THE INSPIRATION OF THE SCRIPTURES--2 TIM. 3:16,17

THE INSPIRATION OF THE SCRIPTURES

Memory Verse: 2 Tim. 3:16,17, “All 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.”

"If we do not build upon the impregnable rock of infallible Scripture we shall ever be at the mercy of the latest whims and fancies."--Edward J. Young

I. THE IMPORTANCE OF INSPIRATION.

A. Our Knowledge Of All Other Doctrines Rest On The Scriptures.

There is a reason why that most Confessions of Faith start with the Inspiration of the Scriptures. It is the foundation upon which all our belief rests.

1. Our knowledge of creation, sin, and Biblical history, must rest on the Bible.

2. Our knowledge of prophecy rests on the Bible.

3. Our knowledge of Christ's Virgin Birth, sinless life, substitutionary death, resurrection, ascension and Second Coming rest on the Bible.

4. Our knowledge of heaven, hell, salvation and eternal life rest on the Bible. In fact we have no true spiritual knowledge, unless we have an infallible, inerrant Bible.

B. Inspiration Is Important Because The Bible Itself Claims To Be Inspired.

1. If we cannot believe the Bible in this, how can we believe anything else it says?

a. 2 Tim. 3:16-17. Many times in the Old Testament the declarations are prefaced or concluded with "Hear the word of the Lord" or "Thus saith the Lord" or some similar statement. This is found over (1) 500 times in the Pentateuch,

b. 1200 times in the Prophets and (3) 300 times in the other Old Testament books.

2. If we give up this doctrine it will be only a matter of time until we have to give up other precious doctrines.

3. God has magnified His word above His name. Psa. 138:2

II. THE MEANING OF INSPIRATION.

A. The Definition Of Inspiration.

1. "Inspiration of God" (2 Tim. 3: 16) is the translation of the Greek "THEOPNEUSTOS". This word comes from "Theos", "God", "Pneo", "to breath". In other words the Scriptures were God breathed.

2. This goes with…

a. 2 Pet. 1:21, which says, "holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." Vine says this word "moved" means that they were "borne along" or "impelled" by the Holy Spirit's power.

3. The Holy Spirit was the speaker and human beings were guided inerrantly in writing it down by the Spirit's power. (a)-3 Acts 1:16. Compare Acts 28:25,26 and Isa. 6:8-10. See Heb. 3:7. Compare Heb. 10:15,16 where he is quoting Jer. 31:33 and showing that it is not just Jeremiah, but that it is the Holy Ghost who is speaking. See 2 Sam. 23:2.

B. The Extent Of Inspection.

1. The Scriptures are VERBALLY inspired. This means the very words were given, not just the thoughts.

a. 1 Cor. 2:9-13 refers to "words" given by the Spirit.

b. Jesus declared that the "jot" (smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet) would not pass away from the law. Matt. 5:18

c. Every word of God is pure. Prov. 30:5

2. The Scriptures are PLENARILY inspired. "Plenarily inspired" means that it is full and entirely inspired of God and that it is complete.

a. All the Bible is the Word of God and pure. Psa. 12:6

b. It is the complete Word of God and nothing can be taken from it or anything added. Rev. 22:18-19

c. We mean the 66 books of the Bible. The 39 OT books were all included in the Hebrew Bible. We do not accept the apocrypha and other spurious books.

d. The 27 NT books are also the Word of God.

(1) Paul claimed his epistles to be the Word of God. 1 Thess. 2:13

(2) Peter claimed inspiration for Paul's writings as well as the others. 2 Pet.  3:15,16

C. The Result Of Inspiration.

1. The Bible does not have error mixed with truth. John 17:17

2. The Bible is infallible and inerrant.

a. "Infallible" means "not fallible, not capable of error, never wrong."

b. "Inerrant" means "not erring, making no mistake."

3. Therefore the Bible is true on any subject which it deals with including history, geography, science, etc., as well as salvation.

THE DOCTRINE OF ANGELS--PSALM 68:17; MARK 13:32

THE DOCTRINE OF ANGELS
PSALM 68:17; MARK 13:32

Introduction:

Angel = (Greek) - a messenger, envoy, one who is sent, an angel, a messenger from God.

The mythologies of nearly all the ancient nations speak of such beings as angels. In the Bible the angels of God are mentioned from Genesis to Revelations. They are mentioned 108 times in the Old Testament and 165 times in the New Testament.

I. ANGELS ARE ESTABLISHED BY THE TEACHING OF THE WORD OF GOD

A. In the Old Testament

1. Here they are mentioned as being great in number, Psalm 68:17 “The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.”

2. Here they are mentioned as being great in strength, Psalm 103:20, “Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.”

B. In the New Testament,

1. Here the angels are ministering to the Lord Jesus, Matthew 4:11, “Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him. God does not share all of His knowledge with them.”

2. Here it is noted that the Lord does not share all of His knowledge with the angels, Mark 13:32, “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.”

II. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ANGELS

A. They are created beings, Psalm 148:2, 5, “Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts. 5Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created.”

1. When were they created? The Bible does not tell us this.

2. How were they created? “for he commanded, and they were created.”

B. They are spirit beings, Hebrews 1:13-14, “But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? 14-Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?”

“Angels in their ordinary form of being are spirits without physical bodies. This does not, however, deny the possibility of their materialization.” (E. H. Bancroft)

C. Angels are personal beings to whom personal characteristics are ascribed; they are intelligent, voluntary, active and therefore personal agents, 2 Samuel 14:20.

D. Angels do not marry, Matthew 22:30, “For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.”

E. Angels do not die, Luke 20:35-36.

F. Angels are swift beings, Matthew 26:53.

G. Angels are powerful beings

1. They have superhuman power, Psalm 103:20.

2. They have delegated power, that is, they are not almighty, but the power that God gives them to accomplish His will, 2 Thessalonians 1:7

H. Angels are glorious beings, Luke 9:26.

I. Angels are numerous beings, Revelation 5:11.

III. THE MORAL NATURE OF ANGELS

A. All angels are created holy

1. God’s character would not allow otherwise, Genesis 18:25.

2. God’s creative work demonstrates the fact, Genesis 1:21.

3. God’s record of their sin demonstrates the fact, Jude 6

B. Many angels are obedient and confirmed in goodness, Matthew 25:31.

C. Many angels are disobedient and confirmed in wickedness, 2 Peter 2:4.

IV. WHAT DO ANGELS DO OR HOW ARE THEY EMPLOYED?

The Greek word “angelos” means “one sent,” “a messenger.” Holy angels then are God’s servants or messengers. They do His will in many ways.

A. Good angels…

1. Are involved in the direct worship of God, Matthew 18:10, “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.” See also Psalm 99:1; Isaiah 6:2; Daniel 7:10.

2. Rejoice in God’s work, Luke 15:10.

3. Execute God’s will, Psalm 103:20.

4. Guide and guard believers, Psalm 91:11; Acts 8:26.

5. Minister to God’s people, Hebrews 1:14.

6. Will accompany Christ at His return, Matthew 25:31

a. They will aid in the separation of the righteous from the wicked, Matthew 13:49,

b. They will aid in the punishment of the wicked, 2 Thessalonians 1: 7-8

B. Evil Angels…

1. Oppose God’s purposes, Zechariah 3:1, See also Daniel 10:10-14.

2. Afflict God’s people, 2 Corinthians 12:7.

3. Execute Satan’s purposes, Ephesians 6:11-12.

THE PRESERVATION OF THE SCRIPTURES--LESSON 2

THE PRESERVATION OF THE SCRIPTURES
LESSON 2


Memory Verse: Isa.40:8, “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”

In our last lesson we found that the Bible is the verbally inspired Word of God, without any error, and infallible.

In this lesson we are studying the providential preservation of this Word of God, so that we can say that the King James Version is God's Holy Word!! Read: Matt. 5:17,18.

I. THE DIVINE PRESERVATION OF THE SCRIPTURES IS NOT A NEW DOCTRINE.

A. Historic Confessions Of Faith Confirm It.

1. The Westminister Confession of Faith was adopted by the Presbyterians in 1646. It said: "The Old Testament in Hebrew, and the New Testament in Greek, being immediately inspired by God, and, by His singular care and providence, kept pure in all ages, are therefore authentical, so as, in all controversies of religion, the Church is finally to appeal unto them." "Counterfeit or Genuine" by David Otis Fuller, p. 214.

2. The Swiss Declaration of 1675 said: "God saw it that His word, which is with power unto salvation to everyone who believes, was entrusted to writing not only through Moses the prophets and apostles but also He has stood guard and watched over it with fatherly concern to the present time that it not be destroyed by the cunning of Satan or by any other human deceit." "Counterfeit or Genuine", p. 181

3. The Second London Confession of Faith was issued by the Baptists in 1677 and it said: "The Old Testament in Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek....being immediately inspired by God, and by His singular care and Providence kept pure in all Ages.... "Baptist Concessions of Faith", by Lumpkin.

B. Historic Bible Teachers Declare It.

1. John Calvin (1509-1564) said: "But since we are not favored with daily oracles from heaven, and since it is only in the Scriptures that the Lord hath been pleased to preserve his truth in perpetual remembrance; it obtains the same complete credit and authority with believers, when they are satisfied of its Divine origin, as if they heard the very words pronounced by God himself." "Counterfeit or Genuine", by David Otis Fuller, p. 178.

2. John Owen (Puritan) said: "The providence of God hath manifested itself as no less concerned in the preservation of the writings, than of the doctrine contained in them. . . " "The Divine Original", Trinitarian Bible Society, cover.

3. John Burgon (1813-1888) said: "There exists no reason for supposing that the Divine Agent, who in the first instance thus gave to mankind the Scriptures of truth, straightway abdicated His office; took no further care of His work; abandoned those precious writings to their fate."Counterfeit or Genuine" by David Otis Fuller, p. 178.

II. DIVINE PRESERVATION IS TAUGHT BY THE SCRIPTURES.

A. The Bible Warns Of Attempts To Corrupt It.

1. Satan said: "Yea, hath God said?" Gen. 3:1

2. “.... we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God.... " 2 Cor. 2:17

3. The Old Testament warns about adding to or taking from the Word of God. Deut. 4:2

4. The NT contains a similar warning. Rev. 22:18-19

B. The Bible Infers Preservation Of The Scriptures.

1. Peter says that we have a "more sure word of prophecy. . ." 2 Pet. 1:19-21. Part of the prophecies were over 1500 years old, but still "sure". Why? God preserved.

2. Every word of God is pure. Prov. 30:5-6. Parts of the Bible were over 500 years old when this was written.

3. Other Scriptures declare the same. 2 Psa. 19:7-11; John 5:45-47

4. It is inferred in the Great Commission and in other places. Matt. 28:18-20. Notice that the message of the church shall remain the same to the end of the world.

C. The Bible Declares The Preservation Of The Scriptures.

1. God's Word is settled forever. Psa. 119:89

2. The Word of God shall stand forever. Isa. 40:8

3. Not one letter to pass away. Matt. 5:17-18. The Law was then 1500 years old.

4. The Scripture cannot be broken. John 10:35

5. The Word of God is incorruptible. 1 Pet. 1:23-25

6. The words will not pass away. Matt. 24:35. See also: Luke 4:4; 16:17; 21:33; and John 16:12-13.

III. WHICH BIBLE IN ENGLISH IS THE WORD OF GOD?

There are only two streams of Bibles that have come down to us today. One is the pure stream, the other is corrupt.

A. The KJV Is Of The Pure Stream And Is Based On The Right Texts.

1. We know that 85% to 95% of all Greek manuscripts are of the same type that the KJV was translated from.

2. This text type was the Bible of the Greek and Byzantine churches.

3. This was the text type of the Italic churches (not Roman); of the Gallic churches of Southern France; and of the Celtic churches of Great Britain.

4. This was the text of the Waldensian churches (Baptist) going back to the First Century. (See pages 194-215 of "Which Bible?" by David Otis Fuller, 5th edition)

5. It was the text of the Reformers. Luther, Calvin, etc.

6. It was the text of Tyndale and other English versions.

7. It was the Bible used by the revivalists, fundamentalists and church builders of the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th Centuries.

B. The Stream Of Corrupt Bibles.

1. Origen and a few others corrupted some manuscripts.

2. The two leading survivors of this corrupt stream.

a. Vatican (Codex B) became available in the 1860's to scholars. Catholics claim to have had it for over 500 years. It was supposedly made in the 4th Century.

b. Codex Sinaiticus (Aleph) was found by Tischendorf in a waste basket that was about to be burned in the convent of St. Catherine near Mt. Sinai. (Both of these are a part of the 5% to 15% of manuscripts that do not agree with the 85% to 95%. They also do not agree among themselves).

3. The Latin Vulgate was based on these types.

4. The Jesuit Bible of 1582 and latter Roman Catholic Bibles agree with these.

5. The New Word Translation produced by the Jehovah's Witnesses agrees with these.

6. All of the modern versions are based on these, including the Westcott & Hort Revised Version of 1881; the American Standard of 1901; the Revised Version of 1952; the New English Version; The Living Bible; the Good News Bible; the New International Version; and the New American Standard Version.

THE DOCTRINE OF THE VIRGIN BIRTH--MEMORY VERSE: ISA.7:14

THE DOCTRINE OF THE VIRGIN BIRTH

MEMORY VERSE: ISA.7:14

I. THE VIRGIN BIRTH PROMISED.

A. It Was Promised In Prophecy.

1. Christ to be the seed of the woman. (a)-1 Gen. 3:15

2. Christ to be born of a virgin. (b)-1 Isa. 7:14

3. "A new thing...a woman shall compass a man." Jer. 31:22

B. The Virgin Birth Implied In Prophecy.

1. All the families of the earth to be blessed. Gen. 12:3

2. David's throne to be established forever. II Sam. 7:16

3. To rule on David's throne forever and to do many other things prophesied, reveal
 that only a supernatural One could fulfill this prophecy. Isa. 9:6,7

II. THE VIRGIN BIRTH PROVIDED.

A. The Virginity Of Mary Stated.

1. Mary was espoused (promised in marriage), but not married to Joseph. (b)-2 Matt. 1:18; Luke 1:27; 2:5

2. Joseph and Mary had not come together. (b)-2 Matt. 1:18

3. He "knew her not" till she had brought forth her firstborn son. (b)-2 Matt. 1:25

4. Mary states her virginity. Luke 1:34

B. His Virgin Birth Was Affirmed.

1. Conceived by the Holy Ghost. (b)-3 Luke 1:35; Matt. 1:18,20

2. The O.T. Scriptures fulfilled. Matt. 1:22,23

3. The Word was made flesh. (b)-5 John 1:14

4. He was begotten by God. (b)-6; Psa. 2:7; John 3:16He was born at the right time. (b)-7 Gal. 4:4; Dan. 9:25

5. He was born at the right place. Micah 5:2

III. WITNESSES TO THE VIRGIN BIRTH.

A. New Testament Writers Affirm His Virgin Birth.

1. Matthew affirms it. Matt.1:18-25

2. Mark affirms it. "Jesus Christ the Son of God" Mark 1:1. This affirms His divine paternity. See also Mark 1:11; 9:7.

3. Luke affirms it. Luke 1:26-38; 2:1-7

4. John affirms it. John 1:1,14

a. John refers to Jesus as God's "only begotten Son". John 1:14,18; 3:16,18

b. John records the stupendous claims that Jesus made for Himself. John 8:58; 17:5; 10:30; 10:17,18; 20:31

5. Paul affirms the Virgin Birth. Phil. 2:6; (c)-2 I Cor. 15:47

B. The New Testament Miracles Confirm The Virgin Birth. He raised the dead, gave sight to the blind, made the deaf to hear, etc. Only the supernatural Son of God could do this.

IV. THINGS DEPENDENT UPON THE VIRGIN BIRTH.

A. The Deity Of Christ.

B. The Lordship Of Christ.

C. The Saviourhood Of Christ.

D. The Bodily Resurrection Of Christ.

E. The Second Coming Of Christ.

F. The New Birth Of The Believer.

G. The Sons Relationship To The Father.

 

THE DOCTRINE OF THE TRUE GOD--MEMORY VERSE: MATT. 28:19

THE DOCTRINE OF THE TRUE GOD

MEMORY VERSE: MATT. 28:19

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”

I. THE EXISTENCE OF GOD ESTABLISHED.

A. The Existence Of God Established By Reason.

1. There is a universal belief in the existence of God.

a. This universal belief declared by the Bible. Acts 17: 28,29; Rom. 1:19-21,28,32, 2:15

b. Missionaries and explorers find that primitive people have a belief in God. "The existence of God and a future life is everywhere recognized in Africa." So said David Livingstone, pioneer missionary and explorer in Africa.

2. The Universal Law of Cause and Effect. For every effect there must be a cause. Examples: watch, car, T.V., etc.

a. Intelligence and purposeful tendency in created things The planets and solar system. All matter can be compared to this. Molecules, electrons, neutrons, etc. Created creatures have intelligence and/or instinct.

b. Personality of man cannot be explained apart from God. c. The power that it takes to run the earth and all the universe came from God.

B. The Existence Of God Established By Scripture.

1. See all the Scriptures under (a) page 4 of Confession.

2. See also Jer. 10:10-16; Hab. 2:18-20. Contrast things said about the true God and the idols in these two passages.

3. The Scriptures declare there is only one God. 1 Cor. 8:6; Eph. 4:6

II. THE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD.

A. He Is Holy.  This includes Righteousness and Justice.

1. He is declared to be holy. Ex. 15:11, I Pet. 1:16; Rev. 4:8; Isa. 6:3

2. See other Scriptures under.

B. He Is Love.  This includes Grace and Mercy. Love cannot be the fundamental attribute of God, because love always requires a standard, and this standard is found only in holiness.

C. The Many Attributes Of God.

We cannot study these at this time, but they are: Life, Spirituality, Personality, Tri-Unity, Self-existence, Eternity, Immutability, Omnipotence, Omnipresence, Omniscience, etc.

D. He Is Worthy Of Our Love.  Mark 12:30; 1 John 4:10.

III. THE TRI-UNITY OF GOD.

The word "Trinity" is not found in the Bible, but the Scriptures teach the doctrine of the Trinity.

A. The Trinity Of God Declared By Scripture.

1. Declared at the baptism of Christ. Matt. 3:16,17

2. Declared in the Great Commission. Matt. 28:19

3. Declared in Paul's benediction. 2 Cor. 13:14

4. Also see: (c)-2 John 15:26; 1 John 5:7; Eph. 2:18

B. There Is Unity & Equality In The Godhead.

1. Unity of the Father and the Son. John 10:30; Deut. 6:4

2. Unity of the Father, the Son and the Spirit taught throughout the Scriptures.

C. The Three Are Recognized As God In The Scriptures.  The Trinity found in OT, but we will mostly use the NT.

1. The Father is recognized as God. John 6:27; I Pet. 1:2

2. Jesus Christ is recognized as God. John 1:1; 20:28; Titus 2: 13, 1 Tim. 3: 16.

3. The Holy Spirit is recognized as God. Acts 5:3,4; Gen. 1:2; John 3:8. Many other Scriptures prove that He is God.

What is your relationship to God?

(1) Is He your Father?

(2) Have you been born again?

(3) Are you serving God?

(4) Do you love God?

(5) Do you obey Him?

(6) Does His Spirit lead you?

THE DOCTRINE OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED--MEMORY VERSE: GAL. 3:10

THE DOCTRINE OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED

MEMORY VERSE: GAL. 3:10

The difference between the Righteous and the Wicked, is not because of their works, but because of God's mercy and grace. A good illustration of this may be found in the two thieves that were crucified with Christ. They were both thieves and deserved to die, yet one went to heaven and the other one went to hell. What was the difference between the two? Christ was the difference.

I. THE RIGHTEOUS.

A. The Righteous Are Different In Nature.

1. The righteous have experienced a new birth. John 1:11-13; 3:3

2. The righteous have received a new nature. 11 Cor. 5:17

3. The righteous have a new love. I John 4:19; 4:7,8

4. The righteous have a new occupation. Rom. 6:17,18; I John 5:1,2

B. The Righteous Are Different In Standing.

1. Their sins are under the blood and are all forgiven.

2. They have been redeemed. I Pet. 1:18,19

3. They are justified. Rom. 5:1; 3:24

4. They stand in the righteousness of Christ. Rom. 4:1-8. Once we are saved, our standing always remains the same in Christ. Our state may vary from day to day, but we should be striving to bring our state up as close to our standing as possible. Rewards will vary according to our faithfulness in obeying His Word in our works. I Cor. 3:9-15.

C. The Righteous Are Different In Destiny.

1. Christ is coming for His own. John 14:1-3

2. The righteous shall be like Jesus. I John 3:1,2

3. The righteous will be with the Lord forever. I Thess. 4: 13-18

II. THE WICKED.

Many people seem to think that only those who murder, steal and deny the existence of God, are wicked. In truth, all of the unsaved, even the good moral ones are wicked according to God and His Word.

A. The Wicked Different In Nature.

1. The wicked have experienced only one birth. John 3:6

2. The wicked are by nature the children of wrath. Eph. 2:3

3. The wicked are the children of Satan. John 8:44

4. The wicked have a sinful occupation.. Rom. 3:9-18

B. The Wicked Are Different In Standing.

1. The wicked stand condemned. Rom. 3:19,20

2. They stand in a world of wickedness. I John 5:19

3. They stand under the curse of the law. Gal. 3:10

4. They have no righteous standing. Isa. 64:6; Gal. 3:22

C. The Wicked Are Different In Their Destiny.

Every lost sinner who refuses to repent of sin, and believe in Christ as Saviour, has a terrible destiny to face.

1. The wicked are under the sentence of death. Ezek. 18:4 James 1:15; Rom. 6:23, John 8:24

2. Eternal hell is their destiny. Psa. 9:17; Rev. 20:15, Luke 16:22-26

In view of the above, how important it really is to believe in Christ as Lord and Saviour. The remedy for sin is to be found in Christ alone. Eph. 2:8,9; Titus 3:5; II Cor. 5:21; John 5:24.

THE DOCTRINE OF THE RESURRECTION, PART 2--RETURN OF CHRIST AND RELATED EVENTS--CONT.

THE DOCTRINE OF THE RESURRECTION, PART 2

RETURN OF CHRIST AND RELATED EVENTS

(Continued)

Memory Verse: Rev.20:6

I. HIS SOON COMING FOR THE SAINTS.

A. He Is Coming Bodily For His Saints.

1. This is promised by the Holy Spirit through 3 witnesses.

a. The witness of Christ. (d)-1 John 14:3

b. The witness of the angels. (d)-2 Acts 1:11

c. The witness of Paul. (d)-3 I Thess. 4:16

2. His coming will be sudden. (d)-4 Matt. 24:27

3. The day and hour of His coming is not known. (d)-5-7 Matt. 25:13, 24:22

4. We should be looking for His coming. (d)-6-8 James 5:8; Heb. 9:28

5. The saved are to prepare for His coming.

a. By purifying ourselves. I John 3:2,3

b. By completing the work He has given to each of us. Mark 13:34-37; Matt. 24:45-51

c. By reaching our loved ones and others, with the gospel. Matt. 24:37-42

B. The Order Of Events At His Coming.

1. The dead IN CHRIST (saved dead) shall rise, and will receive glorified bodies. (e)-1-2-3. I Thess. 4:16; I Cor. 15:42-44,52

2. The living Christians will be given glorified bodies, and shall go up to meet the Lord in the air. (f)-1-2-3 I Cor. 15:51-53; I Thess. 4:17; Phil. 3:20-21; I John 3:2

II. THE SEVEN YEARS OF TRIBULATION.

We believe that there will be a 7 year tribulation period between the rapture of the Saints and Christ's coming to reign with His Saints. Therefore we do not believe that the church or any of the Saints of this dispensation will go through the tribulation period. We can only treat this subject briefly, because of space.

A. What The Raptured Saints Will Be Doing.

1. The Saints will be rewarded at the Judgment Seat of Christ. II Cor. 5:10

2. The marriage supper of the Lamb. Rev. 19:7-9

3. Worshiping and praising God.

B. The Reign Of Anti-Christ.

1. It will cover the 7 year period. Rev. 618

2. The church is not mentioned once in all this period.

C. The Ruin Of Anti-Christ. Rev. 19:11-21

III. HIS SECOND COMING WITH THE SAINTS.

A. He Is To Rule On David's Throne.

1. This was prophesied in the O.T. (g)-2 Isa. 9:6-7

2. This was promised by the angel Gabriel. (g)-1 Luke 1:32

3. This was preached by Peter on the day of Pentecost. (g)-3 Acts 2:29-30

B. His Reign Will Be Different Than Other Rulers.

1. The power of His reign. (h)-1-5 I Cor. 15:25; Rev. 20:1-3

2. The quality of His reign. (h)-2-3 Isa. 32:1, 11:4-5

3. The extent of His reign. (h)-4 Psa. 72:8, Zech. 14:9

4. The length of His reign. (h)-5-6 Rev. 20:4,6

5. The people who shall reign with Him. (h)-5-6 Rev. 20:4,6

THE DOCTRINE OF THE RESURRECTION,--THE RETURN OF CHRIST AND RELATED EVENTS

THE DOCTRINE OF THE RESURRECTION,

THE RETURN OF CHRIST AND RELATED EVENTS

Memory Verse: Matt. 24:42

I. THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST.

A. The Evidence Of His Resurrection.

1. The testimony of the angel. (a)-1 Matt. 28:6,7

2. The testimony of Jesus to the 10 apostles. (a)-2 Luke 24:39

3. His invitation to Thomas. (a)-3 John 20:27

4. The declaration of the Scriptures. (a)-4 I Cor. 15:4

5. The empty tomb. (a)-6 Luke 24:3-6

6. The change wrought in the apostles.

a. After His death they were disheartened and afraid. John 20:19; Luke 24:21 (There are other verses that show this also).
b. After He revealed Himself to them in His resurrection body, they were very bold in preaching and witnessing about the resurrection. They would die rather than give up this precious doctrine.

(1) Hear Peter on the day of Pentecost. Acts 2:22-36.
(2) Hear him again in Acts 3:14,15.

(3) Note him before the Sanhedrin and others. Acts 4:10,33; 5:29-32

7. Stephen saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Acts 7:54-56

B. The Importance Of The Resurrection. Read I Cor. 15:12-19

1. Without it, preaching would be vain. v. 14

2. Without it, faith would also be vain. v. 14

3. Without it, we would be false witnesses. v. 15

4. Without it, we would still be in our sins. v. 17

5. Without it, the dead in Christ have perished. v. 18

6. Without it, all our hope would be in this life, and this would make us of all men most miserable. v. 19

II. HIS ASCENSION AND PRESENT WORK.

A. He Ascended To The Right Hand Of The Throne Of God.

1. The disciples saw Him ascend bodily. (b)-1-2-4 Acts 1:9; Luke 24:51; Mark 16:19

2. The Angels testified of His ascension. (b)-2 Acts 1:11

3. The Scriptures declare His ascension. (b)-6-7 Heb. 8:1; 12:2

4. Christ testified of his own ascension. (b)-5 Rev. 3:21

B. He Intercedes For Us Before The Throne Of God.

1. Christ is the one mediator between God and man. (c)-1-2 Heb. 8:6; I Tim. 2:5

2. Our High Priest is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. Heb. 4:14-16; (c)-4 Heb. 2:17

3. He ever lives to make intercession for us. Heb. 7:25

4. We have Him as our "advocate" (representative), with the Father. (c)-3 I John 2:1

5. He is perfect (complete) in all that He does for us. (c)-5 Heb. 5:9-10

Continued in Lesson #22

THE DOCTRINE OF THE PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS--JOHN 10:4, 27; MATTHEW 16:24

THE DOCTRINE OF THE PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS

JOHN 10:4, 27; MATTHEW 16:24

Memory Verse: JOHN 10:28

The doctrine of eternal security has been much disputed; but it is a true doctrine because it is based upon the Word of God. The "perseverance of the saints" is altogether due to the "perseverance of the Saviour." We believe in both the "perseverance of the saints" and the "preservation of the saints." They are indeed inseparable doctrines. We do not believe that the doctrine of eternal security was ever meant to comfort those who have professed salvation, but who want to live in sin. We fear that much loose teaching has done just that!

I. THE PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS.

A. Only Real Believers Will Endure.

1. Continuance is not a condition of discipleship, but rather it is the manifestation of it, John 8:31, “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

a. We do not continue in the faith, in order to be saved, but we continue in the faith because we are saved, Colossians 1:21-23, “And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22- In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: 23- If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;”

b. Jesus said that His sheep follow Him, John 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

2. Abiding in Christ is a reality to the real believer, 1 John 2:27,28, “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. 28- And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

3. The true believer is in the world, not of it, 1 John 2:15-17, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16- For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17- And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” 1 John 4:4, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” See further, John 5:1-5

B. Real Believers Have A Persevering Attachment to Christ.

1. Unsaved professors have no such mark, 1 John 2:19, “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” See Matthew 13:19-21

2. Saved people have this mark, John 6:66-69; Job 17:9; “The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.” Matthew 13:23, “But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

II. THE PRESERVATION OF THE SAINTS.

A. A Special Providence Watches Over Their Welfare.

1. God is able to control all things for our good. (c)-1 Rom. 8:28

2. God supplies all our needs. Matt. 6:30-33

3. God's work is continual. (c)-3 Psa. 121:3

4. The angels are instruments of God for the saints. (c)-4 Heb. 1:14; Psa. 91:11,12

B. The Saints Are Kept By The Power Of God.

1. We are kept by God's power. (d)-1 I Pet. 1:5; 11 Tim. 1:12

2. God will finish what He starts. (d)-2 Phil. 1:6

3. Eternal life is the only kind God gives. (d)-3 John 10:28;

4. The saved cannot be removed from the Lord's hand. (d)-3-4 John 10:28,29

5. Nothing can separate the saints from the love of God. (d)-6 Rom. 8:35-39

6. He has promised never to leave us. Heb. 13.5

7. He is able to keep us from falling and to present us faultless. Jude 24,25

8. The Spirit dwells within us. I John 4:4

9. Saints are the Sons of God. I John 3:2

10. We can know we have eternal life. I John 5:9-13

11. We are sealed by the Holy Spirit. Eph. 4:30

THE DOCTRINE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT--JOHN 14:26

THE DOCTRINE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
JOHN 14:26

“But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:”

JOHN 14:17, “Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”

JOHN 16:13, “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.”

Introduction:

We will be studying the doctrine of the Holy Spirit for a few weeks in order to understand this great doctrine. There are many misconceptions regarding the Holy Spirit as well as many false teachings. I hope that this study will give us a clearer picture of the work of the Holy Spirit in this world as well as in our personal lives and that of the church as well.

I. THE NATURE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

A. The Holy Spirit is a person.  He has personal existence and He has a personality. He is NOT JUST an influence.

1. The names and works attributed to Him reveal personality.

2. Masculine personal pronouns given to Him, John 14:16-17, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17-Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” John 16:13-15, “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. 14-He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. 15-All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.”

3. His association with other persons of the Godhead prove His personality, Matthew 28:19, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”

4. Personal characteristics ascribed to Him:

a. Intelligence, 1 Corinthians 2:10-11, “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11-For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.”

b. Love, Romans 15:30, “Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;”

c. Grief, Ephesians 4:30, “And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.”

5. Personal acts ascribed to the Holy Spirit.

a. He speaks, Revelation 2:7, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”

b. He makes intercession, Romans 8:26, “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”

c. He teaches, John 14:26, But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:”

d. He calls and commissions men, Acts 13:2, “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.”

B. The Deity of the Holy Spirit.

1. He is called God, Acts 5:3-4, “But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.”

2. The attributes of God are attributed to Him:

a. Eternal, Hebrews 9:14, “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”

b. Omnipotence, Luke 1:35, “And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”

3. He performed Divine works, Genesis 1:1-3, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2-And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. 3-And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.”

4. Names of the Holy Spirit that show His relation to God.

a. The Spirit of God, 1 Corinthians 3:16, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”

b. The Spirit of the Living God, 2 Corinthians 3:3, “Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.”

5. Names of the Holy Spirit that show His relation to the Son of God.

a. The Spirit of Christ, Romans 8:9, “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”

b. The Spirit of His Son, Galatians 4:6, “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.”

II. THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

A. He Was Active in the Creation, Genesis 1:1-3, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2-And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. 3-And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.”

B. His Work in Relation to the Unbelieving, Unregenerate World.

1. He strives with them, Genesis 6:3, “And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.”

2. He restrains the Evil One, 2 Thessalonians 2:7, “For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.”

3. He reproves the world of sin, John 16:8-11, “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9-Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10-Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11-Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.”

4. He bears witness to the gospel of Christ, John 14:26-27, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 27-Peace 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.” Acts 5:30-32, “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 31-Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32-And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.”

5. He is the agent in the New Birth, John 3:5-6, “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. 6-That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

C. His Work in Relationship to Jesus Christ.

1. Conceived by the Holy Spirit, Luke 1:35, “And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”

2. Anointed by the Holy Spirit, Acts 10:38, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.”

3. Led by the Holy Spirit, Matthew 4:1, “Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.”

4. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Luke 4:1, “And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,”

5. Power of the Spirit on His ministry, Luke 4:18-19, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19-To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.”

6. Offered Himself through the Spirit, Hebrews 9:14, “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”

7. Resurrected by the power of the Spirit, Romans 8:11, “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”

D. His Work in Relation to the Scriptures.

1. He is the author of the Scriptures, 2 Peter 1:20-21, “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21-For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

2. He is the Interpreter of the Scriptures, Ephesians 1:17, “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:”

E. The Work of the Holy Spirit in the Saved.

1. He seals the believer, Ephesians 1:13-14, “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14-Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”

2. He endues with power for witnessing, Luke 24:49, “And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” Acts 1:8, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

3. He guides into all truth, John 16:13, “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 14:26, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

4. He teaches the believer, John 16:13 (above); John 14:26 (above). The above references refer to the inspiration of the Scriptures. However, we know that the Holy Spirit guides and teaches us through the written Word, 1 Corinthians 2:9-11, “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10-But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11-For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.” 2 Peter 3:18, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”

5. He witnesses to the believer and with the believer.

a. In witnessing to the believer He assures the believe that he is saved, Romans 8:14, 16, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God… 16-The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:”

b. Everyone who has trusted Christ as Savior has the Holy Spirit, Acts 5:32, “And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.”

6. The Spirit is active in the santification of the believer.

a. The Believer has been set apart for the Lord, 1 Peter 1:2, “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.”

b. Part of the setting apart is justification, 1 Corinthians 6:11, “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”

1) You are washed, that is, saved by faith.

2) You are sanctified, set apart for service to the Lord.

3) You are justified from you sins which gives a clear conscience before the Lord, Romans 3:24, “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:”

7. The Spirit helps and comforts the believer,

a. The Lord teaches us how to pray and for what we ought to pray, Romans 8:26-27, “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27-And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”

b. The Holy Spirit give us comfort in the absence of the Lord Jesus, John 16:7, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.”

1) We are never alone without help, Hebrews 13:5, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

2) Therefore, we are comforted by His promise.