"Everlasting Gospel" of "His Doctrine"

Christ's commandments, doctrine and gospel of the kingdom of God are still Spirit and they are life for those who would believe today. This fact is not only scripturally sound, but is also an every day way of life to those who are walking, not after the manner of the flesh, but after the Spirit of truth. All the teachings of Jesus and his disciples are for all who believe.

"And it shall come to pass in the last day, saith God, I will pour out of (still only in part) my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.'' Ac.2:17. The fact is that these things are still happening today, despite the ignorant and uninformed declarations of those who would in blindness albeit in sincerity, teach the contrary.

"Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant" (1Cor.12:1), nor would He have us ignorant of "His doctrine.'' Chapter 13 of First Corinthians clearly tells us we are not to seek after nor look to spiritual gifts and their diversities of operation solely as an end result or attainment of faith and hope, for they are now only in part, as we are yet in part in our knowledge and operation of "that which is perfect". The charity which is the bond of perfectness (Col.3:14) is the principle subject of this entire relevant chapter.

Charity is "the perfect law of liberty" (Jas.1:25) the "royal law" Jas.2:8. It is this love that is the fulfilling of the law (Ro.13:10), that righteousness of the law which Christ is fulfilling in those of us who would walk, not after the flesh, but after the Spirit - Ro.8:4.

"Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned." 1Tim.1:5. This culminates in the fullness of salvation which is ready to be revealed in the last time - Ro.13:11; 1Ptr.1:5.

Christ himself is the scriptural example of "that which is perfect" (Heb.2:10; 5:9; 7:28), and did not He command us, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect?'' Matt.5:48. If this were an impossibility then surely the Bible would not teach us to strive for such a goal. When we can learn to "put away childish things", then we are exhorted to go on unto perfection, leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ as a foundation to build upon - Heb.6:I-2.

"The (Spirit of, not the letter of the) law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul" (Psa.19:7), changing us from glory to glory, until we no longer see through a glass darkly (2Cor.3:16; 1Cor.13:12), for when Christ shall appear in all His glory in the unveiled looking glass (his body of glorified saints), we shall be like Him for we shall see Him as He is (1Jn.3:2), "our vile bodies fashioned like unto his glorious body." Phil.3:21. Then, when that "perfect day" (Prv.4:18) arrives "that which is in part" now, shall be swallowed up in completeness (maturity). Death will be swallowed up in victory - 1Cor.15:54.

Today, many are falsely teaching that "that which is perfect" has already come centuries ago, in the form of the completed Bible, and that God's gifts of the Holy Spirit are no longer available for Christians today. But of a truth, there is no variableness in the Fathers dispensing of "every good gift and every perfect gift" which cometh from above - Jas.1:17.

Satan desires God's people to disbelieve this, so whenever any manifestations of gifts and miracles takes place though the operating power of the Holy Spirit "according to His own will'' (Heb.2:4), then those persons who refuse to believe because of their man made doctrines, unknowingly blaspheme the Holy Spirit, giving all recognition of any kind of spiritual power to the devil. They "profess that they know God; but in works (actions) they deny him'' (Tit.1:16), "having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof. '' 2Tim.3:5.

This seems especially so in acknowledgment of healing or deliverance oriented ministries. "His doctrine" should not be blasphemed - 1Tim.6:1. This is a serious mistake indeed! Matt. 12:22-32. Jesus stated, ''He that is not with me (in His doctrine) is against me." Matt.12:30. Therefore, beloved saints, ''let us not fight against God.'' Ac.23:9.

God's word says, ''Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you and ye shall be witnesses unto me...unto the uttermost part (in distance and time) of the earth.'' Ac. 1:8. Witnesses not "in word only'' but "in demonstration of the Spirit and of power." 1Ths. 1:5; 1Cor.2:4. The promise of this Holy Ghost and His diversity of power is for all who have sought repentance for the remission of sin in the name of Jesus Christ...''for the promise is unto you and your children and to all that are far off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.'' Ac.2:38, 39. Oh doubtful church, "How long halt ye between two opinions?'' 1Kgs.18:21.

We are told that Christ gave some, apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, along with spiritual gifts and signs following, for the perfection of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Nowhere in God's word do we find where these ministries and gifts are to be temporary or done away with. Rather we see they will continue at least "till we all come in the unity of the faith (a oneness in mature love - Jn.17:23), and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man (mature body of saints), unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.'' 1Cor.12:28; Eph.4:12-13.

"The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.'' 1Cor.12:7; Ro.12:6-7. "Covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet (beyond this I) show unto you a more excellent way." 1Cor.12:31. This way is to be found as you "follow after charity and desire spiritual gifts.'' 1Cor.14:1. Seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.'' 1Cor.14:4. "If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant (Jn.12:.37), let him be ignorant. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophecy and forbid not to speak with tongues.'' 1Cor.14:37-39.

"Why call me Lord, Lord and do not the things which I say." Lk.6:46. Multitudes today are breaking these commandments of the Lord. Know they not that "this is the love of God (charity) that we keep his commandments?" 1Jn.5:3. Beloved, Paul was writing not only to the church at Corinth but "to all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus.'' 1Cor.1:2.

Let us look at some of the other teachings and commandments of the doctrine of Christ which the original disciples and apostles heard, believed, acted upon in faith (Jas.2:19-20) and preached... and how this very same everlasting effectual gospel and doctrine of the kingdom with signs following, is for those who believe today. "If any man teach otherwise and consent not to wholesome words, even the word of our Lord Jesus Christ and to the doctrine which is according to godliness: He is proud knowing nothing." 1Tim.6:3-4.

In Deut.18:18-19 God spoke to Moses, "For I will raise up a prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth: and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command Him (speaking of Jesus - Jn.12:49; Ac.3:2-22). And it shall come to pass that whosoever will not hearken unto my words (doctrine) which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.''

Jesus said, ''l have given them thy word.'' Jn.17:14. "And if any man hear my words and believe not, I judge him not''...''He that rejecteth me. and receiveth not my words hath one that judgeth him: the word (gospel, doctrine) that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." Jn.12:47-48. Only if we do the words of Jesus will we progressively receive life more abundantly. "The flesh profiteth nothing: the words I speak unto you, they are Spirit and they are life.'' Jn.6:63. Therefore brethren, "Hear ye him.'' Matt.17:5.

What was some of this doctrine and word that Jesus manifested to the world of which He said. "My doctrine is not mine but his that sent me? If any man will do His will he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God or whether I speak of myself.'' Jn.7:6-17. We are told, "Jesus came into Galilee preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying the time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand: Repent ye and believe the gospel." Mk.1:14-15. "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Jn.3:3. When He taught the multitudes, "He taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes" and "the people were astonished at His doctrine" (Matt.7:28; 22:33) saying, ''whence hath this man this wisdom and these mighty works?'' Matt.13:54.

Jesus also taught in the synagogues of Galilee saying, "The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; (as part of this gospel also) He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.'' Lk.4:18, 19. Jesus said, "Blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in me" (Matt.11:6); not offended in his doctrine and it s consequences and results - 2Tim.3:10-11.

When Jesus went into Capernaum and taught the people on the Sabbath days they were also astonished at his doctrine (Mk.1:22) for His word was with power - Lk.4:32. When Jesus had cast the spirit of an unclean devil out of a man in their synagogue, "they were all amazed...saying what thing is this? What new doctrine is this?'' Mk.1:27. "What a word is this! for with authority and power He commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out." Lk.4:36. This was possible as the Father had given unto him all power that was available in heaven and in earth - Matt.28:18; Ro.1:4. Is this not "the doctrine of the Lord?" Ac.13:12.

The scriptures show very plainly that this same word and power was given unto the disciples of Jesus. "He gave them power against unclean spirits to cast them out and to heal all manners of sickness and all manner of disease.'' Matt.10:1; Lk.9:1-2. "For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.'' 1Cor.4:20. He commanded them first to go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel...''and as ye go, preach, saying the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils.'' Matt.10:7-8. These disciples were given power over all the power of the enemy - Lk.10:19. Was this commission for the original disciples only as some do erroneously teach? No, definitely not! Rom.1:6.

Whom does Jesus consider disciples? "If any man come to me and hate (in comparison: Lk.10:61-62) not his father, and mother...yea and his own life also (Lk.9:24), he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple." Lk.14:26-27. Jesus prayed to the Father...''As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world...neither pray I for these alone (original disciples), but for them also which shall believe on me through their word." Jn.17:18-20. Dear saints, let us not neglect to "give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.'' Jn.8:31.

Speaking of the age to come after the resurrection and ascension, Jesus states, "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do also; because I go unto my Father.'' Jn.14:12. Immediately before being received up to the Father He commanded the disciples...''Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized (into the spiritual body of Christ - 1Cor 12:13) shall be saved...and these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they (that believe) cast out devils; they (that believe) shall speak with new tongues..they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." Mk.16:15-18; Eph.1:19. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations...teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." Matt.28:19-20.

Remember Jesus had said "and this gospel (doctrine) of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations and then shall the end come." Matt.24:14. "And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them (because His Spirit was now abiding within them, the same way as it is today), and confirming the word with signs following." Mk.16:20. Had not Jesus said...''If any man serve me, let him follow me
(as a learner and a disciple); and where I am there shall also my servant be." Jn.12:26.

Yes, even today, those that believe, receive of the same Spirit of Christ, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost which Jesus said is to abide with believers forever. This Spirit of Truth would dwell in them by faith and if they kept His commandments, He would manifest Himself to them - Jn.14. Jesus remains the same yesterday, today and forever in his will and Spirit whereby He does heal and deliver his chosen people. "His doctrine'' has not changed - Mal.3:6. Only circumstance, traditions, people and times have changed.

This gospel and doctrine of Christ of all that Jesus began to both do and teach (Acts.1:1-2), was carried on in the acts of the apostles. "For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus sake." 2Cor.4:5. Their preaching also, was with signs and miracles following - Ac.8:5; 13. God's great plan for this age was to include by his grace, the rest of the world's nations. "I will call them my people, which were not my people." Ro.9:25. And so the Gentile nations were grafted in - Ro. chptr.11.

He ordained Paul that he should be the minister of Christ to the Gentiles - Ro.15:16. Paul states..."through mighty signs and wonders by the power of the Spirit of God...l have fully preached the gospel of Christ.'' Ro.15:19. "But I certify you, brethren (Roman Gentiles), that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." Gal.1:11-12; 1Jn.2:27. This is the "sound doctrine according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God" which was committed to Paul's trust - 1Tim.1:10-11. Paul exhorted Timothy, "And these 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." 2Tim.2:2; 1Tim.4:16.

The apostle John declares to believers..."that which was from the beginning (Lk.1:1-4; Ac.4:33; 10:37-43; 1Ths.2:13) which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the word of life...that (doctrine) which we have seen and heard declare we unto you.'' 1Jn.1:1-3. "Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning." 1Jn.2:24. "Whosoever transgresseth and abide not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son." 2Jn.9.

How do we abide in the doctrine? Peter proclaims..."Him (Christ) shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you." Ac.3:22. Paul tells the Phillipians..."Those things which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do." Phil.4:9. It is evident that Christian churches of today are at many different levels of abiding in Christ's doctrine. If any organization or individual does not believe all the words and doctrine of Jesus and the apostles, he would do well that "Ye should earnestly contend for the faith that was once delivered unto the saints.'' Jude 3. If not, why "will ye also go away!'' Jn.6:67.

"He that saith he abideth in Him ought him self also so to walk even as He walked." 1Jn.2:6. Far too many have the talk but not the walk! "And this is love (charity), that we walk after His commandments. This is the commandment, that, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it." 2Jn.6. "No good thing will he withold from them that walk uprightly.'' Psa.84:11. Jesus said, "If ye keep my commandments ye shall abide in my love.'' Jn.15:10. "Blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it." Lk.11:28; Matt.7:24-2 7.

"For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh (1Jn.4:1-3). This is a deceiver and an antichrist." 2Jn.7. To be a "born again" believer, one must believe, not only that Christ died for their sins and resurrected again in a physical flesh and bone body (Jn.2:19, 21; Ac.2:31; Lk.24:39), but also that Christ's Holy Spirit has come to dwell in their own mortal flesh - Ro.8:9; Col.1:27; 2Cor.13:5.

This belief is the very basic foundation of the doctrine of Christ. "If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him Godspeed." 2Jn.10. "Take heed unto thyself and unto the doctrine; continue in them (even unto perfection Heb.6:I-2 and charity), for in doing this thou shalt both save (deliver thyself), and them that hear thee.'' 1Tim.4:6; 1Cor.4:16, 17. Paul told the Romans..."Now I beseech you brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrines (from these true teachings of Christ and the apostles) which ye have learned and avoid them.'' Ro.16:17.

Let us take heed to what James learned also. "Be ye doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves...Whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." Jas.1:23-25. "If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well." Jas.2:8. "Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.'' Rev.22:14.

K. Ross McKay