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Expanded Comments |
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| 1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. |
Workers together with him – Our vital union with our Lord as members of his Body is shown by the prophet Isaiah, 49th chapter, verses 7-9, which is here interpreted. R5536:5
We are invited to become co-workers with God in carrying out his plan; in so doing, we are counted in with Christ Jesus as filling up the measure of the sufferings necessary to its accomplishment. R3161:4
In the accomplishment of the great transforming work to be wrought in us by the renewing of our minds. R4790:1
All the anointed ones, including women, are anointed to preach the gospel. R1083:2*
The grace of God – Justification. F682, F117; A236; R859:2
The privilege of justification. R2733:1
Tentative justification--giving a standing with God--from which a believer may offer himself in consecration. R5207:6, 5196:2;
Our advice to Christians is that they no longer delay, but hasten to avail themselves of the greatest privilege that could be offered, the grace of the forgiveness of sins, of justification through faith. R2642:3
In vain – The person who has come to a knowledge of God's grace and has rejected it will be in a worse position than those who have never heard. R5208:1; F118
Those that are justified to friendship with God (see Fiii) and fail to go on to make a full consecration. F682, F117; A236; R4629:2, 1669:5; SM762:1; Q396:3, 733:3
God justifies us reckonedly instead of actually, so that those who choose might draw back after being justified by faith, receiving the grace of God in vain, their reckoned justification becoming void. R1669:5
Those who neglect to use their reckoned perfection, by presenting themselves as acceptable sacrifices to God, have received the favor of justification in vain, and are not much better off than the world. R859:2
Receiving probationary adoption into the Lord's family in vain is a way we can take the name of the Lord our God in vain. (Exod. 20:7) R4014:6
As justification is accounted unto us only for the purpose of permitting us to go on to sanctification, such results or works must be forthcoming, or it will prove that we have received it in vain. R2847:4
Some are glad for what they see, but not anxious to see any more, as, intuitively, they realize that further knowledge would bring greater responsibilities, which they desire to avoid. R2733:1
To the extent that anyone's eyes see and his ears hear of the grace of God, he has responsibility. To possess the knowledge of God and to disdain it is to receive the grace of God in vain. NS741:6
If we receive God's grace and truth in vain, we may be sure it will be but a little while until it will slip from us and be replaced by misconceptions. R4782:6
Those whom God has called should seek enlargement in his grace, that as well-springs they may be filled to overflowing with that grace which came by Jesus, not vainly choked with worldly rubbish. R2508:6
Having just explained how God's grace provided reconciliation, the Apostle now exhorts such as have already recognized God's gracious character and the gift of his grace toward mankind. R2285:5
This text is one of many warnings that deny the view that whoever becomes a child of God can never become a "castaway" from divine favor. R1699:6
The gospel is to some a savor of life unto life, and to others of death unto death. Some have a form of godliness until fear is removed, when they manifest their preference for sin. R1633:6
The refining process means much to these who have been enlightened more than others, for their present testing is for either life or death, and to prove if they have received God's gift in vain. NS447:3
Any who are drawn or called of God and who do not accept him. Q288:3; R5207:6
Those who are consecrated and begotten of the holy Spirit and who go into second death or who do not run as they should and fail to get the great blessing to which they were called. Q288:2,3
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| 2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) |
I have heard thee – The class addressed is seen to be consecrated believers of the Gospel age, the anointed, The Christ, Head and Body, which is to accomplish the great work of restitution in the next age. R858:3
Accepted – Greek: dektos; acceptable or receivable. A213
Behold, now – During the Gospel age. T61, T118; R5126:3, 859:1
The privilege of sacrifice is unique to this age. R4646:3
Could not begin until our Lord Jesus had made his sacrifice and opened up "the new and living way." (Heb. 10:20) R4653:4
The accepted time did not commence until the Gospel age began with Jesus' sacrifice, dating from his consecration at baptism. R858:6
Now is the time that God will accept us. (Rom. 12:1) It will not always be an as been gathered, and there will be no more sacrifice. CR55:4
Is the accepted time – The time in which sacrificers, coming in the merit of Jesus and becoming dead with him, are acceptable to God. A213; R4535:3, 4493:1
The time for sacrifice as represented by the Lord's goat. T61
"To offer up sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ," (1 Pet. 2:5) the time in which God will accept you as "members" of the Body of The Christ. R4535:3
"He hath made us accepted in the Beloved." (Eph. 1:6) Some, from Enoch to John, the Lord, but our Lord's great sacrifice was necessary first. R4535:3
"Present your bodies living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God." (Rom. 12:1) Now is the opportunity for to God. R4535:3
When we, like our Lord, may sacrifice earthly rights and restitution privileges and thereby attain the spiritual blessing of our "high calling." (Phil. 3:14) R4542:2
Now is the time when God is willing to accept our sacrifices, however poor or lean, contemptible or mean, if they are all that we have and are presented with faith in the name and the merit of Jesus. NS610:5
Isa. 49:8-10--The time in which God will accept th of these sacrifices will end; the great privilege, the glorious reward, will then be passed forever. NS215:3
The time for the finding, testing, and glorifying of the antitypical Mediator. R4528:5
The opportunity, and the only one, to attain unto the divine nature--immortality. R527:3*
"The acceptable year of the Lord." (Isa. 61:2; Luke 4:19) R4535:3
Is the day – Not a 24-hour day, but a definite or special period of time. A138
"Today" (Heb. 4:7), the age of sacrifice. R5134:2, 4528:4
A prophecy applicable to the entire membership of Christ, of whom our Lord Jesus is the Head: "For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter." (Psa. 44:22) R5173:5
The Gospel age, the antitypical Day of Atonement. R5173:5, 4542:2, 4528:4
The entire Gospel age. Q758:2; R268:1, 34:3
This day of salvation is already over 1800 years long; as with the great days of creation, they are long periods of time. HG583:4
Of salvation – The great salvation to the divine nature. R4542:2, 859:1; F94
This Gospel age is the day of salvation, a special salvation such as will never again be offered to mankind, to joint-heirship with the Lord Jesus as his Bride, not referring to the world in general. NS500:1
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| 3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: |
Giving no offence – Against the principles of truth and righteousness. R859:4
That the ministry – All who serve the Lord are ministers. R5774:4
Be not blamed – We should adapt ourselves to customs of others, without violating our consciences, to avoid offense and increase our influence for good. R5774:5
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| 4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, |
In all things – Ours is not a life of easy lethargy, nor one that secures the approval of the worldly minded, nor which secures present temporal advantage, nor agreeable to the flesh; yet the "new creature" rejoices. R859:5
Approving ourselves – The Apostle declares that the endurance of these crosses is a mark of his faithfulness as a servant of the Lord. R2616:4
Although the signs of an Apostle were wrought among the brethren in mighty deeds, the ministration of the Spirit was mainly an object of hope, presently overshadowed by many afflictions. R1323:5*
At most we have but a few years to live--a few years only to sacrifice. At best we have very little talent and opportunity to lay at the Lord's feet: hence the importance of doing so wholeheartedly. NS454:4
As the ministers – Greek: diakonos; servants. F252; R5774:4
In much patience – In a study on patience, this series of verses is listed with James 5:10, 11 and 2 Cor. 12:12 as no R3585:4
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| 5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; |
In stripes – We are not to think of the Apostle as whipping and imprisoning himself, as do some, but as suffering on account of his faithfulness in declaring the good tidings. R2022:5
In fastings – Some may have been enforced fastings because of his service of the truth. R2022:5
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| 6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by love unfeigned,
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By knowledge – The value of knowledge is set forth in the Scripture many times--the treasures of wisdom and knowledge divine which are hidden in Christ and intended for those who come unto the Father through him. NS506:3
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| 7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, |
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| 8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; |
By honour – The fact that God has begotten any one of his holy Spirit should make us wish to respect those whom the Lord has thus honored. R5773:6
And dishonour – Throughout this Gospel age God allows his faithful servants to suffer reproaches and losses. R5189:3, 2616:5
In the great feast and Kingdom work, "The rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth," (Isa. 25:8) but this odium has been at and death." NS694:3
By evil report and good report – All who are to be members of the Bride class must be tested in respect to their humility--their submissiveness to the divine will. R5252:6
The faith and zeal of many are not sufficient to endure this test. R5118:2
As deceivers – Our Master was counted a deceiver, while yet he was the true one. How faithfully he bore that cross! His followers must expect to share this cross, and be misjudged by those who are blinded by the Adversary. R2616:5
Paul was considered a deceiver by many Jews who accused him of being unfaithful to the Law. R5774:1
Such experience need not make the Lord's people timid or fearful. R4736:5
The great time of trouble is the "recompense of the controversy of Zion"--the saints, (Isa. 34:8) who have in every century earth." OV346:T
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| 9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; |
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| 10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. |
Making many rich – Rich in hope, faith, love. R5927:5, 2212:5
The true riches of grace--"godliness with contentment." (1 Tim. 6:6) R2083:4
Unlike the apostles whom they claim to succeed, the popes are rich by making others poor. R1002:4
Possessing all things – In that all things are ours, for we are Christ's and Christ is God's. NS388:3
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| 11 O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged. |
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| 12 Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels. |
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| 13 Now for a recompense in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged. |
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| 14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? |
Be ye not unequally – Ezra's reform against mixed marriages was a time of weeping. While there is surely divine wisdom to marry "only in the Lord," (1 Cor. 7:39) it is not a law for Chris R4912:4
Jehoshaphat arranged a marriage between his son and the daughter of Ahab, considering it a wise method of re-uniting the two kingdoms; this was worldly wisdom, foolishness, not from the Lord. R4730:5
For one consecrated to God to thereafter become unequally yoked with one of the world's children, is to violate the direct command of God. R1075:5*, 765:5*
The spiritual Israelite is commanded to be separate from the world. R2534:2
Yoked – Married. R1554:1
Signifies an intimacy, a companionship, a fellowship of spirit. R1588:1
Jehoshaphat's most important mistake was in affiliating with Ahab, king of Israel, in war. "Shouldest thou help the ungodly and love them that hate the Lord?" (2 Chron. 19:2) R4730:5
Together – Neither by marriage ties nor by business partnerships and close friendships. R4730:5, 2666:5, 2534:2
In bonds of fellowship and friendship. R1588:2
With unbelievers – Those who are of the world. R1588:2
Masonry is a system, and a very beautiful system--as is very much of Satan's work--when seen from the worldly standpoint; but its symbolism is derived from devil worship and the worship of the sun. R1848:6*
What fellowship hath – None whatever. R1588:2
Our fellowship must be based upon the sure foundation, the blood of Jesus Christ. R647:2*
What communion – Paul was not the man for compromises. R1559:1
Let us see to it that our fellowship is based upon the sure foundation of the blood of Jesus Christ, and that our rejoicing and communion be of the increasing light as we walk together. R647:2*
Hath light – Truth. A20
Light is healing, beneficial, health-giving. R5544:6
With darkness – Darkness stands for Satan, for sin, for everything contrary to righteousness. R5544:6
Error and ignorance concerning God's plans and ways. R1282:3, 1588:3; A18
"Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." (Eph. 5:11) R753:6
"If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine (of Christ), receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:" (2 John 10) R753:6
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| 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? |
And what concord – What harmony. R1588:3
"Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of devils." (1 Cor. 10:21) R3963:3
There is no concord between Christ and Satan; nor between a believer in Christ and an unbeliever in his ransom and Lordship. R538:1
Hath Christ – The Body of Christ, the true Church. R1588:3
With Belial – With those who say, "Let us go and serve other gods." (Deut. 13:13) R1588:3
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| 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. |
What agreement hath – What harmony is there between the purity that belongs to the Temple of God and the impurities that belong to the flesh, the world and the devil? CR363:2; 457:4
The temple of God – "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God." (Rev. 3:12) B209, B239
The Church, the Body of Christ. R1588:3; C98
There are seven uses of this phrase in the New Testament, none of which refers to the literal Jewish Temple, but all referring to the body of believers, including the Head and the members. R638:3*
With idols – Can the spirit of God and the spirit of idolatry dwell in the same heart? God will not share his Temple. R1588:3
Ye are the temple – The antitype of Solomon's Temple is found in God's holy people--the Church. R5713:2
Every faithful, consecrated child of God is a Temple of God (1 Cor. 6:19) R1981:3
"How amiable are thy tabernacles" (Psa. 84:1) in the eyes of all who hav R1401:6
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| 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, |
Wherefore – In view of the fact that it is impossible to serve two masters or to have the Spirit of Christ, and still have fellowship with the opponents of Christ. R1588:4
There is a tendency toward the denial of all positive faith in Christian religion in civilized lands, and a substitution of unbelief coupled with forms and liturgies, an agnostic ceremonialism. R2537:6
Come out – "Come out of her, my people." (Rev. 18:4) R4022:6, 3963:3, 457:5*, 46:4; OV347:7
"The Lord knoweth them that are his," (2 Tim. 2:19) and is calling in a voice R2704:6
"Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness." (Eph. 5:11) R538:1
Look at Babylon. If you remain there you must submit to its fetters. Your presence binds your influence to its systems. You dare not declare the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) lest it condemn them. R457:5*
Paul makes a quotation from the Old Testament (Isa. 52:11) to support his teaching to support his teaching that Christians should be separate from unbelievers. R227:5[R227]
If your church lives in adulterous union with the world, you must leave her. If it lives separate from the world and bears the fruits of the spirit, it is not part of Babylon. R46:5
It is the duty of all who see the truth clearly to act positively. SM135:2
Regarding Rev. 18:4, a withdrawal letter, worded ptruths, was supplied. Each member of the congregation received one, with appropriate tracts. R3135:3
Many ministers and the more intelligent of all denominations realize that Churchianity is a golden calf, unworthy of reverence. Like Aaron, they lack courage and reluctantly join in sectarian practices. R4022:6
Since we hold to doctrines taught by Jesus and the apostles, and separate and cut ourselves off from all other religious jurisdiction and control, we are a sect by Webster's definition. R537:6
From among them – The untrue, the unbelieving, the unclean. R3986:6
The enemies of Christ, whether the avowed or the deceitfully cloaked. R1588:4
Be ye separate – The "wheat," will first be separated from the "tares," as now commanded by the Lord; then the binding of the "tares" in bundles will take place, ready for the "fire" (trouble) of this Day of Vengeance. R2538:1
We are to make a clean-cut division between ourselves and all the unclean, the impure in heart. R1588:5
Stand free from all slandering of the Almighty God and his gracious provisions. OV347:7
And touch not – "Avoid them" (Rom. 16:17)--have no part or lot with R1588:5
Whatever God condemns and disapproves we are to condemn and discountenance both in word and in deed. R227:6
It is only on these conditions that we have the Lord's promise--"I will receive you." R1588:5
Whoever lends financial aid or moral support to the great systems which are opposing the true teachings of God's Word is a partaker of the evil deeds and will share in the woes soon to come. SM135:2
The unclean thing – How many others like Lot and his wife have made the serious mistake of claiming more for the physical and temporal interests of their families than for their intellectual and moral welfare! R5179:2
I would not be dogmatic, but the position of separateness from human institutions (unions) and bondages is a safe position for the saints. R1285:5
The new creation should have nothing whatever to do with any of the semi-religious societies, clubs, orders, churches. This may not apply to labor organizations or insurance associations. F581
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| 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. |
Be a Father unto you – What a promise! To become his children and be given the assurance of his parental affection for us. R5739:5
Be my sons and daughters – As sons we have the joy of knowing of our Father's character through his Word. R5739:5
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