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CHANGES FOR OUR 10TH YEAR
For nine years the CLARION HERALD has been published every other week or 26 times a year. That means we have been privileged to come into some of your homes approximately 120 times.
With the beginning of our 10th year we will publish only once each month (on the 15th), but we plan to double the number of pages so as to give you as much study material as you have come to expect. We hope to be able to reduce costs as well as the time involved in preparation -- hoping that our readers will approve.
Since the CLARION HERALD was begun as a teaching ministry of the Landmark Missionary Baptist Church, of Rockford, Illinois, we purpose to continue this same emphasis. There are so few publications devoted to the teaching of the Scriptures that we believe there is a needed role for us to fill.
We appreciate everything that our friends have done to encourage this ministry, and want to be a blessing. Please continue your prayers in our behalf.
If you know of others whom you believe would profit from this ministry, send us their addresses. EG
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"CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS ... "
Before man ever rebelled in the Garden of Eden the Son of God offered to give Himself a ransom for man, whom divine foreknowledge saw at enmity through rebellion and disobedience. Thus, Jesus Christ stood as a lamb "slain from the foundation of the world", (Rev. 13:8). He partook of our human likeness that He might die in our stead (Heb. 2:l4). He came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many (Matt. 20:28).
The death of Jesus was a subject of angelic interest and inquiry, (1 Pet. 1:12). The ancient prophets whom the Holy Spirit moved to write about it searched diligently to unravel its mystery, (I Pet. 1:11). It is one of the basic themes of the Gospel, (I Cor. 15:1-4). Moses and Elijah discussed it with Jesus on the mountain of transfiguration, (Lk. 9:30-31). And it is the theme of heaven's song, (Rev. 5:8-12).
It was both "for" and "because of" our sins that Jesus died on the cross at Calvary. He was: "wounded for our transgressions", "bruised for our iniquities", "delivered for our offenses", bearing our sins in His own body on the tree, (Isa. 53:
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5-12; I Pet. 3:18; Rom. 4:25; 1 Cor. 15:3; I Pet. 2:24). His soul was made an offering for our sin. His blood was shed as a propitiation for our sin, (Heb. 9:22; I Jn. 4:10; Romans 3:25).
Dying in our stead, He has redeemed us from the bondage and curse of the law, (Gal. 3:10, 13; 4:4-5); He has set us, by faith, into the position of "sons" -- heirs of God and joint-heirs- with Himself we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together, (Rom. 8:17). He has also made every provision necessary to deliver those who believe from the power of this present evil world, (Gal. 1:4).
Bringing us "to God" (I Pet. 3:18), He has "reconciled" us to God and each other, (Eph. 2:16; Col. 1:21-22) -- bridging the impassable gulf that had separated us.
Thank God! for the dying of His own precious Son; it was essential to our salvation! Let us value highly His precious blood!
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'TWAS I THAT DID IT !
I see the crowd in Pilate's hall,
I mark their wrathful mein;
Their shouts of "Crucify" appall,
With blasphemy between.
And of that shouting multitude
I feel that I am one;
And in that din of voices rude,
I recognize my own.
I see the scourges tear His-back,
I see the piercing crown,
And of that crowd who smite & mock
I feel that I am one.
Around yon cross the throng I see,
Mocking the suffer's groan;
Yet still my voice it seems to be,
As if I mocked alone.
'Twas I that shed the sacred blood,
I nailed Him to the tree,
I crucified the Christ of God,
I joined the mockery.
Yet not the less that blood avails
To cleanse away my sin;
And not the less that cross prevails
To give me peace within.
-- Horatius Bonar
HELP US REACH OTHERS!
If any of our readers have un-churched friends or relatives that you would like us to contact for Christ, and the furtherance of the gospel, we would be very glad to hear from you. Or, if you know of Missionary Baptists who are moving to this area we would appreciate your help in reaching them before they go the way of the world. E.G.
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FOR WHOM DID CHRIST DIE
It is not surprising that Satan would desire to confuse the hearts and minds of men relative to the divine intention in the death of Christ on Calvary. For centuries there has been an attempt to diminish, narrow or restrict the intent and effectiveness of the death of Christ -- asserting that God never intended His Son to die for anyone but "the elect". On the other extreme have been those who insist that, through the death of Christ, all men will ultimately be saved. The truth lies somewhere between these extremes.
To accept the claims of universalism would require one to totally ignore myriads of threats, warnings and pleadings directed toward the wicked who "shall be turned into hell", with all nations that forget God, (Psalm 9:17). It would even eliminate the idea of an eternal penitentiary for sinners and repudiate the words of the Christ Who died for our salvation. No one ever spoke more boldly and emphatically of the certain judgment and wrath awaiting the unrepentant than He.
To accept the Calvinistic idea that Jesus died "for the elect ONLY" is to contradict many specific statements of Holy Scripture and manifest a misunderstanding of what is meant by "the elect". Where, in all the Word of God, may one find a single HINT of God's intention to give His Son "for the ELECT ONLY"? One may search until the holy angels have gathered His elect from the four winds without finding such an
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idea within the Word of God. Why? Evidently because the idea has forever been foreign to the Divine plan and purpose!
God's provision, in the gift of His Son, may be limited only by the boundaries of His LOVE: "God so LOVED THE WORLD (the totality of mankind) that He gave His only begotten Son ...." (John 3:16). John the Baptist understood that the "Lamb of God" would take away the sin OF THE WORLD, (John 1:29). The apostles clearly declared that Jesus Christ died: for sinners, for the ungodly and unjust, and for His enemies, (I Pet. 3:18; Rom. 5:6-8). And Paul asserted desire to have "ALL MEN TO BE SAVED, and come unto the knowledge of the truth" declaring that Jesus, therefore; "gave Himself a RANSOM FOR ALL", (I Tim. 2:4, 6).
It is true that there is a special sense in which Jesus died for Israel and for His church (Isa. 53; Acts 5:31; Eph. 5:25-27; 20:28; Titus 2:14; I Cor. 5:7). But it is also true that He "tasted death for EVERY MAN", (Heb. 2:9), and has, by His blood, redeemed men unto God from every tribe, tongue, people and nation, (Rev. 5:9). Since He has "lightened" every man that cometh into the world (John 1:9), ANY MAN may, by faith, cast himself upon the blessed Son of God -- finding cleansing from his filthiness and deliverance from his bondage to self, to sin and to the world.
CHRIST DIED FOR YOU! Have you appropriated the rich benefits of that unspeakable gift? As the Holy Spirit makes you conscious of your soul-need, trust in Jesus and LIVE!
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THE RESULTS OF CHRIST'S DEATH
On the basis of Jesus' death God can deal both righteously and mercifully with the whole world of sinners. It is only "through faith in his blood that His propitiation avails for ANY, (I John 2:2; Romans 3:25-26). By His dying Jesus so "took away" the sin of the world (John 1:29) that no one will perish because of his "adamic nature", (Rom. 5:18); the Saviour took care of that once-for-all! His death assures that all men will be DRAWN to Him, (John 12:32-33). Many will RESIST THAT DRAWING, to their own eternal ruin (John 5:40); but ALL ARE DRAWN! And, through His death, all will be raised from the dead, (1 Cor. 15:21-22). To what each is raised depends on his attitude toward Him Who conquered death, (John 5:28-29; Dan. 12:2).
In behalf of His own people, Jesus, by His death, has: "Put away sin" -- rendering it null and void, (Heb. 9:26); dealt effectively with the law -- redeeming us from its curse (Gal. 3:13), and so meeting its demands that it has no legitimate claim on us (Col. 2:14; 2 Cor. 3:7, 11; comp. Romans 7:1-4, 6). Identified with Christ in His death there is "no condemnation" for His people. (Rom. 8:1-3, 33-34). Instead, we are "declared righteous" -- justified, (Rom. 5:9). In Him we have redemption and forgiveness of our sins, (Col. 1:20-22; Eph. 1:7). His blood continually cleanses those who walk with Him, in light, (I Jn. 1:7). Sanctifying us through the offering of His own body (Heb. 10:10, He has "perfected" us
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forever -- something that the law could never accomplish, (Heb. 10:4, 1-2). Our consciences are cleansed (Heb. 9:14; Rom. 8:15; 3:21-22); and we are given boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, (Heb. 10:19-20). We have the assurance of LIVING TOGETHER with Christ (I Thes. 5:10), of an eternal inheritance (Heb. 9:15), and that all things will be freely given us (Rom. 8:32) -- enabling us to BE what God called us to be. Through the death of Jesus we are fitted for entrance into the holy city, (Rev. 22:14; contr. Gen. 3:22-24).
Nor did Satan and the powers of darkness escape the effects of Jesus' death on Calvary. By it the prince of this world is cast out, (John 12:31) -- his ultimate dethronement secured, Satan is rendered ineffective, (Heb. 2:14). And the Son of Man openly triumphed over "principalities and powers", (Col. 2:14-15).
By the death of His Dear Son, God has reconciled all things to Himself -- things in earth and heaven, (Col. 1:19-20). Provision has been made for the liberation of the whole creation "FROM the bondage of corruption UNTO the glorious liberty of the children of God, (Romans 8:20-21).
Where sin abounds God's grace (because of Jesus' blood) OVERFLOWS!
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Lord Jesus, when we stand afar
And gaze upon Thy holy cross,
In love of Thee and scorn of self,
0 may we count the world as loss.
When we behold Thy bleeding wounds,
And the rough way that Thou
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hast trod
Make us to hate the load of sin
That lay so heavy on our God.
O Holy lord, uplifted high
With outstretched arms, in
mortal woe,
Embracing in Thy wondrous love
The sinful world that lies below,
Give us an ever-living faith
To gaze beyond the things we see;
And, in the mystery of Thy death,
Draw us and all men unto Thee!
-- W. W. How
"HE WAS BURIED, AND ROSE AGAIN"
When Jesus' death was assured Joseph of Arimathaea, a member of the Sanhedrin and a secret disciple of Jesus, obtained permission from Pilate to take away the body of Jesus for burial, (John 19:38). He, with Nicodemus, lovingly prepared the body of the Son of Man for burial "as the manner of the Jews is to bury", (Jn. 19:39-40). Then they laid Him in Joseph's new tomb, "wherein was never man yet laid".
But the realm of death could not hold the PRINCE of life! On the third day He burst asunder the bonds of death and the grave -- rising triumphantly and victoriously over all His enemies.
The importance of Christ's resurrection is evident in the fact that there are at least 100 direct references to it in the New Testament. It was the most prominent note to be found in the message of the apostles, (Acts 1:21-22; 2:24; 29-32; 4:33; 17:18; 23:6; I Cor. 15:15). It is one of the basic
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notes in the Gospel message, (I Cor. 15:1-4; 2 Tim. 2:8). It is the very foundation of the Christian faith, (I Cor. 15:14, 17). The power of the resurrection is the very POWER of God unto salvation, (Rom. 10:9-10). And to KNOW the power of our Lord's resurrection is the highest ambition of every intelligent believer, (Phil. 3:8-10).
Jesus was raised from the dead through the working of the strength of the Father's might, (Acts 2:24, 32; 10:40; 13:30; Rom. 10:9; Col. 2:12; Eph. 1:19-20). He was raised in the same body that suffered and died; in fact, He ascended to heaven in the same body, (Jn. 20:27; Acts 10:40-41; Luke 24:39, 15, 18; Jn. 20:14-15). Yet, His appearance was such that He was not immediately recognizable, (Jn, 21:4, 12). He had a gloriously transformed body that was incorruptible, mighty, spiritual and heavenly (Phil. 3:21; I Cor. 15:42-50). And it was a body that could transcend certain natural laws -- even going through closed doors, (Jn. 20:19, 26).
Through the resurrection of Jesus we have a firm basis for faith in the living God, (I Pet. 1:21). By it His disciples were "begotten again" unto a living hope, (I Peter 1:3-4). It was for our "justification", (Rom. 4:25). By it we are enabled to walk acceptably in His sight and bring forth fruit to His glory and praise, (Rom. 5:9-10; 7:4). It assures righteous judgment in the world to come and guarantees the fulfillment of all God's promises, (Acts 17:31; comp. Jn. 5:22, 27-29).
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By the resurrection of Jesus our own resurrection is assured (I Thes. 4:14; 2 Cor. 4:14; I Cor. 15:55-57). In it we beheld a manifestation of the exceeding greatness of God's power toward His people, (Eph. 1:18-20). And because He arose as victor over the grave He is now our ever-living High Priest over the "house of God", (Rom. 8:33-34; Heb. 7:25; I Jn. 2:1; Lk. 22:31-32; John 11:42).
Throughout His earthly ministry the Son or Man claimed a unique roll for Himself, (Mk. 12:6-7; John 10:30; 5:23). By His resurrection he was declared to be the "Son of God WITH POWER" (Rom. 1:4). And admission of His resurrection logically leads to an acknowledgement of His very deity.
"I know that my Redeemer lives:"
What comfort this sweet sentence
gives;
He lives, He lives, who once was
dead,
He lives, my ever-living Head.
He lives to bless me with His love,
He lives to plead for me above,
He lives my hungry soul to feed,
He lives to help in time of need.
He lives to grant me rich supply,
He lives to guide me with His eye;
He lives to comfort me when faint,
He lives to hear my souls complaint.
He lives to silence all my fears,
He lives to stoop & wipe my tears,
He lives to calm my troubled heart,
He lives all blessings to impart.
He lives, my kind and faithful
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Friend.
He lives and loves me to the end,
He lives, and while He lives I'll
sing;
He lives, my prophet, Priest & King.
He lives; and grants me daily
breath;
He lives, and I shall conquer death,
He lives my mansion to prepare,
He lives to bring me safely there.
He lives; all glory to His Name;
He lives, my Jesus, still the same:
DUE sweet joy this sentence gives,
"I KNOW that my Redeemer lives!"
-- Samuel Medley, 1789
"BY MANY INFALLIBLE PROOFS"
The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is one of the best documented facts of ancient history. Luke, the historian, declares that He "showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God", (Acts 1:3).
Besides Luke's declaration concerning Jesus' post-resurrection teaching ministry, there are at least 11 separate appearances of Jesus mentioned in the New Testament AFTER His triumph over death and the grave.
1) To certain women as they returned from the sepulcher, where they saw an angel who told them that He was risen, (Matt. 28:1-10).
2) To Mary Magdalene at the sepulcher -- probably upon her second visit to it that morning, (John 20:ll-18; Mark 16:9-11).
3) To Peter, on the day of the resurrection, but under circumstances
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of which we have no record, (Lk. 24:34; I Cor. 15:5).
4) To the two Emmaus disciples, (Mark 16:12-13; Luke 24:13-35).
5) To the 10 apostles -- Thomas being absent -- and others gathered for an evening meal on the day of the resurrection, (Mark 16:14-18; Luke 24:36-40; Jn. 20:19-23; I Cor. 15:5).
6) One week later, to the 11 when Thomas was present, (Jn. 20:26-28).
7) To several disciples beside the Sea of Galilee -- time unknown, (John 21:1-23).
8) To the apostles and above 500 brethren at once -- on an appointed mountain in Galilee, (Matt. 28:16-20; I Cor. l5:6).
9) To James, the half-brother who was evidently not a believer at the time of Jesus' crucifixion, (I Cor. 15:7).
10) To the apostles at Jerusalem -- immediately prior to the ascension from the Mt. of Olives, (Mk. 16:19; Luke 24:50-52; Acts 1:3-8).
11) To Paul on the Damascus Road, (Acts 9).
CHRIST'S ASCENSION & EXALTATION
Having offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins, Jesus Christ has now ascended on High -- being received into heaven, where He is seated at the Father's right hand interceding for His own people, (Eph. 4:8; Acts 1:9; Luke 24:51; Heb. 10:12; 7:25; I John 2:1-2).
Having bestowed upon His disciples a final blessing, He was received up into the clouds of heaven as they beheld in astonishment, (Luke 24:51; Acts 1:9). Thus, He
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was restored to the place of glory with the Father which He occupied before the creation, (Jn. 17:5). He was exalted, (Heb, 7:26; Eph. 1:2l). Now He occupies a place of honor at the Father's right hand (Eph. 1:20; Col. 3:1; Acts 5:31; 7:55-56).
Jesus ascended: that He might be a Prince and Saviour -- giving repentance and forgiveness of sin to Israel, (Acts 5:31); that He might glorify the Father, (Jn. 17:1); and that He might appear in God's presence on our behalf -- as our great High Priest, (Heb, 9:24). As our forerunner, He has gone to prepare us a place, (Heb. 6:20; John 14:2; Heb. 9:21-24). He ascended that He might "fill all things", (Eph. 4:10); and that He might await the ultimate subjection of all enemies and the restitution of all things, (Heb. 10:12-13; Acts 2:34-35; 3:20-21).
The exaltation of Jesus manifested the exceeding greatness of Gods power toward those who believe, (Eph. 1:18-20). It enables us to draw near to God with boldness, (Heb. 5:14-16; 8:1). Enthroned on high, He has received for us the promised Holy Spirit -- sending Him as our guide and helper until the consummation of the age, (Acts 2:33). Clothed with glory and honor, He has been given a position higher than that of the angels, (Heb. 2:9; 1:3-4); and God views us as being seated "in the heavenlies" IN HIM, (Eph. 2:6). Angels and powers are now under subjection to Him (I Pet. 3:22). In fact, ALL THINGS have been brought under His rule and He has been made head over all things in behalf of His church, (Eph. 1:
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22). And, one day, every knee shall bow to His lordship -- acknowledging the righteousness of His judgment, (Phil. 2:9-1l).
See the Conqueror mounts in triumph,
See the King in royal state,
Riding on the clouds His chariot
To His heavenly palace-gate;
Hark the choirs of angel voices
Joyful Hallelujahs sing,
And the portals high are lifted,
To receive their Heavenly King.
Who is this that comes in glory,
With the trump of Jubilee?
Lord of battles, God of armies,
He hath gained the victory;
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He who on the cross did suffer
He who from the grave arose,
He has vanquished sin and Satan,
He by death has spoiled His foes.
Thou hast raised our human nature
On the clouds to God's right
hand
There we sit in heavenly places,
There with Thee in glory stand;
Jesus reigns adored by angels,
Man with God is on the throne,
Mighty Lord, in Thine ascension
We by faith behold our own.
Lift us up from earth to heaven,
Give us wings of faith & love,
Gales of holy aspiration
Wafting us to realms above;
That, with hearts & minds uplifted
We with Christ our Lord may
dwell,
Where He sits enthroned in glory
In the heavenly citadel.
So at last, when He appeareth,
We from out our graves may
spring;
With our youth renewed like eagles',
Flocking round our heavenly King.
Caught up on the clouds of heaven,
And may meet Him in the air,
Rise to realms where He is reigning,
And may reign forever there.
-- Christopher Wordsworth
PLEASE NOTE CORRECTION
In our last issue we ran a double notice of the Fellowship Meeting scheduled for April 12-13 at the Washita MBC of Mt. Ida, Arkansas. The telephone number listed was wrong in both places.
If you plan to attend you may call Pastor Mike little at:
501-867-2349.
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