head of the church: and He is the Savior of the body.” Christ is Savior of
the body, which is His church, of which there is one, EPHESIANS 1:22-23;
4:4. Acts 2:47 says: "Praising God, and having favour with all the people.
And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." The
Lord God adds to the church those who are saved, not the unsaved. He adds
the saved to the church, not to a denomination.
Man” who is “the King” says there will be: “…outer darkness … weeping
and gnashing … cursed … everlasting fire … prepared for the devil …
everlasting punishment.” Souls outside of Christ and His church are
destined for hell. To escape hell, “The King” has provided one kingdom /
church (COL. 1:13,18); “The Son of Man” has one “whole family”
(EPHESIANS 3:14-15). The Christ has but one church. EPHESIANS 3:21.
Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages,
world without end. Amen. No imaginations of men or nations of any
generation will ever change this fact. This one church is identified in the
Bible as the church of Christ which was: Promised by Christ (MATT. 16:
18; see DAN. 2:44; ISA 2:2-3); Purchased by Christ (ACTS 20:28; EPH. 1:
7; 5:25); & Perfected by Christ (EPH. 4:12; 5:26-27).
to EXO. 19:12-19, the giving of the Old Testament law to Israel at earthly
Mount Sinai, was manifested with thunder, fire, exceeding loud trumpet
sound, and the voice of God. It filled Israel with such awe that they entreated
that God no more speak directly to them (EXO.20:19). The command and the
death penalty of EXO. 19:12 added to their terror. So now in the New
Testament, the gospel goes forth from Mount Zion, which is Jerusalem, and
also a symbol of heaven. The “heavenly Jerusalem” (v.22) is where our
Lord dwells, and also eternal home of the faithful. Only obedience to the
New Testament gospel of Christ can give one the right to a place in that city.
The “innumerable company” (v.22) are the angels of heaven. The "general
assembly and church of the firstborn" (v.23) is the general church of
Christ (COL. 1:18, cf. lesson #13 on church). Back in Israel the firstborn
son inherited the birthright (GEN 27:1,36), but now in Christ all the saints
have the firstborn birthright, because they have been “born again” (JOHN 3:
3,5; cf.1 COR 15:23). Their names are “written in heaven”, LUKE 10:20;
REVEL. 20:15. God the Judge of all, will make judgment in behalf of the
one persecuted church. While the blood of Abel cried for vengeance, the
blood of Christ pleads for mercy, on your behalf - - - IF “ye refuse not…
Him that speaketh from heaven”, HEB 12:25.
INVITATION. Are you refusing God’s offer? Or will you trust and obey
Christ, to be in His one Church. If you obey Him, the reward is written in 1
PETER 1:3-5. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a
lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an
inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away,
reserved in heaven for you." To obey Christ one must: Hear God’s Word
(Romans 10:14-17); Believe that gospel (Hebrews 11:6); Repent of sins
(Acts 2:38); Confess that Jesus is Son of God (Matthew 10:32-33); Be
baptized by immersion for remission of sins (Roman 6:1-6); Remain faithful
(Rev.2:10).