, but the root thee." [Romans 11:18] Israel is still the
root, the stump of the tree, regardless of how many branches are grafted in, and made partakers of the
blessings. Furthermore, Paul reminded them, that if God could break off some branches, diminish them with a
fall, and shut them all up in unbelief, "if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest He also spare not
thee." [Romans 11:21] And then Paul goes on to add that those who are turned from their unbelief shall also
be brought back into the fullness of the life and victory which all share through Jesus Christ.
We are what we are by the grace of God. If we are natural Israelites, come into the grace of God, we do not
boast in our natural lineage, but we glory in the grace of God. And those of other races and nations receiving of
the blessings of salvation, these dare not boast, but also only glory in the grace of God which was extended to
them through Jesus Christ, who "took on Him the seed of Abraham," [Hebrews 2:16], that He might fulfill all of
these promises that through Abraham's seed all nations might be blessed.
Ah, the mystery of Israel's blindness. That God would harden their hearts, and then scatter them: that "through
their fall salvation is come to the nations."

Paul's unfolding revelation continues, "And if the first fruit be holy, then the lump is also holy: and if the root be
holy, so are the branches." [Romans 11:16] Here the firstfruit is Israel - "This saith the Lord, Israel is My son,
even My firstborn." [Exodus 4:22] The word "holy" means to be set apart, or separated. "For thou art an holy
people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto Himself, above
all people that are upon the face of the earth." [Deuteronomy 7:6] While the "lump" bespeaks of the whole
MIXED MASS, all the nations into which Israel was scattered. And the principle remains, "Know ye not that a
little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?" [1 Corinthians 5:6]
So, because Israel was holy, separated unto God, ultimately to ALL BE SAVED, when God diminished and
scattered them, everywhere they went, they caused the whole LUMP of all nations to be set apart also for this
so great a salvation. As a little leaven they leavened the whole lump. "And I will sow them among the people:
and they shall remember Me in far countries." [Zechariah 10:9] So that as they awaken and remember, and
begin to call upon the Lord - they become WITNESSES UNTO HIM in all those far countries, and those nations
learn to call upon Him also.
James 1:1, "To the twelve tribes scattered abroad, greeting, My brethren." While Peter also writes, "to the
strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatla, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. Elect according to the
foreknowledge of God the Father..." [1 Peter 1:1-2] There was a common knowledge shared by all the
apostles that is seen in their writing, and that is, they knew that there were "twelve tribes" of Israel in the earth
in their day. Peter also acknowledged that they were indeed the people "elect according to the foreknowledge
of God." That while God knew they would fall, knew that they would be shut up in unbelief, yet He had chosen
them to fulfill a purpose.
"To the strangers scattered..." The word "stranger" to us means someone we do not know. But the Greek word
that is used here is a composite of three parts; para, meaning ALONGSIDE; epi, meaning UPON; and demos,
which in Biblical usage means as opposed to the Jew, A PAGAN. Add the three meanings together, and you
have a correct sentence, as translated by Wuest: "to those who have settled down alongside of a pagan
population."
Israel was sifted among all nations, so when Peter was directing a letter towards them, he wrote it to all those
scattered ones who were now settled down alongside of the pagans, becoming "nationalized" Israelites,
according to whatever nation they were dwelling in.
Peter also used the word "scattered," coming from that Greek word which means "TO SOW SEED," and
having a prefixed preposition meaning "throughout."
Thus we have a picture of those who were sown as seed, providentially placed there by God. Sowing speaks
of design, of purpose, of planning. So while God put Israel away, sifted her among the nations, it was
according to His perfect design, that in due time, harvest time, He would be able to gather them again, and
while gathering them, would also gather all the nations wherein they dwelt, though it would be "every man in
his own order."
Out of Israel, scattered and forsaken, the Spirit has been taking a spiritual remnant, election by grace, and
preparing them to become that DELIVERER COMPANY of whom Jesus Christ is the Head. And through them
shall come the establishing of the new covenant, fulfilling every promise, which He hath made unto our fathers
long ago.
"And this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; after those days, saith the Lord, I will
put My laws in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be My people.
And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for
they shall all know Me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their
iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." [Jeremiah 31:33-34]
First, it was in His plan to make their ears dull of hearing, cause their eyes to see not, and make their heart
heavy so they could not understand the message - that in their hardened condition, shut up in unbelief, He
might scatter them among all nations. But the time shall come, the promise is sure, when He will reach out and
write upon their hearts and minds of His laws, and they shall all KNOW HIM from the least to the greatest.
Then "all the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord; all the kindreds of the nations shall
worship before Thee." [Psalm 22:27]
People struggle with their man-made programs of trying to convert the heathen to the Lord. The minds are
blinded, the hearts are dull - so while every argument is used, all sorts of enticements and persuasions given,
few are convinced to walk in the way of the Lord. But God has a time which He has purposed, when HE will
restore the whole of creation to find its one Head in Christ, and "they shall all be taught of God." [John 6:44]
"And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the
God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths." [Isaiah 2:3]
"For lf the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life
from the dead?" [Romans 11:15] Who can comprehend what it shall mean, when God begins to restore a
nation that has been scattered and hidden from view all these many years? But rising out from among the
nations He shall receive Israel unto Himself. And oh, the glory of that restoration, for Israel, as a holy, firstfruit
nation, shall not have died in vain, but all the world shall receive of her salvation. God has a divine purpose in
sowing her as seed, and that is the MYSTERY, which has baffled the theologians. Ignorant of these things they
have become wise in their own conceits, and self-opinionated they have formed creeds and dogmas, which are
a gross distortion of the truth.
No wonder Paul summed up his discourse on this, with the declaration, "O the depth of the riches both of the
wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out."
[Romans 11:33]
With the words of that precious hymn of old, we cry out:
"Ye chosen seed of Israel's race,

Ye ransomed from the fall,
Hail Him who saves you by His grace,
And crown Him Lord of all.
Let ev'ry kindred, ev'ry tribe,

On this terrestrial ball,
To Him all majesty ascribe,
And crown Him Lord of all."
CHAPTER TWELVE
"THE MYSTERY OF THE KINGDOM"
"And the disciples came, and said unto Him, Why speakest Thou unto them in parables? He answered and
said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know THE MYSTERIES OF THE KINGDOM of heaven, but to
them it is not given. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto
you, that many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen
them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them." [Matthew 13:10-11, 16-17]
Although God hath blinded the eyes of men, "blindness in part is happened to Israel," yet there is an "election
of grace" which are being drawn out of the world, out of self, and into His kingdom. To them it is given to know
- Greek is "ginosko," TO KNOW BY EXPERIENCE, to be initiated into the realities of His kingdom. This is to go
beyond a mere mental acceptance of these things, for it is to be an experiential in-working. So that when there
is a declaration of the GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM, it will be proclaimed by those who know by personal
experience, for the message and the messenger have become one. That "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,
declare we unto you." [1 John 1:1,3] Such will be the positiveness of the message.

"Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the
kingdom of God is at hand." [Mark 1:14-15] Yet, we, also, read, "But without a parable spake He not unto
them." [Mark 4:34] The word "parable" from the Greek "para" meaning, alongside; and "bole" meaning, to
throw. It was a pictorial word thrown alongside the invisible spirit realm. All the symbols and pictures of the
natural that were used, bespeak of a deeper level of reality. But since their eyes were closed - flesh covered
their sight, and they perceived everything through the flesh approach, they were blind to this inner reality. Then
"when they were alone, He expounded all things to His disciples."
How we need HIM to "expound" these things to us. The Greek word "epiluo" is used here. "Luo" means "to
unloose" and the preposition "epi" makes the composite word mean "to give additional loosening," so as to
explain, make plainer and clearer, even to the point of revelation. The same idea is found in the noun form of
the word as used in 2 Peter 1:20; "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private
interpretation [epilusis]" And the next verse clarifies this to add, "For the prophecy came not in old time by the
will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Spirit." Thus, what Jesus taught His
disciples in private, was truly fresh revelations concerning the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. HE LOOSED
the mysteries, and opened them up to their understanding.
Man has always been mystified concerning the kingdom, or any kingdom rule. Even Israel of old needed
instruction, as we read, "Then, Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom." (defining the position of the
king in relation to God and to the people). [1 Samuel 10:25, Amplified ]
When speaking of the "kingdom" it needs to be defined as to what realm one is making reference to, for the
scripture speaks of the kingdoms of earth, the kingdoms of men, and then more specifically of the kingdom of
Israel and the house and throne of David. But beyond all of this is the KINGDOM OF GOD, or sometimes
referred to as THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.
One cannot properly speak of THE KINGDOM without having definite reference to the KINGDOM OF GOD, for
HIS kingdom rules over all others, and when it comes to a literal manifestation on earth, it will be seen as
having "swallowed up" the kingdom of Israel, the throne of David, and be a literal fulfillment of the spiritual
reality. For "the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall
reign for ever and ever." [Revelation 11:15]
"To the intent that the living may know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to
whomsoever He will." [Daniel 4:17] There are all these lesser kingdoms of men today, but even now we are
learning, that while men might think they are ruling, holding the power and dominion, nevertheless it is GOD
who even now RULES OVER ALL, even in the present kingdoms of men, and HE gives this "limited dominion"
to whomsoever He wills. To raise up kings, and to abase them again. So, EVEN NOW His kingdom is
operating, though it is more of an invisible rule, and shall one day be manifested more literally and visibly.
"O Lord God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, Thou art the God, Thou alone, of all the
kingdoms of the earth; Thou hast made the heavens and the earth," [2 Kings 19:15] thus emphasizing again
that GOD ALONE is the Supreme Ruler, "for there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained
(ordered, to arrange, set in array) of God." [Romans 13:1]
We need much more than an abstract concept of a kingdom in which we live and are blessed. We need to
comprehend the position of the King, and His relationship to God, and to the people. Very little has been taught
concerning the KINGDOM OF GOD, i.e. the authority of God over His creation, and of HIS KINGSHIP in our
own lives. Nor have we had much teaching to prepare people for His inward ruling, much less for His literal rule
which shall be realized in due time.
We note that the phrase, "the kingdom of God" is used 72 times in the New Testament, while the term "the
kingdom of heaven" is used 32 times. They are also used quite interchangeably, though perhaps there is a
specific aspect referred to in each wording. To speak of it as the "kingdom of GOD" lends its emphasis to the
fact that it is GOD'S authority and dominion. When we quote the verse, "Render unto Caesar the things which
are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's" [Matthew 22:21], you have immediately denoted two
realms. "Caesar's" refers to that whole empire and dominion ruled over by Caesar. Likewise, to speak of the
"kingdom of God" focuses attention on the fact that it is GOD'S rulership and dominion. While the term
"kingdom of heaven," though it is certainly God's, for "Thus saith the lord, The heaven is My throne..." [Isaiah
66:1] yet this bespeaks both the sphere and the quality of the kingdom. It is "heavenly" in contra-distinction to
earthly, and it is spiritual in contra-distinction to natural.
When, in the timing and purposes of God, His kingdom becomes visibly expressed upon the earth, it will
manifest all the qualities and characteristics of that which belongs to the heavenly realm, as well as the total
sovereignty of His rule.
Paul taught very clearly that "the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy
in the Holy Spirit." [Romans 14:17] Meat and drink pertain to natural, earthly things. Righteousness, peace,
and joy are spiritual, heavenly qualities. Righteousness does not spring out of carnal flesh, for such is
corruptible. But righteousness can be made manifest in the sphere of our mortal flesh as an expression of HIS
INNER DWELLING, for He is our righteousness.
"Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the
kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people." [Matthew 9:35] The physical
deliverances only served to help them hear the greater message, it was not an end in itself, KINGDOM TRUTH
was the vital issue. He constantly taught the authority of God over His creation, and of His total dominion over
every enemy, including demonic forces and powers. He stated, "If I with the finger of God cast out devils, no
doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you." [Luke 11:20]
He constantly demonstrated the kingdom of God in operation. IN HIM they saw the power of that kingdom,
and that calm, cool authority which no man could resist nor gainsay. Yet all this remained a mystery unto men,
because they saw Him only as a MAN, and they did not understand that the KINGDOM OF GOD was a
dimension beyond the natural. "Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of
God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption." [1 Corinthians 15:50] The natural cannot take authority over
the spiritual, but contra-wise, the SPIRITUAL can rule over the natural.
"There arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: ...then He arose,
and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marveled, saying, What manner
of MAN is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him!" [Matthew 8:24, 26-27]
THE KING, He who is Lord of all, exercised His authority over the natural elements, and to them it was a
mystery. Why? Because they saw Him as a MAN, and they viewed it all from the natural realm. They had not
yet been born into the kingdom of God, so they did not understand its operation. while the kingdom was "nigh
unto them," they were not prepared to enter into that realm.
Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Except a man be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." [John 3:3, 5]
Right here Jesus touches upon the very center of the preparation that prepares us to SEE and to ENTER the
Kingdom, the new birth, being born from above. His statement, "My kingdom is not of this world," [John 18:36]
makes it self-evident that if we would enter His kingdom we must become part of another realm. Hence an
essential part of the mystery of the kingdom is that of the NEW BIRTH, being born from above. "If any man be
in Christ a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things become new." [2 Corinthians 5:17]
And thus our citizenship is transferred from the kingdoms of man unto the kingdom of heaven. Which Paul also
reaffirmed when he stated, "Our conversation (Greek, citizenship) is in heaven." [Philippians 3:30] We now
belong to another realm, and have immediately become "strangers and pilgrims on the earth." Hebrews
[11:13]
As much as lieth within us, we continue to obey the laws which govern this physical realm, rendering to all their
dues, but our final authority is from Heaven, for HE is OVER ALL, and it is to God that we give our allegiance.
We "give thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in
light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear
Son." [Colossians 1:12-13) This "translating" (Greek is, to put over) is a process, for we are being delivered
from the power of darkness - as the in working of His Cross brings an end to the allegiance which self has for
this world, and we surrender our "self ' to be swallowed up into HIMSELF.
"In the days of these kings (of men) shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed:
and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, it shall break in pieces and consume all these things, and it
shall stand for ever." [Daniel 2:44]
"In the days of these kings..." We need not dwell on all the outward manifestation of the negatives - they are
written on the pages of our daily newspapers, as the "Treaty of Rome," i.e. the Common Market; along with the
religious ecumenical movement, the political maneuvers, etc. as all steadily pushes toward their fulfillment. But
there is a POSITIVE KINGDOM also being established, invisibly perhaps, at this time, but sure and certain, for
He doth establish His kingdom in righteousness. And it is the "days of these kings" - while they are yet
flourishing and expanding, exercising their control, and bear heavy with their rule - not when they are finished,
but in their days, that God is setting up His kingdom, and shall subdue all before it.
Again we see that the work is two-fold, INWARD before OUTWARD. There have been so many kings, which
have ruled within us, and these are being dealt with by His Cross. We have the dominant king of self-will,
which has usurped control and sought to rule over those of lesser strength of will. There are kings of intellect,
ruling in iron-clad dogmas and creeds, traditions and commandments of men. This brings heavy warfare to
overcome the barrage of thought, which condemns, accuses, and painfully wounds the soul. There are kings of
desire and lust with self at the core. Impulses that are spirited by this world. Emotions, which usurp unlawful
sway over people. All is being dealt with, in every degree, until HIS KINGDOM alone shall hold sway within.
Furthermore, "The kingdom of God does not come with signs to be observed or with visible display. Nor will
people say, Look, Here it is! or, See, it is there! for behold, the kingdom of God is within you (in your hearts) ..."
[Luke 17:20-21, Amplified]
The "God of heaven shall set up a kingdom." This word "set up" is from the Hebrew "qum" with a threefold
meaning: to cause to rise up, establish, confirm. This is a process, for you cannot confirm something that has
not yet been established, and surely it is not yet established if it has not even begun to form and rise up within.
It is one thing for God to rise up and manifest His kingdom betimes, and those occasions do thrill and bless us,
but it is something else for His kingdom to rise up within us and gradually fill our being until it is established and
confirmed within.
All this steadily brings us toward that hour when that which is within shall be outwardly manifested. The
invisible shall become visible, and the kings of this world shall bow unto HIM. And when the KINGDOM OF
HEAVEN is manifested on earth, it shall be a demonstration of DIVINE GOVERNMENT, not a reform of man's
old order.
Since we know not the time of His appointment for this manifestation, we continue to "look unto Jesus, the
Author and the Finisher of our faith," and exhort one another "to continue in the faith, and that we must through
much tribulation (Greek, pressure) enter into the kingdom of God." [Acts 14:22]
When first His kingdom entered into us, He came to us where we were, and began to subdue all the inner
kings which usurped control over us. This was His sovereign handiwork within, but now, as we are being
prepared to enter into His kingdom, we find it is through much pressure, and far different than His kingdom
entering into us. There is great travail, birth pangs, but it shall bring forth to His glory and praise.
There is much that makes HIS KINGDOM a mystery to man. The very fact it is HEAVENLY before it is
manifested in the earth realm. That it is INWARD before it is manifested outward. That it begins as a small
seed, so little, yet will grow until it fills the whole earth. That we do not fight to establish it, as the men of this
world fight and rebel and stage their coup. That is does not have a man at the head, but Jesus Christ. That we
do not choose it, but He first chooses us. That we have to die to the kingdoms of this world, and be born anew
into His kingdom, yet this birth is a process, which is going on concurrent with our dying to the old. That many
have been apprehended by God to be processed and prepared, and they are not even aware of the fact that it
is for HIS KINGDOM, for they have not matured enough to even know this.
Over and over again Jesus taught them parables, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is like unto..." And using a
variety of illustrations bore out all of these facts. Whether it begins like a grain of mustard seed, so small, yet
grows until it becometh a tree that gives lodging even to the birds of the air, or whether it is like unto a net cast
into the sea, gathering in the good and the bad, then sorting them out, and casting the bad into a fire to be
purified before becoming acceptable. Be it likened unto leaven, placed into "three measures of meal, till the
whole is Ieavened." [Matthew 13:33] However the approach, the message remains that HIS KINGDOM
CONQUERS ALL. The final answer, the ultimate victory is all HIS.
Furthermore, so precious is this kingdom it is worth selling all that one has, yielding up everything of self and
whatever pertains to this world, to receive that kingdom. While the writer confirms that there will be a full
shaking of everything that can be shaken, which will result in "the removing of those things that are shaken" so
that only those things which cannot be shaken might remain, and then adds, "Wherefore... we receiving a
kingdom which cannot be moved." [Hebrews 12:28] For His kingdom shall abide throughout all ages, it cannot
be shaken, it cannot be destroyed.
We have barely uttered the first "whispers" of this mystery of the kingdom. Yet the more we are processed and
prepared, the more HE will expound, impart divine revelation on the manner of the kingdom, the glory of the
King, and the total triumph of which we are to be partakers. To HIM alone be glory and praise.
If we think only in terms of an earthly manifestation to come, we have yet to grasp the fact that it is
HEAVENLY, SPIRITUAL. If we see only a man on the throne, we have missed the vital issue that it is the
kingdom of GOD. If we see it only in terms of time, even abiding a millennium, we have failed to comprehend
that it is an EVERLASTING KINGDOM. If we see His victory over only a portion of mankind, then we do greatly
err, not knowing either the Scriptures, or the power of God, for truly "Of the increase of His government and
peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom, to order it, and to establish it
with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever." [Isaiah 9:7]
The mystery also includes the "administration" of that kingdom, as wrought through a people, His saints, when
"saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the Lord's."
[Obadiah 21] For "the saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even
for ever and ever." [Daniel 7:18]
The TIMING yet remains a mystery, "Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And He
said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power."
[Acts 1:6-7] Even their question revealed their ignorance of this mystery, for they thought the restoration of the
kingdom would be to Israel. Ah, it is to be the establishment of His Kingdom, which swallows up that which
Israel once knew. They knew neither the scope, nor the power, nor the time of that kingdom. There are as
many errors in their question as there were words. They still dreamt of an earthly kingdom, they assigned the
time as "this time," they shut out all the other nations and restrained it to the kingdom of Israel, and they would
fain know what was not revealed; whereas true wisdom is walking in the light received, and remaining open
and alert for new revelation, but not in clamoring only for knowledge.
May we indeed, "Seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness..." [Matthew 6:33] and continue to pray
with all of our heart, "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done ..." [Matthew 6:10], IN US NOW, and then ultimately
to be revealed in all the earth. Amen.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done,

Thy purpose, Lord, fulfill.
In all the days appointed man
We see Thy working, till

The secret counsels foreordained
Are brought forth into view,
And every facet of Thy plan
Is wrought in "all things new."
We marvel at Thy love and grace,

A purpose so divine
That carnal man cannot perceive
Though told it line on line.
The theologian - doctrinaire,

Is likewise smitten dumb,
When truth resplendent is revealed
Concerning things to come.
But let the message be declared,

Our God in glory reigns,
Events shall climax in this age,
As God alone ordains.
All nations shall behold His power,

Praise shall to Him redound,
And every purpose for this age
In vict'ry shall be found.
Thy kingdom come - Thy will done,

Thy purpose, Lord, fulfill,
The kingdoms of this world must bow,
Subjected to Thy will.
Of God, of Heaven, not of men,

Thy Word declares it so,
O let the myst'ry be revealed,
Till all, Thy kingdom, know.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
"THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST"
"Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ,
for which I am also in bonds: that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak." [Colossians 4:3-4]
A qualifying note to begin with, we find in the Greek text that the word Christ is preceded with the identifying
article "the" to literally make it read "the mystery of THE CHRIST." For it concerns not only quality of the
anointing, but specifically as revealed through the person of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Certainly, Paul's desire remains with us today, for a door of utterance, to be able to express these deeper
realities. Truths, which we hold in our spirit, but find it so difficult to put into words. These precious things
almost defy expression, the language fails us. And thus it must be, as Paul wrote at one time to the
Corinthians, "Which things also we speak not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the holy
Spirit teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual." [1 Corinthians 2:13] Or, as the Interlinear gives,
"spiritual things communicating by spiritual." It has to be a free flowing from spirit to spirit, not from "head to
head,' on a mere mental level. Phillips translation of the next verse (14) explains, "But the unspiritual man
simply cannot accept the matters which the Spirit deals with - they just don't make sense to him, for, after all,
you must be spiritual to see spiritual things."

We need always to remember that "God is a Spirit." [John 4:24] That is His substance. While the various titles
we use. Jesus (Saviour), Christ (the Anointed), and Lord (Sovereign Master), all speak of the various
dimensions of His position in manifestation. "Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every
creature." [Colossians 1:15] "Being the brightness of glory, and the express image of His person." [Hebrews
1: 3]
"Express Image ..."from the Greek "charakter," thus, literally, the IMPRESSED CHARACTER. This word was
used of an engraver, one who mints coins, a mark engraved. Metaphorically it meant "a distinctive mark or
token impressed on a person or thing, by which it is known from others, a characteristic, the character of."
Jesus Christ was a revelation of all the character of God, a visible expression of the Invisible.
"Express image of His person." Now we note the word "person" from the Greek word "hupostasis" or
"substance." The word is a compound of HUPO meaning "under" and HISTEMI meaning "to Stand." Combined
it means, "that which stands under," or, THE SUBSTRATUM.
Thus we understand that the essential being of God is conceived as setting its distinctive stamp upon Christ,
coming into definite and characteristic expression in His Person, so that the Son bears the exact impress of the
divine nature and character. He was a manifested exact reproduction of the divine essence - He IS THE SON
OF GOD.
Saul was coming "near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: and he fell
to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me? And he said, Who art
Thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I AM Jesus whom thou persecutest." [Acts 9:3-5]
Now Saul had been "brought up ...at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the
law of the fathers..." [Acts 22:3] He knew about the God of his fathers, the I AM THAT I AM who had appeared
unto Moses. What Saul did not know until this moment was that this I AM (Jehovah) had taken on human form,
and was expressed in the man Christ Jesus. So he was actively persecuting everyone who followed this
"Jesus," instead of serving the I AM. Thus it was a very startling revelation to him on this day, with the Light
brighter than the noon day sun shining upon him, and a Voice speaking (though the men with him heard not
that voice), that in answer to his question, "Who art Thou, Lord?" would come back the answer, "I AM Jesus."
And in those three words the connection was made, the promise of IMMANUEL (God with us) was fulfilled in
this man JESUS. Man speaks volumes of words to convey one little thought. God spoke very few words and
opened up a vast revelation unto Saul. It covered the whole process of the incarnation, the coming forth of
Divine Essence into human form, the "I AM was IN Jesus."
Saul was taken into Damascus, fasted for three days, til God sent a man named Ananias to go pray for him,
and he received his sight again. "And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul
certain days with the disciples, which were at Damascus. AND STRAIGHTWAY HE PREACHED CHRIST in
the synagogues, THAT HE IS THE SON OF GOD. - And Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded
the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ." [Acts 9:19-20, 22]
Three words, "I AM JESUS," and the whole revelation burst upon him, an understanding of the "mystery of
Christ. " He was initiated into a new realm of comprehension, and KNEW truth, which totally perplexed the
Jews of the city. It confounded them! Interesting word "confounded" from the Greek "sugchuno" that literally
means: to pour out together. Figuratively it speaks of throwing an assembly into disorder, or confusion. Their
carnal minds could not grasp what it was saying, for their opinions did not harmonize with the truth, hence they
were confused. But Saul (whose name was changed to Paul) saw with a clarity and understanding which
enabled him to declare the mystery of Christ. He "increased the more in strength," from a Greek word
meaning, WAS MADE POWERFUL INWARDLY. Truth was revealed in his inward parts, and it energized him.
He was not dependent upon outward props to sustain his vision, he knew what he knew because GOD HAD
SHOWED HIM.
Much later he was able to encourage Timothy by saying, "At my first answer no man stood with me, but all
men forsook me: Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me (made me powerful inwardly)."
[2 Timothy 4:16-17] When our revelation of The Christ fills our inner being, we can take our stand without fear,
He will be in us that LIVING DYNAMO, to be our strength, and bring us through victoriously.
Many years later, we find that the inner vision had never dimmed, but through all his travels, when he found a
synagogue, "Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of
the scriptures, opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and
that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is THE CHRIST." [Acts 17:2-3]
However versed the Jews were concerning their "Messiah," and this word means "Anointed," with all their
longings and dreams wrapped up in the hope for this One to come, and the mystery of the sorrows which
would befall Him, [Isaiah 53, and other prophecies] Paul took those scriptures which they knew, and then
"opening and alleging," preached Christ. The word "opening" from the Greek "dianoigo," to open up thoroughly.
And "alleging" from the word "paratithemi," to place alongside. He took every scripture and placed right
alongside of them all the reality of Jesus Christ, as the complete and glorious fulfillment of every promise. It
was a thorough presentation, an in-depth unfolding, born out of his personal encounter and revelation.
Not only did Paul understand the past prophecies with their fulfillment in Jesus, but he also had a marvelous
revelation of the future with its coming fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
He understood that it was in the purpose of God "to bring into One the whole in THE CHRIST, both things in
the heavens, and the things upon the earth." [Ephesians 1:10, Young's Literal]
To gather together into One, the whole creation included, to be brought into union with THE CHRIST. Not just
to the dimension of Jesus, as Saviour, but also as THE CHRIST, the Anointed, for he proved that this "Jesus"
is "very THE CHRIST." The Anointed of God who would pour out of His Spirit "upon all flesh," [Joel 2:28] until
"all flesh shall see the salvation of God." [Luke 3:6]
"For the love which Christ has for me presses on me from all sides, holding me to one end and prohibiting me
from considering any other, wrapping itself around me in tenderness, giving me an impelling motive, having
brought me to this conclusion, namely, that One died on behalf of all, therefore all died, and that He also died
on behalf of all in order that those who are living no longer are living for themselves but for the One who died
on their behalf and was raised. So that as for us, from this particular time onward, not even one individual do
we know as judged upon the basis of human standards. Even though we have known Christ as judged by
human standards, yet now no longer, do we know Him as such." [2 Corinthians 5:14, Wuest]
Men know men by human standards, and they judge one another by themselves, measuring themselves by
themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, which, Paul says, "is not wise." [2 Corinthians
10:12] And now, even though we once knew, or judged Jesus by human standards, viewed only after the flesh,
Paul insists we must not do that any more, for He is THE CHRIST, The Anointed.
One of the paramount characteristics of The Christ is HIS LOVE, for "God is love," [1 John 4:16] and Jesus
Christ is the "express image of His person." And coming to know Christ, and His love, soon brings us to the
place where "the love which Christ has for me presses on me from all sides, " until it brings us to one certain
viewpoint, and prohibits us from considering any other, namely, that HE DIED FOR ALL MEN. "To wit, that
God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself." [2 Corinthians 5:19] His love being for ALL MEN, He
gave Himself for all men, and shall reconcile unto Himself all men. HIS LOVE prohibits us from any other view,
Paul declared. And if we presently hold to any other view, then we still have not come into an understanding of
the "mystery of Christ" in the measure, which Paul experienced.
Now specifically, love was holding Paul to one view alone, that when One died for all, then were all dead. What
does this mean? Paul understood that when Christ died, by the grace of God, "taste death for every man,"
[Hebrews 2:9] it was an act that ensured that all men would ultimately partake of that death - to die to self, that
they might come alive to God. His death ensured the death of all men. What He did was in behalf of this whole
world. Not to absolve us from dying, but to make sure that we all would die to self, rebellion, evil, and then by
the power of His resurrection life, come alive to God, come alive to righteousness, and LIVE UNTO HIM.
Therefore, "In Christ shall all be made alive, but every man in his own order." [1 Corinthians 15:22-23]

It is IN CHRIST that all are dead, and it is IN CHRIST that all are to be made alive. We are to experientially
partake of both - His death, and His resurrection. "That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection,
and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death. If by any means I might attain
unto the resurrection of the...dead." [Philippians 3:10-11]
Without THE CHRIST, and the overshadowing and indwelling of His anointing Spirit, we cannot face the death
process, until all of self is dealt with by His cross. And certainly, without THE CHRIST we would never realize
the glory of His resurrection life. All of this outworking is contained in this mystery of Christ. Some are presently
being initiated into its operation, and for some it remains an utter mystery, sealed until the time appointed of
the Father for their drawing, their order of experiencing Christ.
Furthermore, this mystery includes the tremendous transformation, first seen in Jesus, and ultimately to be
worked in us, for going from the "man" into the "Christ." Yes, from bearing the image of the first Adam, into
becoming the last Adam, "a quickening spirit." [1 Corinthians 15:45]
We can conceive of Him as a MAN, born as a babe in the manger, growing up in Nazareth, walking the shores
of Galilee, and even ultimately facing the angry crowd to be crucified and hung on a cross. vividly preachers
describe in detail all the emotions and passions which the natural would feel - the pain, the agony, the
loneliness of being forsaken, misunderstood, etc. As men we identify with Him as a man. But to comprehend
Him as "THE CHRIST," it requires a divine revelation for us, even as it did for Paul. To bring Him down from
the celestial glories, into this vale of tears, the incarnation, is mystery enough. But then to take Him as man,
and restore Him again into the realm of Spirit, baffles the imagination of carnal man. The Anointed, who is able
to pour out of His selfsame spirit upon us, that we might be His anointed ones, this is precious truth indeed.
"Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead
because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from
the dead dwell in you, He that raised up the Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His
Spirit that dwelleth in you." [Romans 8:9-11]
It is this indwelling anointing, the Spirit of The Christ, which will quicken us, change us from glory to glory, until
we become fully ONE IN HIM. So in another place, Paul speaks of how this is "the mystery which hath been
hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints; to whom God would make known
what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the nations; which is CHRIST IN YOU, the hope of glory. "
[Colossians 1:26-27] Here the mystery has a dual working, it is "Christ in you" working that you might be "IN
THE CHRIST." "That they also may be one in us." [John 17:21] For "He that is joined to the Lord is ONE
SPIRIT." [1 Corinthians 6:17]
As wonderful as it is to have "Christ in you," that is not His ultimate intention, for it is His purpose, when the
times are ripe for it, to gather together in one all things in THE CHRIST. His indwelling is the seal, the surety of
the promise that we shall be brought fully into Him.
We are very thankful that we have "this treasure in earthen vessels." [2 Corinthians 4:7] Without HIM we are
nothing. But we long for our earthen vessel to be CHANGED, fashioned anew like unto His glorious body, so
that we might be "as He is." No more do we just want to "contain Him" for we desire that He truly "contain us."
Not only will we hold the truth, but the truth will hold us. For the "mystery of Christ" not only concerns THE
CHRIST, which it does, first and foremost, that "in all He might have the pre-eminence." [Colossians 1:18] But
then it goes on to embrace all those who do become one in Him.
"For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all members of that one body, being many, and one
body; SO ALSO IS THE CHRIST. For by one Spirit (His) are we all baptized into one body ...and have been all
made to drink into one Spirit." [1 Corinthians 12:12-13]
There is a corporate Christ body of which HE is the Head. And to become a part of this body in its full
expression of reality means more than just to have the beginnings of an anointing. It included the whole
process of our identification in His death and resurrection, till even our body is changed like unto His glorious
body. He went into the grave as Jesus, but He certainly came forth as THE CHRIST. There is dimension
beyond dimension, in one glorious expression after another, until HE becomes the fullness that filleth ALL IN
ALL.
There was the realm where He was made of no reputation, numbered among the transgressors, and had to
borrow a tomb for His burial. Such was His poverty for our sakes. "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." [2 Corinthians 8:9] Then the Spirit of God did quicken Him, and He came forth as a LIFE GIVING
SPIRIT. Certainly He was anointed in His Jesus ministry, even as Peter preached to Cornelius, "How God
anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the holy Spirit and with power; who went about doing good, and healing all
that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him." [Acts 10:38] But after His resurrection, this Anointed
One also became THE ANOINTER - pouring out of His Spirit upon others who are now apprehended to
become a part of the corporate Christ body.
"The head of every man is THE CHRIST ...and the head of Christ, THE GOD." [1 Corinthians 11: 3]
"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever." [Hebrews 13:8] He is not to be known only as the
man Jesus. Nor to be known only as the Anointing Spirit, Christ. The "mystery of Christ" bespeaks of the
combining of both dimensions, and he remains THE ANOINTED SAVIOUR for all time. As long as the ages
last, with one creature needing salvation, He is Jesus. But He is also THE CHRIST and able to lift them out of
their low estate, and into the heavenlies, to be "with Me where I am." [John 17:24] Until the whole is gathered
together into one into the Christ.
Some would deny this mystery to the extent they would erase the Jesus dimension, and know Him only as the
Christ. But they will have come short of understanding all that is contained in this glorious mystery. "For there
is one God, and one mediator between God and men, THE MAN CHRIST JESUS; who gave Himself a ransom
for all, to be testified in due time." [1Timothy 2: 5-6]
To know Him as Jesus, our Saviour, for "He shall save His people from their sins." [Matthew 1:21] To know
Him as The Christ, The Anointed, who also pours upon us His Spirit to anoint us, and lift us up into the
heavenlies, "quickened together with Christ, and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in the
heavenlies in Christ Jesus." [Ephesians 2:5-6] And to know Him as LORD, for He is truly our Lord Jesus
Christ, in sovereign control of all that touches our life, that His will alone might be fulfilled.
"In view of the fact, therefore, that you were raised with Christ, the things above be constantly seeking, where
Christ is, on the right hand of God, seated. The things above be constantly setting your mind upon, not the
things on the earth, for you died, and your life has been hidden with Christ in God. Whenever the Christ is
made visible, our life, then also you with Him shall be manifested in glory." [Colossians 3:1-4, Wuest]
Where is our Life? It is hid with The Christ in God. All the fullness that we desire, all the victory we have
yearned for, the complete change even of this mortal body - all is resident in our Jesus Christ. And when He
shall appear then shall we receive the fulfillment of the promise. Christ in us now, as the earnest of our
inheritance, continues to work those changes, which shall result in our being prepared for His coming. But
then, glory beyond comprehension, we shall be IN CHRIST, swallowed up into the life, love, and glory which
shall ever endure.
Nor is this just a selfish goal for our own pursuit, but it is this Christ that "we preach, warning every man, and
teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." [Colossians 1:28]
The whole to be gathered into Him, every man made perfect in Him. So marvelous is this purpose and plan, we
have but uttered "whisper" of the mystery of Christ. Let us go on to-know Him in His fullness.
O Thou glorious God-man, who hung upon the tree,

Condescending to us, though veiled in mystery.
Human form appearing, a body thou didst bear,
Fitted for our vision, our vanity to share.
Know we now as Saviour, the Lamb of Calvary ,
Sacrifice and offering for our iniquity.
Buried in the garden, tomb of hewn stone,
Rising up triumphant to take Thy rightful throne.
How is it that we still perceive Thee as a man?

Thou, a quick'ning Spirit, a greater realm began.
Would that we could know Thee in spirit and in truth,
Going beyond the boundary, which now bespeaks our youth.
True, that just the natural is all our being knows,

Till Thy life within us by revelation grows.
But long we for the day when childish things shall cease,
And from our present bonds we'll know thy blest release.
Spirit unto spirit, we shall be joined to Thee,

Knowledge of Thee growing into reality.
O Christ, Thou art my Lord, fulfillment of desire,
To know Thee as Thou art - to this I now aspire.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
"THE MYSTERY OF THE FATHER"
"That your hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of
understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and OF THE FATHER, and of the Christ; in
whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." [Colossians 2:2-3]
"From Whom every fatherhood in heaven and upon earth is named ..." [Ephesians 3:15, Rotherham]
The Hebrew word for "father" is "ab," father, ancestor, SOURCE. While the Greek word is "pater."
It is significant that in the Greek text, it reads, "the mystery of THE GOD and Father, and of The Christ," which
is somewhat different than our King James Version. Granville Sharp's rule comes into play here. It is stated as
follows: "When two nouns are in the same case, connected by kai (and), and the first noun is preceded by the
definite article (THE) while the second noun is not preceded by the article, the second noun refers to the same
person or thing to which the first noun has reference and is a further description of it." This construction is
found in this Greek text, "of the God and father," thus emphasizing that GOD IS OUR FATHER. There are only
two identifications in this verse, THE GOD, and THE CHRIST. GOD BEING THE INVISIBLE, AND CHRIST
BEING THE VISIBLE EXPRESSION OF HIS GLORY, EXPRESS IMAGE OF HIS PERSON.
"But to us, one God, The Father, out of whom are all things, and we into Him, and one Lord Jesus Christ, by
whom are all things, and we by Him. But not in all is the knowledge." [1 Corinthians 8:6, Interlinear]
We need not go into a theological discussion of the oneness of God, nor set about to correct all of religious
Babylon's perverted doctrine of trinity. There is but ONE GOD, "Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord."
[Deuteronomy 6:4] "Before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me. I, even I, am the
Lord; and beside Me there is no Saviour." [Isaiah 43:10-11] And when the Saviour did appear, He was
"Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, GOD WITH US." [Matthew 1:23] "To wit, that GOD WAS IN CHRIST,
reconciling the world unto Himself." [2 Corinthians 5:19]
Nor need we a long theological discussion on the incarnation. Our Lord Jesus Christ "is the image of the
invisible God, the firstborn of every creature." [Colossians 1:15] In explanation of this word "image," Wuest, in
the preface to has translation, states: "Jesus is the derived image of God by eternal generation in a birth that
never took place because it always was. Divine essence is not something conferred upon Him as the divine
nature is given to us, but it is naturally, normally His by virtue of the fact that He is deity." - unquote.
Then Paul goes on to explain that this appearance of Christ, this manifestation of the invisible, made Him the
firstborn of every creature. Wuest has also clearly explained the Greek meaning for this as, "The technical
word speaking of priority to and sovereignty over all creation, not that our Lord was the first created in a series
of created beings. The Greek will not allow that, for it argues for the deity of our Lord in that since He antedates
all created things, He must be uncreated; since He is uncreated, He must be eternal; and since He is eternal,
He must be absolute deity." - unquote.
Paul's epistle to the Colossians is a masterpiece for asserting the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ. Making our
Lord and Originator of the material universe, and the uncaused First Cause. "All things were created by Him,
and for Him. And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist (are held together)." [Colossians 1:16-
17]
In metaphysics there are but two realities: they are Spirit and Form, and all the Forms are derivatives of the
Spirit. "GOD IS SPIRIT." [John 4:24] And again, "There is but one God, the Father, out of whom are all
things." All things have been created out of His own substance, which is SPIRIT. All things were formed "by the
Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." [Hebrews 11:3]
"In the beginning was the Word (THE EXPRESSION), and the Word was with God, and the WORD WAS
GOD. - In Him was life; and the life was the light of men." [John 1:1,4] This glorious Word, Light, THE
SOURCE bespeaks of the Fatherhood realm. "All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything
made that was made." [John 1:3] Yet He, who was "in THE FORM OF GOD, thought it not robbery to be
equal with God; yet He took upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men ..."
[Philippians 2:6-7]
Then this Form, the man Christ Jesus, recognized His limitations, and said, "My Father is greater than I."
[John 14:28] But He also knew who His Father was, for He was conceived by the Holy Spirit. [Luke 1:35]
Thus it is plain that the Father, and the Holy Spirit, are ONE. He also knew that His Father, the Spirit, dwelt
within and was one with Him, for He said, "The Father that DWELLETH IN ME, He doeth the works." [John
14:10]
This natural man, Jesus, was the "weakness of God" as referred to in 1 Corinthians 1:25, "the weakness of
God is stronger than men." Jesus revealed this to us by telling His disciples who went to sleep during those
hours of travail in the garden, while He, in His natural man part was surrendering to the will of God, said, "the
Spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." [Matthew 26:41] And "He was crucified through weakness, yet
He liveth by the power of God." [2 Corinthians 13:4] "I live by the Father." [John 6:57]
Not only did Jesus recognize His limitations in being in the form of man, He also recognized that THE INNER
ONE, THE SPIRIT, was present, and sometimes this INNER ONE spoke directly through the Form, to the
consternation of all those present. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I AM." [John 8:58] He
looked beyond all the confines of time and flesh, and affirmed the timelessness of His Spirit existence.
God, Father, Son - bespeak of His threefold manifestation, dimensions of His operation and authority. Just as
Jesus, Christ, and Lord, all speak of His threefold position and revelation to us - as Saviour, as Anointer, as
Master or Sovereign Lord of our lives.
As the SON, Jesus, He said, "Wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business?" [Luke 2:49] And as He
endured the limitations of a son, "He learned obedience by the things He suffered." [Hebrews 5:8] Also, He
taught us "be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." [Matthew 5:48]
Yet He also constantly stated "that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God." [John 5:18] Again, "I
and the Father are one." [John 10:30, Interlinear]
They were ready to stone Him just as soon as He said that God was His Father. But He went on to reveal an
even more astonishing fact, when He said, "I and the Father are ONE." And then staggered the
comprehension of His own disciples, when He stated, "he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father ...believe
Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me." [John 14:9, 11]
As if all this was not enough to have their minds reeling, He went on to speak even more of the mystery,
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works
than these shall he do; BECAUSE I GO UNTO MY FATHER." [John 14:12] First He tells them that the Father
IS IN HIM, and then He speaks about going to the Father. What does all this mean?
"I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father."
[John 16:28] Furthermore, "It is expedient for you that I go away." [John 16:7] What was He saying?
God, omnipotent, omnipresent Spirit, invisible, THE FATHER SOURCE, dwelt in the man Christ Jesus,
manifested as SON. In this realm there was limitation, "The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth
the Father do." [John 5:19] As the Spirit (Father) directed, so He did. Faithful, obedient, He sought not His
own will, but only to fulfill the will of the Father. Men knew Him as Jesus, they could not see the Father in Him.
But furthermore, it was necessary to leave the realm of limitation (sonship) behind, and to return into His
FATHERHOOD POSITION, so that He might fulfill those purposes, which were beyond the realms of sonship.
The very fact of "being in the form of a servant, made in the likeness of men," [Philippians 2:7] meant
limitation.
Jesus knew His position as a SON, but He also knew of His position as FATHER, and that it was expedient for
Him to return to that realm from which He would be able to impart, pour out of Himself, as the Source for every
need.
We read, "But the Comforter, the holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name..." [John 14:26] "But when
the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, the spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the
Father, He shall testify of Me." [John 15:26]
Observe the two wordings: "The Father will send..." and "I will send." As the Man, Christ Jesus, He referred to
the Father as the source, but as the Father within a human form, He referred to Himself as the source.
After the resurrection, He said to Mary, "Go to My brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto My Father, and
your Father; and My God, and your God.:" [John 20:17] Not only did He recognize His FATHERHOOD
position, but He also recognized His GODSHIP.
In the travail of His great prayer, at the close of that earthly ministry for which He came, He prayed, "Now, O
Father, glorify Thou Me with THINE OWN SELF with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was."
[John 17:5]
Observe also the depths of truth which are tucked into the promise to us, "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."
[Revelation 3:22] These terms, "My throne" and "Father's throne" are synonymous. There are not two thrones,
one for Jesus in contra-distinction to another for the Father. It is one throne, HIS, for He entered into His
FATHERHOOD POSITION of total authority and sufficiency. He merged together sonship with fatherhood. And
He promised us that as we came to the maturity of sonship, unto perfection, we could also enter into this
father-hood realm. The mystery of the Father involves this most glorious truth of a fatherhood position, to
become a source.
"That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they may be one in us." [John 17:21]
As a Son He said, "the Father dwelleth in Me." Then He ascended to dwell in the Father. And His prayer is that
we might be one in that realm also - one in the Father, sharing the glory of His fatherhood position. Such truth
is too wonderful for us!
"And so it is written, The first Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening (life-giving)
Spirit." [1 Corinthians 15:45]
The first Adam knew fatherhood on a natural plane, and because he was a living soul, he begat after his kind,
soulish, with all the propensities and proclivities of his carnal nature. But in no way could he be the source for
SPIRITUAL LIFE. But when Jesus Christ entered into His fatherhood position, "He became a LIFE-GIVING
Spirit," and hath promised to pour out of His Spirit upon all flesh, so that "in Christ shall all be made alive."
Now, as His sons, we have received of His Spirit, the spirit of adoption to work in us to bring us to the hour of
our SON-PLACING. We have received His Spirit of life that we might walk in the newness of His life. Yet we
are unable to impart this life and spirit to others - because we are not yet ONE IN THE FATHER. But this we
do read, "He that believeth into Me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."
[John 7:38]
He that believes, and keeps on believing until he has been received INTO Christ. This is not just a believing
"on," but rather a believing INTO. The word "into" signifies a progressive working of faith steadily moving
towards its goal, until it can be said "to be found IN Him." [Philippians 3:9] There is a progressive believing
into Him until we are fully swallowed up into Him, and He has become our absolute and complete, experiential
salvation. And so, he that believes into, coming into, and receiving of His fullness, out of his innermost being
shall flow quickening streams of divine life.
Once we are brought into the fullness of God, where His Spirit reigns supreme in us, HE is a life-giving Spirit,
and in due time shall beget from us, to impart life to others. Let it be made perfectly clear, the SOURCE OF
SUFFICIENCY IS THE FULLNESS OF THE INDWELLING CHRIST, and out of that fullness there can be a
begetting of all - the quickening streams of His divine life. This does not take away from the glory of God, it
does not usurp any position from Him, nor take away from His pre-eminence - but it redounds to His glory for
He will then have truly brought forth after His own kind, to be - King of kings, Lord of lords, yes, God of gods.
"For as the Father hath life in Himself, so hath He given to the son to have life in himself." [John 5:26] When
the Father GIVES, IMPARTS to the son the fullness of life, the spirit without measure, then shall he have LIFE
IN HIMSELF, and he will be able to give it to others - that is FATHER-HOOD.
Let it be emphasized again and again; it is because HE is the INDWELLING LIFE that we have life to live. But
it also requires that we are brought to a spiritual maturity so that we know when and where to impart that life, to
His glory and praise. It will be knowing the FATHER'S WILL, the secrets of His heart, so that we flow as one
with Him in all that He does.
This will fulfill 2 Corinthians 9:8, how that "God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always
having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work." Who can fathom the depth of this grace of
our God to us-ward? He is so rich in mercy that He would make all grace abound toward us until we should
have ALL SUFFICIENCY needed for every occasion and circumstance.
It is significant to note that the words "all sufficiency" come from a Greek word meaning "to be self-sufficient."
Same word as used in Philippians 4:11, Wuest, "I have come to learn, in the circumstances in which I am
placed, to be independent of these and self sufficient." And again, Philippians 4:13, Amplified, "I have
strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me - I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him
Who infuses inner strength into me, (that is, I am self sufficient IN CHRIST, SUFFICIENCY)." No wonder He is
so purging and purifying His own, that they shall be emptied of all self, and be fused into one with HIMSELF.
Being received INTO Him, then because of this indwelling fullness, there will flow out of them that fountain of
life which shall restore all things back into God. Evil shall be corrected, everything shall be returned into its
principle of good, and God shall be continuously glorified and exalted.
"Then said Jesus unto them again, Peace be unto you: as My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you. And
when He had said this, He BREATHED ON THEM, and saith unto them, Receive ye the holy Spirit: Whose
soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained." John
20:21-23]
What kind of a power-ministry is this? LIFE-GIVING and able to remit sins! On the cross, climaxing His ministry
of sonship, "Then said Jesus, Father forgive them…" [Luke 23:34] for full well He knew that it required
FATHER-HOOD sufficiency to be able to forgive sins. Yet long before, in that earthly ministry, 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." [Matthew 9:2] Was this not the FATHER DWELLING IN HIM that
forgave this man's sins? Out of His Son of man state, He requested the Father to do the forgiving. But out of
His Fatherhood He had the ability to forgive sins. And when He has breathed upon us of HIS FULLNESS, and
we are perfected INTO HIMSELF, then shall we also be able to remit sin. The ministry of reconciliation is "not
imputing their trespasses unto them," [2 Corinthians 5:19] but with the Father's heart of love, ever forgiving.
John writes "unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning." [1 John 2:14] Who is
from the Beginning? THE FATHER, The Creator of all, out of Whom are all things. And when you begin to
know the realm of fatherhood, and the joy of bringing forth from your own being that which shall bring victory to
others, then you also know more of HIM Who is the One from Whom all father-hood is derived.
How little does a son comprehend the depth of the Creator, and that life-giving force whereby new victories are
brought into being. But when a son grows up, and becomes a father himself, then there is a new level of
understanding and communion. We scarcely have a fragment of acquaintance with this realm of life-giving in
the Spirit, and to know HIM Who is from the Beginning. But the Psalmist once cried out, "All my springs are in
thee." [Psalm 87:7] For he was beginning to know the Source of all life, and he also knew that all of his own
springs, all of his own potential to bring forth "living waters," came from God.
There is a fatherhood realm! A position in God where we shall be able to impart life, and yes, He is the Father
of MERCIES, the Father of LIGHTS, etc. We have seen a faint glimmer of this, as God briefly pulled back the
veil of that realm beyond, when we read of how Peter and John on the way to the temple to pray, came upon a
man that was lame, "And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed
unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I
have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rase up and walk." [Acts 3:4-6] SUCH AS I HAVE!
What did he have? He had the indwelling Spirit of the Father - and it was not out of Peter's self, nor out of
human ability, but out of Divine Sufficiency, to the Father's praise.
Only a "whisper of the mystery" has been presented. But then shall we know "if we follow on to know the
Lord..." [Hosea 6:3], and He shall fulfill all that which He has purposed, to His glory and praise.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
"THE MYSTERY OF GOD"
"In the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be
finished, as He hath declared to His servants the prophets." [Revelation 10:7]
The secrets - the mystery - that which is known only to the initiated, is being declared to His servants the
prophets, for "HE revealeth His secrets unto His servants the prophets." [Amos 3:7] There are several
qualifications tucked into this one phrase. To begin with, HE does the revealing! This is not the imagination of
the carnal mind. It is HIS secret, therefore He can disclose it when, and to whomever He pleases.
Furthermore, "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." [James 4:6] Therefore He bypasses
those who claim to be mighty ones, and He apprehends those who are "servants." "Whosoever will be great
among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: even as
the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many."
[Matthew 20: 26-28]
This does not belie our calling to be "kings and priests," but it speaks of an ATTITUDE OF MIND, a constant
willingness to give, to serve. Not seeking for self, but a giving of ourselves that others might be blessed.
Yet, it is, also, to be noted that He recognizes His servants as "prophets." The Hebrew word is "naba" meaning
to "flow forth," while the Greek is "prophetes" meaning "to speak for another." It bespeaks of uttering by Divine
inspiration, to be His "spokesman," His "mouth!" And, "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." [John 7:18]
These are not going about "tooting their own horn," and drawing attention to themselves. They have but one
desire, to speak HIS MESSAGE, that HE might be glorified. God can reveal His secrets to them, because they
will not use this knowledge for personal kingdom building, nor self-exaltation, but only that they might declare
the will and purpose of God, causing men to seek Him who is the Truth.
There is also a time element involved, so we go back to note again the context, when the "angel which I saw
stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, and swear by Him that liveth for ever and
ever ...that there should be time no longer. " [Revelation 10:5-6] There are some that would translate this as
"no more time should intervene and there should be no more waiting or delay." Regardless of the translation,
however, we see one vital issue, and it must be connected with the next verse of how the seventh angel
sounds his trumpet, which signals that the time of finishing the "mystery of God" shall be fulfilled. This
introduces that grand dispensation, which shall reveal HIS KINGDOM on earth, His new creation manifested,
His sons revealed openly, and the knowledge of the glory of the Lord begins to flow out until it fills the whole
earth.
"The vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it;
because it will surely come, it will not tarry." [Habakkuk 2:3]
The mystery began in Genesis, chapter one, and through all the processings, as mentioned in the various
fragments of these mysteries that we have touched upon, we now come to its glorious fulfillment - THE
MYSTERY OF God is to be accomplished, brought to the full, and ready for revelation. All of that which has
been done in secret, the inner hidden work, is to be climaxed and made ready for all the universe to behold.
We stand in awe before Him who hath worked so marvelous a purpose - bringing forth "man in our image, after
our likeness." [Genesis 1:26] HE is bringing forth after His own kind, that He might be God of gods, King of
kings, Lord of lords.
Time is the arrangement of God for the accomplishment of His purpose. So Paul refers to it as "the purpose of
the ages which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord." [Ephesians 3:11] The ages were fitted, planned,
marked out for the outworking of this tremendous purpose. Natural man has not understood it, indeed, "He
hath set the world in their heart so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to
the end." [Ecclesiastes 3:11] But when it is finished, He will remove the veil that has been spread over all
nations, [Isaiah 25:7] and His glory shall be revealed. There will be succeeding ages wherein He shall continue
to carry out to universal conclusion of His plan, but the moment He has brought forth the FIRSTFRUIT
COMPANY, and revealed them - it will be a secret no longer, and all creation shall know that their destiny is to
be as that revealed in His elect sons.
As pointed out earlier, He ultimately shall gather together in One all things in Christ - all things in heaven, in
earth, and under the earth. That will take the ages to come, until we are brought to that final and most glorious
of all ages, when God shall be ALL IN ALL, the indwelling, controlling factor in every man. But as for the
mystery of this working, it shall be a hidden secret no longer - once He has revealed His firstfruits. No wonder it
is written, "the whole creation is on tiptoe to see the wonderful sight of the sons of God coming into their own.
The world of creation cannot as yet see reality, not because it chooses to be blind, but because in God's
purpose it has been so limited." [Romans 8:19-20, Phillips]
It is a demonstration of the tremendous humility of our God, that we read, "Verily Thou art a God that hidest
thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour." [Isaiah 45:15] Not only has He veiled Himself from view, but so much of
the work which He is doing is also concealed, a hidden work. We have long struggled with this blindness upon
all creation - wondering what God has been doing through all this processing. We could not see reality
because HE chose for us not to see. But HE HAS ALSO APPOINTED a time when the mystery is to be
FINISHED, and "time is up" so to speak, and He will uncover His work. Yes, and we know that "if reality were
to break through, we should reflect His likeness, for we should see Him as He really is." [1 John 3:2, Phillips]
"IN THE BEGINNING GOD." [Genesis 1:1] The opening statement of the Word declares plainly that this is
GOD'S working, it is HIS purpose, and whatever follows must of necessity be seen as relating to Him. HE has
been, and IS in control of every "jot and tittle" from beginning to the end. HE, and He alone, is the Alpha and
the Omega. While the final verse, Revelation 22:21, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Amen," confirms the fact that the whole purpose has been wrought by HIS GRACE, and as a beautiful, all-
encompassing, covering blanket, grace prevails to bring every creature into the fullness of His life. GOD and
GRACE, these two words encompass all of the mystery. We have not been able, in our muddled confusion of
the carnal mind, to be able to clearly see His grace in all things, but once the mystery is finished, and the final
product is revealed, it will be a testimony and manifestation of His grace, which will truly redound to His glory
and praise.
Fragments of the mystery are uncovered all through the Scriptures, as brief glimpses, but only when He
causes the eyes of our understanding to be enlightened, do we even see them. Such is the case, when we
read, "The Lord answered Job out of the whirl wind, and said... where was thou when I laid the foundations of
the earth? declare, if thou has understanding... when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God
shouted for joy." [Job 38:1, 4, 7]
Contained in the bosom of Wisdom, OUR SPIRITS RESIDED IN HIM OUT OF WHOM WE CAME, to be
subjected to this earthly sojourn. "The LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of
the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him." [Zechariah 12:1] He took of these "spirits" and encased
them in a tabernacle of clay, a body of dust, and VEILED FROM THEIR MEMORY of their former state IN HIM.
Fashioned out of His own substance, amid the glories which streamed from Himself, He begat "spirits." But
according to the outworking of this MYSTERY-PURPOSE He subjected us to the vanity of this world, the
bondage of corruption. "Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, return, ye children of men." [Psalm 90:3]
It was GOD who turned man to destruction, bruising, setting him on this downward course. Man did not
volunteer for this time of travail, but the plan of God included this process, so God Himself turned man in this
direction. IT WILL ALSO BE THE SOVEREIGN OPERATION OF OUR SOVEREIGN GOD BRINGING BACK
INTO HIMSELF THE WHOLE OF CREATION. Furthermore, man had to be in the state of righteousness
before he could be turned away from that state of being. Nor can you RE-turn something that was not first
turned away. So it is that all through the Scriptures we have words with this "RE-" prefix. RE- denotes, first,
back, especially back to an original or former state or position. Also, it is used chiefly to form words denoting
repetition (of the action of the verb), or restoration to a previous state. So we have: RE-fresh, RE-vive, RE-
store, RE-deem, RE-generate, etc. It had to be fresh once, before you could refreshen it, making it fresh again.
There had to be life to begin with, before you could revive, re-new it again to a state of life. It had to be in
existence prior to its becoming destroyed or marred, before you could restore it, bring it back to its original
state: Likewise, you had to once be generated in spirit, before you could be regenerated to that realm. Our
spirits came from God, and into Him we return.
Consider again that which is expressed in "Intimations of Immortality" written by Williams Wordsworth.
"Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting;

The soul that rises with us, our Life's Star,
Hath had elsewhere its setting ,
And cometh from afar:
Not in entire forgetfulness,

And not in utter nakedness,
But trailing clouds of glory do we come
From God who is our home."
We read in Psalm 8:4-5, "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..." In this phrase "made a little lower," it literally
reads from the Hebrew text, "You have made him lack a little from God (Elohim)." One cannot have been made
to lack from Elohim unless they had once been a part of that realm.
This brings us immediately to Psalm 82:6-7, "I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most
High. But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes." "Ye are gods (elohim)." Elohim is a plural word
for gods, as well as referring to Him as the Head of this God-family.

God is "the Father of spirits..." [Hebrews 12:9] and because they are out of Himself, they are also rightly called
gods, or, elohim. But because, in His mystery-purpose, He has caused them to lack, to be lowered from this
realm, man is no longer able to bear the yoke of divinity, nor live out the fullness of this righteous state, and so
we "die like men", literally, like Adam, who was the one by whom "sin entered into the world, and death by sin;
and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." [Romans 5:12]
Yet even when He turned man to this bruising, He did so with the inherent command, "return, ye children of
men," [Psalm 90:3] knowing full well that He had purposed a FULL RETURN once this mystery had been
consummated.
Briefly, we note a few other Old Testament references using the word "elohim" in its plural sense for "gods."
Zechariah 12:8, "And he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David as
elohim, as the angel of the Lord before them." What an in working of the power and grace of God, so that the
weak ones become strong, but they who have already been developed and matured and made strong will be
as ELOHIM - as gods.
Psalm 138:1, "I will praise Thee with my whole heart; before the gods (elohim) will I sing praise unto Thee."
Psalm 136:2, "O give thanks unto the God of gods."
HE is above all, that "in all He might have pre-eminence." [Colossians 1:18] "Yet He, Jesus Christ, is the
Firstborn among many brethren." [Romans 8:29] "For both He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are
all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren." [Hebrews 2:11] The brethren are to be
"AS HE IS so are we in this world." [1 John 4:17] Hence the verses multiply in convincing evidence that He is
bringing forth after His own kind - His elohlm, His gods. The mystery of God, while it is all encompassing of His
purpose, can also be identified as bringing forth gods, in His image, after His likeness, partakers of His divine
nature.
The Jews took up stones to stone Him, and Jesus asked them, "Many good works have I shewed you from My
Father; for which of those works do ye stone Me? The Jews answered Him, saying, For a good work we stone
thee not; but for blasphemy and because that Thou, being a man, makest thyself God. Jesus answered them,
Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If He called them gods unto whom the word of God came, and
the scripture cannot be broken; say ye of Him, whom the Father hath sanctified and sent into the world, Thou
blasphemest; because I said I am the Son of God." [John 10:32-36]
There are some significant points which Jesus brings out, in His reference to the declaration of the Psalmist,
"ye are gods ..." and we especially note the statement "He call them gods, unto whom the word of God came."
Certainly! Because when His Word comes to us, and we receive it, it is HIS SEED for the producing of His
new creation species, thus we are "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, BY THE
WORD OF GOD, which liveth and abideth for ever." [1 Peter 1:23] The life is in the seed, and it is HIS LIFE, to
bear after His kind, so obviously He calls them gods.
Furthermore, Jesus affirmed, "and the scripture cannot be broken..." The word "broken" is from the Greek
"luo," meaning: to loosen, and has also been translated as destroy, dissolve, break up. He never came to
"destroy the law, or the prophets, but to FULFILL." [Matthew 5:17] And all His work to us-ward is to bring this
scripture to pass, that it might be realized in us. "And the very God of peace (completeness) sanctify you
WHOLLY; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our
Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it." [1 Thessalonians 5:23-24]
There is another fact to be reckoned with - blasphemy to the natural man, yet a truth to the spiritual man. "As
the Father hath life in Himself; so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself." [John 5:26] Literally, one
could read this, As the Father is self-existent, so, according to divine economy, the Son is also self-existent.
And because it is HIS LIFE within us, as Paul said, "I am self sufficient in Christ's sufficiency." [Philippians
4:13, Amplified] Thus, when brought into the fullness of our redemption, when the mystery of God is finished,
by virtue of our ONENESS IN HIM, we shall be living out of this INNER, INDWELLING LIFE - the life of God.
It is also worthy of note that the ancient Greeks derived the word Theos (God) from another similar root word
meaning: TO PLACE, to arrange. For in His sovereignty HE IS THE DIVINE PLACER, "working all things after
the counsel of His own will." [Ephesians 1:11] He is the PLACER, and "every good gift and every perfect gift
is from above, and cometh down from the Father..." [James 1:18]
He exercised His sovereign right of placing when He subjected us to the bondage of corruption and vanity. And
He will be seen as exercising His own will when he "raises us up together, and makes us sit together in the
heavenlies in Christ Jesus." [Ephesians 2:6] It is all of GOD!
HOW WE YEARN TO RETURN TO HIM,
To be filled with His fullness,

That we might become "placers in The Placer."
How we yearn to return into
The fullness of the living God,
To be released from the fetters.
Which make us now an earth-bound clod
Till once more in us is dwelling

His spirit-fullness made complete,
We become His own true placers,
To every problem more than meet.
To place light in blackened regions
Where darkness stalks at the noon day,
Till the whole is illuminated -
And all the shadows flee away.
To place peace where strife is raging,

The atmosphere is tension fraught,
Till the calm of holy presence
Will bring the turbulence to nought.
To place life where death and decay

Have reigned o'er men with bondage sore,
While the glory of Iife's outflow
Shall penetrate to inmost core.
Yes, the placers will be placing

His righteousness in every clime,
Till the fullness of His glory
Shall fill the whole in perfect rhyme.
Till the universe is singing,
And purest joy and love abound,
And the nature of The Placer -
All in all, everywhere, is found.
Ah, how blessed it would be to KNOW HIS WILL, to KNOW HIS TIME, and to be so filled with HIS POWER
and HIS SUFFICIENCY that we are able to place into man's desperate situations and circumstances that
which would bring forth life, and peace, and harmony. To enter a home with agitation and strife, and be able to
place PEACE. As Jesus was able to say, "THIS DAY is salvation come to this," [Luke 19:9] because we are
HIS WILL IN MANIFESTATION, because of HIS INDWELLING PRESENCE.
Surely "the day shall declare it," [1 Corinthians 3:13] and by their fruits ye shall know them. If all we can do is
cause more condemnation and confusion, bring forth more darkness and distress, it matters not how loud we
proclaim ourselves to be "gods," we are only as a sounding brass, and a tinkling cymbal. But when He has fully
BECOME IN US OUR NEW STATE OF BEING, we shall emanate and radiate His life because of His inherent
nature.
There need be no misunderstanding - God has given us the stability of His Word, and we can abide in His
truth. We need not be confused by these many signs and wonders of the occult, for though there be many that
would exalt themselves "above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the
temple of God, showing himself that he is God - even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all
power and signs and lying wonders." [2 Thessalonians 2:4] Nevertheless, God shall have PURIFIED
PEOPLE, cleansed from all self-exaltation. "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that
HE may exalt you in due time." [1 Peter 5:6]
"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." [1 John 3:2] LIKE ONES TO HIM, one translation gives. Obviously, because it is to
BE HIS NATURE, His life, with a body like unto His glorious body - indeed, it is to be AFTER HIS KIND.
Of our Lord Jesus Christ, we read, "For IN HIM all fullness is pleased to dwell." [Colossians 1:19, Interlinear]
"For it is in Him that all the fullness of Deity continues to live embodied, and THROUGH UNION WITH HIM you
too are filled with it." [Colossians 2:9-10, Williams] Praise God, He shall have a people who are truly
"COMPLETE IN HIM" - "perfect and entire, wanting nothing." [James 1:4]
"In the beginning, God" -

And the myst'ry began its course,
A work that was hidden from man,
With His love as the primal force.
"Let us make man," said He,

And the work most profound began,
The image and likeness of God,
Grace alone could cover the span.
Tell this man, "ye are gods,"

The Scripture cannot be broken,
Whoever hath heard such a thing?
How seldom this truth is spoken.
Whisper the mystery -

The ages this purpose unfold.
He knoweth the way that we take,
When tried, we'll come forth as pure gold.
Forget the doctrinaire,
That prattles traditions of men,
A message of far noble fare
Has never been written by pen.
Myst'ry of God complete -
And the secret can then be told,
He begetteth after His kind,
God of gods - His purpose of old.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
"THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE MYSTERY"
"And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath
been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ." [Ephesians 3:9]
The Greek word for "fellowship" is "koinonia" and is quite synonymous with "communion," literally meaning:
"the act of using a thing in common."
One short look at the negative side should prove to be beneficial in making a look at the positive side even
more glorious and bright, so note:
2 Corinthians 6:14, "But what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion
(fellowship) hath light with darkness?" Ephesians 5:11, "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of
darkness, but rather reprove them."
In order to have communion with darkness, unrighteousness, etc. there has to be something in common, which
we can use together. Certainly that which is common with darkness cannot be used by that which is light, or
vice versa. Darkness cannot use anything inherent in light, so what fellowship can there be? In fact, darkness
is actually light on its lowest vibrations, and one would have to stoop to that level in order to fellowship with the
same. That is why, if we are truthful, we have to admit that there has been very little fellowship in what has
been called "fellowship." Once God has led you to higher planes of light, you have to ignore, set aside, even
leave that light if you insist on fellowshipping with that which remains in shadows and darkness.
Then, as long as everyone has their own doctrine, their own theology, their own pet ideas and interpretations,
everything so individualistic in nature, there is no real basis for fellowship - unless it be, as is so often the case,
some form of binding together for a negative cause, two of you against the same thing. We have become very
weary of "negative fellowship."
Betimes, men have thought to form a creed, set up a dogma unto which they all would ascribe, and so all
speaking the same thing, they wishfully hoped it would make a basis for fellowship. But because it was MAN'S,
carnal man's creed, it still did not work, except in the measure that everyone, like parrots, repeated these same
ideas without question, and without progression into more perfect truth.
There can be such a thing as all speaking the same thing, when it is the Spirit of God that quickens the truth,
and all receive their inspiration from Him. Thus, we foresee that day when "the watchmen see eye to eye."
[Ephesians 4:13]
In some of its positive aspects, we read, "God is faithful by Whom ye were called unto the fellowship of His
Son Jesus Christ our Lord." [1 Corinthians 1:9] For "truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His, Son
Jesus Christ." [1 John 1: 3]
This is the sound basis for all true fellowship. What is it that we have in the Father and in the Son that we can
USE IN COMMON? The foremost is "LIGHT" "This 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 do lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, then we have
fellowship." [1 John 1:5-7]
"IN HIM was life: and the life was the light of men." [John 1:4] Life and light go together. Where the LIFE of
God is, there will be its expression, LIGHT. And if we walk, meaning TO GO ON, in the light, then we shall
keep growing in Him. But as soon as we draw back from the light, and enter into the realms where it is shady,
then we are turned towards the shadows of death.
We have been called into the fellowship of the SON, and when we have fellowship with the Son, we also have
fellowship with the Father, because the Father and the Son are ONE. "Thou, Father, in Me, and I in Thee."
[John 17:21] The basis of our fellowship with the Father IS HIS SON, and the cleansing of the blood, which He
shed for us. The basis of our fellowship in the Son is that because of His redemption WE HAVE THE SAME
FATHER, even as Jesus said, "I ascend to My Father, and to your Father; to My God, and to your God." [John
20:17] All of the Father's heart is revealed to us through the Son, and while we are His offspring by reason of
the fact that "He is the Father of spirits," yet now He becomes our Father because of the NEW CREATION
LIFE, which we share in Christ Jesus. Truly this becomes a blessed fellowship.
Now Paul speaks of "the fellowship of the mystery." There are some truths which can only be SHARED IN
COMMON by those who have been duly processed by the way of the Cross, death to self, set apart unto the
Lord, and led by His Spirit into more truth. When someone suddenly says, "that's too deep for me," if you want
to share fellowship with them, you have to leave the mystery truths and find a common basis on what they do
know, as far as they have gone in their walk with Christ. An adult can enjoy a short conversation with a child,
but they also need that in-depth sharing with their own peers. Therefore we are admonished to grow up into
Him, and be no more children.
But Paul goes even further, in his understanding of the fellowship of the mystery, for he recognized that this
fellowship would ultimately include all man. Instead of revealing these doctrines to a select few only, as in the
Pagan mysteries, they were to be revealed to all nations, and to all classes of mankind; even though hitherto
kept secret, and hidden, as it were, in the bosom of the Almighty, from the foundation of the world - for thus
ancient are all the purposes of God.
Phillips gives: "To make plain to all men the meaning of that divine secret which He who created everything
has kept hidden from creation until now."
Moffatt says it is to "enlighten all men upon the new order of that divine secret..."
Certainly, "The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea."
[Habakkuk 2:14] "And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know
the Lord: for all shall know Me, from the least to the greatest." [Hebrews 8:11]
Fellowship - the act of sharing in common. "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
But every man in his own order..." [1 Corinthians 15:22-23] As every man is regenerated, to receive the LIFE
of Jesus Christ, and oneness with the Father, they shall also be enriched with the knowledge of HIS mysteries
- they shall KNOW. Because, Moffatt goes on, in his translation, He is "intending to let the full sweep of the
divine wisdom be disclosed now by the church (His called out)."
The Amplified - "The purpose is that through the church the complicated, many-sided wisdom of God in all its
infinite variety and innumerable aspects might now be made known..."
God is pleased to make known the riches of the glory of His mysteries, and therefore "Him we preach and
proclaim, warning and admonishing every one and instructing every one in all wisdom, (in comprehensive
insight into the ways and purposes of God), that we may present every person mature - full - grown, fully
initiated, complete and perfect - in Christ." [Colossians 1:28, Amplified]
THE FULL SWEEP of the divine wisdom, unfolding its infinite variety, till every one is FULLY INITIATED.
Remember, the very meaning of the Greek word for "mystery" is "what is known only to the initiated." Yet Paul
foresaw the purpose of God to be such that EVERY ONE, every person, would ultimately be brought into this
initiated state. That is the coverage of the fellowship of the mystery. We stand in awe at such a tremendous
purpose of God.
But there is more. We note that several translations give the word "administration" instead of "fellowship,"
causing it to read, as in Rotherham, "And to bring to light - What is the administration of the sacred secret
which hath been hidden away from the ages in God." And this Paul also answers, to wit, that it "might be made
known BY THE CHURCH the manifold wisdom of God." [Ephesians 3:10]
Through the church, by means of the church - and remember, in the chapter on "the mystery of the church" we
discovered that God has apprehended those whom He "CALLS OUT" - separating them from the world, and
unto Himself that He might work in them the fullness of His redemptive work, and that they might become the
display vessels through whom the riches of His grace shall be revealed to all men. What has been a secret will
be a secret no longer when these are fully manifested.

It is His church, i.e., ekklesia, His called out ones, that are now growing in grace and in the knowledge of our
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, coming unto the fullness of the measure of the stature of Christ, that are being
initiated into the mystery of His will, of His purpose, of His plan of the ages. They are being built up into Him, to
become that administrative body through whom the expansion of the fellowship of the mystery shall be carried
out. For they become "laborers together with God."
But once Paul included the qualifying phrase, that it was to be made known "by the church," he went even
further in his astonishing message, that it was all "TO THE INTENT that now unto the principalities and powers
in the heavenlies" that this manifest wisdom would also be made known.
In its own time and dispensation, Paul also taught that "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 (literally, in the heavenlies)." [Ephesians 6:12]
There is a contest taking place now, a wrestling, which is designed for our development and overcoming. But it
is a fact that there is a victory also in view, for "there was war in heaven ...and they overcame him by the blood
of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony." [Revelation 12:7,11] And once they have fully OVERCOME,
so that they can say, as did Jesus, "the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me," [John 14:30]
then this same church will also be used to INSTRUCT, discipline, train, develop, and bring into a state of
rightness again all of that which has been turned out of the way, and gone into unrighteousness.
We see the ultimate victory - how that "every creature which is IN HEAVEN, and on the earth, and under the
earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and
power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever." [Revelation 5:13]
To enlighten all men ? Yes! To enlighten every principality and power in the heavenlies? Yes! Here is a calling
and a ministry that excels anything that we have ever comprehended heretofore. With Paul we ask, "Who is
sufficient for these things?" [2 Corinthians 2:16] And glimpsing the tremendous portent of such a high, holy,
heavenly calling, we readily acknowledge, "not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of
ourselves; but our sufficiency is OF GOD; who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament..." [2
Corinthians 3:5-6]
It is GOD who apprehends, "no man taketh this honor unto himself, but he that is called of God." [Hebrews
5:4] It is also GOD who works within us both to will and to do of His good pleasure, that we might be filled and
prepared for every good work. And it is GOD who shall complete the work in us until as ONE IN HIM we shall
fulfill that purpose which HE has cherished in His own heart, of gathering together in one all things in Christ.
Indeed, there is tremendous fellowship in this mystery - as we share in common with "those of like precious
faith" in our present processings, and then to witness that expansion until the earth is filled - yea, and the very
heavens also, with the glory of our God, that He might be ALL IN ALL. We would walk very softly, yielded,
surrendered, His will to become, that we might be to His praise.
In Philippians 4:12 the words, "I am instructed..." are translated by Moffatt as "I have been initiated into the
secret, " for the Greek word is "mueo" and literally means - "to initiate into mysteries." God has many ways and
means of providing instruction, including His judgments, for "When Thy judgments are in the earth, the
inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness." [Isaiah 26:9] But He uses all these things for our profit, that
we might "grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ."
He also is preparing HIS INSTRUCTORS - those who will be "gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in
meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; lf God peradventure will give them repentance to the
acknowledging of the truth." [2 Timothy 2:24-25]
Only those who have themselves been fully initiated into the secrets, the mysteries of God, will be able to so
instruct others. But the promise is sure, "They shall all be taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard,
and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto Me." [John 6:45] Hearing, learning, coming - until "ALL shall
know Me, from the least to the greatest." [Hebrews 8:11]
The fellowship of the mystery is expanding - He is steadily drawing to Himself, He shall not cease until "all the
ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord; and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship
before Thee. For the kingdom is the Lord's: and he is the Governor among the nations." [Psalm 22:27-28]
Amen.
To hear - to learn - to come -

Into the fellowship of the Son,
To share of His light and life,
This working has now begun.
A process that shall not cease

Until it has reached each man.
Principalities and powers
Are also in His great plan.
Fully initiated -
Into the myst'ries of God,
Nurtured, developed, complete,
Fruit of His discipline's rod.
His secrets shall yet become

Personified, until all
Shall see what has been concealed,
And blinded by Adam's fall.
With grace yet abounding more,

All evil and death shall end,
In oneness all men shall stand,
In worship and praise to blend.
Bondage to vanity o'er,

Righteousness fills all the earth.
The universe sings His praise,
New heaven - new earth - new birth.
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WHISPERS OF THE MYSTERIES - Ray Prinzing

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WHISPERS OF THE MYSTERIES - Ray Prinzing

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BY: RAY~DORIS PRINZING

CHAPTERS TITLE PAGE

"O to know the Father's will and plan

WHISPERS OF THE MYSTERIES, Chapters 1-16 [Ray-Doris Prinzing] ~ BOOK 5

Mysteries so long concealed in the deep of man,

Now the Spirit comes to teach, bringing to thy mind

When God places in thy soul blessings from above,

Steadfast and unmovable, when thy root is firm

Inner depths now bursting forth, glorious in their sweep,

Transformations long ordained before ages past,

WHISPERS OF THE MYSTERIES, Chapters 1-16 [Ray-Doris Prinzing] ~ BOOK 7

No more to work confusion,

Rotherdam: "But they shall not force their way further."

"And I have created the waster to destroy." [Isaiah 54:l6]

Earth in wonderment shall stand to survey what God hath planned

WHISPERS OF THE MYSTERIES, Chapters 1-16 [Ray-Doris Prinzing] ~ BOOK 24

From glory to glory, as line upon line

The butterfly out of the worm to emerge,

The path of repentance - a changing of mind,

The changes, though painful, betoken His love,

WHISPERS OF THE MYSTERIES, Chapters 1-16 [Ray-Doris Prinzing] ~ BOOK 31

WHISPERS OF THE MYSTERIES, Chapters 1-16 [Ray-Doris Prinzing] ~ BOOK 32

The sovereign will of our sovereign God,

Long is the process beneath His hand,

The sovereign plan of our sovereign God,

WHISPERS OF THE MYSTERIES, Chapters 1-16 [Ray-Doris Prinzing] ~ BOOK 34

The sovereign act of our sovereign God,

To be clothed with immortality,

To God be the glory, to God be the praise,

"Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience." [1Timothy 3:9]

WHISPERS OF THE MYSTERIES, Chapters 1-16 [Ray-Doris Prinzing] ~ BOOK 35

WHISPERS OF THE MYSTERIES, Chapters 1-16 [Ray-Doris Prinzing] ~ BOOK 36

WHISPERS OF THE MYSTERIES, Chapters 1-16 [Ray-Doris Prinzing] ~ BOOK 38

WHISPERS OF THE MYSTERIES, Chapters 1-16 [Ray-Doris Prinzing] ~ BOOK 39

O path of faith that knows no end,

To take thy step not knowing where,

WHISPERS OF THE MYSTERIES, Chapters 1-16 [Ray-Doris Prinzing] ~ BOOK 40

WHISPERS OF THE MYSTERIES, Chapters 1-16 [Ray-Doris Prinzing] ~ BOOK 44

The myst'ry of the gospel to many seemeth sealed ,

To know that God is Victor, that He doth hold the reins,

WHISPERS OF THE MYSTERIES, Chapters 1-16 [Ray-Doris Prinzing] ~ BOOK 45

WHISPERS OF THE MYSTERIES, Chapters 1-16 [Ray-Doris Prinzing] ~ BOOK 48

WHISPERS OF THE MYSTERIES, Chapters 1-16 [Ray-Doris Prinzing] ~ BOOK 49

I do not know the measure of this, the call, I hear,

But this one thing is certain, to me becoming clear,

Called out of worldly pleasure, with all its pride of life,

That He might lead up higher, above all present strife,

I cannot tell the process whereby I shall become

But when He has completed and rounded out the sum,

WHISPERS OF THE MYSTERIES, Chapters 1-16 [Ray-Doris Prinzing] ~ BOOK 53

A Star shall rise out of Jacob,

And so John saw revelation,

Proclaiming a truth that pierces

Light of the ages forth-shining,

WHISPERS OF THE MYSTERIES, Chapters 1-16 [Ray-Doris Prinzing] ~ BOOK 58

With the words of that precious hymn of old, we cry out:

"Ye chosen seed of Israel's race,

Let ev'ry kindred, ev'ry tribe,

WHISPERS OF THE MYSTERIES, Chapters 1-16 [Ray-Doris Prinzing] ~ BOOK 60

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done,

WHISPERS OF THE MYSTERIES, Chapters 1-16 [Ray-Doris Prinzing] ~ BOOK 64

We marvel at Thy love and grace,