In order to reveal Himself to man, God teaches His Truth by means of
comparative things. He has given man object lessons through His
creation to prepare us to receive these truths.
Day & Night, Heat & Cold, Summer & Winter, Sweet &Bitter, Good & Evil, all these are comparative things that teach
us to see the whole picture, and not just one side of any matter. To have the truth on any subject, we must look at the complete revelation that
God sets before us.
us to see the whole picture, and not just one side of any matter. To have the truth on any subject, we must look at the complete revelation that
God sets before us.
What is set before us in nature, as a means of comparison, serves to
prepare our hearts to see greater spiritual truths in God’s Word. The Scriptures answer man’s age old questions; Who am I? Why am I here? What is my destiny?
prepare our hearts to see greater spiritual truths in God’s Word. The Scriptures answer man’s age old questions; Who am I? Why am I here? What is my destiny?
These are queries that each of us desires to have answered, and that gives
us purpose and hope in this life and hereafter. As the Apostle Paul
says: “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most
to be pitied.”
us purpose and hope in this life and hereafter. As the Apostle Paul
says: “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most
to be pitied.”
As we read the opening chapters of Genesis, our hearts are filled with
awe and admiration for the greatness of our Creator, as He summons
the heavens and earth into existence by His spoken Word!
awe and admiration for the greatness of our Creator, as He summons
the heavens and earth into existence by His spoken Word!
The diversity of the animal, mineral, and vegetable kingdom that He makes upon this planet next, are testaments to His own complexity and
multi-faceted essence.
multi-faceted essence.
And when He fashions Adam from the soil as His crowning achievement, and him, after His own image and likeness, and tenderly and lovingly,
breathes into his lungs, His own breath of life, we stand stunned
with wonder and amazement!
breathes into his lungs, His own breath of life, we stand stunned
with wonder and amazement!
We are transported from the heights of glorious joy at this scene, to
the depths of sorrow, as we witness Adam fall from his perfection by
willful disobedience to his Father’s instructions.
the depths of sorrow, as we witness Adam fall from his perfection by
willful disobedience to his Father’s instructions.
And as we read further, we are struck with horror at the fact that Adam’s
miss infected not only him with death, but that it was passed through
to all his descendants! What started out with such happiness and
hope, alas, turned out to be but a mirage of perfect bliss.
miss infected not only him with death, but that it was passed through
to all his descendants! What started out with such happiness and
hope, alas, turned out to be but a mirage of perfect bliss.
Oh Adam! What have you done! Why would you yield so instantly to a
seemingly slight temptation! How could you despise your Father’s
word of warning? But our despondent eyes turn impulsively, from Adam,
to his Creator.
seemingly slight temptation! How could you despise your Father’s
word of warning? But our despondent eyes turn impulsively, from Adam,
to his Creator.
Oh Omnipotent God! Why would You allow the pinnacle of Your creation to
bring doom upon himself and all his posterity? You Who brought all things into being, and knows all outcomes before they occur, why would You allow Satan access to Your masterpiece of love and image of Yourself? Are
You not able to protect that which is Yours?
bring doom upon himself and all his posterity? You Who brought all things into being, and knows all outcomes before they occur, why would You allow Satan access to Your masterpiece of love and image of Yourself? Are
You not able to protect that which is Yours?
And so begins the mystery of God’s dealings with mankind, and thereby, all His creation. And we would be left without any clue to solve this puzzle of our hearts, were it not for God’s pronouncement of punishment upon the Adversary.
“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy
seed and her seed; he shall crush thy head, and thou shalt crush his heel.”{Gen. 3:15}
seed and her seed; he shall crush thy head, and thou shalt crush his heel.”{Gen. 3:15}
It is this cryptic language that gives us renewed hope, that God will
somehow negate the effects of Adam’s blunder, and restore perfection to His creation. This is the expectant hope of our hearts. But what could it signify? Who is the woman’s seed?, for this goes against nature and all logic. And who does the serpent’s seed point to, and when will this showdown between them occur?
somehow negate the effects of Adam’s blunder, and restore perfection to His creation. This is the expectant hope of our hearts. But what could it signify? Who is the woman’s seed?, for this goes against nature and all logic. And who does the serpent’s seed point to, and when will this showdown between them occur?
These are the combatants whereby The Creator will bring an ultimate
resolution to the crisis that Adam’s transgression brought. It is the key to the restoration of perfection to God’s creation. The serpent’s sentence holds the promise of deliverance for God’s children, who He made to be like Him.
resolution to the crisis that Adam’s transgression brought. It is the key to the restoration of perfection to God’s creation. The serpent’s sentence holds the promise of deliverance for God’s children, who He made to be like Him.
Eve was exultant, and perhaps thought she had received their deliverance
from their sentence of death, when she gave birth to Cain, for she
exclaimed:
from their sentence of death, when she gave birth to Cain, for she
exclaimed:
“With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man!” {Gen. 4:1}
Little did she know that not only would Cain not be the Deliverer, but that
he would cast his lot in with God’s Adversary in his attempt to thwart the Coming Deliverer, by way of Cain’s murder of his own brother, Abel. We know that Cain was just another dupe given by God over to Satan’s influence:
he would cast his lot in with God’s Adversary in his attempt to thwart the Coming Deliverer, by way of Cain’s murder of his own brother, Abel. We know that Cain was just another dupe given by God over to Satan’s influence:
“Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous.” {1John 3:12}
So the question comes before us; Did that which once belonged to God, become the possession of Satan? Did The Creator lose part of His creation to the Destroyer, never to be recovered? As far as the record is concerned, Cain never repented of his brother’s murder, and he removed himself from God’s presence.
Since he apparently never repented of his misdeed, and refused to bring the proper sacrifice, has Cain been suffering for 6,000 years in Hades since his death?, and is he also destined to suffer perpetually in the Lake of Fire as Christendom teaches? (see: “Freed From Hell”)
Has he eternally removed himself from God’s reach and ability to save him? These are essential questions that must be answered unequivocally, if we are to have a clear understanding of Who God is, and toward what
purpose and goal He is working. Was His original master Plan thwarted irretrievably by Satan’s own ingenious Plan? Is He therefore attempting
to salvage as much of His creation as possible?
purpose and goal He is working. Was His original master Plan thwarted irretrievably by Satan’s own ingenious Plan? Is He therefore attempting
to salvage as much of His creation as possible?
Or, is it possible that everything has played out on earth’s stage exactly
as He designed it and ordained it to? If The Almighty has been forced into an alternative “Plan” for His creation, then how can He be perceived to
be omnipotent?
as He designed it and ordained it to? If The Almighty has been forced into an alternative “Plan” for His creation, then how can He be perceived to
be omnipotent?
So with these questions in mind, let us return to God’s sentence on the Evil One.
“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy
seed and her seed; he shall crush thy head, and thou shalt crush his heel.”{Gen. 3:15}
seed and her seed; he shall crush thy head, and thou shalt crush his heel.”{Gen. 3:15}
From this statement by The Almighty, we can determine several things
immediately. A battle is to be waged between the offspring of the
serpent and the offspring of the woman.
immediately. A battle is to be waged between the offspring of the
serpent and the offspring of the woman.
The Seed of the woman will have His heel crushed, and the head of the
Serpent will in turn be crushed by the woman’s Seed. According
to this description, Who will win the conflict? Once we identify
these combatants, all will become clear.
Serpent will in turn be crushed by the woman’s Seed. According
to this description, Who will win the conflict? Once we identify
these combatants, all will become clear.
Jesus is the Seed of the woman. As the Offspring of a virgin, He was not
from a human father’s seed. He came out of The Father of the
universe, and as such, He was Divine. The Cross effected the crushing
of Christ’s heel, as He suffered an excruciating wound.
from a human father’s seed. He came out of The Father of the
universe, and as such, He was Divine. The Cross effected the crushing
of Christ’s heel, as He suffered an excruciating wound.
But, the very injury inflicted by The Enemy to Christ, was to be the fatal
blow to Satan’s head! The death Jesus died was sufficient for all of mankind’s sins.
blow to Satan’s head! The death Jesus died was sufficient for all of mankind’s sins.
The Cross was The Father’s secret weapon to nullify Adam’s death! It was there that Sin’s demands were met, and Death’s grip was broken and mankind’s Life restored! But this prophecy goes farther than this meaning.
The book of Revelation is the prophetic complement to Genesis. The beginning of things in the first book, have their completion in the last book, made possible by The Cross. Revelation gives us the details of Satan’s seed, The Antichrist.
His exploits are chronicled for us, and we read of his vain, final struggle against God to wrest victory from Christ, and give it to his diabolical father. His efforts will miserably fail, and in his defeat, the crushing of Satan’s head will be displayed to all, and Jesus Christ will reign in righteousness.
Sin, Night, Curses, Pain, Death, Abasement, Fear, Sadness, War, Murder,
Separation, and Alienation which were brought into mankind’s
experience through the disobedience of Adam, have their opposites
brought to fruition through the obedience of Christ.
Separation, and Alienation which were brought into mankind’s
experience through the disobedience of Adam, have their opposites
brought to fruition through the obedience of Christ.
The good of that Day : Righteousness, Blessings, Ecstasy, Life, Exaltation, Boldness, Joy Unspeakable, Peace, Love, Communion, and Reconciliation will replace their evil counterparts, and then God’s mystery of the eons will be apparent to all!
So, since Christ Jesus has defeated Satan by way of The Cross, why
is His victory over Sin and Death whittled down by Christendom, to the rescue of only a small percentage of Adam’s vast progeny of billions?
is His victory over Sin and Death whittled down by Christendom, to the rescue of only a small percentage of Adam’s vast progeny of billions?
We are told by Church leaders that God wants to save all, but His ability to do so is dependant upon men’s decision to believe in their lifetime. So then, Christ is not really The Savior of all, but the potential Savior of all, a
“wanna-be savior”.
“wanna-be savior”.
We will show from the Scripture that this view is false and denigrating to The Savior’s accomplishment and exalted Name. There are two passages from the pen of the Apostle Paul that compare Adam with Jesus Christ. If we remember that all of God’s truth is made plain through comparison and contrast, then we will be well on our way to understanding The Spirit’s meaning in bringing these 2 men before us. The first is found in {Romans 5:12-21 CLT(Concordant Literal Translation)}, which is listed below in its
entirety.
entirety.
“Therefore,even as through one man sin entered into the world, and through sin death, and thus death passed through into all mankind,
on which all sinned –13for until law sin was in the world, yet sin is not being taken into account when there is no law;14nevertheless death reigns from Adam unto Moses, over those also who do not sin in the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him Who is about to be.15But not as the offense, thus also the grace. For if, by
the offense of the one, the many died, much rather the grace of God and the gratuity in grace, which is of the One Man, Jesus Christ, to the many superabounds.16And not as through one act of sinning is the gratuity. For, indeed,the judgment is out of one into condemnation,
yet the grace is out of many offenses into a just award.17For if, by
the offense of the one, death reigns through the one, much rather, those obtaining the superabundance of grace and the gratuity of righteousness shall be reigning in life through the One, Jesus Christ.18 Consequently, then, as it was through one offense for all mankind for condemnation, thus also it is through one just award for all mankind for life's justifying.19For even as, through the disobedience of the one man, the many were constituted sinners,
thus also, through the obedience of the One, the many shall be constituted just.20Yet law came in by the way, that the offense should be increasing. Yet where sin increases, grace superexceeds,21that, even as Sin reigns in death, thus Grace also should be reigning through righteousness, for life eonian, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.”
on which all sinned –13for until law sin was in the world, yet sin is not being taken into account when there is no law;14nevertheless death reigns from Adam unto Moses, over those also who do not sin in the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him Who is about to be.15But not as the offense, thus also the grace. For if, by
the offense of the one, the many died, much rather the grace of God and the gratuity in grace, which is of the One Man, Jesus Christ, to the many superabounds.16And not as through one act of sinning is the gratuity. For, indeed,the judgment is out of one into condemnation,
yet the grace is out of many offenses into a just award.17For if, by
the offense of the one, death reigns through the one, much rather, those obtaining the superabundance of grace and the gratuity of righteousness shall be reigning in life through the One, Jesus Christ.18 Consequently, then, as it was through one offense for all mankind for condemnation, thus also it is through one just award for all mankind for life's justifying.19For even as, through the disobedience of the one man, the many were constituted sinners,
thus also, through the obedience of the One, the many shall be constituted just.20Yet law came in by the way, that the offense should be increasing. Yet where sin increases, grace superexceeds,21that, even as Sin reigns in death, thus Grace also should be reigning through righteousness, for life eonian, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.”
It is essential that we come to a clear understanding of what The Spirit
is revealing to us in these verses. If we approach this passage without pre-conceived concepts of religious dogmas, God’s sunlight of Truth will shine into our hearts and give us a new found love for all humanity, for which Christ came to rescue.
is revealing to us in these verses. If we approach this passage without pre-conceived concepts of religious dogmas, God’s sunlight of Truth will shine into our hearts and give us a new found love for all humanity, for which Christ came to rescue.
Verse 12 informs us that sin made its entrance into the realm
of mankind through Adam’s transgression of a direct prohibition from his Father, and thus death passed from him to all his posterity. It was Adam’s death that we inherited, not his particular sin or “sin
nature”, this wording is not found in the Scriptures. Man’s nature is
not naturally depraved. It is given to man from his Creator, and is the receptacle of God’s testimony of truth implanted in all men’s hearts. It
is mankind’s nature that is able to determine right from wrong. Mankind has God’s perfect, unwritten Law written upon his heart, to guide him into
God’s truth. Paul affirms this:
of mankind through Adam’s transgression of a direct prohibition from his Father, and thus death passed from him to all his posterity. It was Adam’s death that we inherited, not his particular sin or “sin
nature”, this wording is not found in the Scriptures. Man’s nature is
not naturally depraved. It is given to man from his Creator, and is the receptacle of God’s testimony of truth implanted in all men’s hearts. It
is mankind’s nature that is able to determine right from wrong. Mankind has God’s perfect, unwritten Law written upon his heart, to guide him into
God’s truth. Paul affirms this:
“For whenever they of the nations that have no law, by nature may be doing that which the law demands, these, having no law, are a law to themselves,15 who are displaying the action of the law written in their hearts, their conscience testifying together and their reckonings between one another, accusing or defending them.”
{Rom. 2:14,15}
{Rom. 2:14,15}
“And he Uncircumcision who, by nature, are discharging the law's demands, shall be judging you, who through letter and circumcision, are a transgressor of law.” {Rom. 2:27}
As the result of inheriting Adam’s death, we are predisposed to commit our own particular sins. The fact that we are born into this world dying, means that our death process will evidence itself by missing the mark of perfection in every area of our thoughts and activity.
This witness of God’s perfect Law written on man’s innermost
being, convicts him of his inability to perfectly please his Creator. By suppressing God’s truth, and justifying his own corrupt actions, mankind’s conscience becomes seared and unresponsive to the prodding of God’s inner witness of His Truth.
being, convicts him of his inability to perfectly please his Creator. By suppressing God’s truth, and justifying his own corrupt actions, mankind’s conscience becomes seared and unresponsive to the prodding of God’s inner witness of His Truth.
“Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.”
{1 Tim 4:2}
{1 Tim 4:2}
The more God’s truth is ignored, the harder the heart becomes, and
the deeper men submerge themselves in depravity, storing up for themselves the penalty which God’s righteous judgment will bring.
the deeper men submerge themselves in depravity, storing up for themselves the penalty which God’s righteous judgment will bring.
“Now we are aware that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who are committing such things.3Yet are you reckoning on this, O man, who art judging those committing such things, and art doing the same, that you will be escaping the judgment of God?4Or are you despising the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, being ignorant that the kindness of God is leading you to repentance?
5 Yet, in accord with your hardness and unrepentant heart you are hoarding for yourself indignation in the day of indignation and revelation of the just judgment of God,6Who will be paying each one in accord with his acts:” {Rom. 2:2-6}
Just as in the era before the Mosaic Law was given to Israel, when men were not subject to any written Law, so it has been since the good news of God’s Grace has been revealed.
What most fail to understand, is that mankind’s sins were all placed
upon Christ on the Cross, which were therefore completely and utterly
paid for by Christ. This satisfied God’s righteous demands for justice between Himself and mankind and made possible the demonstration of His Grace. This is how Christ secured the ultimate salvation of ALL of mankind. Since God was completely satiated with Jesus’ sacrifice of Himself on mankind’s behalf, He is now conciliated with mankind. He is not counting men’s sins against them, because they have been paid for by Christ. There is nothing that men can do in this era, that can break this peaceful attitude that God has toward man. Condemnation for man’s sins against God is taken away completely by The Cross.
upon Christ on the Cross, which were therefore completely and utterly
paid for by Christ. This satisfied God’s righteous demands for justice between Himself and mankind and made possible the demonstration of His Grace. This is how Christ secured the ultimate salvation of ALL of mankind. Since God was completely satiated with Jesus’ sacrifice of Himself on mankind’s behalf, He is now conciliated with mankind. He is not counting men’s sins against them, because they have been paid for by Christ. There is nothing that men can do in this era, that can break this peaceful attitude that God has toward man. Condemnation for man’s sins against God is taken away completely by The Cross.
“God was in Christ, conciliating the world to Himself, not reckoning their offenses to them, and placing in us the word of the conciliation.” {2 Cor. 5:19}
Rom.5:13,14 – Because no prohibitive Law of any kind existed from
Adam’s exile from the Garden until the Mosaic Law, there was no
penalty for mankind’s sin. Men living in this era had only creation and their conscience as witnesses, to accuse or excuse them.
Adam’s exile from the Garden until the Mosaic Law, there was no
penalty for mankind’s sin. Men living in this era had only creation and their conscience as witnesses, to accuse or excuse them.
This will be the standard whereby their thoughts and actions will be
assessed in the Day of Judgment, according to the light they received. Yet, even though their sins (misses) were not being tallied, they still died because they inherited Adam’s death, passed through his blood.
assessed in the Day of Judgment, according to the light they received. Yet, even though their sins (misses) were not being tallied, they still died because they inherited Adam’s death, passed through his blood.
Verse 15 – Here begins Paul’s comparison of Adam with Jesus Christ. Before we begin the comparison and contrast of these two men, it is imperative that we recognize the Apostle Paul’s argument.
He is bringing these two corporate heads of mankind to our attention in
order that we may see what their actions have accomplished for those
under their God- appointed influence.
order that we may see what their actions have accomplished for those
under their God- appointed influence.
“But not as the offense, thus also the grace. For if, by the offense of
the one, the many died, much rather the grace of God and the gratuity in grace, which is of the One Man, Jesus Christ, to the many superabounds.”
the one, the many died, much rather the grace of God and the gratuity in grace, which is of the One Man, Jesus Christ, to the many superabounds.”
The first phrase should have been rendered as a question. “But (shall) not as the offense, thus also be the grace?” This is how it is translated in Today’s Parallel Greek-English N.T.
Let’s remember that the original Greek manuscripts had no punctuation at
all, therefore, there would not have been any indication of a
question being posed to the reader.
all, therefore, there would not have been any indication of a
question being posed to the reader.
However, this was Paul’s method of teaching many important doctrines,
especially in the book of Romans, and it makes the passage much
clearer and more understandable. When thus rendered, the effects of “The Offense”, and “The Grace”, are being compared on equal terms, and thus have equal results.
especially in the book of Romans, and it makes the passage much
clearer and more understandable. When thus rendered, the effects of “The Offense”, and “The Grace”, are being compared on equal terms, and thus have equal results.
All of these truths that Paul is presenting, are viewed from the
perspective of God’s completed goal for His creation. Therefore
where man’s ultimate destiny is concerned, God looks beyond the
eons to state His Truth.
perspective of God’s completed goal for His creation. Therefore
where man’s ultimate destiny is concerned, God looks beyond the
eons to state His Truth.
Paul is here referring to ALL of mankind, even though the terms he uses
are “the many”. This is easily proved by looking at the first statement in this verse; …“by the offense of the one, the many died”…The “one” here, is of course, Adam.
are “the many”. This is easily proved by looking at the first statement in this verse; …“by the offense of the one, the many died”…The “one” here, is of course, Adam.
So the question is: How many died as a result of Adam’s disobedience? The answer is clearly, ALL. All human individuals that ever lived or will live, were in Adam’s body when he sinned, therefore all became subject to his death. We all carry Adam’s DNA in our bodies.
It is obvious that this term, “the many”, must mean ALL of mankind, and therefore must consistently refer to ALL throughout the entirety of the passage.
When Paul penned these words, there were many generations of humans that had yet to be born, yet there is no doubt that even these yet to be
born, fall within the context of “The Many”.
born, fall within the context of “The Many”.
We can safely say that every single one of “the many” have sinned. We would never hesitate in our assessment of this fact. There has never been one of Adam’s race to escape the taint of sin, save One, The Son of God, whose Father was not one of Adam’s race. It is He to whom Adam is contrasted.
We would never refer to Adam’s progeny as “potential sinners”, for “All
have sinned, and fall short of God’s glory.” {Rom. 3:23}Because they were in Adam, they are all constituted sinners due to Adam’s death working in them. None of humanity could make a decision to not be one of Adam’s children, that decision was made for them before they were born.
have sinned, and fall short of God’s glory.” {Rom. 3:23}Because they were in Adam, they are all constituted sinners due to Adam’s death working in them. None of humanity could make a decision to not be one of Adam’s children, that decision was made for them before they were born.
In the very same way we are to understand Paul’s further development of this comparison. “The many” to whom he refers, that will benefit from the Grace of God, is ALL of humanity, and that in SUPERABUNDANCE!
Is this not exactly in line with the character of our Creator of Love? This same word for superabundant is used in Paul’s contrast between Law & Grace:
…“and if the ministration of the death, in letters, engraved in stones, came in glory, so that the sons of Israel were not able to look steadfastly to the face of Moses, because of the glory of his face -- which was being made useless,8 how shall the ministration of the Spirit not be more in glory?9 for if the ministration of the condemnation [is] glory, much more doth the ministration of the righteousness ABOUND in glory;”
{2 Cor. 3:7-9}
Now we know that the Law of Moses was a mirror of death to the Jews.
Whenever they gazed into its perfection, their own sinfulness was reflected back to them. To this minister of death, is compared “the ministry of The Spirit”.
Whenever they gazed into its perfection, their own sinfulness was reflected back to them. To this minister of death, is compared “the ministry of The Spirit”.
Whereas the first brought DEATH, The Second brought LIFE ABUNDANT. This is God’s preferred teaching method – CONTRAST. God’s positive truth concerning Himself or any of His creation, cannot be known or appreciated without its opposite.
All of God’s Word must be understood in the broader context of His COMPLETE revelation concerning His ultimate goal for mankind. Even where a passage seems to teach that God will only save a small portion of His creative masterpiece, we only need to read further in Paul’s revelation,
to realize that He will lose nothing, but that by way of The Cross, He has secured all for Himself.
to realize that He will lose nothing, but that by way of The Cross, He has secured all for Himself.
His judgments are not for final destruction, but rather for refining and transforming! All of His mysterious ways are for His creation’s ultimate benefit and His glory. May our Father open our stubborn hearts to believe and receive these truths. Let’s continue in our study of Romans Chapter 5:
“And not as through one act of sinning is the gratuity. For, indeed, the
judgment is out of one into condemnation, yet the grace is out of
many offenses into a just award.17For if, by the offense of the one, death reigns through the one, much rather, those obtaining the superabundance of grace and the gratuity of righteousness shall be reigning in life through the One, Jesus Christ.”
judgment is out of one into condemnation, yet the grace is out of
many offenses into a just award.17For if, by the offense of the one, death reigns through the one, much rather, those obtaining the superabundance of grace and the gratuity of righteousness shall be reigning in life through the One, Jesus Christ.”
Once again this first part of the verse should be posed as a question; “And (shall) not as by one having sinned (also be) the gift?”(Today’s Parallel Greek-English N.T.)
Again, the comparison of the acts of the two men are before us. Adam’s
disobedience resulted in condemnation for all – guilty as charged.
disobedience resulted in condemnation for all – guilty as charged.
Jesus Christ’s obedience resulted in justification (declared “not guilty”) for those obtaining His “superabundant Grace”. Just as all of mankind was condemned in Adam’s guilt, so all mankind was justified by grace in the one righteous act of Jesus Christ.
Remember, this is how God views the ultimate outcome of the acts of these two men. Because God sees the final results of the outworking of His
Master Plan, He declared all men sinners in Adam, even when vast billions of them had yet to exist in time or space.
Master Plan, He declared all men sinners in Adam, even when vast billions of them had yet to exist in time or space.
By the same authoritative declaration, He can call all men righteous in
The Savior, because He has placed them in Christ through His superabundant grace, even before they existed in Adam! Our hearts
should be overcome by His Love and Wisdom and exult with the Apostle
Paul:
The Savior, because He has placed them in Christ through His superabundant grace, even before they existed in Adam! Our hearts
should be overcome by His Love and Wisdom and exult with the Apostle
Paul:
“For God locks up all together in stubbornness, that He should be merciful to all.33O, the depth of the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How inscrutable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!34For, who knew the mind of the Lord? or, who became His adviser?35or, who gives to Him first, and it will be repaid him?36seeing that out of Him and through Him and for Him is all:to Him be the glory for the eons! Amen!” {Rom. 11:32-36}
To insist that even one man would finally remain outside the justification brought through Jesus Christ, would be to deny that Christ’s act of obedience could counteract that of Adam’s act of disobedience. It would also deny the plain declaration of Rom. 5:17 that Grace and Righteousness
have defeated the original Offense and Death brought by Adam.
have defeated the original Offense and Death brought by Adam.
Religion insists on the reign of Sin and Death for all eternity, that not even The Savior could defeat! Religion’s dogmas declare that Sin and Death are “superabundant”, and Grace and Righteousness will be defeated for the vast majority of mankind. May God convict our callous hearts, and awaken us to the glories of our Lord’s labor of Love at Calvary.
Concerning the phrase in v.17: “those obtaining the superabundance of grace and the gratuity of righteousness shall be reigning in life through the One, Jesus Christ.” The KJV says: “they which receive abundance
of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.”
of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.”
In the original Greek, the word “receive” is in the Active Voice, which would usually be indicative of the subject taking part in the action. Since Paul teaches elsewhere that we experientially receive God’s Grace
and Righteousness today only through Faith, Paul appears to be teaching active faith here.
This is used by the opponents of universal reconciliation to deny that
Paul is speaking of all of Adam’s race, and that he is limiting Christ’s Grace and Righteousness to only those that “receive” Christ in this lifetime. If this is what is meant by the Apostle, then it destroys the parallel contrasts that he has been making throughout the whole passage.
Paul is speaking of all of Adam’s race, and that he is limiting Christ’s Grace and Righteousness to only those that “receive” Christ in this lifetime. If this is what is meant by the Apostle, then it destroys the parallel contrasts that he has been making throughout the whole passage.
However, when we see how Paul uses this same Greek word, “receive”,
we find that it does not always have the idea of an active
participation of the subject at hand. For instance, earlier in this same letter to the Romans, Paul is presenting to us the guilt of all of mankind before God. In chapter 1, verse 27, he states:
we find that it does not always have the idea of an active
participation of the subject at hand. For instance, earlier in this same letter to the Romans, Paul is presenting to us the guilt of all of mankind before God. In chapter 1, verse 27, he states:
“In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.”
Although the word “received” is in the Active Voice here as well, it is quite obvious that the ones receiving the “due penalty”, are not actively
participating in the judgment of God. As a matter of fact, we can envision them actively attempting to AVOID the judgment! They are simply the recipients of the consequences of their rebellion, no active reaching out to receive their payment, or belief of any kind required!
participating in the judgment of God. As a matter of fact, we can envision them actively attempting to AVOID the judgment! They are simply the recipients of the consequences of their rebellion, no active reaching out to receive their payment, or belief of any kind required!
Another example of this same word “received” being used in the Active
Voice is found in 2 Cor. 11:24;
In defense of his apostleship, Paul is here recounting all the trials he
has endured for Jesus’ sake, to the assembly in Corinth. In the midst of his accounts of harrowing experiences in his ministry, he says this: “Five
times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.”
Voice is found in 2 Cor. 11:24;
In defense of his apostleship, Paul is here recounting all the trials he
has endured for Jesus’ sake, to the assembly in Corinth. In the midst of his accounts of harrowing experiences in his ministry, he says this: “Five
times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.”
Because this word “received” is also in the Active Voice, do we suppose that Paul was an active or even willing participant in these 5 separate whippings by the Jews opposed to his message of Grace? So, it becomes obvious that the Active Voice in a verse, is not always an indication of action on the subject’s part. In fact, the subject may simply be a passive recipient of the action taking place.
Returning to Romans 5:17, Paul has so far been comparing the results of Adam’s sinful act, on all of humanity, to that of Christ’s righteous act and its result upon all humanity. To inject the limitation of the result of that act of righteousness, to only those that receive it by faith, severely
cramps the context and destroys the flow of all that he has presented thus far concerning the universality of the deeds of these two men. Although the limited view is true, the universal view fits much better.
Concerning this verse, Vincent’s Word Studies states:
“The emphatic point of the comparison. The effect of the second Adam
cannot fall behind that of the first. If death reigned, there must be
a reign of life. “They which receive” (οἱ λαμβάνοντες) Not believingly accept, but simply the recipients.” (emphasis mine)
cannot fall behind that of the first. If death reigned, there must be
a reign of life. “They which receive” (οἱ λαμβάνοντες) Not believingly accept, but simply the recipients.” (emphasis mine)
So Vincent, for one, believes that the Greek indicates passivity, which
has the subjects being acted upon rather than performing the action.
has the subjects being acted upon rather than performing the action.
Those that receive the “superabundance of grace” and the “gift of righteousness”, are simply the static recipients of God’s lavish favor, and not those that are actively reaching out to receive them by faith.
There is no action on the part of those receiving Adam’s “gift”
of death, which all received from him, just as there is no action on
humanity’s part in receiving Christ’s gift of life.
of death, which all received from him, just as there is no action on
humanity’s part in receiving Christ’s gift of life.
As I stated before, this is also true of those taking hold by faith during their lifetime on earth, receiving the free gift by faith, but this is not the point of the Apostle’s contrast of the two men in this passage, for that
would not take in all mankind, which is the subject of his argument.
would not take in all mankind, which is the subject of his argument.
Paul continues his discourse:
18“Consequently, then, as it was through one offense for all mankind for condemnation, thus also it is through one just award for all mankind for life's justifying.19 For even as, through the disobedience of the one man, the many were constituted sinners, thus also, through the obedience of the One, the many shall be constituted just.”
The subject has been the contrast of the two federal heads of mankind,
and these verses summarize the comparisons. Here, the consequences of
both men’s actions are summed up for the reader to contemplate.
and these verses summarize the comparisons. Here, the consequences of
both men’s actions are summed up for the reader to contemplate.
In case there was any doubt in the reader’s mind that these verses
have been referencing the whole of mankind, these finalizing remarks
should put any doubts to rest. Here we read of “one offense for all mankind” as compared to “one just award for all mankind”. This could not be stated any clearer.
have been referencing the whole of mankind, these finalizing remarks
should put any doubts to rest. Here we read of “one offense for all mankind” as compared to “one just award for all mankind”. This could not be stated any clearer.
Adam’s offense affected all mankind in a detrimental fashion, “THUS
ALSO” Christ’s righteous act affected all mankind positively, for their
justification! There is no middle ground here, Adam and Christ both did something that universally affected ALL of mankind, not SOME, or MANY.
ALSO” Christ’s righteous act affected all mankind positively, for their
justification! There is no middle ground here, Adam and Christ both did something that universally affected ALL of mankind, not SOME, or MANY.
And to make sure that there is no doubt as to what these consequences
were, we read: “through the disobedience of the one man, the many were constituted sinners, thus also, through the obedience of the One, the many shall be constituted just.”
were, we read: “through the disobedience of the one man, the many were constituted sinners, thus also, through the obedience of the One, the many shall be constituted just.”
“The many”; must mean ALL, because Adam’s sin rendered all men sinners by means of the DEATH he imparted to them. “Thus also”, the very same group affected by Adam, “SHALL BE” constituted just, by means of the obedience of Christ.
In the eyes of God, all mankind has already been justified in Christ,
because He sees beyond the realm of time and space. The Scriptures
speak of “first fruits”, these are those of us that have “pre-believed” in
Christ in our lives on earth.
because He sees beyond the realm of time and space. The Scriptures
speak of “first fruits”, these are those of us that have “pre-believed” in
Christ in our lives on earth.
“That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted (Gk. Proelpikotas “pre-believed) in Christ.” {Eph.1:12}
The rest of God’s harvest of mankind, will believe by sight when
they bow before Him in worship and praise!
they bow before Him in worship and praise!
“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;11 And
that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the
glory of God the Father.” {Phillip.2:10,11}
that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the
glory of God the Father.” {Phillip.2:10,11}
If words mean anything at all, then we must conclude that Adam’s
disobedience was counteracted by Christ, and that those thoroughly
affected by Adam, are the same ones thoroughly affected by Christ.
disobedience was counteracted by Christ, and that those thoroughly
affected by Adam, are the same ones thoroughly affected by Christ.
According to this passage, if ALL are sinners and lost in Adam’s fall into sin and death, then ALL are to be declared just and saved in Jesus Christ’s life and victory over sin and death!
Paul continues:
“Yet law came in by the way, that the offense should be increasing.
Yet where sin increases, grace superexceeds,21that, even as Sin
reigns in death, thus Grace also should be reigning through righteousness, for life eonian, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.”
Yet where sin increases, grace superexceeds,21that, even as Sin
reigns in death, thus Grace also should be reigning through righteousness, for life eonian, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.”
The Law of Moses was given to Israel, not to save them, but to reveal to them their condemnation in Adam! The Law effectively served as a sin tracker. Remember, God does not keep track of sins when there is no law to break.
The introduction of the Law, was God’s method of showing Israel their
true selves… SINNERS! The more light mankind receives, the more guilty he becomes! Yet, “where sin increases, grace superexceeds!”
true selves… SINNERS! The more light mankind receives, the more guilty he becomes! Yet, “where sin increases, grace superexceeds!”
This is God’s method of salvation. As long as men believe themselves
to be righteous, they see no need for deliverance. It is only when we
are exposed to the truth concerning our desperate need, that we fall
on our face and exclaim:
to be righteous, they see no need for deliverance. It is only when we
are exposed to the truth concerning our desperate need, that we fall
on our face and exclaim:
“A wretched man am I! What will rescue me out of this body of death?
Grace! 25 I thank God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.” {Rom.7:24,25}
What a glorious message of complete deliverance for mankind! “GRACE
SUPEREXCEEDS!” , “GRACE REIGNS!” This is truly The Gospel for today. Good News for not just a few, or for some, but for ALL! The Cross of Jesus Christ has effected the deliverance of all His creation!
Grace! 25 I thank God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.” {Rom.7:24,25}
What a glorious message of complete deliverance for mankind! “GRACE
SUPEREXCEEDS!” , “GRACE REIGNS!” This is truly The Gospel for today. Good News for not just a few, or for some, but for ALL! The Cross of Jesus Christ has effected the deliverance of all His creation!
The next passage that we will consider is found in 1 Cor. 15. Here we
have the same two men of Romans chapter 5. None of what Paul has shown us previously concerning these two men, can be in any way contradicted or nullified by what we read here.
have the same two men of Romans chapter 5. None of what Paul has shown us previously concerning these two men, can be in any way contradicted or nullified by what we read here.
“Yet now Christ has been roused from among the dead, the First fruit of those who are reposing.21For since, in fact, through a man came death, through a Man, also, comes the resurrection of the dead.
22For even as, in Adam, all are dying, thus also, in Christ, shall all be vivified.23Yet each in his own class: the First fruit, Christ; thereupon those who are Christ's in His presence;24 thereafter the consummation,
whenever He may be giving up the kingdom to His God and Father,
whenever He should be nullifying all sovereignty and all authority
and power.25 For He must be reigning until He should be placing all His enemies under His feet.26 The last enemy is being abolished: death.27 For He subjects all under His feet.Now whenever He may be saying that all is subject, it is evident that it is outside of Him Who subjects all to Him.28Now, whenever all may be subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also shall be subjected to Him Who subjects all to Him, that God may be All in all.47 The first man was out of the earth, soilish; the second Man is the Lord out of heaven.48Such as the soilish one is, such are those also who are soilish, and such as the Celestial One, such are those also who are celestials.49And according as we wear the image of the soilish, we should be wearing the image also of the Celestial.”{ICor. 15: 20-28, 45-49}
22For even as, in Adam, all are dying, thus also, in Christ, shall all be vivified.23Yet each in his own class: the First fruit, Christ; thereupon those who are Christ's in His presence;24 thereafter the consummation,
whenever He may be giving up the kingdom to His God and Father,
whenever He should be nullifying all sovereignty and all authority
and power.25 For He must be reigning until He should be placing all His enemies under His feet.26 The last enemy is being abolished: death.27 For He subjects all under His feet.Now whenever He may be saying that all is subject, it is evident that it is outside of Him Who subjects all to Him.28Now, whenever all may be subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also shall be subjected to Him Who subjects all to Him, that God may be All in all.47 The first man was out of the earth, soilish; the second Man is the Lord out of heaven.48Such as the soilish one is, such are those also who are soilish, and such as the Celestial One, such are those also who are celestials.49And according as we wear the image of the soilish, we should be wearing the image also of the Celestial.”{ICor. 15: 20-28, 45-49}
Now let’s explore these verses in light of what we have learned from Romans 5.
“Yet now Christ has been roused from among the dead, the First fruit of those who are reposing.21For since, in fact, through a man came death, through a Man, also, comes the resurrection of the dead.”
Jesus Christ is called “The First fruit”. This phrase had great significance to the Jews. Their yearly calendar followed the lunar cycles, to which much attention was given for the planting and harvesting of their crops. Their feast days were celebrated around the spring and fall harvesting of their grains and fruits.
The first ripe of their harvests were called the “first fruits”. These ripened to maturity ahead of the rest of the crop in their fields. A sheaf of these first ripe grains or fruit were brought into the temple to the priest to present to the Lord.
“Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof,
then ye shall bring a sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest unto the
priest:11 And he shall wave the sheaf before the Lord, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it. {Lev.23:10,11}
then ye shall bring a sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest unto the
priest:11 And he shall wave the sheaf before the Lord, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it. {Lev.23:10,11}
These “first fruits” were the first of the entire harvest, but were by no means the whole harvest. This ceremony had a deeper significance to be understood by us. Christ is called the “First fruit” of all those in the graves. He was planted a natural body, but raised a in an immortal, spiritual body.
Now,we who have believed ahead of the rest, are also partakers of The
First fruit, by way of His Spirit within us.
First fruit, by way of His Spirit within us.
“For we are aware that the entire creation is groaning and travailing
together until now. 23Yet not only so, but we ourselves also, who have the first fruit of the Spirit,we ourselves also, are groaning in ourselves,
awaiting the son ship, the deliverance of our body.”
{Rom. 8:22,23}
together until now. 23Yet not only so, but we ourselves also, who have the first fruit of the Spirit,we ourselves also, are groaning in ourselves,
awaiting the son ship, the deliverance of our body.”
{Rom. 8:22,23}
Notice, we who have pre-trusted in Christ, have the “first fruit of The
Spirit”. We have The Spirit of The Living God abiding within us. But God will not be satisfied until He has brought the entire harvest of mankind safely into His harvest house, then The Spirit will abide in ALL, thus God will be ALL in all! And we know this is His intention from our text:
Spirit”. We have The Spirit of The Living God abiding within us. But God will not be satisfied until He has brought the entire harvest of mankind safely into His harvest house, then The Spirit will abide in ALL, thus God will be ALL in all! And we know this is His intention from our text:
“For since, in fact, through a man came death, through a Man, also, comes the resurrection of the dead.”
Through Adam came Death, and his death passed through to ALL mankind. So also, through another Man, Christ Jesus, comes the resurrection of ALL the dead. Those that “pre-believed” in Him, will be raised first in order, and will not enter the fire of His Great White Throne
judgment.
judgment.
However the unbeliever will at that time be sentenced to the Second Death. This is by no means a final judgment for them! We know that Father God always brings good out of evil. Just as the darkness of the womb precedes the light of birth, so Death precedes Life. As He brings
life from the first death, so it will be in the second death.
life from the first death, so it will be in the second death.
Men confuse God’s process in His judgments, with His final goal of deliverance. The only 3 entities that are said to be tormented in
the Lake of Fire are: Satan, The Beast, and The False Prophet.
the Lake of Fire are: Satan, The Beast, and The False Prophet.
These 3 never experienced their first death, and so God’s fiery Lake is
not said to be the Second Death for them. All the rest of humanity
will ultimately emerge from this second death, into the Life of their
Creator, and will in reverent humility give praise to Him and worship
Him forever.
not said to be the Second Death for them. All the rest of humanity
will ultimately emerge from this second death, into the Life of their
Creator, and will in reverent humility give praise to Him and worship
Him forever.
We know that the Lake of Fire judgment will not last forever, for Paul tells us that “The last enemy to be destroyed is Death”.
If the Second Death is not included in this, then Paul’s statement is untrue. If ANY death in ANY form remains forever, then God’s proclamation : “Behold! I make ALL things new!”, is untrue.
Then God would never reach His goal in becoming ALL in all of His creatures! He would have to settle for being ALL in some, or ALL in a few. Nonsense! He will attain His Purpose and Goal, through His judgments, to become ALL in all. He will not lose any of His creation.
“For even as, in Adam, all are dying, thus also, in Christ, shall all be vivified.23Yet each in his own class: the First fruit, Christ; thereupon those who are Christ's in His presence;”
Either this is universally true, or it is blatantly false and misleading.
All humanity in Adam is under the curse that Adam received from God…Death. “Thus also”, in Christ, all humanity will be vivified.
All humanity in Adam is under the curse that Adam received from God…Death. “Thus also”, in Christ, all humanity will be vivified.
Vivification is different from resurrection. The dead that are resurrected to face the sentence of the second death, are not yet vivified, but will be
after their sentence is complete. This is God’s final goal, to vivify all that they might know and worship Him out of grateful hearts of love.
after their sentence is complete. This is God’s final goal, to vivify all that they might know and worship Him out of grateful hearts of love.
“I am charging you in the sight of God, Who is vivifying all”..
{1 Tim. 6:13}
Most of us have been so programmed by our various religious backgrounds, to believe that God will eternally punish those that reject His Love in their lifetime. This belief and teaching runs deep throughout Christendom.
Our hearts simply cannot believe that God’s love could go this far to save ALL of His creatures. Or, even if we believe that He wants to save them from their suffering, we think His holiness will not allow Him to do so.
So, we have imagined a hopelessly contraverted, bi-polar god, who
struggles against himself, his ‘love nature’ desiring to do good to his enemies, but prohibited from doing so by his never-forgiving ‘holiness nature’! How we have limited The Omnipotent God of the universe by our superstitious religion! God is Love, and Love never fails!
struggles against himself, his ‘love nature’ desiring to do good to his enemies, but prohibited from doing so by his never-forgiving ‘holiness nature’! How we have limited The Omnipotent God of the universe by our superstitious religion! God is Love, and Love never fails!
“because we hope on the living God, who is Savior of all men --especially of those believing.” {1 Tim. 4:10}
“The first man was out of the earth, soilish; the second Man is the Lord out of heaven.48Such as the soilish one is, such are those also who are soilish, and such as the Celestial One, such are those also who are celestials.”Our Bibles begin with these words: “In the beginning, God created
the heavens and the earth.” The Creator made both realms, and
therefore owns both, and all life that He made to dwell in them.
the heavens and the earth.” The Creator made both realms, and
therefore owns both, and all life that He made to dwell in them.
The eons were created by Him in order that He could put on display for His
creatures, man’s utter depravity, but also, that which counteracts man’s doom, His redemptive Love and Grace. It is His goal that both realms, heaven and earth, be filled with creatures from His creative hand, to respond instantly to His Heart of Love.
creatures, man’s utter depravity, but also, that which counteracts man’s doom, His redemptive Love and Grace. It is His goal that both realms, heaven and earth, be filled with creatures from His creative hand, to respond instantly to His Heart of Love.
The First Man was made from the soil, made in the image of God, and
as such was God’s representative over the Earth. He failed in his commission to have rule and dominion over it in righteousness. Instead, Adam’s progeny brought chaos and destruction to himself and God’s planet.
as such was God’s representative over the Earth. He failed in his commission to have rule and dominion over it in righteousness. Instead, Adam’s progeny brought chaos and destruction to himself and God’s planet.
And so, due to the failure of the First Man, a Second Man was needed to
correct the failure of the First, and save him from his destruction. Christ
is The Second Man, as if there were no other men between the First and Himself. These two men alone bore the unsullied image of The Father. The First Man had lost that image by disobedience.
correct the failure of the First, and save him from his destruction. Christ
is The Second Man, as if there were no other men between the First and Himself. These two men alone bore the unsullied image of The Father. The First Man had lost that image by disobedience.
The Second Man was The Son of The Father, Who came out of the heavens, with the mission to reconcile all that was ruined, back to The
Father. Through the obedience of the Death of The Cross, He accomplished deliverance for all of those The First Man had lost.
Father. Through the obedience of the Death of The Cross, He accomplished deliverance for all of those The First Man had lost.
InHis resurrection to Life, He brought ALL of The First Man’s children with Him. Their Life is in Him, even as it was in Adam. All of The Father’s creation is safely back in His possession forever, because of The Cross of Christ.
“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through
him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or
things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the
cross.” {Col.1:19,20}
him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or
things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the
cross.” {Col.1:19,20}
Between the two section of 1 Cor. 15 dealing with the First and Second Men, we have a glimpse into the final events of the consummation of the
ages, and what the obedience of The Second Man procured.
ages, and what the obedience of The Second Man procured.
“For He must be reigning until He should be placing all His enemies under His feet.26The last enemy is being abolished: death.27 For
He subjects all under His feet. Now whenever He may be saying that all is subject, it is evident that it is outside of Him Who subjects all to Him.”
He subjects all under His feet. Now whenever He may be saying that all is subject, it is evident that it is outside of Him Who subjects all to Him.”
Because Christ overcame the failure of the First Man, He has been exalted to the highest position in the universe, the right hand of The Father. It is from this position of authority and unlimited power, that He brings to a grand finale the Plan and Purpose to which all the eons flowed.
Christ’s righteous reign upon the earth will be enjoyed only by those with eonian life. These are the “pre-believers” in Him, and have been granted the privilege to rule with Him.
Although this is an unprecedented era of the display of God’s Love and
Goodness to those chosen by Him to rejoice in His Presence, there remains the incomplete process of universal reconciliation for Him to implement in all of His creatures.
Goodness to those chosen by Him to rejoice in His Presence, there remains the incomplete process of universal reconciliation for Him to implement in all of His creatures.
“For He subjects all under His feet.”
The idea of this phrase is one of taking possession of what rightfully
belongs to the owner. After receiving the promised land, God instructed Israel to occupy that territory which He had given to their ancestor Abraham 400 years earlier.
belongs to the owner. After receiving the promised land, God instructed Israel to occupy that territory which He had given to their ancestor Abraham 400 years earlier.
“Every place on which the sole of your foot treads shall be yours;
your border will be from the wilderness to Lebanon, and from the river, the river Euphrates,as far as the western sea.” {Deut. 11:24}
your border will be from the wilderness to Lebanon, and from the river, the river Euphrates,as far as the western sea.” {Deut. 11:24}
In the same way, Christ, the Heir of all creation, has yet to possess all that rightfully belongs to Him. By the power of The Father, The Son brought all into existence, all belongs to Him, and He will take possession of ALL His
creation at the consummation of the eons.
creation at the consummation of the eons.
Some may imagine that His final subjection of His creation will be a
ruthless implementation of force, against the will of His creatures. Nothing could be farther removed from the truth.
ruthless implementation of force, against the will of His creatures. Nothing could be farther removed from the truth.
God’s goal has always been to obtain His creatures’ willing submission
to His Headship. Love never forces the beloved to submit, when that
spirit of love is brought to maturity.
to His Headship. Love never forces the beloved to submit, when that
spirit of love is brought to maturity.
As long as the beloved creature has yet to reach that level of mature
understanding to which God is bringing them, He uses a multitude
of disciplines to usher in the desired goal.
understanding to which God is bringing them, He uses a multitude
of disciplines to usher in the desired goal.
A loving parent’s actions may seem unfair, or even unloving to immature, undisciplined children, not realizing that the parent’s actions were always done for their ultimate good, and to preserve and protect them. This is not fully understood until the child reaches a maturity level where all becomes clear.
How much more our Heavenly Parent of Love! He is the universal Father of
all creation, and as such, He has accepted responsibility for the ultimate outcome of each and every creature He has fashioned.
all creation, and as such, He has accepted responsibility for the ultimate outcome of each and every creature He has fashioned.
The creation of the iconic American figures on Mt. Rushmore was
a long, arduous process. To the observer passing by this project each
day, it would have seemed to be the efforts of a destructive,
delusional artist.The constant hammering of the granite cliff, and deliberate explosive charges being set off to displace great sections of the rock face, would appear to have no good purpose at all. How could anything good result from such violence being perpetrated on the mountain?
a long, arduous process. To the observer passing by this project each
day, it would have seemed to be the efforts of a destructive,
delusional artist.The constant hammering of the granite cliff, and deliberate explosive charges being set off to displace great sections of the rock face, would appear to have no good purpose at all. How could anything good result from such violence being perpetrated on the mountain?
But is this not even a poor picture of the mysterious work that God is
using, to transform His ruined creation into a work of profound beauty? When the epochs of time are completed, then, and only then, will appear His masterpiece of Wisdom and unparalleled Love!
using, to transform His ruined creation into a work of profound beauty? When the epochs of time are completed, then, and only then, will appear His masterpiece of Wisdom and unparalleled Love!
All the ravages of sin and death will be removed, and the clouds of His
judgment will part, to reveal the bright sunlight of His Love and tender care for all the sons of His Heart.
judgment will part, to reveal the bright sunlight of His Love and tender care for all the sons of His Heart.
After the second death is over, and has given way to life in Christ, the stubborn Love of The Second Man, The Last Adam, will have overcome all obstacles that have stood between Creator and beloved creation. All His labor will blossom in the instant, reciprocal love of His thankful creatures, transformed by His Grace!
It is then that the triumphant Son abdicates the throne, willingly subjects Himself to The Father, and presents to Him the jewel of His Love, a perfected universe. Then will come to pass the expectant hope of all creation, when God becomes All in all.
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