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"THE HIGH CALLING...OF GOD"
John the Baptist was given to announce and sow the seed of "the kingdom
of HEAVEN" (Matt.4:17) in the hearts of men. But Jesus, as did Paul, also
both preached and pressed toward a higher calling and glory which is also
a part of "the kingdom of HEAVEN", a realm they were given to see called
"the kingdom of GOD." Mk.1:14; Lk.12:31; Ac.19:8. Only mature growth of
God's heavenly seed can result in perfection of that which has been
planted.
The gospel of Christ was planted in the beginning of the of the church age
as the gospel of the "kingdom of HEAVEN." It is now the end of that age,
that shallow outer court understanding and in part revelation of the
kingdom. The age of the"kingdom of God" is upon us and the revelation of
God's inner kingdom as well as the coming earthly kingdom is about to be
made manifest.
Only those who reach a stage of maturity and perfection in Christ, will be
granted to sit together with Him in His throne [dominion and authority] as
ruling kings and priests in "the kingdom of GOD." This is part of the
PRIZE, reserved for the "FIRSTFRUITS" "OVERCOMERS" (Rev. 3:21; 14:4,
5) who have followed the Lamb "whithersoever He goeth" (Rev.14:4)
allowing the Lordship of Christ to rule in their lives.
GOD the mature Father, is waiting for more MATURE SONS who have
grown up INTO CHRIST THEIR HEAD - Eph.4:5...Therefore we are
admonished to "BE YE THEREFORE PERFECT (spiritually mature), even as
your Father which is in heaven is perfect." Matt.5:48. In doing so, one will
have earned the right to forever dwell and function in the very presence of
God the Father and in all the fullness of His kingdom promises and
rewards.
In spiritual type and shadow, there was a great unseen land of PROMISE
and of REST far ahead of the chosen children of God who had escaped
from the bondage of Egypt. Unknown to them, this first generation were
going to have to suffer much vanity of tribulation because of their attitudes
and fleshly ways. The second generation where going to have to fight and
win fierce battles with their enemies if they wanted to actually possess
their promised state. The scriptures elsewhere refer to this land as a realm
or state of both physical and spiritual "PERFECTION" Heb.6:1; 1Cor.10:13.
In Hebrews chapters three and four, this land is also likened unto entering
into GOD'S REST. Note that ONLY "SOME" of the children of Israel [who
typify Christian believers today] were actually able to go in and finally
POSSESS THIS PROMISE of their INHERITANCE. Most never made it
because of their unbelief, their murmuring and the fleshly erring ways of
their heart's - Heb.3:10, 11; 17-19; 4:2-6. We see this pattern stated in
Revelation 3:4 where we are told, "Thou hast a FEW names even in Sardis
which have not defiled their garments..". It is also revealed that these are
SOME OF THE FEW of "they that are worthy" and "that overcometh." Rev.
3:4, 5.
None of God's chosen nation that died on their journey towards the land of
promise (not heaven - but the portion of land they never actually saw or
entered into - Jn.3:3, 5), came under the new kingdom authority of judges,
priests and kings. None lost their initial salvation so to speak, but they did
lose their right to enter into further promises of God. Their initial salvation
was typified in their coming out of the bondage of Egypt and crossing the
Red Sea. So we see in type, through their wilderness sojourn they were
partakers of "the kingdom of HEAVEN", but they fell by the wayside on the
road to their total inheritance in the "kingdom of GOD."
The children of Israel lost out on the "milk and honey" promises and
rewards of ruling and reigning in dominion over all the promised land.
This land and its total possession could have been theirs in actuality and in
fullness, had they not faltered - Josh.5:6. Once again we stress, we as
Christians cannot lose the basic GIFT of salvation but we most certainly
can suffer loss of any part of salvation that entails the PRIZE with all its
promises and rewards and the greater glory they entail.
The apostle Paul, who had been given great divine revelation and true
spiritual insight (Gal.1:12), could see what was the true INHERITANCE,
GLORY, PRIZE and FULL REWARD (2Jn.8; Gen.15:1) which was
OBTAINABLE ONLY as the result of faithfully enduring and OVERCOMING
in all of his own wilderness trials. In Phil. chapter three, he describes this
FINAL REWARD and ULTIMATE REST from his journey of trials as "the
excellency of the knowledge of Christ", found ONLY in experientially
sharing "the fellowship of His sufferings." This was in order that he
MIGHT KNOW the experiential likeness and "POWER OF CHRIST'S
RESURRECTION" and thereby "ATTAIN UNTO THE RESURRECTION of the
dead." This was what he counted not himself to have apprehended or laid
hold of in certainty -vs.13. But, he followed zealously after these things
that he might apprehend them.
Timothy also spoke of enduring all things for the elects sake "that they may
also OBTAIN the [fullness of the Godhead bodily type of] SALVATION
which is in Christ Jesus." 2Tim.2:10-13; Rev.21:7. So we see the PRIZE of
the high calling in the kingdom of God includes in its rewards the glory of a
resurrection in the likeness of Christ - Phil.3:21. However, it is something
to be obtained (1Cor.9:24, 25) and to be counted worthy of (Lk.20:35) and
the Bible teaches not all Christian's will meet the requirements.
This special resurrection from the dead of which Paul spoke, was of the
highest degree of glory (1Cor.15:41, 42) in resurrection order (rank, group -
1Cor.15:23a), amongst whom shall be many who were horribly "tortured,
not accepting deliverance; that they MIGHT OBTAIN A BETTER
RESURRECTION" (Heb.11:35) than those of their brethren whose faith was
not so steadfast and whose works were not so obedient.
This PRIZE to be obtained then, is a better resurrection than others to
follow. This resurrection which Paul clearly saw by the Spirit was none
other than "THE FIRST RESURRECTION" (Rev.20:4, 5) of overcoming
saints...and is the result and reward of their faithful diligence, capped in
their finally entering into the fully manifest "kingdom of GOD" (2Ptr.1:10,
11; Rev.12:10) not just spiritually but literally right here on the earth.
This realm or portion of God's kingdom is also known as that part of "the
tabernacle which is called THE HOLIEST OF ALL."Heb.9:5. Included in
this highest and most holy realm of the kingdom of heaven is "the
redemption of the body", not merely a spiritual adoption of NEWLY BORN
SONS (Gal.4:5), but rather the full adoption of MATURE MANIFESTED
SONS OF GOD - Ro.8:19. Such is the inheritance of those who hear and
follow after "the mark of the HIGH CALLING OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS.
Let us therefore, as many as be perfect be thus minded.."Phil.3:14, 15. In
such is found the revelation of the kingdom of GOD.
This is the time of the harvest (Mk.4:29) and gathering (Matt.34:31) in of the
"firstfruits" of all God's creatures (Jas.1:18), even the FIRST full harvest of
the chiefest parts (Nu.18:22) the earliest ripe (Ex.23:16; Nu. 13:20), the
"FIRST of the firstfruits" of God's purified undefiled sons. These fully ripe
and mature sons follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth, being the first
fully redeemed from among men--being the "firstfruits" unto God and the
Lamb - Rev.14:4, 15, 16. These ones of the bride are only 'they THAT
WERE READY" (fully ripe) (Matt.25:10), ready to be HARVESTED (Mk.4:29)
as a part of Christ's first harvest, even the FIRST resurrection.
Once again we see, the Lord has only A FEW names" comparative to the
rest of "the body, the church" (Col.1:17) which do not defile their garments
both naturally (experientially) and spiritually, and MADE THEMSELVES
READY - Rev.19:7, 8. There must needs be a long period of growth before
the firstfruits is ready together, to begin to serve and to feed all of
humanity with the broken bread of life. This is taking place in both the
natural and spritual realms of the "kingdom of HEAVEN."
"Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious [FIRST] FRUIT OF THE
EARTH and hath long patience for it." Be ye also patent; stablish your
hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh - Jas.5:7, 8. Some shall
yield forth thirty-fold, some sixty-fold and some one hundred-fold fruits (of
the Spirit) unto God - Mk.4:8; 26-29. These bring forth fruit with faithful
patience - Lk.8:15. "In your patience, possess ye your souls." Lk.21:19.
Just as SOME of the former children of God in the exodus did not endure
patiently unto the end in order to enter into the FULLNESS of their
INHERITANCE (1Cor.10:5), so "MANY son" (Heb.2:10) but not nearly all,
shall be brought into THE OBTAINING of this first and highest glory of our
Lord (2Ths.2:14); brought into their INHERITANCE which in true type
includes "THE redemption of THE PURCHASED POSSESSION" (Eph.1:14),
even their bodies - 1Cor.6:19, 20. Even now Christ is repossessing the
land of our souls.
Beloved of the Lord, concerning this land, "Let us at once go up and
POSSESS it: for we are WELL ABLE TO OVERCOME it." Nu.13:30. Rebel
not against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land...their [our
enemies in high spiritual places] defence is departed from them." Nu.14:19.
"Greater is He that is in you than he (the antichrist enemies in and of your
soul) that is in the world." 1Jn.4:4.
The manifest earthly glory and honour of both this inner (Eph.3:19; 4:13)
and outer realm of the coming kingdom of GOD (Matt.6:10). will be granted
only to "the man [mature, first born male) child" [a corporate son]
(Rev.12:5), described also as "HE that OVERCOMETH" in Rev.2:26, 27.
These are ones who shall be deemed worthy to receive the glorious PRIZE
and FULL REWARD of RULING with Christ OVER THE NATIONS UNTO THE
AGES. These shall be the ones of His body that shall not have been
OVERCOME with any form of evil, but shall have experienced and applied
the OVERCOMING OF EVIL WITH GOOD - Ro.12:2. "They OVERCAME HIM
[the evil one] by the blood of the Lamb [learning how to actively and
effectively apply it], and by the word of their testimony (Rev.6:9; 19:10), and
they loved not heir [personal lives] unto the death (Lk.17:33)," even of self
and sin - Rev.12:11.
To these "saviours" (Obed.21), the first manifested "sons of God" (Ro.
8:19), and not to others, will be given "THE CROWN OF LIFE" (Jas.1:12;
2Tim.4:8), an authoritative reign of glorified kings and priests ON THE
EARTH - Rev.5:10; Isa.61:6. Of course not all saints can be in these
authoritative governmental positions of spiritual leaders and rulers in the
body of Christ - 1Cor. chapter 12. There must also be numerous other
members and subjects in the cities and "nations of THEM WHICH ARE
SAVED."Rev.21:4; Lk.19:17; Matt.25:23. There are different types of glory
in the resurrection (1Cor.15:35-42) just as there are many different callings
with diversity of ministry and gifts within the body of Christ -1Cor.chap.12.
Jesus said, speaking to His body, the church, "To HIM THAT
OVERCOMETH will I GRAND [the prize] to sit with me IN MY THRONE [total
authority], even as I ALSO OVERCAME." Rev.3:21. To others in the church,
because they were just "lukewarm" Christians and works of iniquity
(Matt.7:21-23; 13:4,10), they would be prevented from obtaining the
promises of the overcomer (Rev.chap.2 and 3) and cast out of that once
obtainable position in the coming kingdom of God - Rev.3:21. Jesus had
ought against practices in the church that would prevent most from
receiving the rewards of those that would be overcomers. If you will
carefully examine Rev. chapters two and three, one would have to honestly
admit that it is no different in the church today.
In Matt.20:21-24 Jesus asked, "Are you able to drink of the cup of
[righteous suffering] that I shall drink of...?...Ye shall drink indeed of my
cup [sooner or later] but to SIT WITH ME ON THE RIGHT HAND [signifying
distributing righteous power and authority in the kingdom of God] and the
left [place of chastising judgment of His flock of rams and goats - Ezk.
34:17; Matt.24:33]...shall be given to them for whom it is prepared OF MY
FATHER."
If we are to have any hope of entering into the FULL INHERITANCE OF THE
FATHER'S COMING MANIFEST KINGDOM (Matt.13:48; 26:29), if we are to
OBTAIN the unto the kingdom realm authority and promises (Heb.6:11, 12)
after the manner of which Paul was speaking (Phil.3:6-21), we must first,
finally enter in through "the strait and narrow gate" where "FEW there be
that find it." Matt.7:14.
The "narrow gate" is not speaking of our initial entrance into common
salvation in the kingdom of HEAVEN, but in fullness of truth is speaking of
the disciplined way into the kingdom of HIS LORDSHIP(2Ptr.1:11) of which
realm of His kingdom Jesus also said, "It is easier for a camel to go
through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of
God. "Matt.19:24. Note the contrast from vs.23 where it is difficult to enter
the kingdom of HEAVEN, but in vs.24 it is almost impossible for a man who
is more involved in the riches and things of this world to enter the kingdom
of GOD. There is a real distinction here between them, just as there is a
difference in all scriptures relating to the kingdom. Ezk.37:21- 28 is a type
and shadow of the heavenly kingdoms.
How few seem to have a vision of what Paul and Jesus taught...that "we
must through much tribulation [and its overcoming] enter into the kingdom
of GOD. "Ac.4:22. Surely all the redeemed shall LIVE with Him, but "if we
suffer [with Him], we shall also REIGN with Him." 2Tim.2:12. This is one of
the most necessary prerequisites of being raised up in Fullness with Him.
All the fiery trials, persecutions, tribulation, griefs, thorns, suffering etc.
which you endure for His sake, which you are delivered from and which
you overcome for "conscience toward God" (1Ptr.2:19), "is a manifest
token of the righteous judgment of God, that YE MAY BE COUNTED
WORTHY [even for] THE KINGDOM OF GOD [the prize of the high calling]
for which ye also suffer." 2Ths.1:5, 11.
As potential heirs of being one with the Son in all things, we are now
exhorted to "walk WORTHY of God" who has called us to be partakers of
this glorious kingdom - 1Ths.2:12. MANY are called and chosen but FEW
there shall be that are FAITHFUL AND WORTHY - Rev.17:14; Matt.22:8, 14.
These shall be only the faithful and WORTHY "saints" and "disciples"
whom Jesus referred to as "the LITTLE flock." Lk.12:22, 31. This brings us
back to Rev.3:4 where Jesus, speaking of OVERCOMERS, has but "A FEW
names" that shall have been tried and found truly WORTHY to rule together
with Him in the kingdom of God.
In summary, we see that the unsolicited GIFT OF INITIAL SALVATION [the
kingdom of HEAVEN - identical with the church age - the woman in the
wilderness - Rev.12] has been given freely in grace to all those who are
believing in Christ as their SAVIOUR. But the PRIZE of receiving THE END
or THE FULLNESS OF this so great salvation, is A REWARD of faithful
discipleship and can only be EARNED in obedience to Christ not only as
the Saviour but also the LORD of their lives. Such is the kingdom of
GOD---the millennial reign of the overcomers who shall rule the earth with
a rod of iron (Rev.2:27) dwelling in a glorified state of incorruption and
immortality. This honour is laid up both as a "reserved" (1Ptr.1:4) and as a
deserved INCORRUPTIBLE INHERITANCE, a crown only for "HIM THAT
OVERCOMETH."
Truly, God has given us all things that are to be found in the glorious
realms "in the kingdom of Christ AND of GOD." Eph.5:1-5. How much we
appropriate toward winning and possessing all Christ has for us in the
kingdom of God, is up to us - Josh.1:3; 14:9; Mk.4:24; 13:23. "The saints
of the most High shall TAKE the kingdom, and POSSESS the kingdom
forever.."Dan.7:18. The true spirit of sonship does not involve a spirit of
elitism but rather that of committed discipleship.
To receive the FULL INHERITANCE and greater blessing of the Father, is
the birthright of all God's firstborn sons in this age. Note how Joseph was
given to rule, but his brothers were not. Let us be careful not to be as
Esau who in a moment of weakness through turning to the flesh, sold his
birthright of the FULL inheritance - Heb.12:16, 17. He did not sell nor
forefeit his total salvation but sold his right of rulership, rewards and
greater inheritance of the earth. His "CROWN" was taken - Rev.3:11. Yet
his Father still loved him and he was blessed with a lesser portion of his
Father's kingdom - Gen.chap.25; Heb.12:16, 17. Oh the manifest grace of
God! All believers have received of His Grace but how many shall partake
of His greater GLORY? Beloved, it is up to your whether you shall be a
Jacob or an Esau!
We find the basic principles of which we are speaking throughout the
Bible. Judas forefeited his INHERITANCE REWARDS when he sold them
for fleshly gain. The "unjust steward" wasted his master's goods and his
lord took away his "STEWARDSHIP." Lk.16:1-13. Mock not the surety of
God's truth as did his servant Hagar. The offspring of this woman [type of
a portion of the true church] will not be FULL HEIR to the blessings of
Isaac - Gen.chap. 21. Likewise, because of the sin and instability of
Reuben, the offspring of Leah also lost his birthright and rightful
inheritance - Gen.49:3, 4.
Can a man lose his unearned salvation? Never! But in accord with these
truths we have been sharing, "If any man's work shall be burned, he shall
suffer LOSS, BUT HE HIMSELF SHALL BE SAVED; YET SO AS BY FIRE."
1Cor.3:15. Sin and iniquity will not go unpunished or without
chastisement. How much moreso if not repented of quickly. Yet our
Father is ever merciful if we will repent and turn back unto Him as did the
younger prodigal son - Lk.15:11-32.
In harmony with all that has been stated, we find the "wheat and the tares"
growing undetected together IN THE KINGDOM (Matt.13:30), until the very
end of the church age. This truth of course is to be applied to the working
of the spirit in the inner man as well as in the natural realms of the literal
church. We are told that in the net of the kingdom were good fish and bad
- Matt.13:48. Was not the wedding also furnished with guests "both good
and bad?"Matt.22:10. In the kingdom of heaven were five "wise virgins"
and five "foolish virgins." Matt.25:1-13. Which one are you?
It is NOW in the kingdom of HEAVEN that Christ "would take account of His
servants" and His "faithful and wise stewards", to whom the Lord shall
give a portion of kingdom RULE (Matt.24:45-47; 25:23; Lk.19:17) "OVER HIS
HOUSEHOLD." Lk.12:42. Likewise, in the growing body of Christ, there
are also "wicked servants", "wicked and slothful servants", evil servants",
"unprofitable servants" (Matt.25:14) which know their Lord's will, but
PREPARED NOT"...."neither did according to His will" (Lk.12:47) and are
also of their "fellowservants" (Matt.18:33; 24:49) "having received the
kingdom." Lk.19:15. These are "saved" servants but these shall have no
part in the ranks of the high calling of the kingdom of God.
Whether or not "ye become the servants of righteousness" (Ro.6:18),
"whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, [the flesh or the Spirit], his
servants ye are." Ro.6:16; Lk.16:13. "The king's favour is toward a wise
servant; but his wrath is against him that causeth shame." Prv.11:35; 17:2;
Mk.8:38. Which servant are you?
In the kingdom of heaven during the church age, there are "sheep" [only
those who hear and obey His voice] and there are "goats" [those who are
yet "kids" led of their own fleshly, carnal, self satisfying ways] Matt.25:33.
Which one are you? "A wise man's [sheep's] heart is at His right hand; but
a fool's [goat's] heart at His left." Eccl.10:2. Which heart is yours?
Similarly, there's the "wise man" (Matt.7:24) and the "foolish man."
(Matt.7:26) married to the "wise virgins" and the "foolish virgins." Which
one are you?
In the Father's great house, "there are not only vessels of gold and of
silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour and some to
dishonour." 2Tim.2:20. Which one are you? Hopefully you will be in that
company of "them that HAD GOTTEN THE VICTORY ['OVERCOMERS']
OVER the beast [even their carnal mind] and OVER his image [that which
they had built of themselves---the false image of themselves as well as the
confused and corrupt Babylonish systems that originated from their fallen
corrupt minds] and OVER his mark [seal, established, enslaved and set
way of self-preserving life] and OVER the number [figurative characteristic
of humanity] of his name [carnal beast nature, character]." Rev.15:2.
"Let every one that nameth the name of Christ DEPART FROM INIQUITY"
(2Tim.2:19) lest the Lord also one day shall also say unto them, "Depart
from Me all ye workers of iniquity" (Lk.13:27;Jb.31:3). "Let us HOLD FAST
the profession of our faith WITHOUT WAVERING" (Heb.10:23), "forgetting
those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which
are before." Phil.3:13. The PRIZE OF THE HIGH CALLING IN CHRIST
JESUS AWAITS . "NO MAN HAVING PUT HIS HAND TO THE PLOW, AND
LOOKING BACK IS FIT FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD." Lk.9:62.
"Brethren, give diligence to MAKE YOUR CALLING AND ELECTION SURE:
for IF YE DO THESE THINGS, YE SHALL NEVER FALL: For SO AN
ENTRANCE SHALL BE ADMINISTERED unto you abundantly INTO THE
EVERLASTING KINGDOM OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST."
2Ptr.1:10, 11. "We do desire that every one of you do shew the same
diligence TO THE FULL ASSURANCE OF HOPE UNTO THE END: that ye be
not slothful, but followers OF THEM WHO THROUGH FAITH AND
PATIENCE INHERIT THE PROMISES." Heb.6:11, 12.
"And now little children, ABIDE IN HIM, that
when He shall appear [in His kingdom], we may
have confidence, AND NOT BE ASHAMED BEFORE HIM
at His coming." 1Jn.2:28
K. Ross McKay
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