JESUS IS OUR SAVIOR
Most people are not aware that Jesus is the Savior of all mankind—
both good and evil. "For therefore we both labour and suffer
reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of
all men, especially of those that believe." (1 Tim. 4:10) All mankind
will receive an immortal, physical body when resurrected. The
faithful and obedient "believers" will receive an immortal physical
body in the first resurrection and inherit the earth in eternal life.
The rest will have to spend another thousand years with the spirits
in prison (hell). "But the rest of the dead lived not again until the
thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on
such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God
and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years." (Rev.
20:5, 6)
We need to understand our existence in eternity. Our
real self is a spirit; even as God is a spirit and Jesus is a
spirit. Jesus was the first spirit of this creation and the only
spirit begotten of the Father—the bright and morning star. "In this
was manifested the love of GOD toward us, because that GOD sent his
only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him." (1
John 4:9) Jesus was the beginning of this creation.
"In the beginning was the Word [Jesus], and the Word was with GOD,
and the Word was God [of this creation]. The same was in the
beginning with GOD. All things were made by him; and without him was
not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was
the light of men." (John 1:1-4) Our spirits were created long before
Adam walked on the earth. "And God said, Let us [GOD and Jesus] make
man in our image, after our likeness... So God [Jesus] created man in
his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female
created he them." (Gen. 1:26, 27) This was the spiritual
creation, "1 ...in the day that the LORD God [Jesus] made the earth
and the heavens, 5 And every plant of the field before it was in the
earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God
had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to
till the ground." (Gen. 2)
The physical creation of Adam and Eve is recorded in the second
chapter of Genesis. Like Adam and Eve, each of us at birth are united
with a physical body and become a
living soul. "And the LORD God [1] formed man of the dust of the
ground, and [2] breathed into his nostrils the breath of life [his
spirit]; and man became a living soul." (Gen. 2:7)
At death the spirit leaves the mortal body and returns to Jesus for
judgment. "Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and
the spirit shall return unto God who gave it." (Ecc. 12:7) The
righteous "believers" are saved in the bosom of Abraham with all the
saints of God. The rest are taken to the spirits in prison (hell).
We are given an example of conditions after death with the story of
Lazarus and the rich man. "23 And in hell he [the rich man] lift up
his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus
in his bosom... 26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a
great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you
cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence."
(Luke 16) The rich man was in "torments" because he realized that he
had squandered his life on worldly delights and was not spiritually
prepared for mortal death. Those who live with the spirits in prison
have no association with either the saints of God or those in mortal
life. This is the heaven and hell most religions acknowledge. These
are the two places spirits live between death and the
resurrection. "The fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and
murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all
liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and
brimstone." (Rev. 21:8)
After death of the mortal body, Jesus opened a dispensation of the
gospel to the spirits in prison (hell). "By which also he went and
preached unto the spirits in prison." (1 Pet. 3:19) Why? "For for
this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that
they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live
according to God in the spirit." (1 Pet. 4:6) When the law on baptism
is obeyed, they transcend to the bosom of Abraham. "Else what shall
they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at
all? why are they then baptized for the dead?" (1 Cor. 15:29)
Righteous "believers" receive their immortal physical bodies in the
first resurrection at the beginning of the Millennium. At the end of
the Millennium and the short season, comes the end of mortal man and
the second resurrection. "And they went up on the breadth of the
earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved
city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them."
(Rev. 20:9)
Unbelievers come forth in the second resurrection. They cannot share
in the grace that brings forgiveness of sins and the grace that
confirms men into the kingdom of God. They can only be judged
according to works in the flesh. After the final resurrection, man
enters eternity again and there is no more death. "12 And I saw the
dead [unbelievers from the spirits in prison], small and great, stand
before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened,
which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those
things which were written in the books, according to their
works. ...14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire."
(Rev. 20) "For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this
mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have
put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality,
then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is
swallowed up in victory." (1 Cor. 15:53, 54) Satan is then cast off
with his followers as spirits never to associate with the rest of
mankind again.
Jesus told us, "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were
not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you."
(John 14:2) "There are also celestial bodies, and bodies
terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of
the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and
another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one
star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the
resurrection of the dead." (1 Cor. 15:40-42)
The "believers" inherit the new earth in its celestial glory. "And I
saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first
earth were passed away; and there was no more sea [evil]." (Rev.
21:1) "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have
right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into
the city." (Rev. 22:14)
There are obviously great differences between the salvation of those
that "believe" and the salvation of those that do not believe. We
have seen those that "believe" are taken to the bosom of Abraham
after death and the unbelievers are taken to hell to await their
resurrection. Those that "believe" and live by the commandments of
God receive their physical, immortal bodies in the first
resurrection. The rest remain in hell to come forth after the
Millennium in the second resurrection. Believers inherit the earth
in its celestial glory with GOD and Jesus in a paradise that we can
only imagine. Those who were honorable men of the earth and accepted
the gospel in the spirit will inherit the lesser terrestrial glory
like the moon. The rest begin eternity in one of the multitudes of
kingdoms in the telestial glory that is compared in glory to the
stars.
This mortal life is like a snap of the fingers compared to eternity.
If we seek the best condition after death, we must follow the path of
those who "believe" We are all born alien to the kingdom of God—even
Jesus. Those who "believe" obey the gospel of Christ. "I am not
ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto
salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to
the Greek." (Rom. 1:16) Jesus compared the gospel to a gate. "Enter
ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way,
that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto
life, and few there be that find it." (Matt. 7:13, 14)
Every kingdom/counry has laws that must be obeyed and officers to
administer those laws. "For our gospel came not unto you in word
only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much
assurance." (1 Thess. 1:5) What is the word of the gospel? It
begins with a correct understanding of GOD and Jesus and an
overwhelming desire to live according to the will of God.
The first principle of the gospel is faith. "Without faith it is
impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that
he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
(Heb. 11:6) Gospel faith is the most powerful force in the
universe. "And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to
tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of
David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith
subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped
the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge
of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in
fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens." (Heb. 11:32-34)
Sin can only be forgiven if we are truly penitent. "From that time
Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven
is at hand." (Matt. 4:17) The gospel went first to the Jews, "and
then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do
works meet for repentance." (Acts 26:20)
We are cleansed of sin through the regeneration— being born again
through the waters of baptism. "Buried with him in baptism, wherein
also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God,
who hath raised him from the dead." (Col. 2:12) "Jesus answered,
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of
the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3:5)
"38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of
you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye
shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto
you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many
as the Lord our God shall call." (Acts 2)
Being pure in heart and confirmed into the kingdom, each must share
in the sacrifice made by Jesus through the Eucharist. "53 Then Jesus
said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the
flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life;
and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6)
The power of the gospel is the Melchisedec Priesthood. Not even
Jesus was permitted to preach the gospel without first being properly
called and ordained. Jesus was ordained an Apostle, Prophet, and
Lawgiver like Moses (Acts 3:22) under the hands of the Father.
Holding this highest office He also held the lower office of High
Priest. "4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that
is called of God, as was Aaron. 5 So also Christ glorified not
himself to be made an high priest; but he [the Father] that said unto
him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. 10 Called of God
an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. " (Heb. 5; Luke 4:18)
Jesus went to John the Baptist to be born of water because John was a
Priest of the Levitical Priesthood and held divine authority to
baptize with water; but, John could not baptize with the Spirit. "I
indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh
after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he
shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire." (Matt. 3:11)
What was different about the priesthood that Jesus received? He was
called and ordained to the Melchisedec Priesthood and therefore held
divine authority to baptize with the Spirit. Without the Melchisedec
Priesthood, none can enter the kingdom of God.
Jesus organized the kingdom with all of the officers of the
Melchisedec Priesthood. "And he gave some, apostles; and some,
prophets; and some, evangelists [High Priests]; and some, pastors
[Elders] and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work
of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all
come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of
God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the
fulness of Christ." (Eph. 4:11-13)
This calling and ordination is essential to anyone being legally
confirmed into the kingdom. "And I will give unto thee the keys of
the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall
be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be
loosed in heaven." (Matt. 16:19) "Beginning from the baptism of
John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be
ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. " (Acts
1:22) "And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and
had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom
they believed." (Acts 14:23) "Neglect not the gift that is in thee,
which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of
the presbytery." (1 Tim. 4:14)
Believers are those that have faith in God, Jesus, and the
priesthood. They must repent and seek to do the will of God. They
must be born of water and the Spirit—including receiving a gift of
the Holy Ghost—by one holding the Melchisedec Priesthood. Each
initiate must then share in the sacrifice made by Jesus through the
bread and wine of the Eucharist.
The Melchisedec Priesthood was lost by the time the final form of the
beast (Papal Rome) was organized in 570 AD. Satan was given complete
dominion over the souls of man for 1260 years. "And there was given
unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was
given unto him to continue forty and two months. And it was given
unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power
was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations." (Rev.
13:5, 7; 12:6, 14)
Exactly 1260 years later Joseph Smith claimed to organize the Church
of Christ and claimed a restoration of the Melchisedec Priesthood
through angelic ordination [the same as Moses and Jesus]. "And I saw
another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting
gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every
nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people." (Rev. 14:6)
A remnant of the Melchisedec Priesthood remains today. Joseph Smith
was martyred on June 17, 1844; but, James J. Strang (400 miles away)
claimed the same hour to have been ordained under the hands of angels
to the same priesthood. He ordained L. D. Hickey one of the twelve,
who ordained Samuel Martin a High Priest, who ordained Lloyd Flanders
a High Priest, who ordained Samuel E. West an Elder, who has ordained
other Elders.
The gate into the kingdom of God is open to you. You could be a
Biblical believer, a saint in the kingdom, be taken after the mortal
body dies to the bosom of Abraham, be given an immortal physical body
during the first resurrection, live with Jesus on the earth during
the Millennium, and enter eternity on the earth in the celestial
glory.
For more information contact Samuel E. West at Samuel270@aol. com, or
Keep reading what else I've posted to this blog.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
I Believe: by Samuel West
I BELIEVE
There is a treasure to be found that is worth more than all the gold
in the world. It is a treasure worth our spending more time pursuing
than any other effort in life. But, it is a not a treasure that
originates with man. It is a gift from God. Before Adam walked in
the Garden of Eden, we all lived as spirits. "And no man hath
ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the
Son of man which is in heaven." (John 3:13) "Before I formed thee in
the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I
sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations."
(Jer. 1:5)
There was a great rebellion during that time. Satan rebelled against
God, a third of all the spirits (stars) followed him, and all were
cast down never to have a physical body (Rev. 12:4). Evidently, only
a few remained loyal to God and Jesus. These were chosen by God to
hear the gospel during mortal life, enter the kingdom of God, and
inherit the earth when the seven thousand years allotted to mortal
man is over. "4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the
foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame
before him in love: 5 Having predestinated [for-ordained] us unto the
adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the
good pleasure of his will." (Eph. 1)
Jesus told us that only a few will enter the gate and become members
of His kingdom and enjoy the opportunity to inherit eternal life
while in mortal life. "13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide
is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and
many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and
narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that
find it." (Matt. 7)
It is most likely every Christian feels that he is saved--no matter
what may be his beliefs. Something must be wrong in this vast crowd;
as Jesus said, "few there be that find it." The Bible,
ecclesiastical historians, and church leaders tell us of a falling
away of the Christians from the pure gospel of Christ. "Let no man
deceive you by any means: for that day [return of Jesus] shall not
come, except there come a falling away first. For the mystery of
iniquity doth already work." (2 Thess. 2:3, 7)
"11 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a
famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water,
but of hearing the words of the LORD: 12 And they shall wander from
sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to
and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it." (Amos
8) "O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of
affliction [shortly before the return of Jesus], the Gentiles shall
come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our
fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no
profit." (Jer. 16:19)
The first big lies in Christian beliefs, by which Satan was able to
rob them of their hopes in eternity, came when the unbaptized, pagan
Roman Emperor organized his Catholic Church. Being the supreme ruler
was not enough for Constantine. He also wanted to stand as God and
head of all religion. He became the absolute head of the Christian
church and all dissenters were disposed of. "Immediately upon coming
to power as the sole ruler of the empire, but only then, Constantine
asserted the right to exercise absolute authority over the entire
Church. He did this despite the fact that he was not baptized."
(James Carroll, Constantine' s Sword, p. 188) "In this way, the choice
(`heresy') to be religiously different became defined as treason."
(Ibid., p. 189)
Constantine remained loyal to the sun god. In 325 AD he called the
first Christian council, stood at its head, and adopted into
Christianity all of the pagan doctrines to which he was loyal. The
true and living God of Israel became the polytheistic, Trinitarian
god of paganism. "Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed
of David according to the flesh" (Rom. 1), became a pagan demigod
born of a virgin fathered by Himself. The Christian Sabbath became
the "venerable day of the sun." Christianity became "Mystery,
Babylon the Great." Jesus will return very soon, "In flaming fire
taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the
gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ."(2 Thess. 1:8) "Therefore hath the
curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate:
therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left."
(Isa. 24:6) There is a terrible desolation promised on this
generation. The only escape is to be counted among the elect of God.
There must be great danger among the various Christian churches and
creeds. It makes a great deal of difference what we believe. "Study
to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Tim. 2:15) "Prove
all things; hold fast that which is good." (1 Thess. 5:21) "To the
law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word,
it is because there is no light in them." (Isa. 8:20)
In the early sixteenth century Martin Luther rebelled against the
Catholic Church and was cut-off. The Catholic Church claimed their
authority to minister in the gospel was through Peter, whom they
claimed was the first Pope and that there has been an unbroken chain
of Popes. History defies this claim. The first Bishop to claim
authority over the church was in 570 AD; and even prostitutes sat in
the Papal chair. Luther could make no claim to divine authority.
His response was to change the gospel. "But though we, or an angel
from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have
preached unto you, let him be accursed." (Gal. 1:8)
Luther was first to succcessfully preach than men can be saved by
faith alone. This new gospel has become sanctioned by many. Let us
follow the advise of the Bible and prove this new gospel whether it
be true or false. When questioned about this doctrine, many offer
the following verse: "8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and
that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest
any man should boast." (Eph. 2) This would seem to settle the matter;
but, we have to identify who the "ye" are. "Paul, an apostle of
Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus,
and to the faithful in Christ Jesus." (Eph. 1:1)
This was not addressed to every person in all ages of the world. It
was specifically "to the saints." The question must then be
answered, who are the saints? We find the Bible uses a number of
names to identify those who are members of the kingdom of God. They
are also called believers, disciples, and sons of God.
If there is one other thing other than faith required to enter the
kingdom of God, the new gospel of Luther is a fraud. Millions are
loyal followers of the Catholic Church. Yet, there can be no doubt
that it is known in the Bible as "Mystery, Babylon the Great."
The Apostle John said, "He that saith he abideth in him ought himself
also so to walk, even as he walked." (1 John 2:6) It is easy to talk
the talk [to believe]; but, it is necessary for eternal life to also
walk the walk. "19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest
well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O
vain man, that faith without works is dead?" (James 2)
How did people come to be called saints? What was the first work
Jesus performed before He began preaching the gospel? He went to
John the Baptist to be born of water. As Jesus explained, "Verily,
verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the
Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3:5) This
clearly identifies two ordinances of the gospel that must be obeyed
to become a saint who can be saved by grace. These ordinances are
taught throughout the New Testament. There can be no doubt as to the
manner of their administration. The very term baptism means to
immerse. "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death:
that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the
Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Rom. 6:4)
Prior to being born of water a person must repent and fervently
desire to live by the will and law of God. "20 But shewed first unto
them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of
Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to
God, and do works meet for repentance." (Acts 26)
Born of Spirit involves several blessings. First, it confirms the
initiate into the kingdom of God. How is a person born of the
Spirit? "17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received
the Holy Ghost. 18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the
apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money."
(Acts 8)
Second, it bestows a gift of the Holy Ghost (see 1 Cor. 12 and Heb.
11). If these gifts do not exist in your church, there must not be
any saints of God. The gospel does not change.
Third, if the person lives faithful and obedient, the Spirit will
remain and serve to inspire with faith, intelligence, and
understanding. "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he
will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but
whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you
things to come." (John 16:13) "17 And these signs shall follow them
that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak
with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink
any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the
sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 16) "14 Is any sick among you?
let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over
him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the
prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up;
and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him." (James
5) Are these things common in your church? If not, you have
discovered a great warning.
Each member of the kingdom must then share in the one great sacrifice
made for them. "53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say
unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his
blood, ye have no life in you. 54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh
my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last
day." (John 6)
This new gospel of Luther—that a person can be saved by faith alone—
is false according to the Bible. Jesus taught, "he that endureth to
the end shall be saved." (Matt. 10:22) Before a person can enter the
kingdom of God, it is necessary to repent and turn to the will of
God, to be born of water and the Spirit, and to partake of the holy
sacrament. "5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but
according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration
[baptism of water], and renewing of the Holy Ghost [baptism of the
Spirit]; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs
according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3)
Surely, if any have been saved, it was the great gentile Apostle
Paul. Yet, he wrote "11 If by any means I might attain unto the
resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained,
either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may
apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing
I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth
unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for
the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 3)
There is another problem with this new gospel. The kingdom of God
always had officers called of God to preach and administer the
gospel. "For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in
power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what
manner of men we were among you for your sake." (1 Thess. 5:5)
What is this power of the gospel? It is a divine calling through the
spirit of prophecy and an ordination by one holding that power.
Jesus went to John the Baptist because John was a Priest of the
Levitical Priesthood and held divine authority to baptize with
water. "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that
cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to
bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire."
(Matt. 3:11)
How was Jesus mightier than John? Jesus was ordained by the Father
as an Apostle and Prophet; and thereby held all of the offices of the
Melchisedec Priesthood, including the honorable office of High
Priest. "22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall
the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me;
him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. 23
And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that
prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people." (Acts 3)
The office of Prophet is the highest office of the Melchisedec
Priesthood. It was lost about 400 years before Jesus with the last
Prophet, Malachi. It was restored with Jesus.
Not even Jesus could not take the honor of the priesthood upon
Himself. Jesus was called and ordained by the Father. The law of God
provides that "no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is
called of God, as was Aaron. So also Christ glorified not himself to
be made an high priest; but he [the Father] that said unto him, Thou
art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. ...Called of God an high
priest after the order of Melchisedec. " (Heb. 5:4, 5, 10)
Divine authority is obtained only through the spirit of prophecy and
bestowed only through one holding that priesthood by the laying on of
hands. Aaron was called through a revelation given to Moses and
ordained by Moses who held the higher Melchisedec Priesthood. The
Apostle Paul advised his son, "Neglect not the gift that is in thee,
which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of
the presbytery." (1 Tim. 4:14) "...for the testimony of Jesus is the
spirit of prophecy." (Rev. 19:10)
Jesus organized the kingdom with all of the officers of the
Melchisedec Priesthood. "11 And he gave some, apostles; and some,
prophets; and some, evangelists [High Priests]; and some, pastors
[Elders] and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the
work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till
we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the
Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of
the fulness of Christ." (Eph. 4)
It is evident that without holding one of these offices that men were
not authorized by God to preach the gospel and administer the saving
ordinances of the gospel. One of these officers must be on the earth
to have the kingdom and for others to enter the kingdom. Even
knowledge of the Melchisedec Priesthood has been lost to most.
Joseph Smith and James J. Strang both claimed to hold the Prophetic
Office by an ordination under the hands of angels. Although both
were martyred, a remnant of that priesthood remains through an
unbroken chain of proper callings and ordinations.
If it is your greatest desire to live by the will of God and be a
saint in His kingdom, the straight gate into the kingdom is open to
you. Faith alone will not get you there. Only the administration of
the Melchisedec Priesthood is given that power. "And I will give
unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou
shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou
shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (Matt. 16:19) Repent
and be baptized in the name (authority) of Jesus Christ for the
remission of sins; and you will be born again through the waters of
regeneration and the Holy Spirit, receive a gift of the Holy Ghost,
enjoy all the blessings promised to the faithful saints of God, and
be gathered to Zion before the terrible desolation promised very soon
upon this generation.
More information is available from Samuel E. West, Elder in latter
day Zion, Samuel270@aol. com or at www.mormonbeliefs.com .
There is a treasure to be found that is worth more than all the gold
in the world. It is a treasure worth our spending more time pursuing
than any other effort in life. But, it is a not a treasure that
originates with man. It is a gift from God. Before Adam walked in
the Garden of Eden, we all lived as spirits. "And no man hath
ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the
Son of man which is in heaven." (John 3:13) "Before I formed thee in
the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I
sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations."
(Jer. 1:5)
There was a great rebellion during that time. Satan rebelled against
God, a third of all the spirits (stars) followed him, and all were
cast down never to have a physical body (Rev. 12:4). Evidently, only
a few remained loyal to God and Jesus. These were chosen by God to
hear the gospel during mortal life, enter the kingdom of God, and
inherit the earth when the seven thousand years allotted to mortal
man is over. "4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the
foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame
before him in love: 5 Having predestinated [for-ordained] us unto the
adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the
good pleasure of his will." (Eph. 1)
Jesus told us that only a few will enter the gate and become members
of His kingdom and enjoy the opportunity to inherit eternal life
while in mortal life. "13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide
is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and
many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and
narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that
find it." (Matt. 7)
It is most likely every Christian feels that he is saved--no matter
what may be his beliefs. Something must be wrong in this vast crowd;
as Jesus said, "few there be that find it." The Bible,
ecclesiastical historians, and church leaders tell us of a falling
away of the Christians from the pure gospel of Christ. "Let no man
deceive you by any means: for that day [return of Jesus] shall not
come, except there come a falling away first. For the mystery of
iniquity doth already work." (2 Thess. 2:3, 7)
"11 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a
famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water,
but of hearing the words of the LORD: 12 And they shall wander from
sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to
and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it." (Amos
8) "O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of
affliction [shortly before the return of Jesus], the Gentiles shall
come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our
fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no
profit." (Jer. 16:19)
The first big lies in Christian beliefs, by which Satan was able to
rob them of their hopes in eternity, came when the unbaptized, pagan
Roman Emperor organized his Catholic Church. Being the supreme ruler
was not enough for Constantine. He also wanted to stand as God and
head of all religion. He became the absolute head of the Christian
church and all dissenters were disposed of. "Immediately upon coming
to power as the sole ruler of the empire, but only then, Constantine
asserted the right to exercise absolute authority over the entire
Church. He did this despite the fact that he was not baptized."
(James Carroll, Constantine' s Sword, p. 188) "In this way, the choice
(`heresy') to be religiously different became defined as treason."
(Ibid., p. 189)
Constantine remained loyal to the sun god. In 325 AD he called the
first Christian council, stood at its head, and adopted into
Christianity all of the pagan doctrines to which he was loyal. The
true and living God of Israel became the polytheistic, Trinitarian
god of paganism. "Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed
of David according to the flesh" (Rom. 1), became a pagan demigod
born of a virgin fathered by Himself. The Christian Sabbath became
the "venerable day of the sun." Christianity became "Mystery,
Babylon the Great." Jesus will return very soon, "In flaming fire
taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the
gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ."(2 Thess. 1:8) "Therefore hath the
curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate:
therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left."
(Isa. 24:6) There is a terrible desolation promised on this
generation. The only escape is to be counted among the elect of God.
There must be great danger among the various Christian churches and
creeds. It makes a great deal of difference what we believe. "Study
to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Tim. 2:15) "Prove
all things; hold fast that which is good." (1 Thess. 5:21) "To the
law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word,
it is because there is no light in them." (Isa. 8:20)
In the early sixteenth century Martin Luther rebelled against the
Catholic Church and was cut-off. The Catholic Church claimed their
authority to minister in the gospel was through Peter, whom they
claimed was the first Pope and that there has been an unbroken chain
of Popes. History defies this claim. The first Bishop to claim
authority over the church was in 570 AD; and even prostitutes sat in
the Papal chair. Luther could make no claim to divine authority.
His response was to change the gospel. "But though we, or an angel
from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have
preached unto you, let him be accursed." (Gal. 1:8)
Luther was first to succcessfully preach than men can be saved by
faith alone. This new gospel has become sanctioned by many. Let us
follow the advise of the Bible and prove this new gospel whether it
be true or false. When questioned about this doctrine, many offer
the following verse: "8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and
that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest
any man should boast." (Eph. 2) This would seem to settle the matter;
but, we have to identify who the "ye" are. "Paul, an apostle of
Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus,
and to the faithful in Christ Jesus." (Eph. 1:1)
This was not addressed to every person in all ages of the world. It
was specifically "to the saints." The question must then be
answered, who are the saints? We find the Bible uses a number of
names to identify those who are members of the kingdom of God. They
are also called believers, disciples, and sons of God.
If there is one other thing other than faith required to enter the
kingdom of God, the new gospel of Luther is a fraud. Millions are
loyal followers of the Catholic Church. Yet, there can be no doubt
that it is known in the Bible as "Mystery, Babylon the Great."
The Apostle John said, "He that saith he abideth in him ought himself
also so to walk, even as he walked." (1 John 2:6) It is easy to talk
the talk [to believe]; but, it is necessary for eternal life to also
walk the walk. "19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest
well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O
vain man, that faith without works is dead?" (James 2)
How did people come to be called saints? What was the first work
Jesus performed before He began preaching the gospel? He went to
John the Baptist to be born of water. As Jesus explained, "Verily,
verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the
Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3:5) This
clearly identifies two ordinances of the gospel that must be obeyed
to become a saint who can be saved by grace. These ordinances are
taught throughout the New Testament. There can be no doubt as to the
manner of their administration. The very term baptism means to
immerse. "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death:
that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the
Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Rom. 6:4)
Prior to being born of water a person must repent and fervently
desire to live by the will and law of God. "20 But shewed first unto
them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of
Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to
God, and do works meet for repentance." (Acts 26)
Born of Spirit involves several blessings. First, it confirms the
initiate into the kingdom of God. How is a person born of the
Spirit? "17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received
the Holy Ghost. 18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the
apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money."
(Acts 8)
Second, it bestows a gift of the Holy Ghost (see 1 Cor. 12 and Heb.
11). If these gifts do not exist in your church, there must not be
any saints of God. The gospel does not change.
Third, if the person lives faithful and obedient, the Spirit will
remain and serve to inspire with faith, intelligence, and
understanding. "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he
will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but
whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you
things to come." (John 16:13) "17 And these signs shall follow them
that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak
with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink
any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the
sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 16) "14 Is any sick among you?
let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over
him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the
prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up;
and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him." (James
5) Are these things common in your church? If not, you have
discovered a great warning.
Each member of the kingdom must then share in the one great sacrifice
made for them. "53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say
unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his
blood, ye have no life in you. 54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh
my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last
day." (John 6)
This new gospel of Luther—that a person can be saved by faith alone—
is false according to the Bible. Jesus taught, "he that endureth to
the end shall be saved." (Matt. 10:22) Before a person can enter the
kingdom of God, it is necessary to repent and turn to the will of
God, to be born of water and the Spirit, and to partake of the holy
sacrament. "5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but
according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration
[baptism of water], and renewing of the Holy Ghost [baptism of the
Spirit]; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs
according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3)
Surely, if any have been saved, it was the great gentile Apostle
Paul. Yet, he wrote "11 If by any means I might attain unto the
resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained,
either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may
apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing
I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth
unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for
the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 3)
There is another problem with this new gospel. The kingdom of God
always had officers called of God to preach and administer the
gospel. "For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in
power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what
manner of men we were among you for your sake." (1 Thess. 5:5)
What is this power of the gospel? It is a divine calling through the
spirit of prophecy and an ordination by one holding that power.
Jesus went to John the Baptist because John was a Priest of the
Levitical Priesthood and held divine authority to baptize with
water. "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that
cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to
bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire."
(Matt. 3:11)
How was Jesus mightier than John? Jesus was ordained by the Father
as an Apostle and Prophet; and thereby held all of the offices of the
Melchisedec Priesthood, including the honorable office of High
Priest. "22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall
the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me;
him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. 23
And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that
prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people." (Acts 3)
The office of Prophet is the highest office of the Melchisedec
Priesthood. It was lost about 400 years before Jesus with the last
Prophet, Malachi. It was restored with Jesus.
Not even Jesus could not take the honor of the priesthood upon
Himself. Jesus was called and ordained by the Father. The law of God
provides that "no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is
called of God, as was Aaron. So also Christ glorified not himself to
be made an high priest; but he [the Father] that said unto him, Thou
art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. ...Called of God an high
priest after the order of Melchisedec. " (Heb. 5:4, 5, 10)
Divine authority is obtained only through the spirit of prophecy and
bestowed only through one holding that priesthood by the laying on of
hands. Aaron was called through a revelation given to Moses and
ordained by Moses who held the higher Melchisedec Priesthood. The
Apostle Paul advised his son, "Neglect not the gift that is in thee,
which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of
the presbytery." (1 Tim. 4:14) "...for the testimony of Jesus is the
spirit of prophecy." (Rev. 19:10)
Jesus organized the kingdom with all of the officers of the
Melchisedec Priesthood. "11 And he gave some, apostles; and some,
prophets; and some, evangelists [High Priests]; and some, pastors
[Elders] and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the
work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till
we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the
Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of
the fulness of Christ." (Eph. 4)
It is evident that without holding one of these offices that men were
not authorized by God to preach the gospel and administer the saving
ordinances of the gospel. One of these officers must be on the earth
to have the kingdom and for others to enter the kingdom. Even
knowledge of the Melchisedec Priesthood has been lost to most.
Joseph Smith and James J. Strang both claimed to hold the Prophetic
Office by an ordination under the hands of angels. Although both
were martyred, a remnant of that priesthood remains through an
unbroken chain of proper callings and ordinations.
If it is your greatest desire to live by the will of God and be a
saint in His kingdom, the straight gate into the kingdom is open to
you. Faith alone will not get you there. Only the administration of
the Melchisedec Priesthood is given that power. "And I will give
unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou
shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou
shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (Matt. 16:19) Repent
and be baptized in the name (authority) of Jesus Christ for the
remission of sins; and you will be born again through the waters of
regeneration and the Holy Spirit, receive a gift of the Holy Ghost,
enjoy all the blessings promised to the faithful saints of God, and
be gathered to Zion before the terrible desolation promised very soon
upon this generation.
More information is available from Samuel E. West, Elder in latter
day Zion, Samuel270@aol. com or at www.mormonbeliefs.com .
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