Home | Newsletters | Books | Tracts | Guest Book | Links | Contact Us | Donate | Search

“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.” (2 Peter 1:2). This verse is so true. The more you know God, the more grace and peace you will have in your life. I pray this will be your experience. I would like to explain something. Recently someone wrote asking, “I really do miss those [crossword] puzzles. Can you write and tell me why you don’t have them any more? They are really interesting to do.” It has been one year since we have had these puzzles, and the reason has been because of the time involved in putting them together. However, I have accepted the gentle rebuke, and will continue with these studies. I didn’t realize how much they would be missed. I apologize for the lapse in these studies. I pray they will be a blessing. 

Is Man Immortal?

by R. F. Cottrell

It has been very justly observed, that whether the doctrine of man’s natural immortality is true or false, it lies at the foundation and is the chief corner stone of three great and monstrous systems of error, namely, Paganism, Popery and Spiritualism. 

A multitude of the gods of the Pagans were emperors, conquerors and heroes, who after their death became gods as a reward of their brilliant exploits. Take away the idea of man’s natural immortality from the system of the Pagans, and their gods are dead—merely dead men—and the system is overthrown. 

Remove this stone from the Papal building, and it falls to the ground; for all those prayers to the dead saints become vain and nonsensical, and that place of torment called purgatory, which, in the language of Luther, serves “to make the pope’s pot boil,” has no existence. 

And modern Spiritualism, the last device of Satan to overthrow the word of God, rests upon the same foundation—the immortality of the soul and consequent consciousness in that state which is, according to this theory, falsely called death. 

All these systems of falsehood promise man life without a resurrection, while the Bible holds forth the hope of a future life through the resurrection of the dead. And since it is a well known fact that Spiritualism is at war with the Bible, it becomes a matter of the highest interest to inquire whether its leading doctrine—the doctrine without which it could have no existence—be true or false. If we never had a doubt of the soul’s immortality before, since it is so evident that the great adversary of God and the Bible has now become its special advocate, it certainly becomes us seriously and earnestly to inquire whether this doctrine be true or false, and to search the Scriptures diligently, not to force them to teach what we have believed heretofore to be truth, but to ascertain what they do teach on this important subject. Both sides of this question cannot be true. One or the other must be false—a lie, a doctrine of the Devil—and it certainly is a matter of the deepest interest to us, whether we believe the truth of God, or a lie that Satan has forged. 

Every one who desires the favor of God and would be found safe upon the rock of truth, amid the perils of these last days—who would be saved from the strong delusions through which those who love not the truth, but have pleasure in unrighteousness, will be caused to believe a lie that will prove their condemnation; those who would be “kept from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth,” should settle this question by the word of God. And that word is not yea and nay—it does not teach both sides of the question, but will be found harmonious in all its teachings upon this, as well as every other subject contained in it. 

(This article was first printed in the October 20, 1863 issue of The Review and Herald. Please take the time to study this important subject out for yourself.    Editor) 

Mission Trip Report

by Lynnford Beachy 

Since our last mission trip update in January, we have had some wonderful experiences, some of which I would like to share with you. 

Tucson, Arizona 

We were in Tucson for three months over the winter, where we were involved in witnessing to some of my old friends (I grew up in Tucson), as well as meeting new Christian friends. We attended several Bible studies and distributed literature around the city. One highlight was in working with one of the local churches to feed the homeless and give out Bibles and literature. My wife and children were a big help in this witnessing endeavor. 

We attended a debut of a new music CD prepared by a friend of ours. She asked me to come to the front and share with everyone a little about the publishing work, and give everyone a free copy of my book, God’s Love on Trial. Before leaving, a pastor in attendance asked me to speak at his church the following week. When I arrived I was happy to find that it is a drug rehabilitation center, so I shared my experiences in how God pulled me out of drugs and alcohol. The Lord greatly blessed in these meetings, and they asked me to return the following week to explain how I came to write the book, God’s Love on Trial,that had been given to everyone in the church. The following week I shared the reality of God’s love in giving His Son to die for us, showing how the trinity doctrine distorts our perception of God’s love by denying the sonship and death of Christ. Amazingly, I have an open invitation to speak in the church the next time I return. 

Orlando, Florida Camp Meeting 

Our next trip was to a camp meeting near Orlando, Florida. On the way, we held meetings in Dallas, Texas and at a drug rehab in Pensacola, Florida (Emerald Coast Ministries with Chaplain Jack VanOrd). This gave me another opportunity to share my testimony of how God delivered me from drugs. 

The camp meeting was a blessing to many. The messages were stimulating, and encouraging. 

On the way back to Arizona we had meetings in Old Town and Pensacola, Florida, and again in Dallas, Texas. 

Riverton, WY 

While I was in Tucson I received a call from a church elder in Wyoming, Andy Whitehurst, who had been studying what the Bible says about God, in contrast with the man-made trinity doctrine, and he had a lot of questions. Later, he asked me to come to Wyoming and hold meetings on this subject. In early May, my family and I traveled north to Wyoming, and on the way we had meetings in Moab, Utah. 

The meetings in Riverton, Wyoming were a real blessing. I met several people I had not met before. Several people were open to learn what the Bible says about God. One family attended from Montana and requested we hold meetings in their home town as well. Providentially, we had one week free in August that allowed us to fit them into the schedule. 

My family and I were glad to meet Andy and Christy Whitehurst. Andy was an elder in a church and had a desire to outreach to his community but did not have the training. The Lord opened the doors for him to attend a school of evangelism in Sacramento, California. He gained some valuable training in this field. While Andy was there, the instructors told him and the other students about people who do not believe in the Holy Spirit (a misrepresentation of our teaching) and proceeded to teach them how to answer people who hold this view. The answers given seemed very weak to Andy and caused him to study the subject out for himself, after which he discovered that the trinity doctrine is not biblical. He returned to his home church in Riverton only to be told by them that he could not talk about God in church. He began working in the community and has started two study groups. Andy was working toward holding an evangelistic series in the fall, and we agreed to work on it together. 

West Virginia Camp Meeting 

The West Virginia camp meeting was a blessing to many. One highlight was the large Spanish group who traveled from Indianapolis, Indiana to attend camp meeting, one of whom was baptized there. There were some good messages presented by Dennis Robertson, Allen Stump, Leon Holt, David Sims, Ann Ford, etc. On the last day there were some wonderful testimonies. 

The Lord gave me four messages to share, three of which were transcribed and printed in the June, July, and August issues of Present Truth. Something happened to me there that had never happened before. A little over an hour before one of my presentations, Allen Stump called me asking the title of my message for that night. I told him I would call him back in ten minutes with the title. I prayed about it, putting before the Lord the studies I had prepared and seeking His will for which one I should present that night. The Lord impressed me that I should share a study entitled “The Preparation of the Heart,” which did not match any of the studies I had prepared. During the next hour, the Lord used me to quickly prepare a study on this topic. I was glad to see how the Lord worked this out, and the message was well received. 

At the camp meeting the messages brought conviction, and a renewed desire to commit our lives to God 100%, holding nothing back. I pray that the seeds planted will continue to grow. 

Indianapolis, Indiana 

The meetings in Indianapolis went very well. I was asked to share on the truth about God. I spoke through an interpreter because many of those attending only spoke Spanish. I was encouraged to see the zeal and dedication of many of them. Elder Ramon Irizarry has been working very hard, along with Oscar Cortez, in organizing this group. Ramon has organized several groups for a denominational church before getting disfellowshiped for not believing in the trinity. Ramon seems to always be on the phone or visiting people to encourage them in their walk with the Lord. Ramon’s wife and one of his sons are attending school in Mexico, where they are working with a study group. Another one of Ramon’s sons, Ramon Jr., traveled with his family from Chicago to attend the meetings. Later that week, my wife and I enjoyed our visit to their home in Chicago. They are doing what they can to witness in their community. 

Newark, Ohio 

Our next meetings were held in a small conference church in Newark, Ohio. The meetings were a blessing, focusing on denying ourselves and living wholly for God. A sick lady attended with a young boy. She had been sitting on her porch for the past few days and had asked her young helper to check to see if the church doors were open. When they finally were open on Sabbath, she said she wanted to come to church. This was the first time she had ever come to this church, and she had never been invited to come. She really appreciated the meeting and desired to have Bible studies in her home, which one of the local Bible workers agreed to do. 

This church has been unique for the past twenty years. The members are non-trinitarian, but the pastor is trinitarian. They have had several pastors sent from the conference, all of whom failed to persuade the members to accept the unscriptural trinity doctrine. 

Cleveland, Ohio 

Our next meeting was held in Cleveland, Ohio with Elder Willis Smith. I spoke on denying yourself. It was a pleasure to meet some of the new believers in that area. On Sabbath evening, Elder Smith invited me to speak on his radio program. (Please notice page 12 for information on how you can hear this program every week.) We spoke together about what Jesus taught regarding the identity of God. We saw that consistently, every time, Jesus referred to His Father as God and nobody else. 

Pennsylvania Camp Meeting 

The camp meeting in Pennsylvania was one of the best I have attended. The Spirit of God was there to bring conviction and a spirit of love to all. I shared on totally surrendering to God and the death of Christ. Brother Willis Smith shared some good messages on the identity of the archangel Michael. Richard Stratton shared on the sanctuary message. David Clayton shared on righteousness by faith. Calvin Bickel shared some insights on health. There were some heartfelt testimonies and a few baptisms. 

A man attending from South Carolina asked me to come to his town and hold an evangelistic series next spring for his community. Please pray for the Lord’s blessing in that area. 

Cadillac, Michigan 

The meetings in Cadillac, Michigan were interesting. Most of the people in attendance I had never met before, and they all seemed eager to learn the truth about God. Many accepted the truth at these meetings. 

Our hosts had invited several people in the area, and, to my surprise, they were threatened with a lawsuit by a local church pastor for inviting some of his members. It never amounted to anything, but I had a hard time believing that a pastor would do something like this. 

Wilson, Michigan 

Next, we traveled to Wilson, Michigan to hold meetings. It was a delight to finally meet our host, Jim Pierce, a brother who had been requesting meetings in his area for a couple years. I shared on the love of God in giving His Son, both to die for us and to live in us. It was hard for some to understand this because of a preconceived idea that Christ cannot live in us because, they claimed, He gave up His omnipresence forever and has to send someone else to live in us, called the Holy Spirit. It was sad to hear this, but some were able to see the reality of Christ living in us, “the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27). 

Oxford, Wisconsin 

Our next meetings were in Oxford, Wisconsin. There was a diverse group assembled, eager to learn from the Bible. The Lord really blessed at these meetings with a powerful blend of the transforming love of God in giving His Son to die for us and righteousness by faith. I was encouraged to see some of the younger people being touched by the truth, as well as the older folks. These meetings were encouraging. Please pray that the seeds sown will bring forth much fruit. 

Bemidji, Minnesota 

We visited my dad and step-mom in International Falls, Minnesota, and then held meetings near Bemidji, Minnesota. I spoke on constantly seeking the will of God, and was encouraged that several there had been studying the same subject. After the meetings we stayed a few days with some dear friends and then again went to visit my dad. The following week, we had meetings at the same location near Bemidji, with a focus on the truth about God. Some new people attended and seemed very interested in the messages. 

Red Lodge, Montana 

We traveled through North Dakota, with a short stop at the Badlands, before arriving in Red Lodge, Montana for our next meetings. Our friends, Andy and Christy from Wyoming, drove up to attend the meetings. There were several people there who had not learned the truth about God. I shared many messages on this subject in a very open format, with much discussion. One meeting lasted over three hours, but everyone seemed to be very interested. I really appreciated my wife’s input at these meetings. Several people embraced the truth for the first time, and we had two baptisms in the shallow, cold river that flowed behind the meeting area. It was a thrill to see lives changed by the powerful love of God. 

Arlee, Montana 

Our week in Montana was our tightest schedule, with meetings every day in four different locations. Some believers requested us to hold meetings in Arlee, Montana, where some were confused about which day is the Sabbath. This became our focus during these meetings, with the truth shining brightly and all coming to the knowledge of the seventh-day (Saturday) Sabbath. 

Eureka, Montana 

In Eureka, Montana I shared messages on righteousness by faith and the sanctuary. We had some lively discussions. It was a delight to see the dedication of those present to know what the Bible says for themselves. 

While we were in this part of Montana, we took a side-trip to Glacier National Park. It was neat to see wild mountain goats and big horn sheep walking right beside the trail as we hiked to Hidden Lake. 

Wenatchee, Washington 

We stayed two Sabbaths in the Wenatchee area, holding meetings in two different locations. The first Sabbath we studied on seeking the will of God. A few people attended who had many questions. We had a few visits and studies during the week, and the next Sabbath we had a meeting northwest of Wenatchee at a health retreat center, hosted by Eldon Noyes. I was glad to meet some new people. We had several studies on the new birth and then a study on Christ living in you, rather than a third god living in you. It was a blessing, and several said they finally understand the message much clearer than before. We visited a few others before leaving the Wenatchee area. 

Ontario, Oregon 

I was supposed to have a meeting in a prison in Oregon, but it did not fit into the chaplain’s schedule, and I was only able to visit one of the prisoners. We are hoping to schedule meetings for another time. It was a pleasure to get to meet a man who has been very active in spreading the gospel in the prison. He also has written a book that I believe will be helpful to many when it is published. 

 A Death in West Virginia 

On Tuesday night, September 18, we received a call informing us that Hans Stump, Allen Stump’s son, had passed away. The next morning we packed our car to go to West Virginia. My family and I wanted to make sure we did not miss the funeral, and we wanted to spend some time with the family. It turned out that the memorial service was more than a week and a half later, but we stayed for it, and I had to find another speaker to cover for me at the Oregon camp meeting. Our friend, Andy Whitehurst, graciously stepped in to help out in organizing and speaking at the camp meeting. Two speakers from Washington came to help out also. It was good to be able be in West Virginia again, and the memorial service was very nice, filled with some encouraging testimonies about how Hans has touched many lives. Please continue to pray for Hans’ father, Allen; sister, Heidi; and mother, Charmaine, as well as the rest of the family, as they deal with the loss of such a wonderful person. 

Riverton, Wyoming 

The evangelistic series in Riverton went very well. It was the first time I used Power Point presentations in a Bible study. The messages were entitled, 

• The Suffering Side of the Cross—Can Jesus really understand the struggles I endure daily?—by Andy Whitehurst 
• Separation from God—What causes the separation, and can it be stopped?—by Andy Whitehurst 
• The New Birth—Can you be born again and stay the same?—by Lynnford Beachy 
• The Son of God—Are the claims of the DaVinci Code true?—by Lynnford Beachy 
• The Rapture!—Will you be ready when it happens?—by Lynnford Beachy 
• The Antichrist—Is the anti-christ walking among us now?—by Andy Whitehurst 

Every message was blessed by God. This was the first time I had the pleasure of hearing Andy Whitehurst give presentations, all of which were very powerful and enlightening. Several people attended a meeting like this for the first time, and some made their stand for the truth and committed themselves to follow the Lord. Please pray that they will all continue steadfast unto the end. 

A lady who is staying next to us was one of the people who made their stand for the truths presented. Five days after the seminar was over, this lady used the Strong’s Concordance and the Bible we had given her at the seminar and discovered that Saturday is the Sabbath instead of Sunday. She was astounded and thought that we would call her crazy for thinking such a thing. She was shocked to find out that we already knew that Saturday is the Sabbath. This is something that we were planning to cover on our follow up studies with her, but she found it before we could share it with her. It was delightful to see how the Lord is leading her. She has already invited several people to our studies, and brought one lady with her to the meetings. 

It was a blessing to see how these meetings came together. Andy spoke or operated the video camera, Christy controlled the Power Point presentations and helped run the camera. Kendra led out in song service and ran the children’s department. I spoke and made sure the technical aspects ran smoothly. We made a good team. We are preparing to be able to hold meetings like these in many other areas, teaching others to do the same in their local communities. You can read more about this on page 6. Please pray that many will come to know the Lord as a result of this outreach. 

A New Focus in Outreach 

by Lynnford Beachy 

My family and I have been traveling for a little over a year now. Since the beginning of May we have had a meeting almost every week in a different location. We have met many wonderful people along the way. Every single meeting we could see was ordained of God and helped with specific issues in each location. The meetings have been helpful to give these local groups a boost of encouragement, yet there is something lacking. I have been sad to leave these groups after such a short time, without giving them enough support to really become active for the Lord in spreading the gospel. My family and I have recognized the need for staying in one location for a longer period of time to help establish the work in each area. 

Seeing this need has caused us to have a new focus in outreach, to help train local people to do evangelism and follow up. Paul wrote to Timothy, “The things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2). There is a great need for training others to train others to train others to spread the gospel. This calls for getting everyone involved in the work of evangelism. You don’t have to have a college degree; you don’t have to have a certificate before sharing the gospel. Share what you have, and God will give the increase. (1 Corinthians 3:6, 7). 

“They [God’s people] overcame him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” (Revelation 12:11). Everyone has a testimony about what God has done for them, but too often that testimony is hid from those around because we are not focused on outreach. Jesus said, “No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.” (Luke 11:33). There are people everywhere who have amazing talents, many of which are not fully utilized because of a lack of direction or knowledge. “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” (Proverbs 29:18). 

Much more could be done to win the world for Christ if the talents of God’s people were recognized and utilized to help spread the gospel. This would also bring life and vitality into the local groups, for “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” (Proverbs 11:25). 

To help accomplish this, my family and I are teaming up with Andy and Christy Whitehurst to do six to eight week training in leadership and evangelism classes in your area. We recognize that not everyone can go somewhere else to receive training, so we are prepared to come to your area. Andy Whitehurst has received evangelistic training, and his wife, Christy, has experience in managing the technical aspects of public evangelism. Since learning the truth about God, Andy and Christy have dedicated themselves to helping others become more involved in spreading the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14. The Whitehurst and Beachy families worked together in holding an evangelistic series in Riverton, Wyoming in October 2007. We would like to pool our talents and help groups around the country to be able to duplicate this type of evangelism in their local areas and get everyone more involved in witnessing. 

We have been preparing “Evangelism in a Binder,” which will contain a vast resource of evangelistic material that can be used as is or modified to suit local needs. All of these tools will be designed to teach the new birth, righteousness by faith, the truth about God, the Sabbath, the state of the dead, the second coming of Christ, the sanctuary, health principles, etc. Up to this point, a resource like this has been hard to find or nonexistent, yet it will be extremely useful in spreading the gospel. 

Our mission is to teach local groups how to do personal Bible studies, small group studies, outreach, friendship evangelism, bridge events, reaping meetings, and follow-up. Please understand that our focus is on training your group and helping to do these events, not on doing everything for you. If you are interested in this type of training, please contact: 

Evangelistic Training Program
PO Box 1236
Riverton, WY 82501
Andy: 307-840-3213 -or- Lynnford 304-633-5411
evangelism@presenttruth.info

Waggoner on Romans — The Gospel in Paul’s Great Letter 

    (Part 20)    by Ellet J. Waggoner 

(We are continuing a series of articles commenting on Paul’s epistle to the Romans. We pray that they will be a blessing to you.    Editor) 

Glad Tidings of Good Things—Chapter 10 

Let it be remembered that the ninth chapter of Romans sets forth the condition of Israel according to the flesh they who are called Israel. They are “accursed from Christ.” They “followed after the law of righteousness,” but did not attain to righteousness, “because they sought it not by faith, but by works.” The Gentiles, therefore, gained the precedence over them, because they sought righteousness in the right way, namely, by faith. 

Thus were fulfilled the words of Christ to the self-righteous Jews: “The publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you;” and again, “The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.” (Matthew 21:31, 43). 

But the Lord did not cast off his people because they stumbled at the Stone which he had placed for a foundation. He endured with much long-suffering even the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction. So the apostle continues: 

The Glorious Gospel—
Romans 10:1-21 

Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 

For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people. (Romans 10:1-21) 

Zeal without Knowledge—“It is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing.” (Galatians 4:18). Zeal is very necessary to the accomplishment of anything; but zeal without knowledge is like a wild horse without bit or bridle. There is plenty of activity, but it is of no use. Or it is like the man who displays great zeal and earnestness in reaching a certain place, but who is traveling in the wrong direction. No matter how zealous a man may be, he will never reach a place that is north of him by traveling southward. Ignorance nullifies zeal. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6). 

Israel’s Ignorance—They were “ignorant of God’s righteousness.” (Romans 10:3). It is a kind of ignorance that did not cease with the generation then living, and which is not confined to any certain people. But that which made it so much worse in this instance was that this ignorance of God’s righteousness was coupled with the highest profession of serving him. 

God’s Righteousness—The righteousness of God is something besides a name. It is something far different from a form of words, or even the mere statement of a law. It is nothing less than the life and character of God. As there can not be sweetness apart from something that is sweet, so there is no such thing as abstract righteousness. Righteousness must necessarily be connected with some living being. But God alone is righteous. (See Mark 10:18.) Therefore wherever righteousness is, there God must be active. Righteousness is the essential characteristic of God. 

Form and Fact—The Jews had “the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law” (Romans 2:20); but they had not the truth itself. The law of God, as written on the tables of stone, or in a book, is as perfect as it could possibly be. But there was just the same difference between that and the real law that there is between a photograph of a man and the man himself. It was but a shadow. There was no life in the written characters, and they could not do anything. They were simply the statement of that which exists only in the life of God. 

Empty Righteousness — The Jews very well knew that the words on the stone or in the book could not do anything; and since they were ignorant of the righteousness of which those words were but the description, they went about to establish a righteousness of their own. This they would never have done if they had not been ignorant of God’s righteousness. Of that the psalmist says, “Thy righteousness is like the great mountains.” (Psalm 26:6). They were trying to produce from themselves the essential attribute of God. 

Such an effort, no matter how great the zeal, could end only in miserable failure. Saul of Tarsus was “more exceedingly zealous of the traditions” (Galatians 1:14) of the fathers than any others of his class, yet when he came to a right understanding, those things that were gain to him he was obliged to count but loss. That is, the more he did to establish his own righteousness, the worse off he became. 

Submitting to Righteousness— If the Jews had not been ignorant of God’s righteousness, they would not have attempted to establish a righteousness of their own. They tried to make God’s righteousness submit to them, whereas they should have submitted to it. God’s righteousness is active. It is his own life. Just as the air will rush into any place where there is an opening, so the righteous life of God will fill every heart that is open to receive it. When men try to handle the law of God, they invariably pervert it, and fit it to their own ideas; the only way to have its perfection appear is to submit to it, allowing it to rule. Then it will work itself out in the life. “It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good-pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13). 

The End of the Law—“Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.” (1 Timothy 1:5). Charity is love, and “love is the fulfilling of the law.” (Romans 13:10). Therefore the end of the law is its perfect fulfillment. That is self-evident. It makes no difference in what sense the word “end” is taken. Suppose it be used in the common sense of “object.” It is very plain that the things which it requires shall be done. Or use the word “end” in the ordinary sense of the farthest extent, and we have the same thing. You arrive at the end of a law only when you reach the utmost limit of its requirement. 

Christ the End of the Law—We have seen that the end or object of the law is the righteousness which it requires. So it is said that Christ is the end of the law “for righteousness.” The law of God is the righteousness of God. (See Isaiah 51:6, 7.) But this righteousness is the real life of God himself, and the words of the law are only the shadow of it. That life is found only in Christ, for he alone declares the righteousness of God. (Romans 3:24, 25). His life is the law of God, since God was in him. That which the Jews had only in form, is found in fact only in Christ. In him the end of the law is found. Does any one say that “the end of the law” means its abolition? Very well; when they find the abolition of Christ, they will have found the abolition of the law, and not before. Only a study of the life of Christ will reveal the righteousness which the law of God requires. 

To Whom?—To whom is Christ the end of the law for righteousness? “To every one that believeth.” (Romans 10:4). Christ dwells in the heart by faith. (Ephesians 3:17). The perfect righteousness of the law is found only in him. It is in him in absolute perfection. Therefore since Christ dwells in the heart of the believer, in him only is the end of the law attained. “This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” (John 6:29). “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness.” (Romans 10:10). 

Doing to Live and Living to Do—The righteousness which is of the law, that is, men’s own righteousness (see Philippians 3:9), is on the principle of doing something in order to live. The mere statement of the case is sufficient to show its impossibility; for life must necessarily precede action. A dead body does not do something in order that it may live, but it must be given life in order that it may do something. Peter did not tell the dead Dorcas to do some more charitable work, to sew some more garments, in order that she might live, but in the name of Jesus he restored her to life, in order that she might pursue her good works. The man that doeth those things shall live in them, but he must first live before he can do them. Therefore the righteousness which is of the law is but an empty dream. Christ gives life, even the eternal and righteous life of God, which works righteousness in the soul that it has quickened. 

Christ the Word—Verses 6-8 of this chapter are a direct quotation from Deuteronomy 30:11-14. Moses had been rehearsing the law to the people, and exhorting them to obedience, and told them that the commandment was not “far off,” so that they needed to send some one to bring it to them, “but the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.” Paul, writing by inspiration of the Spirit, quotes the words of Moses, and shows that they refer to Christ. Christ is the Word, the commandment, which is not “far off,” which needs not to be brought down from heaven, nor to be raised from the dead. Let the reader compare these two portions of Scripture very carefully, and he will clearly see that the real commandment of the Lord is nothing less than Christ. 

Law and Life—This truth was not necessarily hidden till the New Testament was written. The thoughtful Jew in the days of Moses could clearly understand that only in the life of God could the righteousness of the law be found. Moses said: “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live; that thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him; for he is thy life, and the length of thy days.” (Deuteronomy 30:19, 20). 

In setting the law before the people, Moses set before them the life of God, and that is to be found only in Christ. “I know that his commandment is life everlasting.” (John 12:50). “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3). 

The Word Very Near—Remembering that the word is Christ, we read, “The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart; that is, the word of faith, which we preach.” Is Christ so near as that? Indeed he is; for he himself says, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock.” (Revelation 3:20). It is not alone to the good that he is near, but he is “not far from every one of us.” (Acts 17:27). So near is he that “in him we live, and move, and have our being.” (Acts 17:28). 

We can not reach out our hand without finding him. Christ is in [near] the heart even of wicked men, waiting for them to recognize the fact that already exists, and will in all their ways acknowledge him; then he will dwell in their hearts “by faith.” He will then direct them in all their ways. In nothing is the love of Christ more fully shown than in his dwelling with sinful men, and enduring all their hatefulness, in order that by his patience he may win them from their evil ways. 

Belief in the Resurrection—“If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” He “was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification.” (Romans 4:25). And “he died for all.” (2 Corinthians 5:15). He tasted death for every man. Therefore he was raised for the justification of every man. To believe in the heart that God hath raised him from the dead, is to believe that he justifies me. The one who does not believe that Jesus does cleanse him from sin, does not really believe that God has raised him from the dead; for we can not believe in the resurrection of Jesus, without believing that for which he was raised. The resurrection of Jesus is much less generally believed than is commonly supposed. 

Not Ashamed—The root of the word “believe” indicates a foundation, something upon which one can build. To believe on Jesus is to build upon him. He is the tried Stone, the sure Foundation, the Rock. (Isaiah 28:16). Whosoever builds upon him will not be obliged to flee in confusion when the rain descends, and the floods come, and the winds blow and beat upon his house; for he is the Rock of Ages. 

No Difference—The keynote of the gospel call is “whosoever.” “God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16). “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17). “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Roman 10:13). No distinction is made; “for there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek.” (Roman 10:12). 

Read again the second and third chapters of Romans, and the fourth also. Indeed, the whole book of Romans gives a death-blow to that wicked idea that God is partial, and that he favors some people more than others. The idea that God has special blessings for one nation of earth that he has not for others, no matter whether that one nation be called Jews, Israelites, Anglo-Saxons, Englishmen, or anything else, is a direct denial of the gospel of the grace of God. 

The Gospel to All—The thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth verses show the steps necessary for salvation. First, men must call upon the Lord. But in order to call upon him, they must believe in him. But they can not hear without someone being sent. But preachers have been sent, yet all have not believed and obeyed, although they have all heard. 

What have they all heard? They have all heard the word of God. In proof of this, the apostle says that faith comes by hearing the word of God, and adds: “Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.” (Romans 10:18). All in the world have heard, and there is no excuse for unbelief on the part of any. Read again Romans 1:16-20. 

Glorious Preachers—The gospel of Christ is “the glorious gospel.” It shines its way into the heart. (See 2 Corinthians 4:4.) So it is fitting that those who preach it should be arrayed in glory. The sun, moon, and stars are the beautiful “preachers” whose words have gone to the ends of the world. They preach the glorious gospel of Christ. They are a continual example of the right way to preach the gospel they shine forth the glory of God. 

So the apostle says to us who have heard and believed the word, “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of the darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9). The gospel is the revelation of God to men. “God is light,” therefore the proclaiming of the gospel consists in showing forth his light. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).
 

(To be continued) 

(This article was taken from a series of articles printed in The Signs of the Times from October, 1895 through September, 1896. Some editing has been done for this publication.    Editor) 

Something for the Young at Heart 

This month we are continuing a series of crossword Bible studies that are based on a Bible Lesson printed by Richard Stratton of Philadelphia Press Ministries, PO Box 218, Florence, Colorado 81226. In order to maintain the flow of the study, this crossword puzzle is not split into Across and Down sections—Across or Down is indicated at the end of each line. 

Who do we Worship?

• “Thou shalt have no other ____ before me.” Exodus 20:3—7 Down 
• “Put away the ____ gods that are among you.” Genesis 35:2— 12 Down 
• “Thou shalt ____ the Lord thy God,…” Matthew 4:10—8 Down 
• “But the LORD is the ____ God.” Jeremiah 10:10—20 Across 
• “He is the ____ God.” Jeremiah 10:10—6 Across 
• “The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall ____ from the earth.” Jeremiah 10:11—15 Across 
• “He hath made the earth by his ____.” Jeremiah 10:12—11 Down 
• “He hath established the world by his ____.” Jeremiah 10:12—21 Across 
• “...and hath stretched out the heavens by his ____.” Jeremiah 10:12— 9 Down 
• “For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the ____.” Psalm 96:5—13 Down 

Note:    God’s claim to reverence and worship, above the gods of the heathen, is based upon the fact that He is the Creator, and that every being in the universe owes their existence to Him. 

• “Let us kneel before the LORD our ____.” Psalm 95:6—1 Down 
• “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our ____ which art in heaven,...” Matthew 6:9—4 Down 
• “True ____ shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23— 10 Across 
• Jesus is “the ____, the truth, and the life.” John 14:6—17 Down 

• Someone said to Joshua, “Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is ____.” Joshua 5:15—2 Down 

Note:    The captain of the LORD is not the LORD in this verse, yet He receives worship, which no other being is allowed to do except for God Himself. (See Acts 10:25, 26 and Revelation 19:10.) God, the Father, said to His Son, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” (Genesis 1:26). Both the Father and the Son are divine beings, and were involved in creation, and therefore both deserve worship. Jesus said, “That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.” (John 5:23). The Father and the Son alone are to be exalted in worship, yet we must never worship the Son as if He were the Father. We should worship the Son as our Saviour and Lord, but never as if He were the Most High God, but rather as the “Son of the most high God.” (Mark 5:7). 

• Thou shalt ____ the Lord thy God with all that you are. Luke 10:27— 3 Down 

Note:    Love must be the underlying principle of our worship. This is the only way we can worship God in Spirit and in truth. 

• “This is the love of God, that we keep his ____.” 1 John 5:3—19 Across 
• “His commandments are not ____.” 1 John 5:3—14 Across 

Note:    God’s new-covenant promise is, “I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them.” (Hebrews 10:16). If the law is written in the heart, if God’s love is implanted in the soul, will it not come out in the life, resulting in obedience to that law? 

• “What doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to ____ in all his ways,...” Deuteronomy 10:12, 13—5 Across 
• “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do ____,...” Micah 6:8—16 Down 
• “...and to love ____, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:8— 18 Down

Answers
 

Fundamental Principles of Health 

by Curtis Kline 

The Importance of Peace 

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1). 

This month I would like to touch on the subject of peace, and the state of mind in general, in correlation with health and well-being Peace of mind is an extremely important aspect of health. Joy, happiness, thankfulness, peace, satisfaction from right doing, and helping others all have a very direct positive impact on our health. On the other hand, worry, anxiety, stress, grief, guilt, shame, anger, resentment, and hatred all have a negative impact on health. Many hormones are released as a result of our state of mind. Studies are starting to show that our state of mind has much more to do with our health than ever before believed. It is also important to have a sense of purpose and direction in our lives. 

God’s wish for all is peace of mind through Christ. The world can not give us peace. As a matter of fact, Jesus said not to think He came to bring peace but a sword. This world will not see peace until Jesus comes back in the clouds of glory. However, we can have peace in this evil turbulent world we live in. This peace is not a gift that God gives us apart from Himself. As we receive Christ we have peace with God. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1).  This comes along with the whole train of blessings that are to be received through a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. 

In closing, on a personal note, whenever I don’t have peace in my own personal life, I know that Jesus is not abiding in my heart. It is impossible to have Christ and not have peace. Many times in my own experience the peace has come and gone and this is just an example and reflection of how easy it is to be in and out of our relationship with God. My prayer for myself and you is that we may have an abiding peace that comes from an abiding relationship with Christ. Many health benefits can be reaped as a result of this peace, not to mention the mental and spiritual blessings that come in its train. 

Until next month may the peace of God be with you. Blessings! 

(The above article was provided by Curtis Kline, Director of Bible Health Solutions. For more in-depth information he can be contacted at (661) 392-8153 or curkli@yahoo.com. The above information is for informational purposes only and are the opinions and religious belief’s of the author. They are not intended to treat, diagnose, or cure any disease.    Editor) 

Upcoming Meetings in Your Area 

Here is the currently-planned 2007 itinerary for Lynnford Beachy: 

Nov. 2, 3    Hot Springs, NC, contact Charles Wilson, 828-622-3671.
Note: I will be speaking via a DVD and available for questions by telephone conference. 

Nov. 10    Riverton, WY, contact Andy Whitehurst, 307-840-3213. 

Nov. 17    Grass Valley, CA, contact Emil Maghiar, 916-409-0993. 

Nov. 30-Dec. 1    Temecula, CA, contact Don and Dee Hager, 951-677-0726. 

Dec. 7, 8    Yuma, Arizona, contact John and Judie Brown, 928-503-6160. 

Dec. 29    Tucson, Arizona, contact Carolyne Scripp, 520-808-3004. 

Note: Please notice that my trip to Africa in November or December has been postponed. I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Lord willing, the trip can still take place next year. 

Between these meetings we will be available to visit people in their homes and to have additional meetings. If you would like to host meetings in your area, please contact Lynnford Beachy at (304) 633-5411. 

To view or print this issue of Present Truth in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) click here.