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    The Pinnacle of Christianity

www.bibleone.net

 

It is evident in our present day that the mention of the name “Jesus Christ” is frequently absent when one speaks of the Deity (i.e., “the Living and True God” [1 Thessalonians 1:7]) or of any divine influence upon oneself or of this secular world.  Even though the words “Christian” and “Christianity” are profoundly based upon and embody the name of “Christ,” those who profess to be Christians have great difficulty in using the name of Jesus Christ, choosing rather to use the generic name “God” when they have occasion to refer to Him.  

 

To take this course is to markedly depart from the examples of such stalwarts of the faith as the apostles (e.g., Paul, James, John, Peter, etc.) and to principally evade the written Word of God, i.e., to endeavor, either consciously or unconsciously, to avoid the very “pinnacle of Christianity.”

 

The pinnacle (highpoint, zenith, apex, ultimate aspect, major theme, foundation, etc.) of Christianity is (1) a Person – Jesus the Christ [Gk. Christos - Anointed One, Messiah] – and (2) His work for all mankind.

 

(The reader should understand that this study in no way diminishes the truth that there is only One True and Living God who indeed is the Creator of all that has ever and will ever exist beyond His eternal independence.  Rather, it is to honor Him by conforming to and precisely revealing His will and purpose for mankind as He has specifically outlined them in His written Word.)

 

Jesus Christ the Person

 

Jesus Christ is the One by and through whom this creation was born and is sustained.

 

By the Word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth. (Psalm 33:6; cf. Hebrews 11:3, John 1:1, 14)

 

All things were made through Him [Jesus the Christ], and without Him nothing was made that was made. (John 1:3; cf. vs. 10)

 

And to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ.

(Ephesians 3:9)

 

For by Him [Jesus the Christ] all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for HimAnd He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. (Colossians 1:16, 17)

 

God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son [Jesus the Christ], whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds [Gk. aion - ages]; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power . . . . (Hebrews 1:1-3a)

 

By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

(Hebrews 11:3; cf. John 1:1, 14)

 

Jesus Christ is the One by and through whom this creation (animate and inanimate) can only be saved.

 

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son [Jesus the Christ], that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting lifeFor God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16, 17; cf. 5:24)

 

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

 

And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. (John 20:30, 31)

 

And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

 (Acts 16:30, 31)

 

For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of GodFor the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. (Romans 8:19-22)

 

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8, 9)

 

Jesus Christ alone is the Head of His body, which is the Church, the sum of all Christians, those who have placed their faith in Him alone for their eternal salvation.

 

So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. (Romans 12:5)

 

For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. . . . Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. (1 Corinthian 12:12, 27)

 

And He [God the Father] put all things under His [Jesus Christ] feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the Church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. (Ephesians 1:22, 23; cf. 4:11-16; 5:23, 30)

 

And He [Christ] is the head of the body, the Church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. . . . I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the Church. . . . Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. (Colossians 1:18, 24; 3:11)

 

Scripture reveals that Jesus the Christ [“Jesus” was to be His name; “Christ” was to be His title – henceforth they will be combined as “Jesus Christ”] is the “Word of God,” the express image, the only revelation (manifestation in flesh) of the Living and True God.  Indeed, as the third Person of the Holy Trinity, He is God.

 

(Admittedly, the concept of the doctrine designated as “Trinity” [a word not found in Scripture just as are many words that describe definite Bible truths are not found in Holy Writ, e.g.,  rapture, omnipresent, omniscient, substitutionary, eschatology, incarnation] is beyond human comprehension, just as is the concept of eternity.  Yet, a comprehensive investigation of Holy Scripture reveals that it is most assuredly true. 

 

The doctrine of the Trinity may therefore be understood as the divine essence [nature] of God who reveals Himself in three distinct Persons – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit who are separate, yet are One, i.e., one God who manifests Himself in three distinct personalities.  An extended discussion of the Trinity is at the following: http://bibleone.net/print_tbs10.html)

 

The ensuing passages elucidate the truth that Jesus Christ, the Word of God, was and is the “express image of the Living and True God (Hebrews 1:3); in fact, embodies “all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9) :

 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . . And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.  (John 1:1, 14)

 

No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. (John 1:18)

 

I and My Father are One. (John 10:30)

 

But if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him. (John 10:38)

 

Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.” (John 14:9-11)

 

Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. (John 17:11)

 

That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. (John 17:21-23)

 

. . . . Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen. (Romans 5:9b)

 

Who [Jesus Christ], being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God. (Philippians 2:6)

 

He [Jesus Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. (Colossians 1:15; cf. 2 Corinthians 4:4)

 

For in Him [Jesus Christ] dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.

(Colossians 2:9)

 

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory. (1 Timothy 3:16)

 

Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. (Titus 2:13)

 

Who [Jesus Christ] being the brightness of His [God the Father] glory and the express image of His person . . . . (Hebrews 1:3)

 

For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are One. (1 John 5:7)

 

And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. (1 John 5:20)

 

The Bible, the 66 divine books written by 40 different inspired human beings and which compose what man has labeled the Old Testament and New Testament, is a unified manuscript focused on one Person and one message, expressed in delineation and types throughout its entire contents.  That Person is Jesus Christ and that message is the restoration of a ruined creation.

 

Arlen L. Chitwood, in his book, The Study of Scripture (http://bibleone.net/SS.htm), offers the following cogent account of God’s Word:

 

When studying the Scriptures – whether the Old Testament or the New Testament – one is studying about Jesus the Christ, whom God has “appointed Heir of all things” (Luke 24:25-27; Hebrews 1:2).  There is nothing in the New Testament that is not seen after some fashion in the Old.  The New Testament is simply a revealing, an unveiling, of God’s Son, as previously introduced in the Old Testament Scriptures.

 

“Jesus” is the Word made flesh,” referring, in an inseparable sense, to both the Old Testament Scriptures and to God becoming “flesh” in the person of His Son.  “Jesus” is not only God manifested in the flesh but the Old Testament Scriptures manifested in the flesh as well.

 

There is “the written Word,” inseparably identified with “God,” and there is this same Word manifested in the form of “flesh,” with life and inseparability seen throughout. . . .

 

Thus, “studying Scripture,” one is simply studying about Gods Son.  And note that the Word became “fleshafter the whole of the Old Testament had been penned but before a single word of the New Testament had been penned.  In that respect, one would have to conclude that there is nothing in the New that is not seen after some fashion in the Old, else God’s Son – the Word becomingflesh”– would have been incomplete at the time of His incarnation.

 

Then, in John 1:14, the Word becoming “flesh” is seen in connection with two things:

 

1)      Christs Glory.

 

2)       Christs Sonship, Gods Firstborn (“sonship” implies rulership, and it is firstborn sons who rule in the human realm).

 

All of this can only take one back to the beginning of God’s revelation of His Son, back to the opening verses of Genesis.  That which God desires man to know about His plans and purposes, which He will bring to pass through His Son, begins at this point.

 

Everything from this point forward is regal and has to do with Gods Son, Gods Firstborn, who has been appointed Heir of all things.”  And everything moves toward that day when Gods Son will come forth in all His Glory and realize this inheritance.

 

The Old Testament opens this way, providing the complete story in the opening book.  And the New Testament opens exactly the same way, providing commentary on the manner in which the Old Testament opens, providing the complete story, after another fashion, in one book as well.

 

Scripture begins in Genesis with, “In the beginning . . . [lit., ‘In beginning…’],”and the New Testament begins exactly the same way, though a problem exists because of the manner in which man has arranged the four gospels beginning the New Testament.

 

The gospel of John is the only gospel that begins the same way Genesis begins, “In the beginning . . . [lit., ‘In beginning…’], along with the fact that both Genesis and John parallel one another completely, from beginning to end. . . .

 

In Genesis, the restoration is that of the material creation, foreshadowing the restoration of man even before his creation and fall.

 

In John, the restoration is that of ruined man, foreshadowed in the Genesis account.

 

In both, the purpose is the sameplacing restored man (redeemed man) on a restored earth (a redeemed earth), in a regal position, on the seventh day.

 

This septenary, foundational overview, seen in the opening two chapters of each book, relates the complete story of Scripture.  Each of the six days of God’s restorative work, foreshadowed in either account (Genesis or John), has to do with days of 1,000 years each (cf. 2 Peter 1:15-18; 3:3-8).  That is to say, God is presently working six days, 6,000 years, to bring about the restoration of both man and the material creation.  Then, at the conclusion of His work, man will be in a position to realize the purpose for his creation in the beginning.  Man will be in a position to rule a restored earth with the second Man, the last Adam, during the seventh day, during the seventh 1,000-year day. . . .

All of Scripture is about Jesus the Christ and all of Scripture moves toward a seventh day, a seventh 1,000-year period, when God’s firstborn Son, Gods Christ, will come into possession of His inheritance and, with Israel [presently God’s firstborn son (Exodus 4:22, 23)] and the Church [to be revealed as God’s firstborn son in that coming day, following the adoption (Romans 8:14-23; Hebrews 12:22, 23)] will realize that which is seen in the opening chapter of Genesis at the time of man’s creation –  “. . . let them have dominion [Hebrew: radah, ‘rule’; ‘. . . let them rule’]” (Genesis 1:26, 28).

 

It is apparent in this present “secular age,” one in which the “god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4), as he “walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8), has become increasingly successful in turning man away from the Living and True God by progressively causing man to ignore the central Person and purpose of God’s revelation to man.  Indeed, those who consider themselves Christian often find it difficult to speak of Jesus Christ, seeking rather to use the term “God” when referring to the Divinity.  In so doing, they only support the numerous religions that utilize the same “generic” term.

 

Jesus Christ, His Work

 

Christianity should never be considered as simply another “religion.”  It is uniquely a union and an evolving relationship with a Person, Jesus Christ, both of which personify, epitomize the “work of Christ.” To be more definitive, the work of Christ regarding man, which embodies two distinct yet related aspects in this temporal life, is referred to by this writer as “Gods Complete Redemptive Plan for Mankind.”

 

When studying God’s redemptive plan for mankind, one often becomes confused over the words “save,” “saved,” and “salvation.” Actually, the New Testament Greek words translated “save” and “saved” (Gk: sozo) and “salvation” (Gk: soteia, soterion) are words that are utilized over a broad range of both material (temporal) and eternal matters.  In order for one to know the nature and effects of salvation when it is spoken of in Scripture, one should study the matter in a particular fashion.

 

The truth is that “spiritual salvation” for mankind, when addressed in God’s Word, comprises distinctly different aspects, which if seen as one, can only produce confusion to the reader of Scripture.  Hence, within Christendom, there are a wide range of denominations and doctrinal positions regarding the subject, e.g., Calvinism vs. Arminianism.  Unless one comprehends and appreciates the different aspects of “spiritual salvation,” he will remain confused over the many apparent contradictory passages of Scripture, as well as the many opposing denominational teachings.  And, truly, a vast many are so confused.

 

To properly overcome this confused state, students of the Word of God should understand, incorporate and utilize the following when studying the Word:

 

1)      God’s Purpose for Man.

2)      The Composition of Man.

3)      Key Principles of Biblical Interpretation.

 

An understanding and utilization of these truths will then assist students of God’s Word to thoroughly comprehend and appreciate “God’s complete redemptive plan for mankind.”

 

(It should be understood that this subject is extensive, the theme and scriptural proofs of which run throughout the entire Bible; therefore, this study will only cover its “high points” and their related passages of Scripture.  It is designed to whet your appetite for additional and more resolute study in the Word of God.)

 

1)  God’s Purpose for Man

 

We learn of God’s purpose for man in the first chapter of Genesis, which purpose has never changed.  In fact, most (if not all) doctrines contained in the Word of God have their origin in the book of Genesis, which is why Genesis is an appropriate place to start when one wishes to study the Word. 

 

God’s purpose for man upon his creation was for man to “have dominion” over the earth and God’s other creatures, as seen in the following:

 

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” (Genesis 1:26-28)

 

And God’s purpose for man has never changed.  It remains as true today as it was upon its initiation.  Why?  Because it is anchored in God’s immutable (unchanging) nature, as is referenced in the following passages of Scripture:

 

God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent.

(Numbers 23:19a)

 

For I am the LORD, I do not change. (Malachi 3:6a)

 

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

(James 1:17)

 

God intends for man to replace Satan as the “ruler of this world” (John 12:31; 14:30), the position Satan was designated to lose when he attempted to exalt himself over God (Isaiah 14:12-14).  So Satan, understanding God’s purpose for man and intending to prevent it, influenced man (Adam, in the garden of Eden) to sin and thereby suffer death, both immediate spiritual death and eventual physical death, along with the devastation of the earth (Genesis 3).

 

Unlike Satan’s fall in the heavenlies, God initiated a plan of redemption both for man and the earth.

 

2)  The Composition of Man

 

God made man in His image (Genesis 1:27), a concept encompassing several elements. It reveals that the Living and True God is One in essence who reveals Himself in and through three Persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, which is to say God is a tripartite Being. 

 

In accordance with this tripartite image, God created man as a tripartite being.  He is a composite-being of spirit, soul, and body; and, it is important to understand that the spirit is not the soul, as some may teach.  This is clearly seen in the following passages of Scripture:

 

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:23)

 

For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow [body], and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

(Hebrews 4:12)

 

3)  Key Principles of Biblical Interpretation

 

Principle Number One

 

The core (primary) principle that one should understand pertaining to correct Biblical interpretation is actually a composite, a union of three essential components revealed in the Word pertaining to the reception and comprehension of ultimate Truth.

 

  • First Component

 

It must be recognized that all Scripture is God-breathed.  The manner in which God revealed Himself, His plans, and His purposes in His Word (a God-breathed revelation, penned as the Spirit moved men to write) is what makes Scripture different from all other writings.

 

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God (Gk: theopneustos – God-breathed), and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16)

 

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:20, 21; cf. Luke 1:70; Acts 3:18)

 

  • Second Component

 

There is and can only be one true Guide & Teacher of Bible doctrine, which was revealed by Christ while in “Bethany” with His disciples just “before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father” (John 12:1; 13:1), as follows:

 

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

(John 14:26)

 

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. (John 16:13)

 

And this was reiterated by the apostle John, as follows:

 

But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. . . . But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him. (1 John 2:20, 27)

 

When studying the Word of God, a Christian must understand that the Holy Spirit and He alone can properly and completely reveal the correct interpretation of any passage of Scripture.  No human being, including the author of this document, is infallible.  This being the case, each student of God’s Word should sincerely and totally recognize and look only to the Helper (lit: Comforter), the Spirit of God, for the correct understanding of Holy Writ.

 

This is not to say that the Spirit does not utilize man (ministers or their networks) in the distribution of the truth, but it is to say that one’s dependence must solely be directed toward God the Spirit in order to be able to truly ascertain fact from falsehood.

 

  • Third Component

 

The primary quality that man may possess according to God’s Word is faith, the ability to take God at His Word, to simply and utterly believe what God has to say about any matter.  In other words, God expects man to trust Him; failure to trust (to believe) Him was in essence the first sin by man (Genesis 3:1-7).  Scripture is replete with the concept of faith as it pertains to the relationship between God and man, and it is the only means in which one may activate and receive the instruction from the Spirit of God.

 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

(Proverbs 3:5, 6)

 

Principle Number Two

 

One must understand that the entire Bible, both Testaments, is about one Person, the Word of God, God manifest in the flesh, Jesus the Christ and His relationship to mankind.  Such is expressed appropriately by Arlen L. Chitwood in the Foreword to his book, The Study of Scripture, as follows:

 

When studying the Scriptures – whether the Old or New Testament – one is studying about Jesus the Christ, whom God has “appointed Heir of all things” (Luke 24:25-27; Hebrews 1:2).  There is nothing in the New Testament that is not seen after some fashion in the Old.  The New Testament is simply a revealing, an unveiling, of God’s Son, as previously introduced in the Old Testament Scriptures.

 

“Jesus” is the Word made flesh,” referring, in an inseparable sense, to both the Old Testament Scriptures and to God becoming “flesh” in the person of His Son.  “Jesus” is not only God manifested in the flesh but the Old Testament Scriptures manifested in the flesh as well.

 

There is “the written Word,” inseparably identified with “God,” and there is this same Word manifested in the form of “flesh,” seen with life throughout the New Testament.

 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was GodHe was in the beginning with God. . . . And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:1, 2, 14)

 

Thus, “studying Scripture,” one is simply studying about Gods Son.  Note that the Word became “fleshafter all of the Old Testament had been penned but before a single word of the New Testament had been penned.  In that respect, one would have to conclude that there is nothing in the New that is not seen after some fashion in the Old, else God’s Son, the Word becomingflesh,” would have been incomplete at the time of His incarnation.

 

Then, in John 1:14, the Word becoming “flesh” is seen in connection with two things:

 

  • Christ’s Glory.

  •  

  • Christs Sonship, Gods Firstborn (“sonship” implies rulership, and it is firstborn sons  who rule in the human realm).

 

All of this can only take one back to the beginning of God’s revelation of His Son, back to the opening verses of Genesis.  That which God desires man to know about His plans and purposes, which He will bring to pass through His Son, begins at this point.

 

Everything from this point forward is regal.  Everything has to do with Gods Son, Gods Firstborn, who has been appointed Heir of all things.”  And everything moves toward that day when Gods Son will come forth in all His Glory and realize this inheritance.

 

(The Study of Scripture by Arlen L. Chitwood may be accessed in its entirety by clicking on the following link:  http://bibleone.net/SS.htm.)

 

Principle Number Three

 

One must understand that God presented His Word after a particular fashion, one in which the various truths of His Word are revealed and clarified by various examples (types) throughout His Word.  Again, in his book, The Study of Scripture, Arlen addresses this subject, as follows:

 

Then, it must be recognized that God structured His revelation to man after a particular fashion, alluded to in Luke 24:25-27, 44 and stated in so many words in 1 Corinthians 10:6, 11.  Scripture not only deals with a completely accurate history of certain events surrounding God’s dealings with the earth, angels, and man, but biblical history has been recorded after such a fashion that it is highly typical as well.  God has established His primary means of teaching, not through history per se, but through inherent types seen in history, pointing to antitypes seen in later history and/or prophecy.

 

The manner in which God revealed Himself to man is as stated in 1 Corinthians 10:11a,

 

Now all these things happened to them as examples [Greek, tupos, types; “Now all these things happened to them for types”] . . . .

 

The reference is to events during Moses’ day, drawing from the wilderness journey of the Israelites.  But the reference would, of necessity, have to go far beyond simply the specific events listed in verses one through ten, preceding the statement in verse eleven.  In the light of other Scripture, as becomes increasingly evident when one views all of Scripture, the reference would have to be enlarged to encompass not only all biblical history during Moses’ day, but all biblical history beginning with Genesis 1:1.

 

That would be to say, God has structured His revelation to man after a fashion in which not only is it true (correct) history, but in which it is also presented in a manner that is highly typical in nature.  Scripture, within this highly typical structure, is jam-packed with spiritual significance and meaning.

 

God, within His sovereign control of all things, brought matters to pass after such a fashion (within the history of the earth, angels, and man) that He could, at a later time, have these events to draw upon in order to teach His people the deep things surrounding Himself, His plans, and His purposes.  And this would be accomplished mainly through types and corresponding antitypes.

 

Thus, God draws not so much from history per se as He does from the spiritual content set forth in the historic accounts – the great spiritual lessons, taught mainly from types pointing to corresponding antitypes.

 

Anyone can understand facts within revealed biblical history (saved or unsaved man).  This would pertain more to the letter of the matter; but only saved man can go beyond the letter to the spirit of the matter (2 Corinthians 3:6-16).  Only the saved can understand the spiritual lessons drawn from history.  Only the saved can look within biblical history and see spiritual content (1 Corinthians 2:12-16).

 

For the unsaved, things beyond the simple, historical facts are completely meaningless.  They can neither see these things nor know them.  Spiritually, they are dead; and these things are “spiritually discerned.”  They can view Scripture only from a “natural [‘soulical’]” standpoint (1 Corinthians 2:14).

 

For the saved, the matter is entirely different.  They, by/through believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, have been made spiritually alive.  The Spirit has breathed life into the one having no life; they have “passed from death to life.” They have this same Spirit – the One who gave the Word to man through man — indwelling them to lead them “into all truth” (John 16:13-15; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19, 20; 1 John 3:24).  Accordingly, the saved possess the ability to see beyond the facts of history and view the spiritual lessons inherent therein. 

 

This is what is meant by “comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”  It is within this facet of Scripture that man can see the things that “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard . . . .”  It is within this facet of Scripture that “God has revealed them to us by his Spirit.”

 

But as it is written: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of GodFor what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of GodNow we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by GodThese things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

(1 Corinthians 2:9-13)

 

It is within this complete, overall thought, as previously stated, that one finds all of biblical history forming types that are fraught with spiritual significance and meaning. 

 

This is the manner in which God has structured His Word.  It has been given to man after this fashion, and if man would properly understand that which God has revealed in His Word, he must study it after the fashion in which it was given and recorded.

 

Principle Number Four

 

In addition to all of the above, when studying a particular doctrine within the Word, one must always consider the context of (that which surrounds and is relative to) the passage under consideration.

 

God’s complete redemptive plan for man

 

To understand God’s complete redemptive plan for man, one should view it as encompassing all elements of man’s tripartite (spirit, soul, and body) nature, for God’s salvation applies to each element in a different, but cohesive manner.  Therefore, this text will briefly consider each. 

 

(Keep in mind that often the student of God’s Word commits the error of attaching the same meaning to a word or phrase in the Word “across the board,” regardless of context, which leads to much confusion and apparent contradictions in the student’s mind regarding doctrine.  This is especially true in regards to the subject of “salvation,” i.e., God’s redemptive plan for man.  Once a person appreciates the difference in the manner in which Scripture portrays redemption as it pertains to each of the “parts” [spirit, soul, and body] of man, the mental confusion and apparent contradictions will vanish.)

 

Salvation is a tripartite doctrine.  A Christian has been saved, is being saved, and will be saved.  This multilateral (three-part) doctrine is often partitioned and described as justification, sanctification, and glorification.  Each has to do with a different part of tripartite (spirit, soul, and body) man.  It is unfortunate that these aspects of salvation are often ignored, misinterpreted, misapplied and/or combined, birthing doctrinal error.  So, let’s examine each.

 

Spirit-Salvation

 

Most of the emphasis by the Church (Christendom – the Body of Christ ) pertaining to the subject of salvation is focused on the redemption of man in regards to his eternal existence, which is his “justification” based solely on the finished work of Christ (His sacrifice) on the Cross of Calvary and is therefore presented in Scripture as a totally free “gift” from God (free in the sense that it costs man nothing, but was definitely not “cheap,” costing God the death of His Son) – a gift that may only be obtained by faith apart from any merit (works) of man, which is represented by the following:

 

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

 

And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household." (Acts 16:30, 31)

 

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8, 9)

 

(Without going into detail, it should be understood that the grammatical construction in the original language used in verse eight portrays a salvation that was totally accomplished on the Cross by Jesus Christ and which extends into the present in a finished state for all those who appropriate it through faith.)

 

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come!” And let him who hears say, Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. (Revelation 22:17)

 

This is the salvation of the spirit, and it is for the purpose of saving man from the penalty of his sin and giving him eternal life (life throughout the ages).  By this, man has been saved.  It is a salvation that is totally complete and can never be retracted or nullified by man or God.  It is a salvation that is obtainable by faith alone in Christ alone (Acts 16:30, 31).  Furthermore, it is a salvation that will extend throughout eternity, i.e., the countless ages to come, which will follow Christ’s millennial (thousand year) reign upon and over the earth.

 

Yet, this doesn’t mean that there will be no consequences for sin committed by a Christian during this (temporal) life, for the Bible is very clear that a Christian is free to choose and thereby able to walk “according to the Spirit,” or conversely, walk “according to the flesh” (Romans 8:1-8). 

 

To walk according to the Spirit is to by faith (Colossians 2:6) allow the Spirit to control your life and thereby produce spiritual fruit, which will result in benefits in this life and in the millennial kingdom to follow (Revelation 20:4).

 

To walk according to the flesh is to allow the old “sin nature” to control your life (Romans 7:23-25; 8:1-11), which results in no spiritual fruit or benefits, now or later.  God’s Word is clear to the Christian – he will give an account of his life at the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10), which will result in rewards or lack of rewards (1 Corinthians 3:11-15).

 

(For an inclusive treatment pertaining to this issue, please read the book, Judgment Seat of Christ by Arlen L. Chitwood, by clicking on the link: http://bibleone.net/JSC.htm.) 

 

It is in light of this coming judgment of Christians (which has nothing to do with eternal matters) that the apostle Paul said, “Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men” (2 Corinthians 5:11a) and issued 6 distinct warnings to Christians (not so-called “professing Christians”) throughout the book of Hebrews.

 

The fact is that there is much for the Christian to lose by a life that is conducted according to the flesh, as well as there is much to gain for a life conducted according to the Spirit.  And this all centers on the “salvation of the soul.”

 

(For an inclusive treatment pertaining to the salvation of the spirit, please read the book, Salvation by Grace through Faith, by Arlen L. Chitwood, by clicking on the following link: http://bibleone.net/SGF.htm.)

 

Soul-Salvation

 

The word “soul” (from the Greek word that means “life”) as used in the New Testament refers to the “life principle” or “life force” of man.  Whereas the “spirit” of man is that element in which he is able (upon its activation at the “new birth” by the Spirit) to connect to or unite with God, the “soul” is the seat of his emotions and intellect, which animates his physical body during this lifetime and will do the same in the next (millennial) “age.”   It is in connection with this coming age (Messianic or Millennial Age) with which the “soul” is concerned.

 

Just as Christ was raised from the dead in a physical body and in which He will continue throughout all eternity, so also will man continue in a resurrected physical body, animated by spirit rather than by blood, throughout all eternity.  It will then be this quality that the Christian will have the ability to personally and intimately know God (who is spirit), i.e., by his physical connection with Christ.

 

This physical life in connection with Christ must first start in the coming Millennial Age – a literal 1,000 year reign by Christ relative to the earth.  It is in this coming age that the rewards garnished at the Judgment Seat of Christ by the Christian’s faithful and fruit-producing life during this (temporal) lifetime will materialize.  This will be the salvation of one’s soul, which will then satisfy God’s purpose for man, which was established when He created man, i.e., to have dominion over the earth.

 

This salvation operates in the present continuous tense.  Unlike the completed past tense salvation of the “spirit,” this salvation reveals a present and continuous work, which begins at the moment the spirit is saved and continues until it ends at the Judgment Seat of Christ.  In Scripture this salvation is the salvation of the soul that is amply represented throughout the New Testament, of which the following scriptural passages represent:

 

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18)

 

For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved . . . .

(2 Corinthians 2:15)

 

Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved [Gk: being kept safe], if you hold fast that word which I preached to you – unless you believed in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:1, 2)

 

But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. (Hebrews 10:39)

 

Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted Word, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:21)

 

Receiving the end of your faith – the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:9)

 

This is the sanctification process of the believer that evolves either in a positive or negative manner throughout his physical life, depending upon whether or not he lives for himself (gains his soul/life) during his temporal existence, or lives for Christ (loses his soul/life).  If he “gains his soul” here, he will lose it there.  If he loses his soul for Christ’s sake here, he will gain/find it there (Matthew 16:24-27)

 

A Christian who loses his soul at the Judgment Seat of Christ because of his disobedience in this life will lose his rewards, which will be manifested in loss of his future quality of life during the millennial reign of Christ upon earth (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 2 Corinthians5:9-11; Romans 14:10, 12; Colossians 3:23-25).  He will either be chosen to rule and reign with Christ in the coming kingdom, or be excluded from ruling in it by the side of Christ. 

 

By living “according to the Spirit,” he will either gain great power and ability to produce great works, or, by living “according to the flesh,” he will lose his ability and power to accomplish any future works whatsoever (Matthew 25:28, Romans 8:5-8).

 

To put it another way, “soul-salvation” has to do with an inheritance that the “child of God” (a position established at “spirit-salvation” by faith in Christ) may obtain (or lose) by the quality of his life subsequent to “spirit-salvation”– which may or may not result in being a co-heir and co-ruler with Christ during the Messianic Era.  Again, the Word is quite clear that if the Christian suffers (endures) with Christ, he will indeed reign and rule with Christ.

 

And if children, then heirs – heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. (Romans 8:17)

 

This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him.  If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. (2 Timothy 2:11-12a)

 

Assuredly, “soul-salvation” is what the Christian must be concerned with over all other doctrinal matters, since it will determine his/her condition throughout the coming age. The Christian will either be within a position of favor, which means co-heirship and co-rulership with Christ, or, he will be in a position of disfavor – for 1,000 years.  But once the age has run its course, the Bible then indicates that all tears and pain and “former things” will pass away (Revelation 21:4).

 

(For an inclusive treatment pertaining to the salvation of the soul, please read the books, Salvation of the Soul, Redeemed for a Purpose, Let Us Go On, and The Spiritual Warfare, all by Arlen L. Chitwood, by clicking on the links: http://bibleone.net/SOS.htm, http://bibleone.net/RFAP.htm, http://bibleone.net/LUGO.htm, and  http://bibleone.net/TSW.htm.)

 

 

Body-Salvation

 

Having considered the past and present tenses of salvation pertaining to the nonphysical aspects of tripartite man, the third aspect of salvation is future tense and involves the physical body, which saves it from the results and presence of sin.

 

This salvation of the body will occur at the Rapture of the Church (John 14:1-3), both facts amply described by the following passages of scripture:

 

So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption.  It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power.  It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. .(1 Corinthians 15:42-44)

 

And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man. (1 Corinthians 15:49)

 

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. (Philippians 3:20, 21)

 

But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.  For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.  For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 13-17)

 

Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. (1 John 3:2)

 

According to the following passages of Scriptures, all of the Church, i.e., those believers living in the period from the Cross to the Rapture, will be raised from the dead or translated in order to appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ (Romans 2:6; 14:10; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Ephesians 6:8; Colossians 3:24, 25; Revelation 22:12), to be followed by the thousand year Messianic Era.

 

Conclusion

 

It is clear that God’s Redemptive Plan for Mankind, the all-encompassing concept of “salvation” as seen in the Word of God, which incorporates His original purpose for man (dominion over the earth), is considerably more complex than simply the saving of a person for eventual residence in “heaven” in the “hereafter.”   

 

Furthermore, it is clear that “soul salvation” has everything to do with the consequences for the way Christians live their temporal life, to be eventually faced at the Judgment Seat of Christ, the result of which will last a very long time (1,000 years).  Such is a very grave matter. 

 

In fact, it is the consideration of the consequences connected to “soul salvation” that will give meaning to the following verse of Scripture:

 

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. (Psalm 111:10a)

 

This is why the salvation of God, as seen in the Word, is both a gift and a reward, depending of course, which aspect of it is being considered.

 

And as to the fundamental concept of this study, it is quite clear that Christianity is all about Christ.

 

1)      He alone was the instrumental Person of the Trinity who created man, the very objects to which Christianity encompasses (Genesis 1:2b; Psalm 33:16; John 1:1-3, 10, 14; Ephesians 3:9; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:2).

 

2)      He alone was the One in whom God the Father expressed and continues to express His pleasure (Isaiah 42:1; Matthew 3:17; 12:18; 17:5; Mark 1:11; 2 Peter 1:17).

 

3)      He alone became sin for us that we may become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21). 

 

4)      He alone is the One whom the Holy Spirit focuses His attention upon, the One whom the Holy Spirit will only testify of and glorify (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13, 14). 

 

5)      He alone is the One by whom Christians will be judged; and, upon passing this judgment, will rule and reign as His Bride and consort queen during the coming Messianic Era (2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 20:4-6).

 

Yet there are extensive and pervasive efforts throughout Christendom, particularly in so-called evangelical circles, that would have the believer in Christ look elsewhere for spiritual growth, such as to an additional experience with the Holy Spirit, to emotional gyrations, to the local church, to self-effort in the adoption of a system of taboos (do’s and don’ts), which is nothing more than legalism, all of which eventually lead to a state of pride and a certain “falling away” from true spiritual growth. 

 

Indeed, while it is popular for Christians (and non-Christians) to proclaim the name “God” in the realms of religion, secularism, and politics, the mention of the name “Jesus Christ” is often taboo, to be avoided as one would a plague.

 

In all matters of this life, it is Jesus Christ alone to whom the child of God must look if spiritual growth to maturity is to be achieved.  A Christian should avoid following a litany of rules prescribed by a religious organization or seeking what many incorrectly believe to be a “second act of grace,” i.e. the baptism of the Holy Spirit. 

 

In accordance with Scripture, the baptism of the Holy Spirit takes place at a person’s “birth from above,” when the Spirit baptizes (immerses) the believer into the Body of Christ in addition to indwelling and sealing the believer, a one-time transaction never to be repeated or reversed (John 7:39; 14:16, 17; Romans 5:5; 8:9, 15; 1 Corinthians 1:22; 3:16; 6:19; 12:13; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Galatians 3:28; 4:6; Ephesians 1:13, 14; 2:21, 22; 4:30; 1 John 3:24)

 

Instead, Christians are instructed to look to and walk in Christ, also spoken of as “walking in the Spirit,” until Christ is formed within them (Colossians 2:6; Galatians 5:16; 25; Romans 8:1, 4; Galatians 4:19).

 

Christians should never be ashamed or reticent in using the name of Jesus Christ when speaking of their personal faith or of the Deity in general.

 

Finally

 

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,

teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,

looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

(Titus 2:11-14)

 

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

(Hebrews 12:1, 2)