Sin Unto Death

THERE IS SIN UNTO DEATH







"If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and He shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it." 1 John 5:16.

I have omitted the indefinite article "a" in the "heading"as translated by W. Kelly, and found in italics in Newberrys' text of the A.V.

This scripture has been on my heart for a little season. I believe the reason I have been exercised by it is in view of the fact that "among us" there are "many weak and sickly and many are fallen asleep." 1 Corinthians 11:30. I hasten to add that I am absolutely unable to read hearts, or to judge situations, those prerogatives belong unto the Lord alone. Nor am I suggesting that many of Gods' servants have been "taken away" as a disciplinary measure on His part. No doubt in His sovereignty He determined that He "wanted" them more than we do or deserve! But there is nevertheless a considerable lack of discipline exercised in many Assemblies where it is quite apparent such action must be taken! Where we fail in this, the Lord acts in chastening those who need to be dealt with AND those who fail in their responsibility to uphold the honour of His name; "For the time is come that judgment must begin from the House of God." 1 Peter 4:17.

But it is precious to know that it is only those "whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth." Hebrews 12:6. 

For my part, I confess that I have known the Lords' hand in severe chastening tempered with long-suffering mercy. Thus I believe any saint will realise such divine dealings. My "sin" was not "unto death," but I believe if it had been otherwise I would have known that too; I have heard of a case, if not more than one where this obtained, and the smitten saint asked that others would NOT "pray for it." We must leave the matter with God.

Without the indefinite article the force seems to refer to a state or condition, rather than some specific "sin." Of course, believers only are being addressed and "death" can only be physical, bodily death! 

[We obviously distinguish this verse in Johns' First Epistle from the "unpardonable sin" recorded in Matthew 12:31,32. The "sin," the offender, the penalty, and the dispensation are each and ALL different! Here we have an unregenerate soul whose punishment is the "second death."]

Beloved brethren and sisters in Christ as His followers, "as a Christian" let us "not be ashamed, but glorify God in this name." 1 Peter 4:16.



For Ye Have The Poor Always With Ye

"FOR YE HAVE THE POOR ALWAYS WITH YE."

I am aware of the context of this verse found in Matthew 26 and almost word for word in Mark 14. But I felt it to be a suitable "heading" for this brief "Post."

Just a few weeks ago whist we were travelling to the Breaking of Bread meeting on the Lords' Day morning, I saw a "Tramp" just up the top of our road. He was a genuine "gentleman of the road." Dirty, unshaven, dishevelled and clothed virtually in rags. It was near the close up of September and was already a very hot morning, although only around nine o'clock. We were passed him in our car in a moment, but his image was ingrained upon my mind, and too late, my heart went out to him. I have not forgotten him, and castigate myself for not stopping to offer him some assistance or invite him to dinner with us. I remember him daily in my "devotional time," and pray that he might be gloriously saved.
Another "Tramp" used to regularly "use" the A road from Bristol to Chippenham, but I have not seen him in recent years and have often wondered if he succumbed to the severe Winter weather.
The only redeeming feature I cling to in the light of my failure is that the Lord Jesus caused me to be "moved with compassion" toward these poor ones.
I wondered if there was any specific "ministry" directed toward these unfortunate and generally ostracised individuals. If any of the Lords' people know of such a ministry would they please let me know. (I will append my e-mail address to the end of this Post.)
Many thanks in advance to any who are able to so help me.

Luke 4:18; James 2:1-9.

tomwyatt1@blueyonder.co.uk
or
tw007q5184@blueyonder.co.uk

Atoning Sufferings of Christ

CHRIST: DID HE SUFFER ATONINGLY IN HIS LIFE?

The answer to this vital question is an emphatic, unequivocal NO!!

Recently while "gathered to His Name," to "call Him to mind," as He so poignantly requested His own, on giving thanks for the bread the brother referred to the loaf as symbolic of the Lords' life! I do not wish to make my brother in Christ an offender for a word, but this is gross error! That Christ suffered for sin BEFORE His death on Golgothas' cursed tree has been "taught" in past centuries and is now being disseminated among the Lords' people. 
Men from diverse persuasions within Christendom held this false doctrine: including John Stott, the late Anglican cleric; Matthew Henry, 1662-1714, a Welsh non-conformist  Presbyterian "minister;" F.W. Krummacher, an 18/19th century Reformed Church "minister, an advocate of Lutheranism; C.H. Spurgeon, a Particular Baptist preacher.
The Lord Jesus remained undefiled throughout His entire sojourn in this scene, until He was "made sin," by His God there upon the cross, and ONLY during those three hours of impenetrable darkness! It was then and only then that "Jehovah caused to meet upon Him the iniquity of us all!" Before the darkness enveloped "all the earth," and He was abandoned of His God; and as soon as He emerged Victor, He addressed His God as "Father!" During His hours of being forsaken, He cried out to the One He owned as "My God!"
"Himself bare our sins in His own body ON the tree; Note well the preposition "ON," not TO, "the tree."
It behoves us to be careful of basing "truth" upon the hymns we sing! Very many are most precious and of real value in connection with praise, but some are erroneous in varying degree! 
It is instructive to recall that in the "Meal Offering" which is most perfectly "typical" of our Lords' life, His impeccable and morally beauteous walk, there is no suggestion of sin-bearing or of His shed blood, no thought of atonement!
We could considerably multiply Scripture evidence for our setting this forth as the truth as to the atoning work of the Saviour at Calvary and nowhere else, not even in Gethsemanes' garden. But we trust this is sufficient for those who bow to the Word of God.
"Without shedding of blood there is NO remission;" Hebrews 9:22.
"For it is the (His) blood that maketh an atonement for the soul." Leviticus 17:11.

Innovative way of Distributing Tracts

INNOVATIVE WAY OF DISTRIBUTING TRACTS

I am a great believer in the distribution of the written Word of God and all printed material based upon it; especially Tracts that outline the truth of the Gospel.

Back in 2012 (I believe), some American brethren visited the U.K. to distribute "relevant" Gospel Tracts at the London Olympic Games; a worthy exercise. A number paid a visit to our Assembly and made a startling suggestion; an additional and different "way" of Tract distribution. Now whether you are fully persuaded as to the "ethical side" of things must be an individual judgement. They proposed that believers returned all pre-paid envelopes from unsolicited "junk mail" having inserted a Tract! My wife and I have been engaging in this "ministry" almost ever since. I stress unsolicited mail only!

If any of our fellow believers are able to do this with clearness of conscience, perhaps they might join those of us who are so minded.

If any believer wishes to express their unhappiness as to this innovative idea, please do not hesitate to add a comment to that end. We are desirous to know if there is any reason why would should not practice this form of "out-reach." 

The Offence of the Gospel

THE OFFENCE OF THE GOSPEL

It is becoming more and more apparent that many Assemblies of the Lords' people are compromising the message of the Gospel in a partial surrendering to "outside! influence. In my own experience and in reports from others, Assemblies have "bowed" to the complaints of unbelievers that they have been offended by the preacher, when in fact the offence has been the Spirit empowered Gospel preaching. On receiving such a plaint the brother invited to be responsible for the preaching of the Gospel, is either informed, or more often, not informed,  that he will not be "invited" back again! None of the instances I know of has resulted in the local Assembly fully declaring either their reason for this action, or the nature of the complaint, or the identity of the complainant.  

I discovered one instance involving myself by directly asking the "corresponding" brother; his explanation was neither full nor open. A second personal experience of this particular action was disclosed to me by a brother hearing it from the "elder" who made the decision; he (the elder,) has never enlightened me as to why this action was taken; but it was because of an "offended" unbeliever. I know this to be the experience the of a number of other of the Lords' servants!

Today some Assemblies want a diluted Gospel message, preached in the shortest possible time, and preferably with little or no reference to sin, and NO reference whatsoever to hell! 

The N.T. uses the word "skandalon," offence in reference to both the Person of the Lord Jesus and His cross; surely He is the centre and sum of the Gospel message, and Him "crucified!" Romans 9:33;Galatians 5:11. 

We cannot but help offending unbelievers because we must tell them how they are viewed by a Holy God, and on the basis of His written Word. Sinners, lawless, unregenerate, evil, wicked, ungodly and countless other titles.

Furthermore "We are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: to the one we are the savour of death unto death." Could anything be more offensive? But it is the Word of God. 2 Corinthians 2:15,16.

I fear I may have offended some of my brethren and may yet pay a price at their hands! But I leave all with Him Who alone "judgeth righteously." 1 Peter 2:23.





The Real Presence and the Royal Priesthood

THE REAL PRESENCE and THE ROYAL PRIESTHOOD

I have almost finished reading this book in basically "one sitting!" I have been in possession of it for years, but only "discovered" it a few days ago. It is amazing, instructive and radiates the power of the Holy Spirit in its grasp of these indivisible truths!

If it is possible I would love to purchase a better copy, mine is falling apart! That aside, I would thoroughly recommend it to every believer presently in Assembly fellowship, and any who may be contemplating returning to the "fold."I fear copies well may be rare.

The author is unknown to me, but I am at pains to discover who did write this dynamic (I mean it in the language of Scripture) treatise on these precious privileges that we possess as saints. His pseudonym is "hiereus." If any of my brethren and sisters in Christ could advise me as to the author I would be indebted to them considerably.

"Maranatha," the Lord cometh, may this be our watchword!

The Lord Has Led Us In!

THE LORD HAS LED US IN!

In answer to perseverance in prayer as to the guidance of the Lord in our present difficult circumstances, He has yet again proved faithful! How gracious He is to all, but "specially those who believe," His believing people.

We were really concerned that we would be unable to "break bread" in fellowship with a called out company of saints, even on the coming Lords' Day D.V. But He has "led us in," as clearly as He led us out!

For any and all who lovingly upheld us before the Throne of Grace, we wish to express our deepest gratitude for their love to us in Him. We are assured that He will recompense you each and all.

I may be enabled to furnish you with more details as time moved on in His will, and I certainly will if I know that He would have me so to do.

Our prayers continue for the whole household of faith as well as many individual believers and Assemblies of the Lords' people laid upon our hearts; indeed we pray for everyone who loves our Lord Jesus in sincerity; may God grant that you are numbered among such, for His glory!