[I will give you the keys of the
kingdom of heaven]9Matt. 16:19
What shall I do that I may inherit
eternal life?](Mark 10:17)
"What must I do to enter
heaven where there is no death?"
This has been the unceasing
questions of all the people throughout all ages who [through fear of death were
all their lifetime subject to bondage](Heb.2:15]. In reality, it is an even
more pressing question to us in these last days. Then, how many people
throughout the ages have actually found the definite answer to this question
and obtained eternal life? Through the Bible, we are plainly assured of the
heart aching fact that in contrast to the thousands of millions of people in
all ages who have asked this question, deplorably few have found the answer,
with all the rest having died without hope.
To give a clear answer to this
question, [What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life])Mark 10:17), is the
unique purpose and mission of this book.
When we become subject to the power
of death without hope due to our fall by the transgression which we had brought
upon ourselves, our infinitely compassionate Father [loved the world (sinners)
so much that His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not
perish but have everlasting life] (john 3:16). We well know that it was to give
eternal life to us sinners that God made His Son [who knew no sin to be sin]
(2cor. 5:21). Then, "What is eternal life and on what conditions can be
gained" become the most important questions.
1. The Keys of the
Kingdom of Heaven (Matt. 16:19)
In the Bible, there are plainly
revealed two ways and methods for eternal life: the first one is in John 3:16
as mentioned previously, that [God so loved the world that He gave His only
begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him (Jesus) should not perish but have
everlasting life.] Jesus also made clear this first way and method by saying,
[You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and
these are they which testify of me] (John 5:39).
[And this is the will of Him who
sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have
everlasting life] (John 6:40). This is the first way and method for eternal
life.
Jesus teaches us the second way,
[Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who
sent Me has everlasting life; and...has passed from death into life] (John
5:24). Now we see clearly that there are only two ways and methods for eternal
life, and are simple and easy. These two formula are combined together in one
place - in the prayer of Jesus to His Father - [He... lifted up His eyes to
heaven, and said: Father... this is eternal life, that they may know you, the
only true God, and Jesus Christ (the Son), whom You have sent] (John 17:1-3).
So now, when a person is filled with the profound knowledge of the holy Father
and the holy Son, he or she has already received eternal life and become a real
son or daughter of God, over whom the power of death cannot have dominion. In
the 66 books of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, there are found
innumerable ways of interpreting the truth, the light, and various messages.
But all these different ways merge in one place, which is the only road in
heaven or on earth. It is a straight and broad road from earth to heaven, a
road of the knowledge of the only true God and of Jesus Christ whom He has
sent.]
When men continue to follow the
narrow ways of hidden truths of light shining from the respective books of the
Bible, they at last arrive at the road of John 17:3. From then on, all hidden
mysteries that could not be understood by the little dim lights that have been
leading them, will suddenly be clearly understood. On this new road, they will
find themselves as if riding on an express bus or flying in an airplane, as if
their journey toward heaven has been like riding in a slow-moving wagon on a
gravel road until now. They will realize that they have already received the
key from God that unlocks all the mysteries of the Bible and all the mysteries
of heaven and earth. The happiness! The gratitude! The joy! Who will be able to
measure them? This is the happiness that only those who have experienced can
posses.
[But the path of the just is like
the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day] (Prov. 4:18).
This is the key of heaven that Jesus meant when He said, [And I will give you
the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound
in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven] (Matt.
16:19).
If John 3:16 is esteemed as the
head verse of all the Bible, its conclusion and completion is John 17:3. This
verse, John 17:3 is the golden road, the road of everlasting life that leads
straight from earth to the very throne of God in heaven. This is also the one
and only key that unlocks the pearly gates of the kingdom of heaven. It is said
that we have in the Bible a key that unfolds the universe to all mankind, a key
that makes known hidden mysteries of the Bible.
Ellen Gould White said "The
knowledge of God and Jesus Christ expressed in one's character is an exaltation
above everything else that is esteemed on earth or in heaven. It is the very
highest education. It is the key that opens the portals of the heavenly city.
It is God's purpose that all who put on Christ should posses this
knowledge." Yes. The knowledge of God is the foundation of all true
education. It is the subject that we will so eagerly seek to learn in heaven
throughout eternal ages. To impart the knowledge of God and Christ, to form
characters in accordance with this knowledge, should be the purpose of all
gospel workers and teachers of religion.
The fear of the Lord is the
beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.]
(Prov. 9:10). [I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more
than burnt offerings] (Hosea 6:6). But [My people are foolish, have no
understanding] Jer. 4:22 RSV). [There is no knowledge of God in the land]
(Hosea 4:1). My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge] (Hosea 4:6). Who do
you think He means my people?" He is referring to all the people on the
earth, especially those who in search of eternal life, pray in church every
morning, every week and worship God in family circles every morning and
evening. But what an astonishing sigh we hear - "My people are
destroyed!" What is this all about? What knowledge are we so destitute of
and will we be destroyed without? I believe that this sigh comes from our lack
of knowledge of [the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent.]
This is the true knowledge which is
our eternal life; therefore, I earnestly hope that you read through this book
repeatedly with a prayerful and thirsting spirit, as a thirsty deer longs for a
flowing stream, so that you may not belong to those for whom God heaves a sigh,
but to those children of eternal life, the sons and daughters of God who run on
this heaven-bound road with unspeakable joy and thanksgiving.
2. Signs and Wonders
Cannot Give Eternal Life (Matt. 24:24)
[And this is the will of Him (our
Father)] (John 6:40) that we should have the practical knowledge of [the true
God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent] (John 17:3). This is eternal life and
also the will and purpose of our Father. Yet there is a large multitude of
[foolish men] (James 2:20) in the world who apart from the true, practical
knowledge of eternal life revealed in the Bible, seek after signs and wonders
with reckless faith. It is commonly seen that such people are absorbed in
impractical wonders, neglecting the words of the Bible, the knowledge of it
which gives true life everlasting.
Jesus said, [It is the spirit who
gives life... the words that I speak to you (the Bible) are spirit and they are
life (John6:63). however, neglecting the words of life that proceed from the
mouth of God, sad to say, multitudes today are driven here and there, deceived
by miracles and wonders, gaining nothing in their hands despite their desperate
longing to grab for eternal life. As a weary, exhausted wanderer in the desert
who deluded by the mirage, pursues one mirage after another with scarce hope,
only to finally collapse and die in a vast, lonely desert; likewise, there are
countless numbers of Christians today who end their religious lives with the
same miserable and pitiful pursuit. But people (fellow Christians) claim that
this brother or sister fell asleep in the Lord with great hopes, making him or
her a splendid bier of many flowers and giving a magnificent funeral march. By
so doing, they only comfort themselves. Oh, what a deplorable fact it is!
I must say again that our salvation
and eternal life is not obtained by wonders and miracles, most of which are
wrought by Satan acting under the name of Christ. For there is nothing more
effective and powerful in means to deceive and take captive all those are not
standing firmly on the Word of God.
Consider the agents of Satan who
performed the same miracles as those by Moses, the servant of God, before the
Pharaoh of Egypt. Behold the great power of Satan brought terrible disasters to
the righteous Job. Therefore, I hope you will not forget that Satan is a
dreadful enemy who can skillfully imitate even those true miracles and powers
that Jesus performed two thousand years ago. That is why Jesus gave warnings to
us living in this last days saying, [For false Christs and false prophets will
arise and show great signs and wonders, so as to deceive, if possible, even the
elect](Matt. 24:24). Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits
whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the
world] (1 John 4:1). He repeatedly warns us that men shall not obtain eternal
life by wonders or miracles [but by every word (of the Bible) that proceeds
from the mouth of God] (Matt. 4:4).
I hope you will remember that true
wonders and miracles of God are wrought only in times of pressing needs, merely
as an indication of His loving protection and tender care for His children, and
that the miracle itself does not bring eternal life. Our only salvation and
everlasting life lies the true knowledge of [the only true God and Jesus Christ
whom He has sent] (John 17:3), that is to eat and drink "the word" of
God in the Bible and to live our lives according to the Bible, in His Word that
has been from the beginning and that which contains the Spirit and life of God.
Now, let us listen to the voice of our God. [To the law and to the testimony!
If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn] (Isa.
8:20, N.I.V.) I believe you readers know well that "the light of
dawn" mentioned here means the day on which Jesus, the Sun of
Righteousness comes with His ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of
thousands of angels (Matt. 25:31) to take back His people as He promised in
John 14: 1-3. In order to see this glorious day, if we have thus far had the
blind religion which is based on wonders and miracles rather than living on
every word that proceeds from the mouth of God, let us shake it off now and
turn to a new faith and a new heart. Let us return to the Bible and to the
Bible only, which is filled with the treasures of truth, with the grand truth
of the universe being, [This is eternal life, that they may know You, the true
God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent] (John 17:3).
I say again that "eternal
life" cannot be obtained by the power to heal diseases or to cast out
demons, or by exercising authority as a prophet. It cannot be earned by
attaining the position or authority of a pastor or an evangelist, a priest or
the Pope. Also, "eternal life" cannot be attained in strife or in
envy, nor through the authority of any denomination or power-wielding
organization. Eternal life is gained solely through the sacred knowledge of
[the true God, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent.] Only this knowledge is
eternal life and salvation. In this grand truth lies the way, the life, the
resurrection, the kingdom of heaven, and God Himself. Let us return to the
grand truth of the Bible with a humble heart.
There are so-called clergymen who
are possessed by the power of Satan, and perform false miracles and wonders. We
should not only be on our strict guard against them but also have compassion on
them, since they are completely deceived into thinking that the miracles
wrought through them are brought by the power of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. But
soon, the true character of their deception will be made manifest on the day of
Jesus' Second Coming. [Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we
not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done wonders in
You name?] (Matt. 7:22), so "why do you turn Your face from us, and pay no
attention to us?" [And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you.']
"The power that flowed out from you so far was not of Me, nor of the Holy
Spirit, but of the foul spirit, the evil spirit of Satan," Therefore,
[depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!] (Matt. 7:23).
On that day, all the falseness
shall be made manifest and they will see that all the miracles performed by
them have been the deceptions and schemes of Satan. If you readers have been
one of them, I entreat you with tears to make a resolution to shake off the
enemy from you, and with courage and determination, come forward [to the only
true God,] our mighty Father and to [Jesus Christ,] our tender Brother. Open
your heart to Them and talk to Them about your situation. Please do not
hesitate to ask Them which path in life you should take to become a true son of
God and a true shepherd who can lead the flock of God to the right way of
eternal life. Then I hope that when Jesus Christ, the King of kings comes, you
will hear the blessed declaration, [Well done, good and faithful servant; you
have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things.
Enter into the joy of you Lord.] And the King will say... Come... inherit the
kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world'] (Matt.25:23.34).
However, to the unfaithful
shepherds it will be spoken, [there you shall die and there your glorious
chariots shall be the shame of your master's house. So I will drive you out of
your office] (Isa.22:18.19). ['Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast
him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth'] (Matt.
22:13). Return, oh return from your ignorance immediately, dear elders! [He who
has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches](Rev. 2: 29).
3. Eternal Life is
Gained by True Knowledge
In China, it is commonly said,
"Unless a precious stone is cut with a chisel it cannot be made a vessel
of value, and unless a man learns, he cannot attain to righteousness."
Chuangtzu, a sage of China also said, "Man who refuses to learn is like
someone who attempts to soar up to the sky without proper skills."
To attempt to enter heaven without
the knowledge of [the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent] is like
attempting to fly through the heavens without any means. There is no difference
in the foolishness of trying to do the impossible. So God says, [It is not good
to have zeal without knowledge] (Pro. 19:2, NIV). It is indeed not good as well
as impossible to have eternal life and come before God without knowledge.
You may ask, "Why by knowledge
and not by faith?" And of course you are right to say so. We are saved by
faith in Christ, not by knowledge alone. But by looking into the origin of
faith, we find that we cannot have faith unless we have knowledge first. [So
then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God] (Rom. 10:17).
Therefore, whether we obtain eternal life or not depends upon whether we have
the necessary knowledge or not. That is, our everlasting life depends upon the
true knowledge of [the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent] (John
17:3). So, to those children who do not give heed to this knowledge, God says,
[I have written for him the great things of My law, but they were considered a
strange thing] (Hosea 8:12). Therefore, [Behold, the days are coming ... that I
will send a famine on the land; not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water,
but of hearing the words of the Lord (words of what is true knowledge)] (Amos
8:11). [Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out My hand and
no one regarded, because you disdained all my counsel, and would have none of
my reproof, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror
comes, when your terror comes like a storm, and your destruction comes like a
whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. Then they will call (Upon
Me), but I will not answer; they will seek (Me) diligently, but they will not
find (Me) because they hated knowledge ... and would have none of My counsel,
and despised all (My) reproof] (Pro. 1:24-30).
[Because you have rejected
knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me ... I also will
forget your children] (Hosea 4:6). Therefore, without a doubt, it is of
immediate necessity that all religious workers and witnesses for God spread the
knowledge of [the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent] (John 17:3),
which is everlasting life to all. So, in order to impart this knowledge to all
people, we ourselves must first know God as our patriarchs did.
God is calling today for those who
will go into the perishing world with the true knowledge of eternal life. [Also
I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for
Us?'] (Isa. 6:8). [My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge] (Hosea 4:6).
[For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt
offerings] (Hosea 6:6).
4. The Precious Gift
of Eternal Life That God Gives Solely to His Friends.
Jesus said that to [know the only
true God, and Jesus Christ whom You (God) have sent] is eternal life, and I
think that a deeper meaning is implied in the words "to know." It is
more than to merely know each other's face and name. For example, a man working
in a large company caused a big fire by a momentary mistake. Many workers were
killed and he was sentenced to death. This news reached his close and intimate
friend who came to him immediately, comforting and encouraging him, saying, "Do
not be worried. Because I know President - of our country very well, if I only
go and tell him about you, he will grant a general amnesty to you, and you will
be released right away. Meanwhile, you can just wait with peace of mind."
A few days later, he was released on a general amnesty as his friend had said.
In this example, when the friend said, "I know President - ," he did
not mean that he knew the President as the people generally know the president,
but that he knew the President closely and personally. Likewise, to know God as
the Creator and the King of the universe and Jesus as the Son of God, the
Saviour who came to save the world, is not enough. It means to know Them just
as the friend of the man under the death sentence knew the President as a close
friend. It is to know God as Enoch knew Him, who had walked with Him for three
hundred years as a personal friend before he was taken up to heaven forever.
If God were to give eternal life to
all who knew Him superficially as the Creator, and Jesus as God's Son and the
Saviour, there would be few deprived of eternal life. James said, [You believe
that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe - and tremble!]
(James 2:19). Yes, even Satan and his angels, and all the wicked people of the
world know and believe that God is the Creator, the One who gives life and
blessings to man. Even the idolaters and those possessed with demons
acknowledge, believe and cry out to God. Then, shall God make this sinful world
into an eternally dreadful and terrible one by giving such evil people eternal
life? No, this can never be. Our heavenly Father will not, by giving them
eternal life, make His universe more horrible. In the Bible, He has plainly
declared that He would restore this universe to its original state, sinless and
holy, by removing such people forever [in the lake which burns with fire and
brimstone] (Rev. 21:8).
Therefore, eternal life is a
precious gift of God that He gives only to those who obey the instructions and
words of the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. It is a gift only
to those who have become intimate friends with Them, walking hand in hand with
Them as Enoch did in the past. And these are the children He will invite to His
everlasting kingdom as He did Enoch.
In the Bible we read, [Now Joshua
the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died when he was one hundred and ten
years old ... (and) another generation arose who did not know the Lord] (Judges
2:8, 10). [Now the sons of Eli were corrupt; they did not know the Lord] (1 Sam
2:12). Do you think that the descendants of Joshua, the prominent leaders of
Israel, did not know that the Lord is the Creator of heaven and earth, and that
He had divided the Red Sea for their fathers, and in the wilderness fed them
with manna for forty years, and gave them water from a rock? Also, because the
sons of Eli, the priest, did not know the Lord, is it written that they knew
not God as the Creator? No. They did know the God of Israel. They knew Him
well. But they turned away from Him who only found pleasure in giving them life
and blessings, and refused to be friends with Him as Enoch was, betraying Him
to live an impure and unruly life. Finally, they ended up perishing in their
sins. I hope that my brothers and sisters who read this book learn from them,
and become close friends with God and Jesus as Enoch was, because They will
give you all the rich treasures of the universe unsparingly, one of them being
the immortal life of God, the eternal life that we have been studying thus far.
Eternal life is a gift of God which
is filled with His love and heart, which He gives only to His friends one by
one, ever discreetly. I pray that those who read this book with eager interest
will also receive this precious gift and enjoy the everlasting happiness of
eternal life.
The Importance of the Knowledge of
the Only True God and Jesus Christ.
(1) The Knowledge of
the True God
[There is no truth or mercy or
knowledge of God in the land] (Hosea 4:1).
[My people are foolish, they have
not known Me. They are silly children, and they have no understanding] (Jer.
4:22). [My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge ] (Hosea 4:6). [For I
desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt
offerings] (Hosea 6:6).
It is the darkness of the
misapprehension of God that is enshrouding the world. Men are losing their
knowledge of His character. It has been misunderstood and misinterpreted. At
this time a message from God is to be proclaimed, a message illuminating in its
influence and saving in its power. His character is to be made known. Into the
darkness of the world is to be shed the light of His glory, the light of His
goodness, mercy, and truth. This is the work outlined by the prophet Isaiah in
the words, [O Zion, you who bring good tidings, get up into the high mountain;
O Jerusalem you who bring good tidings, lift up your voice with strength; lift
it up, be not afraid; say to the cities of Judah "Behold your God!"]
(Isa. 40:9). The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be
given to the world, is a revelation of God's character of love and it is the
children of God who are to manifest His glory. Through their lives and
character, they are to manifest the grace of God which has been poured on them.
Our knowledge of God today is
partial and imperfect. [But when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass
away] (1 Cor. 13:9, 10, RSV). [Let us know, let us pursue the knowledge of the
Lord] (Hosea 6:3).
[If you cry out for discernment,
and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search
for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the Lord,
and find the knowledge of God] (Pro. 2:3-5). This knowledge is gained by
meditating upon the word of God, And this treasure may be earned by all those
who would give everything they have for it.
In order to be representatives of
God we must know Him first.
Moses knew God, personally. Through
his close relationship with God, he was able to hear the call from heaven, to
exchange his shepherd’s crook for the rod of authority, to leave his flock of
sheep and take on the leadership of Israel.
In order to be co-workers with God,
in order to become like Him and to reveal His character, we must know Him
aright. We must know Him as He reveals Himself. A knowledge of God is the
foundation of all true education and of all true service. If is the only
safeguard against temptation. It is this alone that can make us like God in
character. This is the knowledge needed by all who are working for the uplifting
of standards in mankind. Transformation of character, purity of life,
efficiency in service, adherence to correct principles, all depend upon a
proper knowledge of God. This knowledge is the essential preparation both for
this life and for the life to come. [And the knowledge of the Holy One is
understanding] (Pro. 9:10). Through knowledge of Him we are given [all things
that pertain to life and godliness] (2 Peter 1:3). [This is eternal life, that
they might know You the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent]
(John 17:3). When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will
be one of continual obedience. Eventually, through His children, the final and
full display of the love of God to the world will be clearly revealed, and the
world will be lightened with its glory.
(2) The Importance of
the Knowledge of Jesus Christ.
The world doesn't need so much of
anything else as it does and expression of the love of Christ through men. All
heaven is waiting for channels through which God can communicate the holy oil
to men, which when received, is a joy and blessing to their hearts. After the
descent of the Holy Spirit, the disciples were so filled with love for Jesus
and for those for whom He died, that many people's hearts were melted by the
words they spoke and the earnest prayers they offered. There is nothing that
Christ desires so much as He does agents who will represent to the world His
Spirit and character.
When Lifeless doctrines accomplish
nothing, the love of Jesus will melt and attract the hearts of men. His
ever-abiding love, His holiness, meekness, mercy and truth are to be revealed
to the world through His disciples. Our love for Christ and for our fellow
brethren will testify to the world that we live and learn from Him daily. And
eventually, the whole world will be lightened by His glory.
(3) The Importance of
the Knowledge of God and Jesus Christ.
In His prayer to the Father, Christ
said, [This is eternal life, that they might know You the only true God, and
Jesus Christ whom You have sent] (John 17:3). This is the true education. It
imparts power. The experimental knowledge of God and Jesus Christ whom He has
sent, transforms man into the image of God. It gives to man the mastery of
self, bringing every impulse and passion of the lower nature under the control
of the higher powers of the mind. It makes its possessor a son of God, and an
heir of heaven. It brings him into communion with the mind of the Infinite, and
opens to him the rich treasures of the universe. The knowledge of God and Jesus
Christ expressed in character is an exaltation above everything else that is
esteemed on earth or in heaven. It is the very highest education. It is God's
purpose that all who believes in Christ should possess this. The knowledge of
God and Jesus Christ revealed in the character of man is highly esteemed as
having the greatest value both in heaven and on earth. It is the very highest
education. This is the key that opens the portals of the heavenly city.
Eternal life is to know the only
true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. But Satan, the enemy of mankind,
with his angels, are determined that men should not have this perfect knowledge
of the love of God. So, all of heaven is anxious to see holy agents who will go
to the world with the message of life today. [Also I heard the voice of the
Lord saying: `Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?'] [My people are
destroyed for lack of knowledge] (Isa. 6:8, Hosea 4:6).
Where are the sons and daughters of
God who will answer to the voice of the Lord, today?
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