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December 21, 2008

BANNERS TO DISPLAY
by Cornelius R. Stam

If there is one thing that God would have His people do amid the rising apostasy of our day it is to show their colors. As the enemy comes in like a flood, even Bible-believing Christians are apt to hide a banner which they should unfurl and boldly display. That banner is Christ. How many believers fear to speak up for Him because His name is increasingly despised!

But, as in any war of any size, many and varied flags are carried into battle, this is so in the Christian conflict too, for the Bible, godly living, faithful comrades, etc., are all banners by which we should take our stand, flags we should display.

One such banner is fundamentalism, a slogan, a battle cry, which many believers are putting aside and hiding away just when they should display and wave it boldly. Some, recognizing the spiritual decline among fundamentalists, prefer to be called simply believers or Christians. We can appreciate this point of view but do not feel it is valid in this time of spiritual crisis.

At a time when the fundamentals of the Christian faith are being threatened as never before, we can do much to show that we stand for these basic doctrines, identifying ourselves openly with them by calling ourselves fundamentalists. The rapid pace at which the apostasy is rising about us makes it the more urgent that we display this banner. We believe that there is strong Scriptural support for this view, e.g., in Acts 23:6, where we read that Paul called himself a Pharisee to show that he stood for basic Bible doctrine and against those who denied it.

Bible-believing Christian: show your colors!

[nChrist]

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December 22, 2008

A RANSOM FOR ALL
by Cornelius R. Stam

"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" (I Tim. 2:5,6).

Man, in his present condition is not fit to stand in the presence of a holy God. If we are honest with ourselves we will feel the need of a mediator -- a go-between -- who can represent us in the presence of God. Job felt this when, realizing this need, he cried: "There is no daysman who can lay his hand upon us both" (Job 9:33).

Thank God, a "daysman" or "mediator" has been provided for sinful men -- a go-between, who can act as an intermediary between sinful men and a holy God. This Mediator is Christ, Son of God and Son of man.

What a blessing to know that the Son of God became the Son of man that the sons of men might become the sons of God! Though perfect and sinless, He died upon Calvary's cross, disgraced as a malefactor, so that His payment for sin might be credited to our account and we might stand before God without one sin to our charge.

Though Christ's death for sin was credited to all believers, even of past ages, it was not proclaimed until sometime after the cross, when God in grace saved Saul of Tarsus, the chief of sinners (I Tim. 1:15). This is why the Apostle declares that Christ "gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."

It was when Saul, the chief of sinners, was saved on the road to Damascus, that God began to show to him that Christ had died as "a ransom for all," and God sent him forth to proclaim this glorious message.

This is why Paul's epistles are so filled with references to salvation through the cross, the death, the blood of Christ. And it is on this basis that the Apostle offers to all salvation by grace, through faith in the finished work of Christ, and proclaims to all the simple offer of salvation: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:31).

[nChrist]

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December 23, 2008

IS IT EVER RIGHT TO LIE?
by Russell S. Miller
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"By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace" (Heb. 11:31).

We surely had a good discussion at the Bible study on "Rahab, the harlot". No doubt she was guilty of more sins than "harlotry" as a simple reading of the text of Joshua 2:1-24 would indicate. That she also lied is an obvious conclusion. And "yes", she could simply have said, "If you wish to search the house, please do so", and left the outcome to God. But in her "little" faith she sought to help God out instead, perhaps in fear of her life, as Abraham and Sarah before her had done (Gen.16:1-16). But lest you should judge this new believer too harshly--what might your reaction have been, had you been in her given circumstances (Gal. 6:1)? Remember, please, that our God is not only a God of justice, as at Jericho, but He is also merciful, kind, and gracious. He is more willing to bless us than we are to be blessed.

Is it wrong to lie? Of course it is wrong to lie, under any circumstances.

But like Jacob, that old "supplanter" or "deceiver" (Gen.27:36), this dear soul wanted the blessing of God more than any thing else in her whole life. That God honored her faith, not her lie, is clearly seen in the words of the Apostle Paul:

"BY FAITH THE HARLOT RAHAB PERISHED NOT WITH THEM THAT BELIEVED NOT, WHEN SHE HAD RECEIVED THE SPIES WITH PEACE" (Heb. 11:31).

A question: How is it possible that God's Son, who "cannot lie" (Tit.1:2), our blessed Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, should have come through the line of these renowned sinners, if not to die for sinners on Calvary's cross?

"IN WHOM WE HAVE REDEMPTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD, THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS, ACCORDING TO THE RICHES OF HIS GRACE" (Eph.1:7).

Yes, it cost our blessed Saviour His life's blood to save us from our sins, so terrible is sin in the sight of God--even a little white lie! As God could save Rahab, by grace, so He can save you too, if you will only believe Him.

[nChrist]

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December 24, 2008

SCRIPTURE THAT CHANGED MY LIFE - II Timothy 2:15
by RUSSELL S. MILLER
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"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth" (II Tim. 2:15).

In my "study" of God's Word "rightly divided" the Spirit of God opened my blind eyes, and has given me an entirely different outlook upon the Word of God. Though I had been taught Scripture in grammar school, yet my ignorance of this principle, II Timothy 2:15, was evident.

There have been other Gospels proclaimed by men of other dispensations but God is not establishing their "kingdom" upon this Christ-rejecting earth today, nor is He carrying out the directives of the so-called Great Commission during "the dispensation of the grace of God." See Mark 16:15-18; Matthew 28:20; and compare Romans 11:11,13; I Corinthians 1:17; 12:13; II Corinthians 5:14-21; 12:8,9; Ephesians 4:11-13; I Timothy 5:23; II Timothy 4:20; Romans 11:25; to discover Israel's loss, and our blessings in the Body of Christ.

Then compare that "...which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began" (Acts 3:19-21) with that "...which was KEPT SECRET since the world began" (Rom.16:25,26) to learn the difference between God's program for Israel and the nations; and His heavenly program for the Body of Christ as revealed through the Apostle Paul.

"What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded...unto this day" (Rom.11:7,8 ).

"Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the Scriptures, The Stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? Therefore say I unto you, the kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof" (Matt.21:42,43).

The "kingdom" was taken from the nation because of Israel's unbelief, and given to the "Little Flock" of Messiah's followers.

"Fear not, Little Flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom" (Luke 12:32).

Nevertheless, in the raising up of the Apostle Paul, the kingdom was postponed and the nation was set aside because of Israel's unbelief:

"I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their [stumbling] salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy" (Rom.11:11).

"For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the Apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office" (Rom.11:13).

Today, because Israel has been set aside in unbelief, the Lord Jesus Christ is quietly working behind the scenes to form of Jew and Gentile "the one new man" of Ephesians 2:15, and of the "twain," to form "the Church, which is His Body" (Eph.1:22,23). God has had other churches in other dispensations but not until Paul did He begin "the Body of Christ."

These are Scriptures that have changed my thinking, and they will change your life, and thinking also, if you will simply test things that differ. Search the Scriptures to see if these things are so. You will also be praising the Lord for the principle of "Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth."

[nChrist]

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December 25, 2008

MERCY TO ALL
by Cornelius R. Stam
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Years ago, during Mussolini's invasion of Ethiopia, I asked a class of boys: "Who is the most respected, most honored, most loved man of all history?" Immediately hands shot up, as one said this and another that. One boy said Mussolini was the most beloved and honored, but the others laughed at that idea. Finally, one sincere-looking lad said: "Jesus." But he was as far off as the one who had suggested Mussolini.

We wish that our Lord were as greatly honored, respected and loved as He should be, but He is not. Rather He is widely rejected and blasphemed, while many are hypocritical in pretending to worship Him.

Without question the most honored, most respected, most loved man of all history is Abraham, proudly owned as "father" by millions of Jews, millions of Mohammedans and millions of professing Christians. Clearly this is why God used this man to demonstrate to all mankind how we may be declared righteous before a just and holy God. Note what Romans 4:2,3 says about this:

"For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to boast; but not before God.
"For what saith the Scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness."

Thus God uses the most beloved, respected man of history to demonstrate the fact that salvation is received by faith alone. And thus the Apostle concludes:

"But to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness" (Rom. 4:5).

In every age men have been saved by doing what God commanded them to do then. Now He tells us to do nothing, but simply to trust in Christ, who died for our sins. This is God's plan of salvation.

[nChrist]

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December 26, 2008

WHAT WAS ACCOMPLISHED AT CALVARY?
by Cornelius R. Stam
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If the Bible makes anything clear, it is the fact that the secret of all God's good news to men is centered in Calvary. It was because Christ was to die for sin that God could proclaim good news to sinners down through the ages.

It was not until some time after the crucifixion, however, that "the preaching of the cross" was widely proclaimed as a message by Paul in "the gospel [good news] of the grace of God" (ICor.1:18; Acts 20:24).

The proclamation of "the gospel of the grace of God" was the natural accompaniment to the revelation of the cross as the secret of God's good news to man. In this proclamation of His over-abounding grace to sinners, everything centers in the cross.

According to Paul's epistles "we have redemption through His [Christ's] blood" (Eph.1:7), we are "justified by His blood" (Rom.5:9), "reconciled to God by the death of His Son" (Rom.5:10), "made nigh by the blood of Christ" (Eph.2:13), and "made the righteousness of God in Him" because "God hath made Him to be sin for us" (IICor.5:21).

The "covenant" of the Law was abolished by the cross (Col.2:14), the curse of the Law was removed by the cross (Gal.3:13), the "middle wall of partition" was broken down by the cross (Eph.2:14,15), and believers in Christ are "reconciled to God in one body by the cross" (Eph. 2:16). Little wonder Paul calls this message "the preaching of the cross"!

To the believers it is thrilling indeed, and how thankful we should be, to see the cross as God's reply to Satan when, at first glance, it had appeared that the cross was Satan's greatest triumph.

[nChrist]

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December 27, 2008

Applause
by Paul M. Sadler, President
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Scripture Reading:
"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him."
-- Colossians 3:17

There seems to be a growing trend in Christendom for congregations to physically applaud those who are ministering in the things of the Lord. Pastors are applauded when they wax eloquent or say something humorous. Also, after soloists lift the hearts of the saints into the heavenlies they are often met with a round of applause as they step down from the platform. Having pastored a number of local assemblies, I've risen from my chair, on more than one occasion to interrupt the hand clapping of the saints. While I am sure their applause was well- intentioned, it is nonetheless very irreverent and disrespectful to the Lord.

When the world gives a standing ovation after a performance of an actor or comedian they are expressing their appreciation for having been acceptably entertained. They are also praising the performer for his excellence in an art which has been cultivated through years of hard work.

When the servant of the Lord comes to the platform, to minister on our behalf, the purpose of his labor of love is not to entertain the congregation. It is to be viewed rather as a ministry, which is an integral part of our worship of the Holy One of Heaven. Anyone who serves the Lord, sincerely, would never want the applause of men, but would insist that all the honor and glory be given to God. May all our adoration go to the One Who is worthy to be worshipped, for He has given us his Word and the opportunity along with the gifts to minister on His behalf. Amen!

CHRYSOSTOM ON APPLAUSE
345-407 A.D.

"... some clapped their hands in applause, according to the custom of the times. Then Chrysostom raised his voice: 'How does your applause help me?' It will be the right approval if you practice in life what I say to you. The church is no theater, where men listen for their own pleasure." (From the Life of Chrysostom, by Frederic Perthes, P. 18 ).

[nChrist]

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December 28, 2008

GRACE REIGNS THROUGH RIGHTEOUSNESS
by Russell S. Miller
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In addition to those other passages in Paul's epistles, where "Grace", "Faith", and "Righteousness" are found, The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews contains the following references to "Grace and Faith" as well as "Grace and Peace":

"The throne of grace..." (Heb.4:16), so grace reigns.

"The King of righteousness..." (Heb.7:2).

But you argue Christ is the Head of the Church, not King. However the reference is to the mysterious Melchisedec priesthood. Yet I Timothy 1:17 states that our Lord is "the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God...". While I Timothy 6:15 calls our Lord, "...the blessed and only Potentate...". Nevertheless, "grace reigns through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom.5:21).

"Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption for us" (Heb.9:12).

"Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God" (Rom.3:25).

"...The spirit of grace..." (Heb.10:29), in conjunction with "the Word of grace" (Acts 20:32), teaches us to "walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God" (Col.1:10).

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Heb.11:1).

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Rom.10:17).

"...The God of peace..." (Heb.13:20).

It is so comforting to know that our God is dispensing "grace" and "peace" today. This blessed theme is prevalent in all of Paul's epistles, the theme that he and Timothy "preached every where in every church" (ICor.4:17).

"Grace be with you all..." (Heb.13:25).

"Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ" (Gal.1:3).

Indeed, while many find it difficult to believe the Epistles of Saint Paul, may you find comfort in knowing the wonderful and marvelous truth that "Grace and Peace" reign through His "Righteousness" today.

[nChrist]

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December 29, 2008

THE PURPOSE OF THE LAW
by Cornelius R. Stam
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How little most people know about the Law, the Ten Commandments!

First, most people have a hazy idea that the Law was given to Adam; that it existed as long as the history of man. This, of course, is wrong, for in John 1:17 we read: "The law was given by Moses." Moses lived some 2,500 years after Adam, about 1,500 years before Christ. So for about 2,500 years mankind lived without the Ten Commandments.

Second, most people suppose that the Law was given to mankind in general, while the fact is that it was given to Israel alone. It was a covenant made between God and Israel. Before giving it God said: "Now therefore, if ye will obey My voice indeed, and keep My covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me above all people" (Ex. 19:5). This is not to say that the Law does not affect all men, for, as the divine standard of righteousness it affects us all.

Third, most people think that the Law was given to help us to be good. Even some clergymen teach this, though the Bible itself states again and again that the Law was given to show us that we are guilty sinners and need a Savior. Note the following Scripture passages.

Rom. 3:19: "Now we know that what things soever the law sath, it saith to them that are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may be brought in guilty before God."

Rom. 3:20: "By the law is the knowledge of sin."

Gal. 3:19: "Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions...."

Thus the Law can only condemn the sinner. But thank God, "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree" (Gal. 3:13).

[nChrist]

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December 30, 2008

THE BLESSINGS OF CRISIS
by Cornelius R. Stam
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The Apostle Paul, who had been through one desperate crisis after another, wrote as follows:

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8:28 ).

How many people have found life going along smoothly for years when, all of a sudden, they have found themselves in the middle of some serious crisis!

Perhaps the sudden death of a loved one changed life completely and presented serious problems wholly unanticipated. Perhaps it was the sudden loss of wealth, so that life had to be completely readjusted. There are hundreds of unexpected incidents that can suddenly bring one face to face with stark and stern realities completely unforeseen.

For believers in the Lord Jesus Christ such crises can prove great spiritual blessings. They tend to draw us closer to our heavenly Father, to cause us to pray more and to lean harder upon Him. They show us the insecurity of all that is temporal and give us a greater appreciation of our eternal security in Christ. They give deeper meaning to the Scriptures we study and even to the hymns we sing. They sanctify and enrich our fellowships.

To those -- and only those -- who truly love God and are "the called according to His purpose," all things do indeed "work together for good" -- caused by God, of course, to "work together for good."

This is why God's Word to the Christian is:

"Be careful [care full] for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:6,7).

[nChrist]

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December 31, 2008

TRUE RICHES
by Cornelius R. Stam
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Some years ago there came to this country a very poor young man. He found a job in the timber lands of Wisconsin. Being industrious he gradually accumulated some timber acreage of his own. Soon he began to prosper, and after a few years he invested in a lumber milling industry. Before long he owned more than one mill, and this led him to expand into northern Wisconsin and Minnesota. In a few years he was known as a rich man, investing in timber acreage in the far northwest and eventually owning valuable land by the thousands of acres, the very finest timber in the country. At the time of his death neither he nor his relatives nor friends knew what he was worth financially, he had become so wealthy.

When the time came for him to die, however, he could not take one cent of his riches with him, for as I Timothy 6:7 says: "We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we carry nothing out".

It seems difficult for most men to learn that "a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth" (Luke 12:15). They close their ears to the words of wisdom spoken by the Lord: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal" (Matt. 6:19,20).

The truest, most lasting riches of all are referred to in II Corinthians 8:9, where the Apostle Paul says: "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".

And these riches may be had by faith -- by accepting them as a gift, for "the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom.6:23).

[nChrist]

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January 1, 2009

FAMILY SURVIVAL IN A NUCLEAR AGE
by Cornelius R. Stam
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There has been a great deal of discussion of late as to whether property owners should build fall-out shelters for their own families. Some have advocated building such shelters and providing them with all the necessities for survival, including even weapons to keep others from intruding or overcrowding the quarters! Others object to this, however, as a savage viewpoint, and feel it would hardly be worth survival to have to turn a deaf ear to the cries of neighbors or friends who might need shelter too.

Soviet Russia, however, is not the only threat to family survival. There are other forces at work, just as deadly but generally ignored. When this writer was a boy, dad read the Bible and we prayed and gave thanks to God at every meal. One result of this has been that today not one member of our large family shares the fears of the world as to the atomic bomb.

America as a whole is not so well off. She is departing from God and the Bible. As a result, a constantly increasing number of its families are being broken up through juvenile delinquency, alcoholism, dope, divorce, etc., and with these a chilling fear of the future.

St. Paul said to the Philippian jailor: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved, and thy house" (Acts 16:31). This, of course, does not mean that if a man trusts Christ as his Savior, the rest of the family will be automatically saved. The sense is rather: "Believe in Christ and you will be saved, and this goes for your household too -- if they believe they will be saved" (Acts 16:31). As Rom. 14:12 says: "Every one of us shall give account of himself to God," but it is a wonderful fact that nothing is so apt to keep a family together as mutual faith in Christ and a mutual love for the Bible. Let's be more concerned about this type of family survival. Let's make God our "fall-out shelter."

[nChrist]

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January 2, 2009

THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE PENTECOSTAL BELIEVERS
by Cornelius R. Stam


The prophesied work of the Holy Spirit in connection with His people Israel should be clearly understood if we would understand His work today in connection with the members of the Body of Christ. In Joel 2:28,29 God promised to supernaturally cause them to prophesy, etc., but in Ezek. 36:26,27, He also promised to supernaturally cause them to do His will:

"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. AND I WILL PUT MY SPIRIT WITHIN YOU, AND CAUSE YOU TO WALK IN MY STATUTES, AND YE SHALL KEEP MY JUDGMENTS, AND DO THEM."

Thus God would show that the only way in which even His own people can perfectly obey Him is when He takes possession of them and causes them to do His will. Indeed, He is still demonstrating this. Though we today have all the advantages and blessings of the dispensation of grace, and though we desire most earnestly to obey and serve God as we ought, we still continually fall short.

This is because, contrary to popular opinion, none of us has been baptized with the Spirit (See Acts 1:5 and cf. I Cor. 12:13). We must be careful to notice the immediate change that took place in the behavior of the Pentecostal believers, now that the Holy Spirit had come to take possession of them. Not only did they speak with tongues and prophesy and work miracles, but they all began living for one another.

"And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul; neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common" (Acts 4:32).

We have not observed this way of life among those who call themselves Pentecostalists today.

[nChrist]

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January 3, 2009

"DEAD FAITH"
by Cornelius R. Stam


Nothing in the Bible is stated more clearly or with greater emphasis than the blessed Pauline revelation of justification by grace, through faith, without works.

Romans 4:5: "To him that worketh not, but believeth...his faith is counted for righteousness". Ephesians 2:8,9: "For by grace are ye saved, through faith...it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast". Titus 3:5: "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us".

Yet James states, just as clearly that "faith, if it hath not works is dead, being alone" (Jas.2:17). He challenges professing believers: "Show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith BY my works" (Ver.18 ), and declares that "by works a man is justified and not by faith only" (Ver.24), since "faith without works is dead".

Some have imagined a contradiction here, while actually there is none. There is a dispensational distinction, for to Paul had been committed "the dispensation of the grace of God" (Eph.3:1,2). His was "the preaching of the cross" (ICor.1:18 ), offering salvation by grace, through faith alone, to all who would trust Christ as Saviour.

James, on the other hand, was an apostle of the kingdom, proclaiming the kingdom rights of Christ and offering a changed way of life on earth which had already been experienced by the disciples in Judaea (Acts 2:44-47; 4:32-35).

Hence with James the emphasis is on works, not because good works can save or even help to save, but because true faith inevitably bears fruit and we can judge true faith only by the fruit it bears. Our Lord said: "By their fruits ye shall know them". Hence James' epistle abounds with such phraseology as, "ye see", "show me", "I will show you", etc.

What we must be careful to remember is that according to both Paul and James, faith comes first, then good works. Faith is the root, good works the fruit. The absence of fruit indicates that the root is dead, that while there may be an intellectual assent, there is no true heart faith, and "without faith it is impossible to please God" (Heb.11:6).

The source of justification is grace; the basis, Calvary; the means, faith; and the evidence, works. Think this through; accept God's grace and trust the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord. He will cause you to produce good fruit.

[nChrist]

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From The Berean Bible Society

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January 4, 2009

THREE BRUTAL MURDERS
by Cornelius R. Stam


Every student of the Word should know the three brutal murders around which all history revolves. These three murders represent Israel's response to God's three-fold call to repentance. They explain the unpardonable sin and form the background for the present dispensation of grace.

It was John the Baptist, the last of the Old Testament prophets, who was sent as the forerunner of Christ to call Israel to repentance. He was beheaded by Herod, the wicked and licentious "king of the Jews". After John, Christ Himself took up the cry: "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand". Him they crucified. Then, at Pentecost, Israel was given a third opportunity to repent, until they shed blood again, stoning Stephen to death.

It should be noticed, too, that their guilt, as well as their bitter enmity, increased with the second and third murders! Had Israel, responded to John's call to repentance Herod would never have dared to even put John in jail. This explains why our Lord did nothing to release him from prison, even though this had offended John. It was not His, but theirs to do something about John's unjust imprisonment and every moment he spent in prison testified against them. Read carefully Luke 3:18-20; 7:19-29; and Matthew 14:1-11. As to the beheading of John the Baptist, they permitted it. As to the crucifixion of Christ, they demanded it (Luke23:23,24). As to the stoning of Stephen, they committed it, casting him out of the city with their own hands and stoning him there.

And so that generation in Israel committed the unpardonable sin which our Lord warned would not be forgiven, either in that age, or in the age to come. Thus we close this article by quoting those precious passages from Paul's epistles which clearly DENY the possibility of any "unpardonable sin" during the present "dispensation of the grace of God":

"We have redemption through His blood, THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS, according to the riches of His grace" (Eph.1:7).

"Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. BUT WHERE SIN ABOUNDED, GRACE DID MUCH MORE ABOUND: that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom.5:20,21).