A Letter to a Conference. of Ministers Meeting at Laceyville, Pa., Nov., 1877

Narrator: Chris Genthree
Duration: 8min
 •  12 min. read  •  grade level: 8
The following having received no answer, it is printed for the serious consideration of those who desire to test all things by the Word of God; and la order to this some explanations and proof texts are added which would have been out of place In the letter itself. They are numbered to correspond with it.
BRETHREN:—
We venture to appeal to you, as professed ministers of the 'Word and responsible spiritual guides of many Christian people, in a mutter when directly concerns yourselves and the people among whom you labor. We appeal to you with regard to the name you bear, with regard to the office you assume, with regard to the word you minister; and we trust to your Christian courtesy to give us a hearing, and to your sense of what is due to the Lord and to the souls of those with whom you are connected, to answer us as in the presence of Him with whom we have to do. There are more than ourselves that are looking for the answer, and expecting from the coming together of so many teachers of the Scriptures, that they will get help in difficulties they have begun to feel, and which affect their dearest and most important interests.
We appeal to you as unto brethren. We are not adversaries, nor even strangers, but of the one household of faith, washed in the blood of the one Savior, born of the one Spirit, looking for the same heavenly inheritance. We hold fast by the same word which you have in your hands. Owning it in its entirety as inspired of God and authoritative, we desire to submit ourselves unreservedly to its judgment in all things. We bring you, then, out of this blessed book certain things which it has taught us, and which we are endeavoring, therefore, to teach others. We have no shadow of doubt as to their truth, and we ask you to listen to them; not because we are uncertain, but the reverse. And as Christians, children of the same family, servants of the same blessed Lord, we would deem it a reproach indeed, if we could not come to you and frankly ask you to consider the doctrine we are putting forth, and give us an opportunity of meeting you with the Word in our hands, to confer together as to what is written there. This is what we do ask. Ourselves not shrinking from but inviting the testing by the Scriptures of all we say, we would give you credit for the same honest desire to come to the light.
And why should we despair of coming to unity of judgment, when our Lord says that " that he that willeth to do God's will shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God." We submit to you, therefore, the following statement of some things which are prominent in our teachings, and as to which we would be thankful to be tested by the word of God.
1.1 And first, as to the gospel; we have learned:— That in order to a real walk with 'God and work for Him, the knowledge of forgiveness and enjoyment of peace with God are necessary conditions. We cannot walk with God until we have been consciously brought to God and His, "the Spirit bearing witness with our spirits that we are the children of God."
2.2 That in order to justification no work of man is required, but that, on the contrary, "to him that worketh not but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness."
3.3 That a sinner must repent; but repentance is not a work of man, but a conviction of a lost and helpless condition which shuts one up to salvation by the work of another.
4.4 That as Christ is our Savior, so is He our peace. That peace is found, not by self-examination, internal evidences or feelings of any kind, but by simple faith in the work of Christ for sinners; our title to trust it being our sins.
5.5 That our love to God springs from the knowledge of His love to us, and not conversely His love to us from ours to Him.
6.6 We teach Christians also, that their place of acceptance is in Christ before God, His death being the complete putting away of them as sinners, or men in the flesh, from before God forever.
7. 7That, as we are dead with Christ in His death, we are dead not only to sin, but to the law also, holy, just and good as the law is; that we are not under it, either for justification or as a rule of life. Our rule is as new creatures in Christ Jesus to “walk in Him."
8.8 That believers are quickened and raised up with Christ, and seated together in Him in heavenly places; that we are therefore heavenly as is the heavenly; citizens of heaven, not earth; not of the world as He is not, but only pilgrims and strangers in it, and to walk as He walked.
9. 9That He is coming for us to receive us to Himself before ever' He appears to judgment, and that we are not to be mixed up with the world therefore, either in a general resurrection or a general judgment. When He appears we shall (whether dead or living, raised or changed) appear with Him in glory, and with Him judge the world and reign over it. That the world will not be converted by the preaching of the Gospel as so many expect, but go on in evil till the Lord appears and breaks down opposition with a rod of iron; which rod of iron Christians are to share with Him.
10.10 That the millennium (so-called) will follow the Lord's appearing, and that the resurrection of the wicked dead will not take plane till the close of this period; that they (and not believers) will be "judged according to their works." No one can be judged according to his works without being lost forever.
11. 11We teach that the Church of God is the body of Christ, and therefore one body, not many bodies; the many bodies are what the Scriptures condemn as "divisions or-heresies;” as it also condemns denominationalism, or saying, "I am of Paul," etc.
12.12 That all membership is being members of Christ; that there is nothing in Scripture to authorize "joining a church;" the only true church being that to which the Lord joins. "By one Spirit are we all baptized into one body."
13.13 Water-baptism is not the door into the Church therefore.
14.14 There is no ordination to teach or preach in Scripture; and no such relationship as a pastor and his flock. Nor is it the part of a minister to lead the worship of the church, nor to administer the Lord's Supper. All this is innovation and against Scripture. In Scripture evangelists, pastors, teachers, are gifts in the body, the church at large; and haying the gift from God gives the only title and responsibility, to use it. All Christians are a “holy priesthood," and able to offer the spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ—one as much as another.
15. 15The Church has failed from the apostles' days, and increasing departure from God is prophesied of the last days being the perilous times, when men, having a. form of godliness, deny' the power of it. And from such we are expressly commanded to “turn away."
These, brethren, are only a few of the things which the Word of God has taught us, and upon which we are endeavoring to act. If these things are true, they are as binding upon you as upon Us.. Many here are exercised as to them. We are anxious to meet you over the Word, that it may teach us all what is true, and that we may be governed by it. Will you give us such a meeting?
Believe us to be, dear brethren,
Yours in the Lord Jesus,
F. W. GRANT.
J. DUNLOP.
W. GEO. HENRY.
 
1. In proof that believers should know their sins forgiven, eta, see Luke 1:77; 7:48; 10:20; 23:63; John 14:20, 2720At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. (John 14:20)
27Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27); Rom. 5:1; 8:161Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (Romans 5:1)
16The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (Romans 8:16); 2 Cor. 5:11For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. (2 Corinthians 5:1); Col. 1:12-1412Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: (Colossians 1:12‑14); Heb. 10:19-22, 3919Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21And having an high priest over the house of God; 22Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:19‑22)
39But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. (Hebrews 10:39); 1 John 5:1313These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (1 John 5:13). This knowledge is needed for a real walk with God (Luke 7:42, 4342And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? 43Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. (Luke 7:42‑43); Rom. 6:13; 12:113Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. (Romans 6:13)
1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1); 1 Cor. 6:10, 2010Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:10)
20For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. (1 Corinthians 6:20); Eph. 4:3232And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32); Col. 2:6; 3: 1-5, 12, 136As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: (Colossians 2:6); 1 Peter 1:14; 3:914As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: (1 Peter 1:14)
9Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. (1 Peter 3:9); 2 Peter 1:3, 43According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (2 Peter 1:3‑4).)
2. Rom. 4:1-6; 5:6, 8, 10; 9:31, 32; 10:3, 41What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? 2For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 6Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, (Romans 4:1‑6)
6For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (Romans 5:6)
8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
10For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (Romans 5:10)
31But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. 32Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; (Romans 9:31‑32)
3For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. (Romans 10:3‑4); Eph. 2:8-108For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8‑10), etc.
3. Repentance is literally an "afterthought," and la the soul's judgment of itself before God; never apart from faith, but yet in order to believing the Gospel (Heb. 11:66But 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. (Hebrews 11:6); Mark 1:1515And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. (Mark 1:15)). For, the Son of Man being “come to seek and save that which is lost," people must be "lot" in order to realize that salvation. Thus the sheep that is lost is the "sinner that repenteth" (Luke 15:4-74What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. (Luke 15:4‑7)); and so John baptizes to repentance in Jordan (death) (comp. Rom. 6:44Therefore 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. (Romans 6:4) for "baptism unto death "), they confessing the sins which brought them there (Matt. 3:66And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. (Matthew 3:6)). That is the place where we find forgiveness (1 John 1:99If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9); Isa. 6:5-75Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. 6Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: 7And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. (Isaiah 6:5‑7); Zech. 3:3, 43Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel. 4And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. (Zechariah 3:3‑4); Psa. 32:55I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. (Psalm 32:5); Luke 15:18, 2018I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, (Luke 15:18)
20And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. (Luke 15:20)). For the repentance of the best man on earth see Job 42:5, 65I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. 6Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. (Job 42:5‑6), and contrast. 9:30, 31; 32:5, 6; 29-32:1.
4. "Not by self-examination;" for the passage in 2 Cor. 13:55Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? (2 Corinthians 13:5) proves exactly the reverse of what it is often quoted for, if connected with ver. 3, which is the begin-mug of it. They might as well examine whether they were Christians, as whether Christ had spoken by him, for they had been the fruit of his speaking. The appeal to internal evidences is only that trusting one's own heart which Scripture reproves (Prov. 28:2626He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. (Proverbs 28:26); Jer. 17:99The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9)); while Abraham's faith was imputed to him for righteousness because he did not argue from his own condition, but believed God in spite of all; and this is given as our example (Rom. 4:19-24; 5:119And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: 20He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. 23Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 24But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; (Romans 4:19‑24)
1Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (Romans 5:1)). The evidences which the apostle John appeals to (1 John 2:3; 3:143And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. (1 John 2:3)
14We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. (1 John 3:14)) are only possible to those already knowing forgiveness, as these did (2:12), and are used as arguments against seducers (2: 26), not to establish those not at peace. We may trust evidences and be deceived, but cannot trust Christ and be so (Psa. 2:1212Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. (Psalm 2:12); 2 Tim. 1:1212For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. (2 Timothy 1:12)) and we are welcome to trust him as sinners (1 Tim. 1:1515This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:15)).
7. Rom. 6:2, 7, 10, 112God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? (Romans 6:2)
7For he that is dead is freed from sin. (Romans 6:7)
10For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:10‑11); Rom. 3:2020Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. (Romans 3:20), etc. Rom. 7:4, 64Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. (Romans 7:4)
6But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. (Romans 7:6); Gal. 6:15, 1615For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. 16And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. (Galatians 6:15‑16); Col. 2:66As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: (Colossians 2:6). Yet (as the grouter includes the loss) “the righteousness of the law "―all its moral excellence―" is fulfilled in those who walk after the Spirit” (Rom. 8:44That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:4); Gal. 5:2323Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:23)).
8. Eph. 2:5, 6; 1:35Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (Ephesians 2:5‑6)
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (Ephesians 1:3); 1 Cor. 15:47, 4847The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. 48As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. (1 Corinthians 15:47‑48); Phil. 3:2020For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: (Philippians 3:20) ("conversation” should be” citizenship "); Col. 3:1-51If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 5Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: (Colossians 3:1‑5); 1 John 2:66He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. (1 John 2:6); 1 Peter 2:1111Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; (1 Peter 2:11).
9. 9. The saints appear with Christ when He appears (Col. 3:44When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:4); Jude 14:15; Rev. 19:1414And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. (Revelation 19:14); comp. ver. 8; Zech. 14:55And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with thee. (Zechariah 14:5)); and are therefore raised, if dead, changed, if living, and caught up to meet Him before this (1 Thes. 4:15-1715For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:15‑17)). This resurrection is only of saints, and is called a resurrection from or out from) the dead, because all do not rise (Luke 20:34-3634And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: 35But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: 36Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection. (Luke 20:34‑36); 1 Cor. 15:23, 42-5423But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. (1 Corinthians 15:23)
42So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 43It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 44It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. 46Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. 47The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. 48As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. 49And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. 50Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 51Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54So 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 Corinthians 15:42‑54) Rev. 20:4-64And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6Blessed 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. (Revelation 20:4‑6)). Christ to take the heathen for his inheritance, not by the Gospel, but ruling with a rod of iron, and to share this with His people (Psa. 2:6-96Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. 7I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. 8Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. 9Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. (Psalm 2:6‑9); Rev. 2:26, 27; 3:21; 20:426And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. (Revelation 2:26‑27)
21To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. (Revelation 3:21)
4And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4); 1 Cor. 4:8; 6:2, 38Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you. (1 Corinthians 4:8)
2Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? (1 Corinthians 6:2‑3)).
10. 10. Rev. 19., 20.; Zech. 14 Believers will give account of themselves, and be rewarded or not (Rom. 14:10-1210But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 12So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. (Romans 14:10‑12); 2 Cor. 5:1010For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10)); but they will not come into judgement (John 5:2424Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24), where the word is judgment," as the Bible Union version and others give it). Judgment hopeless for any (Psa. 143:22And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. (Psalm 143:2); Rom. 2:11, 1211For there is no respect of persons with God. 12For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (Romans 2:11‑12). Comp. Gal. 3:1010For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. (Galatians 3:10)).
11. 1 Cor. 12:12-27; 10:17; 11:18, 19; 1:10-1312For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 14For the body is not one member, but many. 15If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 16And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 17If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? 18But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 19And if they were all one member, where were the body? 20But now are they many members, yet but one body. 21And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 22Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 23And those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. 24For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked: 25That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. (1 Corinthians 12:12‑27)
17For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. (1 Corinthians 10:17)
18For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. 19For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. (1 Corinthians 11:18‑19)
10Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 11For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 12Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 13Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? (1 Corinthians 1:10‑13); Rom. 16:1717Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. (Romans 16:17).
14. 14. Eph. 4:11-1311And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13Till 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: (Ephesians 4:11‑13); 1 Cor. 12:27, 2827Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 28And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. (1 Corinthians 12:27‑28); Rom. 12:5-85So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness. (Romans 12:5‑8); 1 Cor. 12:7, 117But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. (1 Corinthians 12:7)
11But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. (1 Corinthians 12:11). There were doubtless local officials who were not necessarily preachers, much lees was preaching confined to them, These were " elders "―elderly men―fathers of families, who had brought them up well, and thus shown their ability to take care of the church of God. Their office was to be bishops or overseers (the same word, 1:5-9; Acts 20:17, 2817And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. (Acts 20:17)
28Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. (Acts 20:28)), to tend (not " feed "―it is the same word translated "rule" in Matt. 2:66And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. (Matthew 2:6); Rev. 2:27; 12:527And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. (Revelation 2:27)
5And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. (Revelation 12:5)) the separate local assemblies. Of these there were more than one in each assembly (Acts 14:2323And 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); Phil. 1:11Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: (Philippians 1:1)), ordained either by apostles or their delegates as Timothy and Titus, never by other elders. The deacons "served" tables, and were similarly ordained. Ordination to teach and preach is not to be found in Acts 13:1-41Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. 4So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. (Acts 13:1‑4), for Paul was an apostle not of men nor by man (Gal. 1:11Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) (Galatians 1:1)), and they were only separated to a certain mission (Acts 14:2626And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. (Acts 14:26)), the Holy Ghost himself pointing out the men; nor from 1 Tim. 4:1414Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. (1 Timothy 4:14), which speaks ' of a " gift" given by "prophecy;" nor from 2 Tim. 2:22And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:2) which says nothing of ordination. Ordination to teach supposes that Christ's sheep will not be able to discern His voice (John 10) and that the gift does not” manifest" itself (1 Cor. 12:77But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. (1 Corinthians 12:7)). It makes Christ's servants require human sanction before they can use the gift He has given, and it turns men's attention away from what is preached to who are the preachers. Similarly, instead of the Spirit guiding and men's consciences being individually before God, men assume to give ethers weir Pace and sphere of work, eta. (See Acts.) It is prissily, work, not ministerial, to draw near to God in prayer and praise, and " bless" at the Lord's table, and all Christians are priests (1 Peter 2:55Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:5)).
15. 15. Matt. 13:80; Phil. 2:20, 2120For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. 21For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. (Philippians 2:20‑21); 1 Tim. 4:1-31Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. (1 Timothy 4:1‑3); 2 Tim. 1:15; 2:16-21; 3:1-5, 13; 4:3, 415This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. (2 Timothy 1:15)
16But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 17And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymeneus and Philetus; 18Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. 19Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 20But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. 21If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. (2 Timothy 2:16‑21)
1This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2 Timothy 3:1‑5)
13But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:13)
3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (2 Timothy 4:3‑4); 2 Peter 2:1-3; 3:3, 41But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. (2 Peter 2:1‑3)
3Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. (2 Peter 3:3‑4); 1 John 2:1818Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. (1 John 2:18); Acts 17:22And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, (Acts 17:2); 2 Tim. 3:16, 1716All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16‑17).