Bible Doctrine

Preachers who fail to put it all together, carefully considering every scripture that deals with the subject of eternal life, will often cite texts like John 3:36 to “prove” a believer’s eternal life begins the moment of conversion. That text reads: “He that believeth on the Son hath (present tense, has right now) everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him” (King James Version). They read right over and never realize what Jesus was saying when He also said, “Marvel not at this, for the hour is coming (sometime in the future) in the which all that are IN THE GRAVES (not in heaven, or hell, or limbo, or purgatory) shall hear His voice (yes, at that time and not a moment before), and shall come forth (from their graves), they that have done good (a given for all truly converted sons and daughters of God) unto the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil (a term befitting all unconverted persons), unto the resurrection of damnation (a poor translation of the Greek word krisis, as the word there should be “judgment” or “decision”).” (See John 5:28-29).

Here’s another text they overlook: “And this is the will of Him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life, AND I WILL RAISE HIM UP AT THE LAST DAY (and give that formerly DEAD person eternal life at that moment)” (See John 6:40, King James Version).

Again, ” Whosoever eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath everlasting life, AND I WILL RAISE HIM UP AT THE LAST DAY” (John 6:54). In the following verses of John 6 Jesus explains that to eat His flesh and drink His blood means to dwell in Him, to live by Him, to continue in close, unbroken fellowship with Him. Just as food and drink sustains one’s physical life, likewise unbroken fellowship and obedience to the Lord sustains one’s spiritual life.

“God..will render to every man according to his deeds. To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life (will be given or awarded)” (See Romans 2:6-7). Yes, it’s a future thing. I am NOT immortal right now. I am not enjoying eternal life right now. It’s as good as mine right now, though, IF I continue on submitted to the Lord and allow Him to continually do good in and through my life. “But now being made free from sin (I no longer have to give in to the pulls of the flesh and sin), and become servants to God, you have your fruit unto holiness, AND THE END (or end result) EVERLASTING LIFE” (See Romans 6:22).

“For bodily exercise profits little (one does profit to some degree in getting physical exercise), but godliness is profitable in all things (in all areas), having promise of the life that now is (the physical life we now enjoy can be enhanced by divine healing), and of that WHICH IS TO COME (the eternal life and immortality we are granted following our resurrection)” (See I Timothy 4:8).

And notice how Paul opens his letter to Titus: “Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after (or in accord with) godliness; IN HOPE OF ETERNAL LIFE, which God that cannot lie PROMISED before the world began.” (See Titus 1:1-2). And Titus 3:7 reads, “being justified by His grace, we should be made HEIRS according to the HOPE of eternal life.” I am an heir to eternal life. This is my hope in Christ Jesus. I have NOT yet inherited that life, but it is as sure as the rising of tomorrow’s sun IF I continue on with the Lord.

Christ’s Servant (Galatians 1:10-12),

Donald Wiley

Few – only a small minority – of Christians obey God and really “Prove ALL things” of a spiritual nature. (See 1 Thessalonians 5:21). Most merely parrot, or repeat, what they have heard or been taught. The Mormon does this. The Lutheran does this. The Roman Catholic does this. We all have a tendency to do this. It’s human nature to believe yourself to be right in your beliefs, and this alone presents a formidable mental block against coming out of error and embracing the truth. One must first see and believe themselves to be in error. As long as someone has a handful of scriptures, or even one lone text, that he thinks supports his view or belief he generally is not open or receptive to an opposing view. Any scripture that clashes with or contradicts his belief is either simply ignored or “interpreted” to say what that believer wants it to say. Oftentimes another scripture is used to cancel out or void the troublesome problem text. Also, there is an overpowering thought that prevents millions of professing Christians from coming out of error, and that is the thought, “All these people can’t be wrong!” It never dawns on them that thought cancels out the plain, clear scripture, “Satan deceives THE WHOLE WORLD” (See Revelation 12:9). How can 700 million Roman Catholics be wrong? Yet, in many of their beliefs and practices, they are in gross error. Many of them have Bibles. Many of them read those Bibles. Yet they continue in their errors!

That’s the scary thing about spiritual deception. It is almost impossible to see it in one’s self. A deceived person does not know they are deceived. Once one realizes they are, or have been, deceived they are no longer deceived. One area in which many, perhaps most, Christians are deceived is in their belief regarding the judgment of a believer. It appears most believers think themselves to be immune from the judgment of God. All the judgment a believer will ever face was poured out on the Lord Jesus Christ at Calvary. At least that is what most Christians seem to believe. (Pause and Read Revelation 2 and 3 here).

Will a believer’s sins ever be brought up against him in the Judgment, that day when the dead, small and great, will be raised and stand before the throne of God to be judged, or was that day met by Christ on Calvary two thousand years ago? Is a believer’s judgment solely for deciding how great his reward will be in heaven? What does the Bible say in this matter? I am going to give you the Bible’s answer to that seldom asked, all-important question. But before I give you that answer, I want you to think about this question: Should a Christian who robs a bank be punished? Of course, your immediate reply might be that a true Christian wouldn’t rob a bank, that is he wouldn’t break the eighth commandment, at least not that flagrantly. But let’s say in a moment of great temptation he did rob a bank, or write a bad check, or steal the money from the coffee cup holding the few dollars his fellow office workers had collected for the purchase of more coffee. I believe any reasonable person would agree even a Christian should be punished if he robs a bank. In fact, many would argue that a Christian should be punished more severely than anyone else due to the fact that A) He has the Holy Spirit to aid him in overcoming such temptations, and B) He has the counsel and warning of scripture to guide him.

After more than seven decades of life, I have learned several great truths – many by hard experience, one of them being the greatest incentive to do evil is the knowledge that there is no punishment. Think for a moment, what if the United States Supreme Court struck down all laws, state and federal, against car theft! Do you think fewer cars would be stolen, more cars would be stolen, or car thefts would remain about the same? I really think the answer is obvious. I’m not implying Christians would join in the mad rush to possess their first BMW, Mercedes or Rolls-Royce. I’m just underscoring the point that freedom from punishment tends to draw men to do evil.

The words of the prophet Amos contain a very interesting observation made by God many centuries ago. God warns His chosen people Israel, “You only have I known of all the families of the earth. Therefore, I will punish you for ALL your iniquities” (Amos 3:2). So, here we are given God’s viewpoint on the matter: If God develops a relationship with you, He warns you He will punish you for whatever sins you then commit. Now I know some will argue, “Oh, but that’s the Old Testament. That’s how God dealt with fleshly Israelites, not with spiritual sons and daughters who have a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ and the New Covenant!” Alright, then let’s look at some observations made in the New Testament to those under the New Covenant. You will agree the New Testament letter of Colossians was written to those under the New Covenant, won’t you? Notice the last three verses of chapter 3. Beginning with verse 23, we read: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as to the Lord, and not unto men, knowing that of the Lord we shall receive the reward of the inheritance, for ye serve the Lord Christ. BUT HE THAT DOETH WRONG SHALL RECEIVE FOR THE WRONG WHICH HE HATH DONE, AND THERE IS NO RESPECT OF PERSONS” (verses 23 thru 25).

ALL God’s judgments are based upon the law of sowing and reaping. To believers, God WARNS: “Be not deceived. God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man sows, THAT shall he also reap. For he that sows to his flesh (constantly giving in to the pulls of the flesh) shall of the flesh (the path he chose) reap corruption, but he that sows to the Spirit (following the path of obedience) shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap (everlasting life), IF we faint not” (Galatians 6:7-9).

Peter writes, “Judgment must BEGIN at the house of God” (See I Peter 4:17). Why? Because God punishes sin in the believer’s life here and NOW – in this life. This may come as a surprise to some, but it is true that a believer’s sins will NOT be mentioned against him at the judgment seat of Christ. Why not? Because, as stated God’s people are punished for all their sins here and now in this present world!

“For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord that we should not be condemned with the world” (I Corinthians 11:31-32). Any believer confronted with the sin issue in the next life will also be confronted with the stark, horrifying fact he has forfeited his inheritance to eternal life! But note that text again, “If we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged!” God gives any believer who sins a window of time to repent of their sin and come back to the walk of total obedience. (See Revelation 2:21). If that believer does not so repent, then, and only then, does the chastening rod fall to discipline and turn the errant believer around.

Paul urged the believers in Thessalonica “that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter (through adultery, stealing from him, lying to him, etc.), because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified” (I Thessalonians 4:6). Yes, God DOES punish believers – “ALL SUCH” who sin. In fact, a believer who sins and continues in sin without repenting and escapes punishment in this life is proven to be a false convert! (See Hebrews 12:8).

“For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolator, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words (assuring you God does not see a believer’s sins), for because of these things comes the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye, therefore, partakers with them” (Ephesians 5:5-7).

Some Corinthian believers HAD become partakers with those who chose to be disobedient and had become “weak and sickly” as a punishment for their headstrong disobedience. Some had even died! Paul did not wish to see this repeated among the Ephesian believers. (See I Corinthians 11:26-34).

“For if we (we believers) sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins, but a CERTAIN fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries (those who will not be corrected by God’s chastening rod)” (See Hebrews 10:26-27). Yes, God is indignant with a believer’s sins. “How dare you go there when you have been washed, when you have been cleansed, when you have been sanctified!!!”

Paul addresses this same issue in his letter to the Romans, stating, “(God) will render TO EVERY MAN (believer and unbeliever alike) according to his deeds. To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life (awaits as their inheritance), but unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish UPON EVERY SOUL OF MAN THAT DOETH EVIL, of the Jew first (since to the Jews were committed the oracles of God – Romans 3:1-2), and also of the Gentile” (Romans 2:6-9).

While it is true that “God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Thessalonians 5:9), “I will, therefore, put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not” (Jude 5). And the Lord warns us, “I change NOT!” God has not appointed us to wrath, yet “how shall we escape (God’s wrath) if we neglect so great salvation (turning back to sin though once delivered therefrom)?” (See Hebrews 2:3). The Bible answer is, we cannot!

So, it IS true that a believer’s sins will not be brought up against him at the judgment of God’s children, because they will have either been purged here, in this life, or, if continued, the believer will be cut off and will not appear in the congregation of the faithful. (See Romans 11:22 and John 15:1-6). God help you to set aside any preconceived ideas to the contrary.

Christ’s Aged Servant (Galatians 1:10-12)

Donald Wiley

Luke, in writing about John the Baptist’ parents said “they were both righteous before God, walking in ALL the commandments and ordinances of the Lord BLAMELESS. (See Luke 1:5-6). There is one other person in the New Testament of whom such language is used. Do you know who? Speaking of himself, the apostle Paul says this in the third chapter of his letter to the Philippians: “For we (new covenant believers) are the circumcision (true sons of the covenant), which worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinks that he has whereof he might trust in the flesh, I (have) more. Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews (any and all who were of the tribes of Levi, Benjamin or Judah were regarded as the stock of Israel, a Hebrew of the Hebrews), as touching the law, a Pharisee, concerning zeal, persecuting the church, TOUCHING THE RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH IS IN THE LAW BLAMELESS!” (verses 3 through 6).

Paul, like Zacharias and Elisabeth before him, had grown spiritually to such a degree that it could be said of him what was said of the parents of John the Baptist. He walked in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. Of course all three of them had sinned earlier in their lives, for ALL have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory of continual and eternal righteousness, but with each passing day they grew closer and closer in fellowship with the Lord and in the habit of continual obedience until one day it could be said of them that they walked in all the ordinances and commandments of the Lord blamelessly.

I feel badly for those ministers – and their congregations – who have no correct understanding of Romans 7, and who believe Paul is describing himself in that chapter of a spiritually defeated personality. They fail to home in on the 19th verse of Romans 6, where Paul says, “I speak after the manner of men (spiritually defeated men at that), because of the infirmity of YOUR flesh (not Paul’s flesh THEIR FLESH), for as YOU have yielded (Paul didn’t yield to his fleshly lusts and passions – the Romans did) your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity (sinning again and again and again), even so now yield your members as servants to righteousness unto holiness (like Paul).”

Folks, Paul was one of the holiest human beings who ever walked this earth. In writing the believers at Thessalonica, Paul said, “You are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe” (See I Thessalonians 2:10).

Paul wrote that a bishop, the spiritual overseer of a congregation, a pastor “MUST BE BLAMELESS!” (See I Timothy 3:2). “For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God…HOLY!” (See Titus 1:7-8). In short, he must reflect the character of the parents of John the Baptist, of Paul, and of the Lord Himself. Some foolishly think Paul himself failed to meet these ironclad, inflexible and unchangeable qualifications of an overseer of a congregation of God’s people. Those who think that need to read Paul’s letters a bit more closely.

Christ’s Faithful Servant (Galatians 1:10-12),

Donald Wiley

ENEMY HELD TERRITORY

The apostle Paul, in writing to the believers in Ephesus, told them: “In time past you walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience” (See Ephesians 12:2).

Of course, the “prince of the power of the air” is Satan. The “air” of which Paul speaks is better understood if one reads that as “air waves,” or the ether around this earth! Satan emits thoughts via the air waves, knowing that the human mind is attuned to such thoughts. He is a spirit being and is not subject to the laws of physics. In a real sense, he is omnipresent much like God. Of course, where God’s omnipresence fills all of space everywhere – even the heaven of heavens, Satan’s spirit IS limited. Still he can emit thoughts into the mind of a serial killer in California while simultaneously emitting evil thoughts into the mind of some ISIS leader in Syria, or a pickpocket in London..

Notice that Paul speaks of how this fallen spirit, Satan, “now works in the children of disobedience.” Satan is active and continuously influencing the minds and emotions of any and all who are not submitted to the total LORDship of Jesus Christ. We must ever keep this in mind when dealing with the people of this world – any and all who are not truly converted and have the Holy Spirit continuously influencing their thoughts and behavior. That is WHY we must continually guard against such things as road rage or any manner of confrontation with our fellow human beings for most of our fellow earth travelers are continually heavily influenced by Satan and his demonic hordes. The mind of most is enemy held territory. Forget that, even for a moment, and one can pay a very heavy price.

But we need not live in constant fear of anyone or any thing IF we remain submitted to our Lord. Fail in this regard and you are in constant danger of tasting firsthand the devil’s wrath and hatred of the human race.

Christ’s Faithful Servant (Galatians 1:10-12),

Donald Wiley

Modern scholarship casts grave doubts about the accuracy of the creation record as given in the Book of Genesis.  Many find it unbelievable that most Christians believe the creation record in Genesis is to be taken literally.  Folks, the worldly wise have doubted the Genesis record for many centuries, actually for thousands of years!  Remember Satan’s question to mother Eve was “Has God said???”  Satan was introducing doubts about God’s Word in the Garden of Eden!!!

The apostle Paul wrote that “ALL SCRIPTURE IS GIVEN BY INSPIRATION OF GOD AND IS PROFITABLE FOR DOCTRINE, FOR REPROOF, FOR CORRECTION, FOR INSTRUCTION…” (See 2 Timothy 3:16).  That would include the creation account given in Genesis.  Do you desire instruction in just how this world came into existence?  Do you want to be corrected should you have inadvertently embraced some erroneous concept as to how human beings came into existence?  Will you accept reproof should you be deceived about how long ago man first appeared on this earth?

Jesus believed the Genesis record.  In Mark Chapter 10, verse 6, Jesus says, “But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.”  He doesn’t say, “From the beginning God made them aquatic life forms that crawled out of the ocean and evolved into warm blooded mammals, lost their scales and fins, etc., etc., etc.”

In the 17th chapter of Luke’s gospel account, Jesus speaks of Noah, the ark, and the flood.  (See verses 26 and 27).  Can He be believed or must we listen to modern scholarship that ridicules the idea of an ark being built large enough to accommodate all the animals mentioned in the Genesis account?

I will repeat again, Satan is good at what he does – very, very good.  He loves to toy with the intellectual mind.  He whispers yet what he whispered to mother Eve thousands of years ago, “Has God said…..???”  In the mind of a Carl Sagan, or a Stephen Hawking, Satan will plant the thought “the Bible cannot be true.  It is a myth.  Toss it aside.  Don’t give it a second thought.”

Do you know one reason I wait so late to begin writing?  I like to meditate and allow the Spirit of my Creator to commune with me.  I like to think and think deeply before I begin striking the keys that will form words and sentences that will expound upon the Word of the Living God.  I do not want to fall into reproach by my Creator.  I want to think His thoughts after Him, saying what He says. 

Do you know WHY Jesus believed the creation account in Genesis?  Because He was there!  He “is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature, for by Him were all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers.  All things were created by Him and for Him, and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist” (See Colossians 1:15-17).

That’s the One I am going to listen to when He speaks.  To Him I will open my mind and heart.  To Him I will bow my will.  To Him I will give my life.  With Martin Luther I will declare, “Here I stand.  I can do no other.”
Christ’s Aged Servant (Galatians 1:10-12),

Donald Wiley

The question must be asked, since with God ALL things are possible, how much sin can God keep one from and for how long?  Can one be kept from only some sin, from much sin, or from all sin?  Also, it must be asked, how long can God keep one from sin – for an hour? For twelve full hours?  For twenty-four hours?  Perhaps even for a week, or more?  (Remember what scripture says about the parents of John the Baptist.  See Luke 1:5 and 6).

When God says, “Be ye holy for I am holy,” isn’t He demanding that we stop sinning?  But if we cannot stop sinning, even with God’s help, isn’t then God demanding the impossible from His creation?

Also, it must be asked, “What IS sin?”  There is only one verse in all the Bible that says sin IS….and then defines sin for us.  That verse of scripture is found in I John chapter 3, verse 4: “Whosoever commits sin transgresses also the law for sin IS the transgression of the law.”  Nowhere at no time does the Word of God say, or imply that sin is “missing the mark.”  That’s an invention of men.

No wonder Satan wants men confused as to what Paul meant when he wrote that believers are not under the law.  Since sin is the transgression of the law, if Satan can convince you that you need not keep God’s holy law then he has convinced you that you are free to commit sin!  Satan is good at what he does, folks.  And he has a lot of help in circulating his clever deceptions through the teaching and sermons of men and women who have little comprehension of what the Bible actually says and teaches.

But didn’t the apostle John also write, “If we say that we have no sin we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us?”  Yes, he did indeed write those words, also to be found in his first epistle.  (See I John 1:8).  But most, who quote those words to authorize their continued sinning, ignore the context in which John makes that statement.  The context clearly shows that if and when we sin we claim we have not sinned, that God doesn’t see that sin but sees us as being clothed in Christ’s righteousness, we have then deceived ourselves and the truth is not in us.  Just three verses later John writes, “My little children, these things write I unto you THAT YOU SIN NOT!” (See I John 2:1).  Notice, this apostle is urging believers to stop sinning!  He then writes: “And hereby we do know that we know Him (are truly converted) if we keep His commandments.  He that says, ‘I know Him’ (claiming to be in fellowship with Jesus Christ), and keeps not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (See I John 2:3-4).  Pretty plain language that, huh?

Again, I write to you the words of truth and wisdom.  If you have ears to hear, then listen!

Christ’s Faithful Servant (Galatians 1:10-12),

Donald Wiley

Can Frail Human Beings Keep God’s Commandments???

The reason the overwhelming majority of professing Christians are led into accepting and believing spiritual error is because the average Christian is woefully ignorant of the scriptures. If their pastor reads a bit of scripture from the pulpit, or quotes (often MISquotes) some scripture text, and then expounds upon the same erroneously, the congregation is generally so ignorant of the scriptures that they buy hook, line and sinker whatever that pastor says. The pastor is not intentionally misleading them. He, himself, is woefully ignorant of God’s Word, too, and really thinks the Bible says and teaches what he is proclaiming from the pulpit.

Thousands and thousands of preachers will assure you that no one can keep God’s commandments, and that because of this Jesus kept them for us. We do not need to try to do so. And what a devil’s LIE that is.

In Luke Chapter One, Luke says he is declaring “those things which are most surely believed among us (among Christ’s followers, the early Christians)” (verse 1). He then goes on to say that he “had perfect understanding of all things (the things he was about to relate) from the very first” (verse 3).

Now notice carefully what he says in verses 5 and 6 of chapter 1: “There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias (father of John the Baptist), of the course of Abia (the priestly course in which he served at the temple), and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron (she, too could trace her ancestry to the priestly tribe), and her name was Elisabeth (mother of John the Baptist).” Now notice carefully this next sixth verse: “And they were both righteous before God (and God looks on the heart, seeing ALL), walking in ALL the commandments and ordinances of the Lord BLAMELESS.”

Of course, since ALL have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory, Zacharias and Elisabeth had sinned in their early years, but growing in grace and spiritual dedication, they came to a point in their lives wherein it could be truthfully said of them that they walked in ALL the commandments and ordinances of the Lord BLAMELESSLY!

I mentioned two human beings who kept God’s commandments AND ordinances BLAMELESSLY – the parents of John the Baptist. I also stated that this was a dedicated walk that was achieved through process of time and that before entering into such a walk they, like all the children of Adam, had sinned again and again from time to time. They, therefore, needed a Savior. They didn’t need someone to keep God’s commandments for them, though, as many preachers would contend.

Nor were the parents of John the Baptist the only ones mentioned in scripture as having been faithful commandment-keepers. In Genesis Chapter 26, verse 5, God says of Abraham, “Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, MY COMMANDMENTS, my statutes, and my laws.” Was God mistaken in this matter? Did He overlook something about Abraham? He, too, of course needed a Savior as when God first entered into his life Abraham was an idolator along with his entire family.

In 2 Kings, chapter 18, we read these words concerning King Hezekiah; “He clung to the Lord, and departed not from following Him, BUT KEPT HIS COMMANDMENTS, which the Lord commanded Moses, and the Lord was with him, and He prospered whithersoever he went forth.” (verses 6 and 7).

The apostle Paul himself said, “as touching the righteousness which is in the law (I am) blameless” (See Philippians 3:6). And, speaking before a council of the Jews and chief priests in Jerusalem, Paul matter-of-factly stated, “Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day” (See Acts 23:1). Had Paul been a commandment breaker he could not have said that. (See my article “Was Paul A Defeated Christian?”)

And I could go on and on and on, quoting scripture text after scripture text proving again and again that God’s commandments are to be kept and were faithfully kept by many of God’s people down through the ages.

Do you want to know WHY Satan wants to convince you God’s commandments cannot be kept and that Jesus kept them for you and you can forget about trying to keep them, why he contends the commandments have been done away with? Because “the statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart (in the benefits that accrue when you keep them). The commandment of the Lord is pure (why do away with a pure law?), enlightening the eyes (commandment-keepers have a true and far better understanding of God’s Word than do commandment breakers)….Moreover by them is thy servant warned (as to what offends God, e.g., commandment breaking), and in keeping of them there is great reward (both in the here and now and in eternity)” (See Psalm 19, verses 8 thru 11). THAT’S WHY SATAN DOESN’T WANT YOU TO EVEN THINK ABOUT KEEPING GOD’S COMMANDMENTS! And that’s WHY he deceives many preachers into preaching against commandment keeping.

Satan knows the 103rd Psalm far better than most preachers. That is the Psalm wherein God, the God who cannot lie, says He forgives all our sins and heals all our diseases, but this promise is made “to such as keep His covenant, and TO THOSE THAT REMEMBER HIS COMMANDMENTS TO DO THEM” (See verse 18).

Christ’s Servant (Galatians 1:10-12),

Donald Wiley

Recipients of the Abrahamic Covenant reap rich, tangible dividends.  But to be such a recipient one must have an ongoing, unbroken relationship with Jesus Christ as one’s Lord and, sometimes, we must “put in a claim,” so to speak to receive those benefits.  It is a crying shame that the majority of Christian pastors know little or nothing about the Abrahamic covenant and how it applies to modern day believers.  A pastor is much like the executor of a wealthy person’s estate.  In the will is mentioned many beneficiaries and many bequests, but the pastor/executor either does not read the will or does not believe the will is valid and so countless beneficiaries are denied many stupendous and valuable bequests!  That is horrible in the extreme, and I do not exaggerate in this matter either.  I, myself, am enjoying many rich benefits because I READ THE WILL and I have claimed my rightful inheritance.  Father Abraham’s God is my Protector, my Healer, my Guide and Instructor – and much, much more.  I feel terrible for the countless Christians who have not been shown Father Abraham’s will.  They are like the son who left home at eighteen, never to return and never knowing that a few years after his departure his father made a fortune in the stock market and would have dearly loved to share it with him, but he never returned home or had contact with his family ever again.

Now do you know why Jesus called Satan a thief?  (See John 10:10).  He is the greatest thief this world has ever known.  Has he robbed you blind, too? 

Christ’s Aged Servant (Galatians 1:10-12),

Donald Wiley

I don’t want a single son or daughter of Adam to miss out on what a loving, super-intelligent Creator has awaiting those who will love Him back and obey Him, for those who will allow Him to mold and fashion them in His character and spiritual image. “For THIS is the love of God, that we keep His commandments and His commandments are not grievous (not a yoke of bondage, not a burden)” (I John 5:3). Both prophet and apostle affirm “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart (imagination) of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him, but God has revealed them unto us (His spokesmen) by His Spirit, for the Spirit searches all things (all spiritual truths), yes, the deep things of God” (See I Corinthians 2:9-10 and Isaiah 64:4). And Isaiah adds, “You meet (fellowship with) him that rejoices and works righteousness.” The carnal believer, the one who continuously surrenders to the temptation to sin, has no true fellowship with the Lord. For the most part, the scriptures remain locked to his, or her, understanding. Revelation and obedience are conjoined twins. They cannot be separated from one another. When continuous obedience falters spiritual revelation ceases.

Did you think God just got around to creating things with this earth and this universe?  I assure you He’s been at it for a long, long time – throughout all eternity past!  He was creating wonders trillions of ages ago.  Just as there is an eternal future stretching out ahead of us, there has also been an eternal past. The Most High is a super-productive, industrious Creator God, who has ever been creating and expanding the universe. The prophet Isaiah declared long ago “of His government and peace there shall be no end!” (See Isaiah 9:7). That is WHY God made the universe without limits! He is going to need the space to continue His creative work throughout all eternity. There will be no end to His government, the kingdom of God. It will reach further and further across the universe, populating more and more planets. We are not now living at the conclusion of God’s work. We are truly on the ground floor – at the very beginning.

You have an invitation not just to a banquet, not to just a marriage supper, not just to heaven.  You have an invitation to share in and enjoy something that the most brilliant human author could not write about if gifted with the ability to write in the most superlative fashion and given a thousand years to put it into words.  And time is running out to qualify for the best position available.  The apostle Paul said he pressed toward the mark for the high calling of God that is offered to any born human who will bow to His Son Jesus Christ as the absolute Lord of their day to day existence.  And do you want to know my personal opinion?  I think he qualified.  That’s why he was caught up to the third heaven and heard things from His Lord’s lips that is not lawful for a man to utter. It is a horrible shame that preachers picture Paul as a defeated Christian, one who never quite got the grip on overcoming sin in his life.  Paul was one of the holiest men who ever drew breath on this planet. one of the few who could honestly and truly say, “God is a witness to how holy, and justly, and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you that believe,” urging all others to “walk worthy of God.” (See I Thessalonians 2:10-12).

Don’t get too wrapped up in this present evil world.  It is all going to burn someday.  Fix your eyes and your heart upon doing the will of God at all costs.  It is better to go to the house of mourning, where one has recently died, than the house where there is a feast and joyous music.  And don’t ask for whom the bell tolls.  It tolls for thee.

Christ’s Aged Servant (Galatians 1:10-12),

Donald Wiley