Barnes church of Christ

Just what do you know about the “kingdom of Christ?” Now, as I like to say, “Put on your thinking cap,” and think! It seems like a small enough request! If we think in physical terms, a kingdom requires a “King,” a law, a mass of land, citizens, and an army to keep the kingdom intact! Let us now take these same kingdom requirements and apply them to a “spiritual” kingdom. For Jesus said: “My kingdom is not of this world:” (John 18:36) and “the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21).
First, who is the king of this spiritual kingdom? Paul answers: “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Col. 1:13). Looking at the point in this text, Paul’s first word is “Who,” which refers back to verse twelve and the words, “the Father,” as in God the Father. The word “Father” reveals a relationship and is seen in the last words of the text: “of his dear Son.” The King of the spiritual kingdom is God’s “dear Son,” who, of course, is Christ Jesus!
Second, the King has authority and this authority is exercised in law! Only hours before God’s “dear Son” was “taken up into heaven,” he told the eleven: “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matt. 28:18). Therefore, the King was given “all authority” by God the Father, and this authority is over everything save one, as Paul wrote: “And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all” (1 Cor. 15:28). Therefore, the one being who is not under the authority of Christ is God the Father who gave “all authority” to Christ. Please notice just how all embracing this authority is; as Jesus: “in heaven and in earth!”
Third, the “all authority” is located the law of Christ. There are some who “like” to believe that there is no “law of Christ,” but the inspirited apostle Paul wrote: “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2). It is true that Paul is addressing the obligations of bearing the burdens of one another, but this does not remove the fact that Christ does have a law by which the citizens of “the kingdom of God’s dear Son” are subject! Here is a definition of the word “law” is as given by John Austin: “A law, in the most general and comprehensive acceptation in which the term, in its literal meaning, is employed, may be said to be a rule laid down for the guidance of an intelligent being, by an intelligent being having power over him.” According to Austin, “A law,… is employed, may be said to be a rule laid down for the guidance of an intelligent being, by an intelligent being having power over him.” Christ being one intelligent being and the citizens of his kingdom are the “intelligent beings” and the rules through which Christ is said to be rule over them is “the teaching of Christ” (2 John 9) to which all subjects are guided as they serve King Christ Jesus! John would also write: “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (1 John 5:3). Please notice the words “commandments” is plural both times it is used by John. This would refer to the individual “rule” in the set of “rules.” These laws, rules are set on all four sides and serve as limitations in which one must abide; as John wrote: “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth 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” (2 John 9). The person who does not “abide” within “the teaching of Christ” has removed himself from fellowship with both the Father and the Son! Thus, it might truly be said that the Constitution of “the kingdom of God’s dear Son” is “the teaching of Christ!”
Fourth, the mass of “land” which is under the “Constitution” of the kingdom of Christ is the heart of each citizen! Each citizen has freely yielded himself to the law of the kingdom, as Paul wrote: “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Rom. 6:16). This “yielding” is done in “repentance,” which is the surrendering of the heart/mind to the law of the kingdom and the putting to death the old manner of life. Here Paul also has introduced us to a new word in this study, it is the word “righteousness,” which is another word for “rule” as yielding to it brings one into “the teaching of Christ!”
Fifth, and finally in this first article on the subject, “The Kingdom of Christ,” is the citizen army. Paul reveals both the purpose and the armor also; first the purpose: “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Eph. 6:13) and second, identifies each part of the armour: 1) the loin are to be girtted with truth, 2) the breastplate of righteousness, 3) feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, 4) the shield of faith, by which we are to “quench all the fiery darts of the wicked,” 5) the helmet of salvation, and 6) the sword of the Spirit. (Eph. 6:14-17).
Therefore, “the dear Son of God” does have a kingdom and has all authority within it!

Frank R. Williams

In this last article in this series about Jesus, our effort will be to show the “man,” Jesus Christ. Like many others, I have taken a text too far in its real conclusion. Take the text of First Timothy chapter two, verse five: “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” The Greek word used by Paul for “men” is “anthropos” and it means: “1) a human being, whether male or female 1a) generically, to include all human individuals” (Thayer). This is also the word used the second time as Paul writes: “the man Christ Jesus.” This requires a study and so we begin!
In Paul’s “the man Christ Jesus,” he is addressing a certain person out of all human beings and it is “Christ Jesus!” This also reaches back to John’s words, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, …” There was a point in time when Jesus was not, but there was a point in time when he begins to be. This is the meaning of the Greek word which is translated “was made.” The Greek word is “ginomai” and Thayer says: “to become, i.e. to come into existence, begin to be, receive being.” The man, flesh and blood, Jesus came into existence! This is the “man Christ Jesus” of Paul words in 1 Timothy two and verse five: “the man Christ Jesus!”
As we study, it is understood that thinking about Deity and conceiving of the idea of Deity is beyond our human abilities! It might surprise some to realize that Deity is some how able to be seen! John wrote: “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). The word “see” is the Greek “optanomai” and means: “1) to look at, behold 2) to allow one’s self to be seen, to appear” (Thayer). Now, how can Deity be seen? The question becomes more difficult as we understand what this John wrote: “God is a Spirit: …” (John 4:24). We generally think a spirit is invisible and this is true, but Heaven holds something different when it comes to one spirit looking up another spirit. But Paul in 2 Timothy 2:4, as he wrote, “the man Christ Jesus.” We fully understand that we flesh, and blood beings are very observable.
Jesus was very visible, as he was flesh and blood just as we are. In fact, it was necessary that he be so; otherwise he would not have been able to give himself as a ransom for our sins! Keep in mind, Deity does not have flesh and blood but the “man Christ Jesus” did. Just here, notice these words: “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil” (Heb. 2:14). “The man Christ Jesus” became, begin to be, what Deity is not! He did, so “that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is the devil.” This was done, the destroying of the devil, by means of the “man Christ Jesus!” I am sure the reader is asking, how did Jesus “destroy him that had he power of death?” The Greek word used here is “ katargeo” and means: “1) to render idle, unemployed, inactivate, inoperative 1a) to cause a person or thing to have no further efficiency 1b) to deprive of force, influence, power” (Thayer). When sins are forgiven through “the man Christ Jesus” he is serving as our “mediator between God and men.” The devil, Satan, has no power to undo the forgiven received by men through “the man Christ Jesus.” Satan is totally “inoperative,” he is “deprived of force” to undo the forgiveness of our sins!
Look now at “the man Christ Jesus” as he prayed, with the cross only hours before him: first, he speaks to Peter, James, and John: “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me” (Matt. 26:38). Then, “the man Christ Jesus” “… went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt” (Mark 14: 35-36). Was this Deity praying, or was it “the man Christ Jesus?” It was “the man Christ Jesus” who was to taste death for every man!
To write that it is hard to understand Deity, as this is one thing, but it was also hard for those who walked with Jesus upon this earth, to understand Deity in a flesh and blood body. So, it is with us, but we must not give up but keep on studying!

Frank R. Williams

In this article we will be looking at one of the more difficult passages in the New Testament. The diffculty is because of the subject and the subject is God becoming man! It is difficult to understand because; first, the subject starts with God and God is so far above man, that we humans just naturally have trouble understanding God. Men have tried through the years to make God into the image of man, as we understand man to a point. We try to bring God to our own level. This is a real problem when it comes to sin. God hates sin! Yes, even the sins I commit. You see, it is not so great a problem when it is your sin but when it is my sin, then, I have a real problem saying it is sin!
So, first, we have a real problem understanding God! Second, we have a major problem when, as we like to say, the second member of the Godhead; “the Word,” (John 1:1) “was made flesh” (John 1:14). Can God really become man, as in flesh and blood; be temped as man is and yet, not sin? Just think of this, can you get a handle on Enoch? Let Moses tell us about Enoch: “And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him” (Gen. 5:21 – 24). Do we not have trouble really getting a handle on Enoch? He lived in such a manner, “Enoch walked with God,” that “God took him,” as took him out of the worldly elements. Do you know anyone who so lives today? The answer to this question is why we have so much trouble understanding Enoch.
Then, Paul wrote this: “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” (Phil. 2:7). Paul is writing about God! God took “upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” The “likeness” is the Greek “homoioma,” and means: “that which has been made after the likeness of something” (Thayer). In the case before us, the “something” is men; as in God “was made after the likeness of men!” Like you and I; as in human! How can God be made in “the likeness” of men? Do you understand how? The inspired writers spell it out, to help us but we are so weak, so prone to sin, how can God be made in our “likeness” and still be God? In this awesome event, “the Word was made flesh,” we have a tendency as we are more likely to just read over it and go on our way. But, this is less than Paul, through the Holy Spirit, would have us to do! It may appear to us, that this is really an impossibility; for James wrote: “… for God cannot be tempted with evil…” (James 1:13); while at the same time in Hebrews we read: “… was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15). Do you get the idea, that Jesus was one awesome being? Yes! He was us but not us! You see we sin but he did not sin! Yet, he “was made in the likeness of men!” Men, that is us! If we are amazed at Enoch, who “walked with God” so that God just took him out of this world. Then, there was Jesus! A flesh and blood being, within whom God was; yet this flesh and blood being was tempted as we are tempted but not one sin committed!
So, Paul wrote: being “equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” (Phil. 2:6-7). This being is seen in the garden praying: “O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done” (Matt. 26:42). Just who is praying? Jesus! Yes, but look more closely and see the one who was made in our “likeness,” but wait, look again. What do you see? The one who was God but was also made in our “likeness” having the same problems we have and here he is praying. What was he praying about? First, he said: “if this cup (his death upon the cross, frw) may not pass away from me, except I drink it (suffer death, frw). Second, he said: “thy will be done.” How much agony was Jesus in, as he uttered the words: “nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42). Notice the words of Jesus, “nevertheless not my will.” Whose “will?” The humanity of Jesus! Not his Deity for Diety agrees with Diety, but his humanity! Here is Jesus, surrendering his humanity to the will of God; even his Father!
Do you see Jesus? How beautiful the words of the old song: “They bound the hands of Jesus in the garden where he pray; They led him through the street in shame; They spat upon the Saviour so pure and free from sin; They said crucify him he’s to blame; He could have called ten thousand angels to destroy the world and set him free. He could have called ten thousand angels but he died alone for you and me.” There is Jesus!

Frank R. Williams

What could the “fleshly” Jesus do that God could not do? The answer is in these two verses: 1) “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man”(James 1:13); and 2) “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of oaur infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15). This is no small point but a major issue in understanding Jesus!
It took sinless blood to be offered for our sins! That is that our sins could be forgiven! Clearly, it being the case that the blood of animals could not take away even one sin: “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.” (Heb. 10:4). But why was it the case, or reason, “that the blood of bulls and of goats” could not take away sin? At least one reason is clear, though there might be more than one; but the blood of animals is less than human blood. For instance, animals are for man, not man for animals! What does this mean? This is a major mistake that many make today; as some believe that animals are on the same level as man! However, God made it very clear, that animals were to be eaten; thus, they would be killed and eaten: “Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things” (Gen. 9:3). However, the words in regard to man reveal that killing is forbidden: “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man” (Gen. 9:6). This also proves that the blood of man is greater than that of animals; as it was/is lawful to kill, it fact, God makes it most clear that this is one of the reasons for animals; but it is forbidden that one shed the blood of man!
Now, what about the blood of man in general? Was there ever, a case where the blood of man in general, that it might be shed in behalf of man and the forgiveness of sin? No! But why is this? Is there a reason that the blood of man, in general, would not be able to be offered for the forgiveness of sin? Once more, Yes! No man, save one, had blood that was without sin! Read Paul on this subject: “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one” (Rom. 3:10) Paul continued with: “They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one” (Rom. 3:12). Then, Paul concluded: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). Here Paul is writing of both the Jew and the Gentile; as this is the way the world was divided. Therefore, no blood of man was fit to be the sacrifice for sin! Now, it is imperative that we understand it was for this reason that “the Word was made flesh” (John 1:14). Read with great care these words: “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man” (Heb. 2:9). The subject is Jesus in the flesh, as he “was made a little lower than the angels (heavenly angels, frw).” But why was Jesus so made? It was for “the suffering of death” that he “should taste death for every man.” Here the writer continues the subject: “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood.” Let us stop right here for a moment. Did you get it? “The Word was made flesh” in as much as “the children are partakers of flesh and blood!” Why was it necessary that “the Word” be made flesh? Let the inspired writer put the point, so powerfully to us: “he also himself likewise took part of the same” (verse 14). Please read with care these words: “that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage” (verses 14-15). “The Word was made flesh” so “he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” It took flesh and blood to “destroy him that had the power of death!” Animal blood could not do it and neither could angels, as they have no blood, but “the Word” who “was made flesh and blood” could do it. Therefore, it took the blood of man but not just any blood of man! It took the blood of one who was temped in all points as we are; yet without sin!
This one is Jesus! God has no blood, therefore, “the Word” (God, John 1:1) “was made flesh (and blood, frw), to be temped like as we are but this one had no sin (1 Pet. 2:22). Here is a good place to read the heart wrenching words of Jesus, as he faced death on the cross: “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:44). Now let Luke descried the agony Jesus suffered as he prayed: “and more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground” (verse 45). There is “the Word” that “was made flesh (and blood, frw), “a little lower than the angels; that our sins can be forgiven!

Frank R. Williams

It is a biblical fact, that Jesus is our salvation; we may write it: 1) in him, 2) by him, 3) through him, and 4) by means of him. One fact stands clear in the New Testament, that without Jesus there would be no salvation for even one person!
As Paul wrote, with the Jew and the Gentile in mind, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). Earlier, Paul had quoted from the Old Testament these words: “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one” (Rom. 3:10, here Paul is referring to Psa. 14:1-4 and Psa. 53:1-4). That mankind was and is in need of a savior is without question! So, who would be the savior of lost mankind? It would be he of who John, the apostle, wrote: “And the Word was made 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 1:14). Mankind’s savior would be, that flesh and blood body in which Deity dwelt and his name is Jesus (Matt. 1:21). Now, think on this; if Deity without the flesh and blood body of Jesus, could have saved mankind, there would not have been any reason for the reality of “the Word” being “made flesh!” It appears that there were two reasons for “the Word” (Deity) being “made flesh:” 1) that he would be the means of salvation for mankind, and 2) that he would declare God unto mankind. Having already pointed out the name given “Jesus” means salvation (Matt. 1:21), we turn our attention to the second point: that “the Word was made flesh” to declare God to mankind. John wrote: “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him” (John 1:18). Here we take a little time to notice the words “at any time,” (Greek, popote). Strong gives us this: “at any time, at no time.” This is a very strong negative, as in an absolutely not! Thus, without Jesus God would have continued to be a total unknown in the areas which Jesus would “declare!” John’s words are pointing to the character, the nature of God. Without Jesus how would mankind have ever known of God’s love, of God’s kindness, of God’s compassion, and how would mankind have ever known of God’s desire to save mankind? Before leaving this verse, let us look at the word “declare.” It is the Greek “exegeomai” and Strong says it means: “to consider out (aloud), that is, rehearse, unfold: – declare, tell.” Jesus would unfold in his words the beautiful nature of God and in Jesus’ action, as he walked among men, he would speak aloud in his actions the character, the nature of God. Thus, Jesus came to declare God to mankind!
In the above, we come to God’s desire to save mankind; and it is God’s desire to save mankind! Hear Paul as he wrote: “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth’ (1 Tim. 2:4). Paul ties being “saved” with “to come unto the knowledge of the truth!” Jesus also addressed this subject, when said: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Coming to “the knowledge of the truth” requires studying and learning; through this means man can “come unto the knowledge of the truth!” Allow me to just add this thought, many read, some even learn some “truth,” but this is not, Paul’s “to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” Why is this true? It is in the word “knowledge” that Paul used. He used the Greek word, “epignosis” and this word means: “precise and correct knowledge” (Thayer). “Knowledge” as used by Paul does not mean a little, or incorrect knowledge, but “precise and correct knowledge!” This is the “knowledge” that is in Jesus’ “and ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free!”
This brings us to God’s desire. How would God go about fulfilling his desire? Paul continues: “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (verse 5). Notice the words “the man Christ Jesus.” Here Paul has pointed out, there is but “one mediator between God and men” but who is he? Please read with care these words: “the man Christ Jesus” The words, “the man,” is the Greek “anthropos” and Strong gives this: “manfaced, that is, a human being: – certain, man.” So, just who is this “certain, man?” Paul answers: “the man Christ Jesus.” Therefore, we have, “the Word was made flesh,” who is the “certain, man;” who is the anointed savior: Jesus! Now, looking with care at Paul’s next words: “Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” Many people miss the true meaning of the word “ransom.” Thayer gives: “what is given in exchange for another as the price of his redemption, ransom.” Jesus did not take our place, but he was the “price” required for our freedom from Satan, who held us in bondage. In our sin, we were the servants of Satan, in bondage to Satan! The “certain” man Jesus, who was “the Word was made flesh;” thus, he was all that was required to be our “ransom.”
It is now required that we understand how Jesus was qualified to be the “ransom” of mankind. Peter will tell us: “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously” (1 Pet. 222-23). No other member of mankind was perfect, as in being without sin; therefore, Jesus, the seed of woman, the flesh, as in “the Word was made flesh,” could be “the ransom” for mankind. Jesus stood by himself, as the one on the cross, shedding his blood as he paid the “ransom” for our sins! Jesus did not take our place on the cross, as we are unqualified to be upon the cross!

Frank R. Williams

As I start this second article with Jesus as the subject, allow me to make a distinction in the words used to identify the second member of the Godhead, in the flesh. This is important because “seed” of the woman in Genesis, chapter three and verse fifteen, is a fleshly seed. We generally understand this, but do not think of it. In the “seed” of the woman was to be both Deity and flesh! So, just what do we mean when writing the name “Jesus?”
To start with, we turn to John, the apostle, who wrote: “And the Word was made 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 1:14). The words, “the Word,” relates to who? Let John answer the question: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). Here “the Word” is God; he is Deity. But, “God” “the Word” was “made flesh.” Now, what do we call this “the Word,” who “was made flesh?” Yes, we could answer, We call this being “the only begotten of the Father.” It is necessary that we look at the words, “was made flesh.” The Greek word is “ginomai” and means: “to come into existence, begin to be, receive being.” (Thayer). Prior to the conception in Mary, this being did not exist! He had a beginning, totally unlike “the Word” who had no beginning; as he is Deity! But, clearly there was a change, as a being “was made flesh,” and begin to be at a point in time! Before this point in time, the conception of Mary, “the only begotten of the Father” came into existence, he begins to be! But here is our question: What do we call him?
Why not call this new being, “Jesus,” as the Holy Spirit said he should be called? Here we turn to Matthew: “And she (Mary, frw) shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21). Jesus is the one who had a beginning, as he “began to be.” He is the “seed” of woman, the promised “seed” in Genesis chapter three, verse fifteen. The name of the “seed” of the woman is Jesus! He is “the only begotten of the Father!” While we are here, we shall allow the Holy Spirit to speak, in answering the question: Why was “the Word” who began to be “the only begotten of the Father,” called Jesus? Once more we turn to Matthew: “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21). Why was “the only begotten of the Father” called Jesus? Notice the words of the Holy Spirit here: “for he shall save his people from their sins.” The word “Jesus” is the Greek “Iesous,” and means: “Savior” and is the same name as Joshua in the Old Testament.” Joshua saved the children of Israel from the wilderness wanderings as he led them across the Jordon River into the promised land! This salvation was physical, but the salvation of Jesus is spiritual.
It is most important that we keep in mind, that Deity does not have flesh and blood, but Deity, “the Word,” “was made flesh!” And with that “flesh,” Jesus came into existence, he began to be; therefore, the blood by which we are saved, became a reality. It is imperative that we keep in mind, that Deity does not die, Deity cannot die! But Jesus, the son of the fleshly Mary did die, and Peter calls his blood; “the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world but was manifest in these last times for you” (1 Pet. 1:19-20). Peter’s subject is “redemption” and he tells us it was by the precious blood of Christ,” the anointed one, that we are redeemed! Keeping in mind, that God, Deity, does not have blood but “the only begotten of the Father” did have blood through Mary! He is the anointed One, the anointed Jesus, the savior!
As we concluded this article, we return to the “seed” of woman in Genesis. It is by the blood of the “seed” of woman that we are redeemed; that we are saved! The words of the song come to mind: “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus; What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” And the Refrain: “Oh! precious is the flow; That makes me white as snow; No other fount I know, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”

— Frank R. Williams

Jesus is the “center” of the Bible. The center fold in the Bible is the four books, which are the four accounts of the life of Jesus. Of course, there are more books in the Old Testament than there is in the New Testament. Therefore, when the word “center” is used, we are not talking about the middle of the books. Here is a note of interest, when you have an even number of anything, there is no “center,” and this is the case with the Bible. It has 66 books, this means there is no middle book. However, Micah and Nahum are the 33rd and 34th books of the Bible.
Here is a little more on this subject; both having no meaning to the importance of the Bible at all. There are 1,189 chapters in the Bible and the middle chapter is 595th which is Psalm 117. Then, there are 31, 102 verses in the Bible, which means there is no middle verse, but the middle verses are in the Psalm 103, verses one and two. The two middle verses are the 15,551st and 15,552nd verses respectively. This is true, if my source is truth. The answer to your question: “Did I count the number of chapters in the Bible, no! Did I count the number of verses in the Bible, the answer is no! This information has noting to do with our subject, other than, in our opening statement, that Jesus is the “center” of the Bible. Finally, in this trivia is the fact that there are 789, 314 words in the Bible (counting the Psalm introductions). As this number is an even number, there is no middle word. Thus, there are two middle words, the 394,656th and 394,657th words in the Bible are found in Psalm 56 verse two.
We could say, if Jesus is removed from the Bible it has little purpose, other than history, medical, and why Israel fared better than other nations when they obeyed God. As the greatest need man has is his salvation and salvation is in Jesus! There is no other book that could possibly address the subject of the salvation of man. This is true, as there is no other way to gain salvation, other than through Jesus and all we know about Jesus, save a few points of information in the historical record; is in the Bible! Then, most of what we can learned about Jesus is in the New Testament. Then, it is also true, that most of what can be learned about Jesus is in the four gospel accounts! Yet, we must keep in mind, that the other twenty-two books have a great deal to say about Jesus. Therefore, it is incorrect to think, that all we need is in the four gospel accounts!
It is generally agreed that the first time the Bible addresses Jesus is in Genesis, chapter three and verse fifteen. This is called the “protoevangelium,” the first pronouncement of Jesus. The verse reads: “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” In this verse, “the LORD God,” is the antecedent to the personal pronoun “I” (see verse 14); thus, the words in verse fifteen are the words of “the LORD God.” Before continuing, it is needful that we look at the Hebrew word translated “LORD.” First, please notice that the word in the King James Version is in all capital letters. The reason for this is to call attention to it; to give notice that the word is very important in our understanding. Moses used the Hebrew word, yehovah or yeh-ho-vaw, which means: “self Existent” or “Jehovah!” (Strong). The second word Moses used is, “‘elohıym,” which is translated “God” in verse fourteen and is also the antecedent to the pronoun in verse fifteen, “I.” Having now identified the antecedent in verse fifteen, it is correct to put the antecedent in the verse itself; therefore, the verse would read: “And the LORD God will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it (the “seed”) shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” The announcement is not only that the “seed” would come, but also that he would have the greatest victory of all time! This is seen in the words, “it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” The victory belongs to Jesus! But, his victory is for us!
The “seed” in verse fifteen is Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God. Keep in mind, that verse fifteen is the beginning story of Jesus, the Christ. Who is the “seed” of the “self Existent” and “el-o-heem” is the same word found in the first verse of the Bible: “In the beginning God (eloheem) created the heaven and the earth.”
Therefore, he that would become Jesus, God in the flesh, in the New Testament is in the opening statement of the Bible! No, I did not write that “Jesus” is in the first verse of the Bible but that he who would become Jesus is in the first verse of the Bible. There is a great deal of difference between these two thoughts!

Frank R. Williams

Right off the top of your head, what are your first thoughts about Jesus? No, don’t take long, this is a “right off the top of your head” kind of test! You get no grade from me, but Jesus might be interesting in what you know “right off the top of your head.”
My first thoughts were, 1) he obeyed his mother (John 2:5); 2) I thought of his sympathy toward the widow who was taking her only son to bury him in Nain, (Luke 7:11–17); 3) I thought of his kindness in feeding the 5,000 (Matt. 14:21), 4) I thought of his driving out the money changers out of the temple area (John 2:13-15); 5) I thought of his crying as he looked over Jerusalem, and knew they were lost and would remain lost, as they would not repent (Luke 19:41); 6) I thought of his words when John, who baptized, tried to refuse to baptize him, and he said to John, “thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness” ( Matt. 13:14); 7) I thought of his weeping in the garden, as great drops of blood running from his face, (Luke 22:44); 8) I thought of his words to John about his mother, as he hung upon the cross (John 19:26-27); 9) I thought of him on the cross, and saying to the malefactor who repented, “To day shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43); 10) I thought of his words in the garden: “nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42); 11) I remember his last words on the cross, “It is finished!” (John 19:30); 12) I thought of Jesus’ blood being shed on that “old rugged cross;” and finally, 13) I remember his last words on the cross: “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46).
So, take a little time, it shows all his love for mankind and what it means us! Here allow me to make a point, that many fail to understand. Look at Jesus, visualize him on the cross and ask yourself, what do I really see? If you see him taking your place, you are missing the truth! Sure, I know that many, many, people say this and believe it! Now, let us really think about Jesus on the cross and what was really taking place there.
If Jesus had not died upon the cross, just what would happen to our soul/spirit? Would we just have to die physically for our own sins? Then, having died, would we go to “paradise?” No, that would miss the whole of what salvation is about! Jesus did not take our place, in his death upon the cross! He was a ransom; he was our redemption; he was the price that had to be paid, so our souls could be saved! Peter addressed this subject: “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Pet. 1:18-19). The word “redeemed” is the Greek, “lutroo,” and it means: “1) to release on receipt of ransom 2) to redeem, liberate by payment of ransom” (Thayer). You can see the entire thought is the payment for liberation, to be released upon receipt of the ransom payment!! Friends, please get this point, Jesus’ death on the cross was the payment for our liberation of our souls/spirit! By means of our sins, Satan held our souls/spirits captive; our souls/spirits were bound to eternal punishment, in hell!
Now, back to the subject we started out with: “What are your first thoughts about Jesus?” The reason for the question is that we are to have the same mind he had; as Paul wrote: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5). If we know nothing about Jesus, if we have no thoughts about Jesus; how could we have same “mind” he had.
We need to spend a life time, studying the life of Jesus! Why? Because he is our life; without knowing Jesus we are spiritually dead; we are lost! Without knowing Jesus, what hope does a person have? We would have zero hope of being saved now; we will never see “Paradise;” and there will be no eternity in heaven! So, how well do you really know Jesus?

Frank R. Williams

Though the heading of this article is generic, it could refer to any event. However, to those of the Barnes congregation and those who received the bulletin sent out by the Barnes congregation, it is not generic. For the Barnes congregation has been planning for one event for months! It is an event that takes place each year about this same time.
The event to which the heading of this article refers, is the “29th Annual Oklahoma City Lectures.” It was a time to put away physical activities and to be spiritually minded. It was time to prepare ourselves for a spiritual feast! We had, up until today, nine lessons and three to go; all twelve lessons based on Paul’s words to Timothy: “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come” (1 Tim. 4:8). These words refer to the difference between the physical and the spiritual in the words of the text: first, “bodily exercise profiteth little,” and second, “godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” Please notice with me the word “little.” Strong says of this word, the Greek “oligos,” “somewhat” and “briefly.” It will help in our understanding to note the words of James: “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14). The words “a little time” is the same Greek word, “oligos,” and is speaking of our life on this earth; it appears “for a little time,” or as Strong says, here, speaking of our life, it appears ““briefly” and “then vanisheth away.” So, it is with “bodily exercise, it “profiteth briefly.” “Bodily exercise” may and does “profiteth” for a brief time, as in this life only. Whereas, “godliness is profitable unto all things,” and the apostle clarifies the “all things” in two parts: 1) “having promise of the life that now is,” and 2) “of that which is to come.” This goes hand in hand with the words of Jesus in his answer to the devil in his temptation: “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4). Man needs “bodily exercise” just as he needs “bread;” but both are limited to this life and can go no further; all of it is left on this side of death!
On the other hand, “godliness is profitable unto all things!” Here I would point out the word “all” must be taken in the context in which is appears and must never be extended outside the text at hand! Therefore, the apostles gave the limits of the words “all things;” as he writes: “having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” These words express, if I may say, Paul has covered man in his two areas of life: 1) “the life that now is,” and 2) the life “which is to come.” As a child might say, “There ain’t no more!” Just as “bread” and “bodily exercise” are for this life only! Just here, consider this question: Knowing these truths, what would a wise man do? Let the wise man answer the question: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Pro. 4:23). Jesus uses this same truth when he said: “… for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matt. 12:34). As one man put it: “Before you can do a thing you have to think it. Your thoughts lead to attitudes; attitudes lead to actions; actions lead to those achievements.” (Bible StudiesTools.com). One’s “achievements” may be good or evil but both start in the same place, the heart! As all this relates to the “29th Annual Oklahoma City Lectures,” what have you been doing while the word of God has been and will be preached in these lectures? Have you been feasting upon things that are for this life only, or have you been developing godliness which: “having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come?”
The decision has been yours to make, it is from your heart that attitudes are formed, it is from your attitudes that actions follow! Have you and will you be pursuing the things of “this life,” or have you and will you be following godliness that have “promise of this life and that which is to come?” I condemn you not, for it is not for me to condemn anyone! It is understood that plans are made at an earlier date, unless you are like me, never knowing what comes tomorrow!

Frank R. William

The word “godliness’ is a Bible word that is greatly misunderstood! This is hard to grasp as it is so important to one’s standing with God. If a person has no or only little “godliness” in their lives, they have no favorite standing with God. Of course, one of the reasons for this problem is that people have failed through the years to give the necessary time to a study of the word “godliness.”
Now, it is possible for a person to have the qualities of “godliness” without understanding the meaning of the word itself. It is that one may use another word, which has the same meaning as does “godliness.” However, it is good for our education, as it is also good for our relationship with God, to gain the best knowledge we can of the word “godliness.” Therefore, we shall engage in a study of the word “godliness!”
Generally, people believe the word “godliness” means being like God. This is understandable because of the English word itself. The word having the ending of “ness,” which means “the state of being” and in the case of the “godliness” there is the word “god” at the beginning; thus, many have concluded that the word means: being like God. Taking this meaning, a person reads John 1:18: “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him” (John 1:18). Here the question that comes to mind, why did God, the Father, have Jesus “declared him?” Is it because God desired that we know him in order that we might become like him? This does not mean getting the power of God, doing what God did with his power, but if not these, then what? If is the holiness of God that Jesus revealed in his own life on this earth; wherein he was revealing God to all. First, personally and second, through the written word, the New Testament. Here let us note the words of Hebrews: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Heb. 12:14). Thayer gives the meaning of the Greek word “hagiasmos,” which is: “1) consecration, purification.” Just looking at the word “consecration,” which means: “the action of making or declaring something sacred.” Have you ever thought of yourself as being “sacred?” If a thing, a person, is one who is “following holiness,” then, this person is “sacred!” This person belongs to God! In our case, we have been redeemed to God by “the precious blood of Christ!” (1 Pet. 1:19). With this understanding before us, it is easy to see why many have taken the word “godliness” to mean that we are to be like God!
However, when looking at the Greek word from which “godliness” is translated from, we get something somewhat different. “Godliness” comes from the Greek word “eusebeia” and Thayer gives the meaning as: “1) reverence, respect, 2) piety towards God, godliness.” You can see that at person maybe one who reverences God, one who has piety towards God; therefore, such a person has “godliness” without knowing the meaning of the word itself. For having obeyed the gospel and thereby becoming a servant of God; as Paul wrote: “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Rom. 6:16). It was because of one’s “godliness” that he obeys the gospel! He “reverences” God, as he has yielded to God’s will and is a servant of God! All these things being true, we can see the importance, the necessity of having “godliness” running through the entirety of our being, but we may not have known the true meaning of the word “godliness!”
People who are religious, like to see “piety” in others! Nevertheless, they may not know the true meaning of the word “godliness.” It is because of one’s reverence toward God, it is because of one’s piety toward God, that a person yields his will to God’s will. There is piety! How many times have we thrilled in just reading his words, as Jesus prayed: “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matt. 26:39)? However, did we see the “godliness” of Jesus in the words he prayed? Have we ever even thought that Jesus had piety, reverence toward God, the Father? Maybe not, but there it is in the words Jesus prayed: “not as I will, but as thou wilt.” How beautiful is Jesus and Paul wrote: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5).

Frank R. Williams