There is a certain Pilgrim representative of the Bible Standard Ministries who is obviously confused and is contradictory to the Epiphany Truth writings by making the statement that those of us who are consecrated, living today, have
Christ's imputed merit and are perfect.
Merit—No Embargo On Merit.
Question (1999)—Do “Between-the-Ages” consecrators have an embargo on Jesus’ Ransom merit in order to exist?
Answer.—Neither the Youthful Worthies nor the Consecrated Epiphany Campers have an embargo on Christ’s merit. But we do not expect God to apply the merit for the world until the Youthful Worthies have all gone down into death (E. 15, p. 251, par. 1, 252).
The facts that the Consecrated Epiphany Campers have no embargo on Christ’s merit does not prevent their existing now any more than similarly the fact that the Ancient Worthies had no embargo on the merit prevented them from existing. The Ancient Worthies had their faith imputed to them for righteousness and their justification—unlike that of the Gospel-Age new creatures—Was tentative rather than vitalized (Rom. 4: 1-3). ’99-87
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Question (1980)—Who is the High Priest for “Those Consecrating Between the Ages” (R5761)?
Answer.—Jesus as High Priest offered up His humanity, the antitypical atonement day bullock (Lev. 16), and in His sacrificial death went under the antitypical second veil and then in His resurrection rose up a Divine being in the Most Holy (Heb. 10: 19, 20). There after His ascension He sprinkled the antitypical bullock’s blood on the mercy seat and consequently the blessings of Pentecost came to His disciples. He appeared in the presence of God “for us,” the Church of the Firstborn, the Little Flock and the Great Company (Heb. 9: 24; T 59), and imputed His Ransom merit on their behalf. Also, He makes a tentative imputation for “Those Consecrating Between the Ages” (comp. E. 4, p. 408).
While personally Jesus is forever with God in the Most Holy, as High Priest He is pictured as ministering during the Gospel Age in the Court, in dealing with the Lord’s Goat, the humanity of the Little Flock. The Body members co-operate with Jesus as the World’s High Priest in this work (T 51, par. 1; P ’20, pp. 167, 168) and also here in the end of the Age in dealing with Azazel’s Goat, the humanity of the Great Company.
But the World’s High Priest deals also with the Youthful Worthy Levites and the consecrated antitypical Nethinim (the Consecrated Epiphany Campers) here in the end of the Age. He is the High Priest for all—including the antitypical Israelites. Though both Head and Body are now in the Divine nature, associated with the Heavenly Father, they are still not in the antitypical garments of glory and beauty (P. ’57, p. 12). They still do not have all their Millennial Mediatorial powers, prerogatives, privileges, possessions and services (E. 11, p. 578), which are included in these antitypical garments and which come to them only after Jesus’ blood-merit is applied on behalf of the world (Z Reprints 80, par. 5; 245, par. 12, 15; 3709; 4602, par. 2).
The World’s High Priest has worked toward the Youthful Worthies from 1881 onward and toward the rest of “Those Consecrating Between the Ages,” the Consecrated Epiphany Campers, from the Fall of 1954 onward. In fact, this High Priest has worked toward the unconsecrated tentatively justified also (E. 4, p. 69). All such consecrators are of the pre-Millennial seed of Abraham (E. 11, p. 293), those who consecrate before the Millennial Mediatorial Reign begins.
The C.E.C.’s, antitypical Nethinim, are regarded, or considered by God as beforehand “bringing” or presenting offerings to the World’s High Priest at the Gate of the Court, though this type does not really enter into fulfilment until the Mediatorial Reign begins and all the antitypical Israelites bring their offerings.
The C.E.C.’s, being justified by faith (and consecrated also), will share in the resurrection of the just, but not in “the better resurrection,” which is only for the Worthies (P. ’73, pp. 60, 61).
Neither class of Between-the-Ages consecrators (Y.W. or C.E.C.) is in danger of the Second Death at the end of this life, though by persistently sinning wilfully they can undermine their characters to such an extent that they will become Second Deathers Millennially or post-Millennially, after the Kingdom is set up (comp. Matt. 23: 33).
The C.E.C.’s, the chief part of antitypical Miriam, will have a very honorable station post-Millennially among the restitutionists in the perfected earth (E. 11, p. 293). ’80-62; ’99-87
While personally Jesus is forever with God in the Most Holy, as High Priest He is pictured as ministering during the Gospel Age in the Court, in dealing with the Lord’s Goat, the humanity of the Little Flock. The Body members co-operate with Jesus as the World’s High Priest in this work (T 51, par. 1; P ’20, pp. 167, 168) and also here in the end of the Age in dealing with Azazel’s Goat, the humanity of the Great Company.
But the World’s High Priest deals also with the Youthful Worthy Levites and the consecrated antitypical Nethinim (the Consecrated Epiphany Campers) here in the end of the Age. He is the High Priest for all—including the antitypical Israelites. Though both Head and Body are now in the Divine nature, associated with the Heavenly Father, they are still not in the antitypical garments of glory and beauty (P. ’57, p. 12). They still do not have all their Millennial Mediatorial powers, prerogatives, privileges, possessions and services (E. 11, p. 578), which are included in these antitypical garments and which come to them only after Jesus’ blood-merit is applied on behalf of the world (Z Reprints 80, par. 5; 245, par. 12, 15; 3709; 4602, par. 2).
The World’s High Priest has worked toward the Youthful Worthies from 1881 onward and toward the rest of “Those Consecrating Between the Ages,” the Consecrated Epiphany Campers, from the Fall of 1954 onward. In fact, this High Priest has worked toward the unconsecrated tentatively justified also (E. 4, p. 69). All such consecrators are of the pre-Millennial seed of Abraham (E. 11, p. 293), those who consecrate before the Millennial Mediatorial Reign begins.
The C.E.C.’s, antitypical Nethinim, are regarded, or considered by God as beforehand “bringing” or presenting offerings to the World’s High Priest at the Gate of the Court, though this type does not really enter into fulfilment until the Mediatorial Reign begins and all the antitypical Israelites bring their offerings.
The C.E.C.’s, being justified by faith (and consecrated also), will share in the resurrection of the just, but not in “the better resurrection,” which is only for the Worthies (P. ’73, pp. 60, 61).
Neither class of Between-the-Ages consecrators (Y.W. or C.E.C.) is in danger of the Second Death at the end of this life, though by persistently sinning wilfully they can undermine their characters to such an extent that they will become Second Deathers Millennially or post-Millennially, after the Kingdom is set up (comp. Matt. 23: 33).
The C.E.C.’s, the chief part of antitypical Miriam, will have a very honorable station post-Millennially among the restitutionists in the perfected earth (E. 11, p. 293). ’80-62; ’99-87
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
"Yet There Is Room" W.T. 1913 - Part 2
"…Those who are in a waiting attitude…"
OUR REASON FOR THIS THOUGHT
People who have not been interested in religion and who have not heretofore consecrated themselves unto God, have quite recently made full consecration of themselves and have received that evidence which seems to indicate that God has accepted them. Not only have the eyes of their understanding been opened so that they can see the spiritual, or deep things of God, but they are given opportunities to sacrifice. While we make a covenant that we will sacrifice (Psa. 50:5), yet it is for the Lord to give us the opportunity to do so. The fact that some of the recently consecrated are receiving and using opportunities to sacrifice, implies that when they made their consecration there was a place open and that they are filling it.
The fact also that so many have been thus accepted since 1878 seems to imply that there has been a considerable vacancy in the list of the Elect, and that it is gradually filling up. It is not for us to say how much of a vacancy remains, or just when it will be filled. We fully believe, however, that it will be filled before the close of "the Times of the Gentiles," which we think will end with October, 1914.
As for others who have not yet consecrated themselves, we can say with St. Paul, "I beseech you,...brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice." (Rom. 12:1.) Do your best. It may be that there is an opening and you may get in. Consecrate your time, your talents, all that you have, to the service of God. He is a good Paymaster; whatever reward He may give you will be a prize.
We realize, however, that all who will be accepted as members of the Body of Christ must have trials both of faith and of loyalty before being assigned to a definite place in the Kingdom. Those who become reprobates will constitute the Second Death class. Others may be assigned to the Great Company. All such will be counted out of membership in the Royal Priesthood. As each is put out as unworthy, his former place becomes vacant and his crown released. Such vacancies, we understand, are now being filled from among those who offer themselves.
This condition has obtained since 1881, when, we believe--as before stated--the general call ceased. When a vacancy occurs, it is reasonable to believe that from among those who are in a waiting attitude the one would be chosen who is the most highly developed and most fully in harmony with the Lord.
R5168
OUR REASON FOR THIS THOUGHT
People who have not been interested in religion and who have not heretofore consecrated themselves unto God, have quite recently made full consecration of themselves and have received that evidence which seems to indicate that God has accepted them. Not only have the eyes of their understanding been opened so that they can see the spiritual, or deep things of God, but they are given opportunities to sacrifice. While we make a covenant that we will sacrifice (Psa. 50:5), yet it is for the Lord to give us the opportunity to do so. The fact that some of the recently consecrated are receiving and using opportunities to sacrifice, implies that when they made their consecration there was a place open and that they are filling it.
As for others who have not yet consecrated themselves, we can say with St. Paul, "I beseech you,...brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice." (Rom. 12:1.) Do your best. It may be that there is an opening and you may get in. Consecrate your time, your talents, all that you have, to the service of God. He is a good Paymaster; whatever reward He may give you will be a prize.
We realize, however, that all who will be accepted as members of the Body of Christ must have trials both of faith and of loyalty before being assigned to a definite place in the Kingdom. Those who become reprobates will constitute the Second Death class. Others may be assigned to the Great Company. All such will be counted out of membership in the Royal Priesthood. As each is put out as unworthy, his former place becomes vacant and his crown released. Such vacancies, we understand, are now being filled from among those who offer themselves.
This condition has obtained since 1881, when, we believe--as before stated--the general call ceased. When a vacancy occurs, it is reasonable to believe that from among those who are in a waiting attitude the one would be chosen who is the most highly developed and most fully in harmony with the Lord.
R5168
Sunday, April 1, 2012
"Yet There Is Room" W.T. 1913 - Part 1
"YET THERE IS ROOM"
"Hold that fast which thou hast, that
no man take thy crown."--Rev. 3:11.
THE QUESTION is sometimes asked whether it is possible for one to consecrate himself and to be accepted at this late hour in the Gospel Age, unless there is a crown reserved for such a one. Certainly it would be possible for one to consecrate himself.
Consecration is always proper. Long before the Gospel Age began, Abraham and the Prophets made consecration of their lives. St. Paul informs us that these Ancient Worthies showed that their lives were consecrated to God and righteousness; for they suffered--many of them--painful and ignominious deaths for His sake. Thus they demonstrated that the world was unworthy of them. --Heb. 11:33-38.
The fact that a person has offered himself in consecration does not, however, obligate the Almighty to accept the offering. While it is true that "God is no respecter of persons" (Acts 10:34,) yet His favor was given first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles. This favor is the most wonderful ever offered to beings on any plane of existence--that all who will accept the terms may come into the Church, which is the mystical Body of Christ, until a sufficient number shall have been found, until the fore-ordained number shall have made consecration and shall have made their calling and election sure. While the Scriptures indicate clearly that we are living at the very close of the Gospel Age, yet it is not for us to know when the full number shall have consecrated themselves. It is our belief that in a general way the outward call ceased in 1881, A. D.
Our thought is that in 1878 there were a great many consecrated persons who had not passed their trial in full; and that there were in the nominal churches many thousands who had made full consecration to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. From 1874 to 1881, there was a great number of evangelists preaching both in this country and abroad. Of these, Evangelist Moody was perhaps the best known. He seemed to make a great many converts; and his preaching seemed to be very different from that of the majority of evangelists. He preached forgiveness through the precious blood of Christ, and full consecration to God.
During that revival period, many made a full consecration, had their names tentatively written in Heaven, and filled up the number required. But when the testings came, many were found unworthy of a higher reward than that of the Great Company. Others took the places of the failures and were also tested and sifted. Vacancies occurred; and still others came in for an opportunity. We see evidences that this work has been going on for the past thirty years; and we believe that it is true that some names are now being listed and that there are crowns awaiting such.
"Hold that fast which thou hast, that
no man take thy crown."--Rev. 3:11.
THE QUESTION is sometimes asked whether it is possible for one to consecrate himself and to be accepted at this late hour in the Gospel Age, unless there is a crown reserved for such a one. Certainly it would be possible for one to consecrate himself.
Consecration is always proper. Long before the Gospel Age began, Abraham and the Prophets made consecration of their lives. St. Paul informs us that these Ancient Worthies showed that their lives were consecrated to God and righteousness; for they suffered--many of them--painful and ignominious deaths for His sake. Thus they demonstrated that the world was unworthy of them. --Heb. 11:33-38.
The fact that a person has offered himself in consecration does not, however, obligate the Almighty to accept the offering. While it is true that "God is no respecter of persons" (Acts 10:34,) yet His favor was given first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles. This favor is the most wonderful ever offered to beings on any plane of existence--that all who will accept the terms may come into the Church, which is the mystical Body of Christ, until a sufficient number shall have been found, until the fore-ordained number shall have made consecration and shall have made their calling and election sure. While the Scriptures indicate clearly that we are living at the very close of the Gospel Age, yet it is not for us to know when the full number shall have consecrated themselves. It is our belief that in a general way the outward call ceased in 1881, A. D.
Our thought is that in 1878 there were a great many consecrated persons who had not passed their trial in full; and that there were in the nominal churches many thousands who had made full consecration to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. From 1874 to 1881, there was a great number of evangelists preaching both in this country and abroad. Of these, Evangelist Moody was perhaps the best known. He seemed to make a great many converts; and his preaching seemed to be very different from that of the majority of evangelists. He preached forgiveness through the precious blood of Christ, and full consecration to God.
During that revival period, many made a full consecration, had their names tentatively written in Heaven, and filled up the number required. But when the testings came, many were found unworthy of a higher reward than that of the Great Company. Others took the places of the failures and were also tested and sifted. Vacancies occurred; and still others came in for an opportunity. We see evidences that this work has been going on for the past thirty years; and we believe that it is true that some names are now being listed and that there are crowns awaiting such.
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