In the 8th chapter of the Gospel of John we find Jesus in the Temple teaching the Jewish people. His congregation included a number of scribes and Pharisees who were intent on discrediting Him. There were also many regular Jews who were more accepting of His Words. In verse 30 we are told that as He spoke, MANY BELIEVED ON HIM–BELIEVED WHAT HE SAID. In verse 31 Jesus spoke to those who believed on Him: “If you (believers) continue in (believe and obey) My Word, then you are My disciples indeed (not in name only). And you will know the Truth (God’s Word-Jn. 17:17) and the Truth will make you free” (of error).

Through the writings of the prophets and apostles and the preaching of His ministers, Jesus is saying the same thing to salvation seekers today, and is getting the same results–many are believing on Him. But as happened in the Temple, when His messengers get past the promises and begin talking about having to qualify to receive them, attitudes begin to change. In John 8 we find that as Jesus continued to speak God’s Truth, those who had so quickly “believed on Him” just as quickly turned on Him. Why? He told them that they would have to change, that they were neither righteous nor special. Being told that they were ignorant slaves to and spiritual descendants of Satan did not sit well with the self-righteous descendants of Abraham. The Jews who “believed on Him” only moments earlier were now accusing Him of being controlled by a demon (48). Their change of attitude came almost as quickly as had that of Adam and Eve upon hearing the words of the Serpent (Satan.). Why, in both cases, did believers so quickly become rejecters? In Adam and Eve’s case they heard from the devil what they wanted to hear, causing them to reject what God had told them. In the case of the Jews, they heard what they did not want to hear from Jesus, causing them to reject His Words. In both cases the people’s problem revolved around God’s Word and their reaction to it. Now, as then, everything goes back to the Word–God’s singular Standard upon which true believers build their spiritual “house.”

In Matthew 7:19-27 we find Jesus addressing the problem faced by Adam and Eve and the Jews of His day. The issue involves the production of “fruit” by which we will all be known by man and judged by God. Every “tree” (professing Christian) that fails to bring forth good fruit (obedience to God’s Word) will perish in fire (19,20). Not everyone who claims oneness with God is one with Him. Only he who “does the will (obeys the Word) of My Father in heaven” is one with Him. God does not “know” (intimately) those who claim to be His sons but do not do His will (21-23). These will fall when trials and temptations come. On the contrary, “… every one who hears these SAYINGS OF MINE and DOES THEM will survive such “storms” (24-27). Again, EVERYTHING COMES BACK TO GOD’S WORD–the same Word/Truth that professing Christendom rejects.

God’s Very Elect believe and obey His Word/Truth/will as stated in His Holy Bible. For this reason they will one day be caretakers of His creation–“the works of Your hands” (Ps. 8:6), as King David described it. We know the future of God’s Very Elect only through His Word. Let us study it in order to gain His approval (2 Tim. 2:15) by obeying it, thereby proving our love for Him. In the following postings we will study His promise concerning the future universe-patrolling responsibility of His saints. L.J.