Leaves of Gold

A Call To Return To The Teaching Of The Bible

A ministry of Evangelist James A. Nelson   jan23@cox.net

Year III,   No.  10            OCTOBER           2008

 

Master Outline Number Thirty-Three from the Christian Life Bible, Porter L. Barrington

For the Jew First

                True Christians love the Jewish people. There has been, however, a great deal of confusion about this subject owing to the fact that such a large number of people have persecuted the Jews. For centu­ries many of these tormentors have invoked God's name to condone their acts of persecution. These outlines will endeavor to state a Christian position on the issues as taught in the Bible.

                On the other hand, many believers have a sincere desire to share their faith in Christ with the Jew­ish people, and have often asked how this might be done. The following outlines will offer some help, using biblical guidelines.

 

33-A. The Permanence of God's Love to Israel (Jeremiah 31:1-40)-ln light of today's world situation, it is vital that all believers understand God's everlasting love for Israel, especially when sharing one's faith with Jewish people. God's love for Israel is revealed in many ways.

(1) An everlasting love. God Himself declared that His love for the nation Israel is everlasting (v. 3), despite the fact that He has judged that nation (v. 2).

(2) Her weeping shall cease. God comforted weeping Rachel-herself a symbol of Israel-assuring her that in the end-time her children would return to her (vv. 15-17).

(3) They shall return. Jews shall return both to Ephraim, Israel's northern kingdom scattered in 721 B.C. by Assyria, and to Judah, Israel's southern kingdom (vv. 20,23), which was scattered by the Babylonians in 606, 597, and 586 B.C. In A.D. 70 the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and dispersed the Jewish people. They began to return before World War I, and after World War II (1948) became a modern nation (Jer. 30:1-11).

(4) A new covenant God promised that He would make a new covenant with the house of Israel. At its consummation, the members of this nation will experience a loving, personal relationship with God. They will be forgiven of all past national sins (vv. 31-34; Zech. 12:10; 1 Cor. 11:25).

(5) Never abandoned. God, in forceful language within Jeremiah's prophecy of judgment on the nation, pledged that Israel would never be totally destroyed, nor would He ever abandon them (vv. 35-37). Thus, despite New Testament events, God never has and never will "cast off" Israel (vv. 36, 37). The New Testament directly confirms this, when the apostle Paul answered his own rhetorical question, "Has God cast away His people? Certainly not ... God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew" (Rom. 11:1, 2).

(6) God's ancient people. The term "the seed of Israel" promises the nation of Israel (today's Jewish people) an eventual, peaceful restoration to their land (vv. 36, 37). Other blessings are promised to the church in manifold quantities, but in these verses the offspring of ancient Israel is the topic.

(7) Full restoration. God's will, in the future, is to reestablish the nation of Israel. Jerusalem will be rebuilt; it will be holy and dedicated to the lord (vv. 38-40; cf. Zech. 14:16-21). God says it shall yet come to pass; that makes it certain.

 

33-B. The Prophecies of Israel's Messiah (Micah 5:2)-The Messiah in Hebrew means "anointed," that is, "set apart by oil," and refers to a king, high priest, or prophet who has had the oil poured on his head (1 Sam. 16:13, page 283; Ex. 40:13, page 102). The oil is a type of the Spirit of God (Zech. 4:3, 6, page 913). Thus the Messiah was to be that messenger of the Lord of whom it was prophesied, "The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him" (Is. 11 :2, page 654). The Greek word for such an anointed is Christos, origin of "Christ."

                Through the centuries the Old Testament prophets prophesied that a Messiah would come. Gradually, they put together the picture of what He would be like, what His mission would be, and how He could be recognized. Through the years many had analyzed and debated these prophecies, as they "waited the Messiah. Christians believe, and the New Testament demonstrates, that Jesus alone-among all religious or secular leaders that are or ever have been-matches perfectly these predictive descriptions. He was:

 

Messianic Prophecy                                                               O. T. Prophecy                                       N.T. Fulfillment

1. To be born in Bethlehem                                    1. Mic. 5:2                                                              1. Matt. 2:1-6

2. To be of the tribe of Judah                                 2. Genesis 49:10                                     2. Matt. 1:1

3. To inherit he throne of David                                             3. 2 Sam. 7:12-17; Isa. 9:6,7                   3. Luke 1:32, 33

4. To come 483 years after the restoration of        4. Daniel 9:25                                          4. Matt. 2:1, 2

    Jerusalem and the temple

5. To be born of a virgin                                         5. Isaiah 7:14                                           5. Matt. 1:18-25

6. To be announced by a messenger from God       6. Malachi 3:1                                         6. Luke 7:24-27

7. To appear in Galilee                                           7. Isaiah 9:1, 2                                         7. Matt. 4:13-16

8. To be a prophet like Moses                                               8. Deut. 18:15                                         8. Acts 3:21-24

9. To enter Jerusalem on a donkey                         9. Zech. 9:9                                             9. John 12:12-14

10. To be rejected by His own people                   10. Isaiah 53:3, 4                                     10. John 1:11

11. To have His garments divided                          11. Psalm 22:18                                      11. Matt. 27:35

12. To be pierced                                                    12. Zech. 12:10; Ps. 22:16                      12. Matt. 27:35

13. To suffer innocently...substitute                      13. Isaiah 53:4, 5                                     13. Luke 23:14-16

14. To be resurrected                                                              14. Ps. 16:10; Is. 53:10,12                      14. Mark 16:6, 7

 

33C The. Plan of Salvation: "For the Jew First" (Isaiah 1:16-19)-A significant number of Jewish people in recent years have become believers in Christ. The Christian invitation of salvation to the Jews (God's ancient people-Israel) is in harmony with the promises of both the Old and New Testaments.

(1) In the Old Testament Israel was invited to salvation:

(a) God declared that the Hebrews too were sinners (despite having been chosen in Abraham), as is

all mankind (Is. 1:3-14).

(b) As a result of their sins, God said He would not hear their prayers (v. 15; Is. 59:1-3).

(c) God exhorted them to repent of their sins and be cleansed (v. 16).

(d) God exhorted them to live so as to outwardly reflect their inward cleansing (v. 17).

(e) God promised them total cleansing and forgiveness (v. 18).

(f) God pledged that if they repented, their blessings at His hand would continue (v. 19).

(2) In the Old Testament, Israel was promised a Messiah-Savior who would suffer as God's lamb for the sins of those who would turn to Him (Is. 53:4-7).

(3) In the New Testament, Israel is still invited to salvation; which is "for the Jew first and also for the Greek" (Rom. 1:16).

(a) The gospel, the Good News, is God's power to save people. The Holy Spirit uses this message to touch the hearts of unbelievers that they might believe and be saved (1 Cor. 15:1-4).

(b) The gospel is able to save everyone who believes-Jew or Gentile.

(c) Salvation in the New Testament was specifically offered to "the Jew first" (Rom. 1 :16), out of historical necessity or courtesy, just as the Messiah-Savior was promised to the Jewish people by the Old Testament prophets..             ..

(d) Salvation was offered to "the Jew first" (Rom. 1:16; John 1:11), according to the Apostle Paul's inspired words. It thus requires that we who know Christ should continue to share the gospel with the Jewish people (Rom. 11:1-5, 11, 12).

(4) The apostle Paul

(a) Showed an earnest desire for Israelites to be saved (Rom. 9:1-4). He prayed for Israel's salvation (Rom. 10:1).

(b) Declared that any Jew or Gentile will be saved if he or she calls upon God through Christ (Rom. 10:11,12).

(c) Stated that God had not "cast away" Israel (Rom. 11:1).

(d) Affirmed that Israel, as a nation, would at some future time turn in faith to Christ(Rom. 11 :26-28; Zech. 12:10).

 

33-D. The Parties to the Crucifixion of Christ (Isaiah 53:10)-Over the centuries, efforts to evangelize the Jews have been obstructed by various persons who have unjustly blamed Christ's death on the Jewish people as a whole. Thus it is difficult to invite the Jewish person to accept the Christian faith if that person envisions himself joining a group which actively persecutes the Jewish people. The question then, of who really crucified Christ, is one of vital importance to a true understanding of Scripture and to Jewish evangelism. Those who crucified Christ were

(1) God the Father. "Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him" (v. 10). This passage, amidst the great prophecy of the suffering of the Christ for humanity's sins, clearly states that Christ's crucifixion was a part of God's plan of salvation. He was "slain from the foundation of the world" (Rev. 13:8). At the Garden of Gethsemane, Christ, facing the cross amid the agony of knowing He was soon to bear the sins of the world, said, "Not as I will, but as You will," and "Your will be done" (Matt. 26:39, 42). Christ did not attempt to avoid the cross because He saw it as the will of the Father to be crucified, to pay for sin, and to give salvation to the believers of the ages (Eph. 2:8, 9).

(2) God the Son. Christ told Peter to put away his sword when He was arrested in the garden, since Christ could (if He wished) call for "more than twelve legions of angels" (Matt. 26:52~54). It was His own will to fulfill the Scriptures and to die as a substitute for sinners. Christ said that He came as the Good Shepherd to give His life for His sheep; "No one takes it [His life] from Me" (John 10:17, 18).

(3) Satan. That fallen unseen spirit, from the beginning, sought to (a) slay Christ at His birth (Rev. 12:4);

(b) tempt Him to sin or to be killed by leaping off the temple (Matt. 4:5, 6);

 (c) have Christ slain (John 13:26, 27). When Satan entered Judas, Judas betrayed Christ and was consequently responsible for His crucifixion.

(4) The Jewish leaders and the people. The high priests and Sanhedrin court were angered by Christ's repeated healings on the Sabbath, violating the law (according to their traditional interpretation of the law). So they condemned Christ and handed Him over to the Romans for death (Matt. 27:15-25).

(5) Herod Antipas. The Herodian family were Edomites from the deserts south of Jerusalem. Since Christ was a Galilean by residence, Pontius Pilate sent Christ to Herod-who had previously killed John the Baptist, mocked Christ and sent Him back to Pilate to His death (Luke 23:6-12).

(6) The Romans. Pilate sentenced Christ to death by crucifixion (Luke 23:24). Pilate was guilty for having killed Christ even after admitting that He was an innocent man (Luke 23:22). The Roman soldiers, representing several Gentile nations, carried out the actual crucifixion of Christ (Mark 15:16-25)

(7) The original sinners-Adam and Eve. By eating from the forbidden tree, they had plunged the race of mankind into sin. Their aprons of fig leaves (a non-blood offering) could not cover their sin; therefore, God killed animals to cover them. This foreshadowed Christ's need to shed His blood on the cross, and to provide the human race with an eternal, covering robe of righteousness. Thus, by their original sin, Adam and Eve were parties to the crucifixion of Christ (Gen. 3:6, 7, 21; cf. Rev. 19:8).

(8) All mankind. All mankind, having fallen and in need of a Savior to bear their sins that they might live, required Christ to die for them (John 3:16).

(9) You. Christ "bore our sins in His own body on the tree"-Your sins and my sins nailed Him to the cross (1 Pet. 2:24). He died for you. Your sins, seen from the beginning by a loving and compassionate heavenly Father, put Christ on the cross in your place to save you. Thus God the Father, God the Son, Satan, the Jewish leaders and the people, the Edomites, the Gentile nations, Adam and Eve, as well as all of mankind, including you and me, each crucified God the Son. So no individual or nation should blame another individual or nation for the death of the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

33-E. The Barrier to Evangelism: Persecution of the Jewish People (Luke 23:34)-From the times of Moses until the present, Jewish people have been persecuted century after century and in country after country, even by professing Christians. (Remember that not all who profess actually possess-Matthew 7:21 ~23, page 946.) Such persecution has become an enormous barrier to Jewish evangelism. Let us review the pertinent Scriptures:

(1) Who are the Jewish people? They are the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Today the terms Jewish person, Jew, or Israelite are usually used synonymously. Originally, a "Jew" was from Israel's royal tribe (David's tribe), Judah; but in later years a Jew might be any Israelite.

In 721 B.C. the Assyrians scattered the northern kingdom, called "Israel," and many mixed with the southern kingdom, "Judah." In 586 B.C. the Babylonians scattered Judah and Jerusalem. Since A.D. 70, when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem, the tribes have intermarried freely and Israelites and Jews have become one people.

Note that the apostle Paul, explaining his prayer for Israel (Rom. 10:1, page 1140), spoke of them collectively as the "Jew" (Rom. 10:12, page 1140). Likewise he referred to himself as "an Israelite" (Rom. 11 :1, page 1141), a "Hebrew" (2 Cor. 11 :22, page 1175), and a "Jew" (Acts 21 :39, page 1117; 22:3, page 1118). (2) The Bible prophesied that they would suffer persecution (Deut. 28:64-68, page 207). This is by no means an excuse for anyone who causes the Jewish people to suffer! Evil may befall them, but woe to those who cause it (Deut. 30:6, 7, page 208)!

(3) The Bible promises blessing to those who bless them and cursing to those who curse them (Gen. 12:3, page 17). Witness the nations of history who persecuted the Jew: Spain and Portugal, once great empires, promoted the Inquisition and are now third-rate powers, and Germany, which planned the Holocaust, is now divided into two nations.

(4) Christ prayed from the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do" (v. 34).

"They" included the Jewish people. It is His everlasting wish that they be forgiven-not persecuted. Christ here met all of the conditions for answered prayer. His prayer will be answered, for those who repent will be pardoned.

(5) Paul desired the Jewish people to be saved, not persecuted (Rom. 9:3,4, page 1139).

(6) Christ was a Jew, from the tribe of Judah (Rom. 9:5, page 1139; d. Matt. 1:1, 2, page 930). (7) Peter called himself a Jew (Acts 10:28, page 1103).

(8) Paul called himself a Jew (Acts 21:39, page 1117; 22:3, page 1118).

'(9) Cornelius, the first Gentile convert to Christ and especially blessed of God, had a reputation for treating Jewish people well; God loved and honored him (Acts 10:22, page 1103).

(10) Wicked Haman is typical of people throughout the ages who have promoted anti-Semitism (Esth. 3:10, page 472). He was hanged, and the Bible praises this as justice to the wicked (Esth. 7:8-10, page 474). (11) True Christians are the ambassadors of God's love to those of every nation and tribe. No race or national group today must ever be shunned or persecuted. Those filled with hate and persecution are not obedient to God's Word, and cannot please Him (Acts 10:28, page 1103).

 

33 F. The Peace That Someday Will Be Israel's.  Isaiah 11:6-12.  Today, most Jewish people are scattered over the world, some have returned to Israel, and some are still looking for the Messiah.  The nation of Israel itself lives in an atmosphere of tension concerning the future.  Someday, according to the Bible, after the struggle and tribulacion of this age, the Jewish people will at last find their long-awaited rest.  All peoples, Jews and Arabs, will at last live side by side in the unity of peace (Zech. 14:16,..21). God : invites, and demands fellowship with Egyptians and all Arab peoples, in Jerusalem, in the millennial peace.

(1) The nation Israel was founded during a search for a refuge.

(a) The British Balfour Declaration (1917) committed England to work toward the establishment of a homeland in Palestine. This was the beginning of the return of a remnant.

(b) In World War I, General Allenby conquered the Turks (allies of the Axis powers) who were then ling the west side of the Jordan. At the same time, independent Arab armies (spurred by Lawrence of conquered the lands east of the Jordan from the Turks.

(c) The Jews in Russia were especially persecuted. In 1917 when the Czar of Russia was removed by communist revolution, some Jews thought that communism (where all workers are equal) would bring f'V state of equality where all men would be brothers. This ideal was soon betrayed, and ultimately Jews again persecuted by the atheistic communist state, even as they had been under the Czar.

(d) Hitler's Nazi machine, as a tool of Satan, in 1939-1945, placed the Jews of Poland, Germany, : France, and Holland into concentration camps; six million Jews were exterminated in this holocaust.

(e) The British governed Palestine from 1917-1948 under a mandate from the League of Nations.

(f) When the British left Palestine in 1948, war broke out; on May 14, 1948, Israel declared itself an independent nation. A welcome was announced for all Jewish people who wished to return to their historic homeland which had been theirs in the days of Joshua, the judges, and the kings, and from where mans had driven them in A.D. 70:

(g) In 1956 Israel fought Egypt, which was armed by Russia, in the Sinai campaign.

(h) In 1967 the Six-Day War was fought. Israel regained the entire land west of the Jordan, including Jerusalem and the central west bank of the Jordan River, which the nation Jordan had held.

(i) In 1973, Israel was suddenly attacked in the Yom Kippur War by Egypt and Syria.

(2) Christ, at His second coming, will rescue Israel from its tribulation and will "destroy all the nations me against Jerusalem" (Zech. 12:9; cf. 14:3, 4).

(3) The Jewish people will then find spiritual peace as "they will look on Me whom they pierced" (Zech. 12:10; cf. 13:1, 2).

(4) Christ will bring His peace to the entire millennial world and will regather the Jewish people (vv.4-12).  'New Jerusalem" (Rev. 21:2) will be the capital city of the eternal state which will someday and which will remain at peace forever and ever. "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" (Rev. 22:20)

(These studies will continue each month)

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Righty Dividing The Word" Clarence Larkins

 

XXIX Palace Beautiful, or the Christian Life Under the Similitude of a Palace

 

                Bunyan in his "Pilgrim's Progress" describes "Palace Beautiful." He pictures Christian as approach­ing it at nightfall and asking for lodging, and being met at the door by a Damsel named Discretion, and afterwards welcomed by Prudence, Piety and Charity. That night Christian slept in a large upper-room or chamber, whose window opened towards the sun rising. In the morning after breakfast they showed him over the Palace, first taking him to the "Study." The next day they visited the "Armory." The third day, before they would let him depart, they took him to the top of the Palace and showed him in the distance the "Delectable Mountains," at the foot of which lay "Immanuel's Land." They then took him into the "Armory," and having armed him, sent him on his journey.

                In Dr. F. B. Meyer's little book, "Steps Into the Blessed Life," in chapter three, he speaks of the "Cham­bers of the King," in which he compares the successive experiences of the Christian to the chambers of a Palace, such as the "Chamber of the New Birth," the "Chamber of Assurance," the "Chamber of the Surrendered Will," etc., these chambers opening one into the other.

                Dr. George F. Pentecost in his little book on "Grace Abounding in the Forgiveness of Sins," takes up the thought of Bunyan and Meyers and enlarges on it. He says......., •• I have often conceived to myself ,God's Salvation being provided for us in a splendid mansion, set in the midst of a garden of delights and parks of loveliness, into which there is an always-open gate. Many people wander into the grounds and go from flowerbed to flowerbed, and stroll with delight about the grounds, casting now and again a passing glance at the splendid mansion, which is God's 'House of Mercy;' but, upon the whole, are content to stay outside, satisfied with the free range of the grounds. Some are anxious to avail themselves of the privilege, which is freely published abroad, of entering the house and becoming guests of Him who dwells therein. These approach the door and mount the wide marble steps and are cheered by the in­scription written over the doorway-'Whosoever will, let Him Come,' and 'Him That Cometh I Will in no Wise Cast Out.' The splendid door ot this great house is set wide open, and on either side there are servants of God who stand day and night publishing God's free invi­tation to sinners to enter. No price is demanded, no certificates of character are required, no questions are asked as to previous conduct or present condition, neither wealth nor social standing are inquired into; whether in the garb of prince or beggar, all alike are welcome. .. In my fancy I have seen some come up to the threshold of the door and look in and sigh and turn back. Some linger for days and weeks longing to enter in, but not doing so because they say, they are not fit, or are too unworthy, or that they cannot believe, though the invitation remains written over the door of the mansion."

                The thoughts of these three writers, Bunyan, Meyer and Pentecost have suggested to me the idea of drawing the plan of

Palace Beautiful

with all the halls, stairways, public rooms, and private chambers, with their spiritual significance, in the "Palace of Man's soul," and thus present in pictorial form the "Steps in the Christian Life."

                The Pilgrim approaches "Palace Beautiful" by the broad paved pathway of

CONVICTION

(John 8: 9. Acts 2: 37)

that widens out into the circular pavement

FORGIVENESS

(Acts 13: 38)

that stretches completely around the circular steps of

REPENTANCE

(Acts 2: 38. 2 Cor. 7: 10)

up which the Pilgrim must walk to the

PORCH OF CONFESSION

(Matt. 10: 32-33. Rom. 10: 9-10)

that runs completely across the front of the Palace, and that is railed in except, where the steps lead up to it. The knowledge that God has forgiven men, and all that is needed is that they be reconciled to Him, is necessary to lead men to repentance. 2 Cor. 5: 18-20. We are now ready to enter the Palace.

1. THE DOOR.      The "Door" is CHRIST, who said of Himself, "I am the DOOR; by ME if any man enter in he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." John 10: 9. Paul puts the same truth thus "For THROUGH HIM we both have access by one Spirit (Holy Spirit) to the Father." Eph. 2: 18. The front door Christ leads into-

2. THE VESTIBULE of the "NEW BIRTH," without passing through which experience no one can take possession of the Palace, for "Except a man be born of water (The Word) and the Spirit (Holy Spirit), he CANNOT ENTER into the Kingdom of God." John 3: S. The "Vestibule of the New Birth" opens into-

3. THE HALL OF JUSTIFICATION. From this "Hall" access is had to the whole of the interior of the Palace by doors and stairways. It ends on the first floor in a larger Hall or room in which is the main stairway. This larger Hall is lighted from above, and is known as the Hall of

PEACE WITH GOD.

            Over the open "Fireplace" in this larger Hall are painted the words-

"Therefore BEING JUSTIFIED BY FAITH, WE HAVE PEACE WITH GOD through our LORD JESUS CHRIST."  Rom. 5: l.

               

                The first room that we enter on the right from the "Hall of Justification," after passing through the "Ves­tibule of the New Birth," is-

4. THE PARLOR OF HEART REST.

                Over the door of entrance into the "Parlor" are the words- "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden and  I WILL GIVE YOU REST." Matt. 11 : 28.

                The "Parlor" is furnished with easy chairs and luxurious couches, and over the mantelpiece hangs an allegorical picture of the saying of the prophet-"And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in.a dry place, as the SHADOW OF A GREAT ROCK IN A WEARY LAND." Isa. 32: 2. At the rear end of the room is a picture of Elim, the resting place of Israel after their deliverance from Egypt, where they refreshed themselves under the three-score and ten palm trees, and beside the twelve wells of water. Delightful music from the sweetest of instruments, accompanied by the most melodious of voices, floats through the air of the room, now near and loud, and then low and far away as even­ing chimes from some far-off belfry calling to worship and filling the soul with peace, and causing the hearer to forget all weariness and sorrow and imagine that he has entered unto "the rest that remaineth for the people of God." Heb. 4: 9.

                On the opposite side of the "Hall of Justification" is-

5. THE ARMORY.

                Over the door of entrance are the words

­"FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH." 1 Tim. 6: 12.

                In this room are preserved many of the instruments of warfare used by God's servants in ancient times. Here is to be seen "Moses' Rod;" the "Hammer and Nail" with which Jael slew Sisera; the "Pitchers, Trumpets and Lamps" with which Gideon put to flight the armies of Midian; the "Ox-Goad" wherewith Shamgar slew 600 men; the "Jawbone" with which Samson destroyed 1000 Philistines, and last, but not least, the "Sling and Stone" with which David slew Goliath of Gath. There are also many other relics as "Ram's-horns," "Handkerchiefs" to heal the sick, the "Cruse" in which the widow kept her oil, etc.

                But the purpose of this room is principally to furnish weapons and armor for Christian soldiers, and in it are to be found in abundance helmets, swords, shields, breast­plates, girdles and sandals, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against "Principalities," against 'Powers,' against the 'Rulers of the Darkness' of this Age, against 'SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS' IN HIGH PLACES." Wherefore we are to put on the whole "Armor of God." Eph. 6: 13-18.

                Crossing again to the right of the Hall, in the rear of the Parlor we find a small room called-

6. THE OFFICE.

                This is a room not sufficiently noticed in the Christian life because it is the room of "Christian Stewardship" from which come the funds to carryon all Christian work. It is neatly fitted up with desk, chairs, safe, and shelves to hold the annual reports of Missionary Societies and different organizations of Christian work. There are also boxes to hold envelopes for weekly and monthly offerings, on the back of which is printed "UPON THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him." 1 Cor. 16: 2. And over the safe hang~ the "Scripture Text"-

                "Bring ye all the TITHES into the store­house, that there may be meat in my house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the 'Windows of Heaven,' and pour  out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." Malachi 3: 10.

                Passing out of the "Office" we enter into

7. THE STUDY.

                This is a beautiful room with a circular bay window facing the sun rising, and splendidly adapted to the early morning study of the Scriptures. On the broad flat-top study table are to be found translations of the Scriptures, concordances, Bible textbooks and dictionaries, com­mentaries, etc., while the shelves that line the room are filled with biographical sketches of missionaries, martyrs, and the saints of all ages, church histories, expositions of Bible doctrines, volumes of sermons, and Christian evi­dences of all kinds. On the wall in front of the study table are the words-

                "SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES, for in them ye think ye have 'Eternal Life;' and they are ~ey which testify of me." John 5: 39.

                Opposite the "Study," on the other side of the Hall is-

8. THE PICTURE GALLERY.

                This room is as beautiful as the "Study," with a cir­cular bay window, and as it faces the West the light is good to produce the best effect on the pictures that line its walls. These pictures are representations of Old and New Testament incidents that bring out in type the life and character of the Master. Among 1;he great paintings in the "Gallery" are-"Abraham Offering Isaac," "The Blood upon the Doorposts," "Moses smiting the Rock," "The Serpent in the Wilderness," "The Scape Goat,"

"Daniel in the Lion's Den," "The Transfiguration," "The Crucifixion," "The Resurrection" and "The Ascension."

Passing out of the "Picture Gallery" it is but a step to the left to

9. THE BANQUETING ROOM.

Over the door of entrance is painted in large letters--.

"He brought me to

'THE BANQUETING HOUSE' and His Banner over me was LOVE."

Song of Solomon 2: 4.

In this room the tables are laden with the richest viands and the most costly wines, for

"The Lord of Hosts shall make unto all people a

'FEAST OF FAT THINGS,'

a Feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined." Isa. 25:6.

The ceiling and walls of this "Banqueting Room" are richly frescoed in fruit and floral designs, and over the sideboard are the words-

"I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE:

he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that beiieveth on me shall never thirst."

John 6: 35.

In the rear of the "Banqueting Room" is "THE KITCHEN," where the employees of the Palace prepare the Feasts that they serve in the "Banqueting Room."

Retracing our steps to the large Hall we leave the first floor and ascend the broad stairway, stopping on the first landing to admire the beautiful old Grandfather's Clock that stands there, but quicken our pace as we read on its dial the words-

"REDEEMING THE TIME, because the days are evil."

Eph. 5: 16.

The first room to the right at the head of the stairs is--:

10. THE BATHROOM.

Here there is every convenience for the cleansing of the body and the application of cosmetics, but we will not stop here, for we are already supposed to be clean through the Word (John 15: 3), and to have been saved "By the washing of REGENERATION" (Titus 3: 5), which we have symbolized by "Baptism." Rom. 6: 34.

We now enter the first chamber-

11. THE CHAMBER OF THE "SURRENDERD WILL."

The door to this Chamber is called "CONSECRA­TION," and over it are written the words-

"I 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." Rom. 12: 1.

The doorway is narrow and only those can enter who are willing to not only give up every known sin, but to lay aside every WEIGHT that interferes with their running the Christian race. Heb. 12: 1.

This room is directly over the "Picture Gallery," and it has a bay window of glass, and as it faces the West, the setting sun floods it with glory, and fills the soul that is conscious of having yielded all to God with a heavenly light.

From this Chamber, through a communicating door, we pass into

12. THE CHAMBER OF "ASSURANCE:-

The door to this Chamber is not called "Feeling," as some suppose, but KNOWLEDGE, and over it are the words--

"These 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." ~ John 5 : 13.

The walls of the "Chamber of Assurance" are covered with Scripture texts, such as-

"He that believeth on the Son HATH EVERLASTING LIFE." John 3: 36.

"Verily, 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.

"Beloved, NOW ARE WE THE SONS OF GOD, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be LIKE HIM; for we shall see Him as He is." 1 John 3: 2.

From the "Chamber of Assurance," through another communicating door, it is but a step into-

13. THE CHAMBER OF "JOY IN THE HOLY GHOST."

On the glass of this communicating door are painted in letters of gold, shaded with red, the words-

"For the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and JOY

IN THE HOLY GHOST." Rom. 14: 17.

This room is filled with Musical Instruments, Hymnals, and Songs of Praise, so that the glad heart

may voice its joy in the inspired psalms, hymns, and songs of those who have been especially gifted of the Lord in this direction. On the wall hangs in illuminated text Psalm 150.

It is but a step or two across the hall to the door ot-

14. THE CHAMBER OF "VICTORY OVER SIN."

But while we enter this room directly from the hall, it will be to no use unless we have first been in the Chamber of "The Surrendered Will." Over the door of the Chamber of "Victory over Sin" are inscribed the words-

"WHOSOEVER ABIDETH IN HIM SINNETH NOT."

1 John 3: 6.

The peculiarity of this room is the "Symbols of Death" to be seen everywhere about it. On the wall of one side is a picture of the "Crucifixion of Christ" under which are the words-

"I AM CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST."

Gal. 2: 20.

While on the opposite wall is a picture of the empty tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, under which are the words-

"If ye then be RISEN WITH CHRIST t seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God." Col. 3: l.

The whole teaching of the room is-"RECKON ye also yourselves TO BE DEAD indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." Rom. 6: 11.

Passing out of this Chamber and into the next on the same side we find ourselves in-

15. THE CHAMBER OF. "PATIENCE." over the door of which are the words-

"LET PATIENCE HAVE HER PERFECT WORK." James 1: 4.

 

                This room is for the purpose of retirement when we are fretted by our work, or have had our patience sorely tried. Passing out into the hall again we step into the Chamber over the study-

16. THE CHAMBER OF "PEACE." Over the door are the words-

"Thou wilt keep him in PERFECT PEACE whose mind is stayed on Thee." Isa. 26: 3.

It was in this Chamber that the sisters laid Christian to sleep, and as it looked out toward the East, he awakened at the rising of the sun. It is the Chamber of the "PEACE OF GOD," and when the sleeper awakes in the morning he sees before him on the opposite wall-

"And the 'PEACE OF GOD,' which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phil. 4: 7.

The furniture and decorations of this room are very soothing.

The Chamber of "Peace" communicates with a private Chamber-

17. THE CHAMBER OF "FASTING AND PRAYER."

Into this the occupant of the Chamber of "Peace" should go in the morning before he breaks his fast and commune with God. This anteroom has no side windows, so the occupant may not be disturbed from without. But it has a "Skylight," by which he can look into the heavens, upward to the "Throne of Grace." In this Chamber is a dark closet, the contents of which seem to reflect upon the character of the Palace and its inmates It is a "WINE CLOSET," into which, after or before prayer the occupant of the Chamber of "Peace" is directed or commanded to go and be filled. The com­mand is written on the door of the Closet in large char­acters and reads-

"be  not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT."

Eph. 5: 18.

                It was from this "Upper Room" of "Fasting and Prayer," with its closet filled with the "New Wine" of the Holy Spirit that the "One Hundred and Twenty" emerged on the morning of the "Day of Pentecost," GOD-INTOXICATED MEN.

But there is one Chamber on this second floor 1lhat we have not yet visited-

18. THE CHAMBER OF "GOD'S LOVE."

It is located in the front of the house, over the porch, and is in the form of a circular "Bay Window," with a dome-shaped top, but strange to relate it is made all of glass, both sides and top, like a conservatory, and is for the purpose of taking a "SUN BATH." To sit in this room is the secret of "Spiritual Health," for the chemical rays from

"THE SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS"

fill the soul with spiritual vitality and vigor. The Motto over the door being-

"KEEP YOURSELF IN THE LOVE OF GOD."

Jude 2l.

And last, but not least, is the "OBSERVATORY."

It is located on the roof of the Palace and is reached by the main stairway. From it a view can be had of the country for miles around, but the most beautiful land­scape lies to the South. There in the distance are to be seen vineyards and orchards, springs and fountains. There the sun shineth in its strength, and as it is within sight of the

CELESTIAL CITY

the "Shining Ones" often walk there.  It is called the

LAND OF BEULAH

and from its hilltops on clear nights, the "Celestial City" can be easily seen.

                All these things are clearly revealed to the "Eye of the Soul" from the "Observatory" of the Place, for the Apostle tells us:

                "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.  But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit; for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God", 1 Cor. 2:9, 10.

                 Dear Friends:  Our "Similitude of a Palace" is not all a dream.  Many of us have lived in the Palace and experienced its delights, and in the Paradise of God we shall dwell in it forever.

(This is the end of the book.  Another study will start next month)

 

                The editor, Evangelist James A. Nelson (jan23@cox.net( and his wife Janet, are members of the Village Bible Church, Salina, Kansas.

                This page is sponsored by David R. Pickett (dr_pickett@hotmail.com) and our Webmaster is Martin R. Gutzmer (mrgutzmer@gmail.com).