[275]Jesus was put to death in the flesh and was resurrected a divine being. (1 Peter 3:18) God had promised to grant unto him the divine nature, giving him the power and authority to have inherent life. Only divine beings have life within themselves and need nothing to sustain life. Jesus said: "For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself". (John 5:26) When on earth he was a man. When he arose from the dead he was the express image of Jehovah God. "Who being the brightness of his [Jehovah's] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the majesty on high; being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they." (Hebrews 1:3,4) He was begotten to the divine nature at the time of his baptism in the Jordan. He was born on the divine plane to the divine nature at his resurrection. When he arose from the dead he was both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) Lord means one who owns; one who has power and authority, and one whom his followers acknowledge as Master and Lord. Christ means the anointed one; the one appointed by Jehovah to carry out his great plan. So now being raised from the dead he is both owner of all things and endowed with power and authority to carry out Jehovah's plan. The name Jesus means Savior of the people. That was his earthly name. It is more particularly associated with him as the sin-bearer, or one who made his soul an offering for sin, who suffered for us and who bore our sins—the one whom the Prophet describes as "the man of sorrows".
[276]When he arose from the dead Jehovah highly exalted him and gave him a name above all other names. He was once a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Now, resurrected from the dead, he is the exalted one; hence the Apostle declares: "Being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth and things under the earth and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."—Philippians 2:8-11.
[277]God has decreed that since the earth was the scene of Jesus' suffering it shall be the scene of his glory, and all creatures shall bow at the name of Jesus, and that every creature shall confess that Jesus is Christ and is the Lord.
[278]On the day Jesus arose from the dead and on several occasions thereafter he appeared unto his disciples and others who specially loved him. He did not appear to them in the same body which was crucified; nor with the same clothing in which he was buried. The Scriptural account is that the clothing and a napkin were folded up and laid aside in the tomb. Had he appeared in the same body that was crucified, those who were with him for three and a half years would have readily recognized him. Surely Mary would have known him. He appeared to her as a gardener on one occasion, and only when he spoke her name in the tone so familiar to her did she recognize him. The Scriptural account of his appearing to the disciples and other witnesses is briefly noted as follows:
[279]He appeared on Sunday morning, early in the day of his resurrection, to Mary Magdalene near the sepulchre at Jerusalem.—John 20:11-18.
[280]On the same Sunday morning, to the women returning from the sepulchre.—Matthew 28:9, 10.
[281]On the same Sunday morning to Simon Peter alone near Jerusalem. —Luke 24:34.
[282]On the same day to two disciples going to Emmaus, between Jerusalem and Emmaus.—Luke 24:13-21.
[283]On the same Sunday evening to the apostles (except Thomas) at Jerusalem.—John 20:19-25.
[284]Thereafter he appeared again one week later (Sunday evening) to the apostles, Thomas this time being present, at Jerusalem.—John 20:26-29.
[285]Some days thereafter he appeared on the shores of Galilee to seven of his disciples who had gone back to fishing.—John 21:1-13.
[286]A little later he appeared to the eleven disciples on a mountain near Galilee.—Matthew 28:16-20.
[287]A short time thereafter he again appeared to a company of more than five hundred of his followers, gathered by appointment, in Galilee. —1 Corinthians 15:6.
[288]He again appeared to the apostle James only.—1 Corinthians 15:7.
[289]Then he appeared for the last time on the side of the Mount of Olives to his disciples at the time of his ascension.—Luke 24:50,51; Acts 1:6-9.
[290]The question will arise in the minds of many, Did he appear in a spirit body or a human body, and how did he get the body if it was not the one in which he was crucified? We may be sure that he did not arise from the dead with a human body, because on one of these occasions he appeared to the disciples when they were in a room with the doors fastened. (John 20:19-26) The only answer is that now, as a divine being, he had the power to create a body and clothing and appear at any time and upon any occasion that he desired. Mary supposed him to be a gardener; two of the disciples who walked with him thought he was a stranger in the community. Again, none of the disciples recognized him by his body on the sea of Galilee; likewise on other occasions when he appeared unto them. On all these occasions he was recognized by his actions, his words, and the familiar tone of his voice. It was hard to convince Thomas, who declared he must have some more proof; therefore the Lord created a body having in it the marks of the nails in order that Thomas might be convinced. And when he was convinced, Jesus said to him: "Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed".—John 20:27-29.
[291]The purpose of Jesus' appearing to the disciples was that the fact might be fully established that he was resurrected and alive. He had the power to create a fleshly body and appear in it and dissolve it at any time; and without doubt when he appeared to his disciples behind locked doors he created the body immediately in their presence and dissolved it when he disappeared. To prove to them that he was a real body of flesh and bones he said to them: "Handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have". (Luke 24:39) This was not a spirit body, but a body of flesh. The body with which he ascended on high and which he has in heaven is a glorious body which no man can look upon and live except by the miraculous power of Jehovah. The apostle Paul states: "Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God". (1 Corinthians 15:50,51) In addition to this, St. John says: "It doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is".—1 John 3:2.
[292]St. Paul was given a miraculous view of the Lord in glory. As he was journeying to Damascus suddenly there shone about him a light from heaven. He did not see the body of Jesus but only the light from his glorious body. He heard a voice saying unto him: "I am Jesus". So brilliant was this light that for three days he was blind; and the Lord performed a miracle by removing his blindness. "And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith and arose, and was baptized." (Acts 9:1-19) The apostle Paul afterward relating this incident said: "And last of all he [Jesus] was seen of me also, as one born out of due time". (1 Corinthians 15:8) Here we have a little glimpse of what the glorious body of the Lord is. These facts show that the bodies in which Jesus appeared after his resurrection were not the body that was crucified nor his glorious spiritual body, but bodies created expressly for the purpose of appearing unto his disciples. Our Lord's human body, the one crucified, was removed from the tomb by the power of God. Had it remained there it would have been an obstacle in the way of the faith of his disciples, who were not yet instructed in spiritual things. They were not thus instructed until the giving of the holy spirit at Pentecost. The Scriptures do not reveal what became of that body, except that it did not decay or corrupt. (Acts 2:27,31) We can only surmise that the Lord may have preserved it somewhere to exhibit to the people in the Millennial age. The Scriptures tell us that God miraculously hid the body of Moses (Deuteronomy 34:6; Jude 9); and Jehovah could just as easily have preserved and hid away the body of Jesus. Jesus being resurrected a divine being, the express image of the Father, we are sure that no man could look upon him and live. (Exodus 33:20) Christ Jesus the Lord in heaven is a glorious being, the fairest of ten thousand, and altogether lovely, and no human eye has ever seen him since glorified, except the vision miraculously given to St. Paul.
[293]The purpose of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus when understood is further proof that he was raised divine. As we have seen, the ransom must be provided by a perfect human being going into death. This ransom-price, namely, the value of a perfect human life, must be presented in heaven itself as a sin-offering on behalf of mankind. Unless this was done, the ransom would be of no avail and there would be no purchase of the human race from death and its results. The apostle Paul plainly states that Christ Jesus has entered into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us. (Hebrews 9:24) He is now a great high priest who passed into the heavens, becoming the high priest on behalf of those who come to God through him during the gospel age. (Hebrews 4:14-16) On the typical atonement day, as we have seen, God caused Israel through the priesthood to make a picture of the sin-offering. The high priest appearing in the Most Holy and sprinkling the blood upon the mercy seat was a type of Jesus appearing in heaven itself, presenting the merit of his sacrifice as a great sin-offering. This would have been impossible had not Jesus been resurrected a divine being.
[294]Afterward Jesus Christ gave unto St. John a revelation by his angel, which is recorded as the book of Revelation. In that he said: "I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death". (Revelation 1:18) Hell means the tomb, the grave, the condition of death into which the whole human race has been going for so many centuries. Death is the great enemy and in due time the Lord will abolish or destroy both death and the grave, as we shall see later on.
[295]As each person comes to a knowledge of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and understands and appreciates the purpose, his heart is made glad. Only those who are enlightened have yet appreciated the fact that the resurrection of Jesus is one of the strings on God's wonderful harp. In due time these benefits will be made known to all, and all shall recognize this wonderful truth. After the Lord has finished the selection of the members of his body, which is called the church (Colossians 1:18), then his merit or ransom-sacrifice will be presented on behalf of the world of mankind and all will reap the benefits of his resurrection. The foregoing Scriptures conclusively establish the resurrection of Christ Jesus from the dead.
[296]In St. Paul's day there were some who denied the resurrection, even as it has been ever since. To meet their argument St. Paul wrote: "Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: and if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ; whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. Then cometh the end when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death."—1 Corinthians 15:12-26.
[297]Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and his ascension on high, all men are guaranteed one full, fair opportunity to obtain everlasting life. God has made this provision and given this guarantee, as St. Paul states. "Because he [God] hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead." (Acts 17:31) We are now just coming into that "appointed day", in which the world is beginning to know and soon will know much more about the wonderful benefits resulting from the resurrection of our Lord. In that great day the Lord shall reign in glory and then will be fulfilled his words: "Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment". (John 5:28,29,R.V.) Of this we shall have more to say when we discuss the string of God's great harp, restoration.
What is the first month of the Jewish religious year?¶ 245.
On the fourteenth day of that month, A.D. 33, where was Jesus?¶ 245.
What had his disciples expected him to do?¶ 245.
What was their condition of mind, and what their hopes, after his death?¶ 245.
What was the expectation of the disciples with reference to his resurrection?¶ 245.
How had the body of Jesus been prepared for burial? and what was the purpose?¶ 245.
Give further proof with reference to the expectation of the disciples concerning Jesus' resurrection.¶ 245.
Did the disciples understand the Scriptures at that time with reference to the resurrection of Jesus Christ?¶ 246.
Is the student now able to understand Scriptures in the Old Testament relative to the resurrection of the Lord that have been heretofore little understood?¶ 246.
Give some Scriptural texts of the Old Testament bearing upon the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.¶ 247.
Did the Psalmist speak of Jesus going to hell? and if so, what was meant?¶ 247.
Give the Apostle's interpretation of this statement.¶ 247.
What was meant by the statement of the Psalmist in Psalm 17:15?¶ 248.
In whose likeness was Jesus awakened? Give the Scriptural proof.¶ 248.
Did the Psalmist in Psalm 68:18 refer to Jesus' resurrection? and if so, why?¶ 248.
Quote the words of the prophecy of Isaiah (9:6,7) concerning Jesus.¶ 249.
Did the Prophet here foreshadow the resurrection of Jesus Christ?¶ 249.
How did Jehovah refer to Christ's resurrection in the words of the prophet Isaiah (53:6-11)?¶ 250.
Had Jesus told his disciples that he expected to arise from the dead? and if so, where?¶ 251.
Why were the disciples sorry, as stated in Matthew 17:22,23?¶ 251.
Why could not the disciples of Jesus understand the prophecies concerning his resurrection? Quote a Scripture from the New Testament in support of this answer.¶ 251.
What was the hope uppermost in the minds of the disciples?¶ 251.
What had happened just five days before Jesus' death that increased such hopes in the minds of the disciples?¶ 251.
What would be the probable effect upon the disciples of the sudden death of the Master?¶ 251.
In being put to death as an evil one and buried in the sepulchre of a rich man, what prophecy did Jesus fulfill?¶ 252.
On what day was Jesus crucified? and what was the day following?¶ 253.
What were Jews expected to do on that day of the sabbath?¶ 253.
When did the sabbath day end?¶ 253.
What was done by Mary and others on the morning of the first day of the week after Jesus' crucifixion?¶ 254.
Who appeared unto them at the tomb? and what did the messenger say?¶ 254.
What effect did this message from the angel have upon these women? and what did they do?¶ 254.
What proof have we here that the resurrection of Jesus is one of the strings upon the harp of God?¶ 255.
What effect was produced upon the first human being who heard of the resurrection of the Lord?¶ 255.
How must this news have been received in heaven?¶ 255.
What is the meaning of the word angel?¶ 256.
Do these angels have access to Jehovah? Give the Scriptural proof.¶ 256.
Is there Scriptural proof that these holy messengers sing praises in heaven?¶ 256.
What Scriptural proof have we that God uses angels for messengers? Give several instances.¶ 256.
Is there any Scriptural evidence that these holy angels guarded the interests of Jesus while here on earth?¶ 256.
Cite Scriptural proof as to what else the angels did with reference to Jesus the babe.¶ 256.
Is it reasonable to suppose that the angels watched the progressive steps of Jesus' course from his birth to his resurrection?¶ 257.
Might we expect them to be looking for the resurrection of Jesus Christ?¶ 257.
Who was sent from heaven to roll back the stone from Jesus' tomb?¶ 257.
When the triumph of Jesus over death and the grave was marked, what effect must that have produced in heaven?¶ 257.
Would the resurrection of Jesus demonstrate his approval by Jehovah?¶ 258.
Would his triumph over death and the grave be reason for his praise in heaven?¶ 258.
Give Scriptural proof of the praise of Jesus Christ by the heavenly hosts after his resurrection.¶ 258.
What was it that convinced the disciples of the resurrection of Jesus Christ?¶ 259.
Being convinced of his resurrection, how did that affect Jesus' disciples in regard to proclaiming the truth?¶ 259.
Why should we have Scriptural proof of the resurrection of Christ Jesus?¶ 260.
Is it reasonable to suppose that Jesus' disciples would concoct a scheme indicating his resurrection, contrary to the facts?¶ 260.
What convulsion of nature occurred at the time of Jesus' death?¶ 261.
Give the Scriptural proof of the burial of Jesus' body.¶ 261.
Why did the Pharisees believe in the resurrection of the dead?¶ 262.
Did the Pharisees specially request of Pilate a special guard to be placed over the tomb of Jesus? and if so, why? Give the Scriptural proof.¶ 262.
What did Pilate reply to them?¶ 262.
Could God have resurrected Jesus Christ without removing the stone?¶ 263.
How would this indicate the derision in which he held the Pharisees?¶ 263.
Who rolled away the stone from the tomb?¶ 264.
What did the Roman guard testify concerning the appearance of the one who rolled away the stone?¶ 264.
Who first appeared at the tomb on the morning of Christ's resurrection?¶ 265.
Relate what took place there between Mary Magdalene and the messenger who appeared to her; and what was the message delivered to her?¶ 265.
What other wrongful thing did the priests do, when they heard of Jesus Christ's resurrection?¶ 266.
Compare the testimony given by St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke, and St. John; and state whether there is any real difference.¶¶ 267-270.
What other Apostle's testimony is added to that of the ones just quoted? and what did he say about the resurrection of Jesus?¶ 271.
What further testimony did St. John subsequently give concerning Jesus Christ's resurrection?¶ 272.
How many witnesses testified to the resurrection of our Lord Jesus?¶ 273.
Where did these faithful witnesses give their testimony concerning the resurrection of the Lord?¶ 273.
Did they endanger themselves by giving such testimony?¶ 273.
The fact that they gave it immediately and boldly, what weight does that add to its truthfulness?¶ 274.
What was their motive in testifying of the Lord's resurrection?¶ 274.
Did anyone suffer martyrdom because of giving testimony to this effect? Give the Scriptural proof.¶ 274.
To what nature was Jesus Christ resurrected?¶ 275.
What does it mean to have inherent life?¶ 275.
What did Jesus say about the Father giving him this favor?¶ 275.
When the Lord arose from the dead, was he made lower or higher than the angels?¶ 275.
When was he begotten and when born to the divine nature?¶ 275.
What is the meaning of the terms Lord and Christ?¶ 275.
What power and authority has the Lord possessed since his resurrection?¶ 275.
What is the meaning of the name Jesus?¶ 275.
State what the Scriptures say of his exaltation at the resurrection.¶ 276.
Has God decreed how the creatures of earth shall ultimately honor the Lord Jesus?¶ 277.
When was the first time Jesus appeared to his disciples after arising from the dead?¶ 278.
With what body did he appear?¶ 278.
Give the reasons why he did not appear in the body that was crucified.¶ 278.
How did Mary recognize him?¶ 278.
State how many times Jesus appeared prior to his ascension on high, giving the Scriptural proof.¶¶ 279-289.
Did he appear in a spirit or a human body? and how did he get the body in which he appeared?¶ 290.
How could he appear in the room in the presence of the disciples when the door was locked?¶ 290.
How did the disciples recognize him at the sea of Galilee and other places?¶ 290.
What was Jesus' purpose in appearing to the disciples?¶ 291.
Describe the body in which Jesus appeared behind locked doors; and what did he say to his disciples then?¶ 291.
Could the body in which Jesus was crucified ascend into heaven? and if not, why not? Give Scriptural proof.¶ 291.
Describe his appearance to Saul on the way to Damascus.¶ 292.
Did Saul see the body of Jesus at that time?¶ 292.
What effect did the appearance of the Lord to St. Paul have upon him?¶ 292.
What did St. Paul later say about Jesus appearing unto him?¶ 292.
What does the appearance of the Lord to St. Paul prove with reference to the bodies in which Jesus appeared shortly after his resurrection?¶ 292.
What became of the body of the Lord that was crucified?¶ 292.
Christ Jesus in glory possesses what kind of body?¶ 292.
What did the resurrection of the Lord and his appearance in heaven have to do with the ransom and sin-offering?¶ 293.
Were his resurrection and ascension on high necessary to complete the sin-offering?¶ 293.
On the typical atonement day, through what ceremonies did the high priest pass in connection with the sin-offering?¶ 293.
What did this typify?¶ 293.
In the Revelation of Jesus to St. John, what did he say about being the one who was once dead? and what power does he now possess?¶ 294.
What is meant by the terms hell and death as used in Revelation 1:18?¶ 294.
Up to this time who have appreciated the value of Jesus' resurrection as a part of the divine plan?¶ 295.
Do the Scriptures herein cited prove the resurrection of Christ Jesus?¶ 295.
What argument did St. Paul produce against the contention that Christ was not raised from the dead?¶ 296.
What does the resurrection of Jesus Christ guarantee to mankind?¶ 297.
Give the Scriptural proof of such guarantee.¶ 297.
Where are we now with reference to the 'day appointed', as referred to in Acts 17:31?¶ 297.
[298]A mystery is that which is kept a profound secret. It is something unknown, except to certain ones, being kept carefully and continuously concealed from all others. Jehovah being all powerful can hide or keep secret from every creature, earthly or heavenly, any part or all of his great plan and reveal or make it known at such time as might please him. One feature of his great plan he did keep secret for ages and it is still a secret to all except a few.
[299]When Jesus was on earth he taught the people in parables or dark sayings. His disciples came to him and asked: "Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given." (Matthew 13:10,11) It will be observed that he did not say, 'You now know the mysteries of God'; but that it was given them to know those mysteries. Not even his disciples understood him in many things when they were with him. On the last night before his crucifixion he was instructing them in various things that would be helpful to them in the days to come. On that occasion he said: "When he, the spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come." (John 16:13) The spirit of truth here mentioned is the holy spirit, the spirit of God, the invisible power operating upon the minds of those who are in covenant relationship with God. Jesus here used the masculine pronoun in speaking of the holy spirit.
[300]The holy spirit was given to the disciples at Pentecost, that is to say, fifty days after the resurrection of Jesus. "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the holy spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:1-4) The King James Version of our Bibles, translates the word here holy "ghost", but there is no warrant for such a translation. It comes from the word which means spirit.
[301]It was at Pentecost that for the first time God's great mystery began to be understood by the disciples. The mystery of God has been a stumbling block to both Jews and Christians so-called; but in God's due time he will make known to all the secret of his mystery and then all rightly exercised by this will rejoice with exceeding joy.
[302]The mystery isthe Christ, the great one through whom redemption, deliverance and blessing will ultimately come to all mankind who receive Christ and obey him. God foreshadowed his mystery for ages by the use of various men. Yet all of that time he kept it secret.
[303]Death has been and is the great enemy of man. Death is the very opposite of life. The greatest desire of man is and always has been to have life everlasting in happiness. From the time of his expulsion from Eden man has been looking for something upon which to fasten a hope for life and happiness. Satan was the cause of death, and when God pronounced the sentence in Eden he said that the seed of the woman should bruise the serpent's head. This statement was in the nature of a promise, but it could not then be understood. Since Pentecost some have understood the meaning of these words to be an assurance that in God's due time the seed of promise, the seed of the woman, will destroy Satan, who has the power of death. Nearly two thousand years rolled by after this statement before anything further was promised.
[304]Then unto Abraham Jehovah called and made him the promise: "In thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed". This was another reference to the mystery; but that promise was not understood in its proper light. Abraham believed God would bless the human race, but he did not understand just the manner in which it would be done. At the time of this promise Abraham had no children. Several years more passed and then Isaac, Abraham's first legitimate son, was born. Abraham believed that his natural seed, his son, would be the ruler through whom the blessing would come to the people; but his son Isaac was merely a type of the mystery, God using him to foreshadow the greater one. This promise was renewed to Isaac and to Jacob, and at the death of Jacob his descendants, who of course were descendants of Abraham, were organized into twelve tribes, forming the nation of Israel, and were thereafter recognized as God's chosen nation. (Genesis 49:28; Deuteronomy 26:5) Then it was that the faithful believed that God's promised blessings would come through this nation, his chosen people. But in time they became slaves to the Egyptians and their hopes were almost blasted. They were sorely oppressed in Egypt when God sent Moses to be their deliverer and to lead the people of Israel out of Egyptian bondage. Moses was also a type foreshadowing the great One. (Acts 3:22) Moses died and the promised blessing had not yet come. The prophetic statement made by Moses that God would raise up unto Israel one like unto himself led the prophets to understand that there would be a great one raised up from the nation of Israel who would be the deliverer and blesser of mankind.
[305]Joshua followed next in line after Moses. His name signifies savior or deliverer. But he also was only a type of the great Deliverer.
[306]Then David became the king of Israel. His name means beloved one. The Jews had hoped that he would be the great deliverer, but in his old age he abdicated the throne in favor of Solomon, and yet the blessing did not come. Solomon became the most famous man in the world for riches and wisdom, and the hopes of Israel were centered in him, only to be disappointed. David and Solomon were also but mere types foreshadowing the coming of the great Deliverer.
[307]The nation of Israel degenerated and under the reign of Zedekiah, their last king, they fell into captivity to the Babylonians and they continued subject to other nations until they were finally driven out of Palestine.
[308]Moved by the holy spirit of God operating upon their minds, the holy prophets testified of the coming of this great Deliverer, both of his sufferings and of his glory that would follow; but they did not understand. The matter was a mystery to them. (1 Peter 1:11) Even the angels of heaven sought to look into it, but they were not permitted. God's purpose was to keep the matter secret until his own due time to reveal the great truth.
[309]Then came Jesus, whose coming was announced by John the Baptist; and he was pointed out as the one who would take away the sin of the world. He chose his disciples and they walked with him, and he taught them for three and a half years; yet they did not understand the great mystery. They expected Jesus to be made an earthly king and hoped that they might be with him in the kingdom, probably in his cabinet, because he was asked if one might sit on his left and the other on his right hand in the kingdom. They expected him to make Israel a great nation and believed that through that nation other nations would be blessed. When he was put to death they were greatly disappointed, mystified, and in great distress. (Luke 24:21) Even after his resurrection they did not understand his mission, and this is shown by their words to him on the day that he ascended into heaven. "When they were therefore come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the holy spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight."—Acts 1:6-9.
[310]In obedience to the command of Jesus, these faithful disciples went to Jerusalem to the place known as the upper room, and there waited. Ten days passed and then it was that the holy spirit, the invisible power of God, was visited upon them; and true to his promise, the disciples began to understand.
[311]Jesus had now ascended on high and presented the merit of his sacrifice before Jehovah and the acceptance of this was manifested by the giving of the holy spirit to his disciples who had been his consecrated followers for three and a half years. Doubtless the angels of heaven now began to know something about the great mystery. What joy must have been in heaven when Jesus Christ appeared before the Father and presented the merit of his sacrifice and was received by Jehovah! Surely the heavenly host must have sung his praises. They had beheld him triumphing over death and the grave and now exalted to a position in heaven next to the Father. It must have been a great joy to the heavenly host, even as contemplation of it was a great joy to Jesus himself. "For the joy that was set before him [he] endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2) What joy must have filled the hearts of his disciples when they began to understand the mystery of God and to see how wonderfully he had led them and their fathers before them, preparing them now for the revelation of this great truth!
[312]In due time Saul of Tarsus, who afterward was named St. Paul, was illuminated and understood. And then he wrote: "Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God; even the mystery which hath been hid for ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the gentiles; which [mystery] is Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:24-27) The Apostle here emphasizes the fact that this mystery of God is now made known only to the saints. Saints means purified ones, which purification comes through receiving the merit of Christ's sacrifice.
[313]The word Christ signifies anointed. Anointing means designation to official position in God's arrangement. The Christ is the instrument or channel for the blessing of mankind. The Christ is composed of Jesus, the great and mighty head, and 144,000 members. (Revelation 7:4) Christ Jesus is the head and the church his body. We ofttimes hear the expression, a body of men with a general at their head. Of the Christ the Apostle says: "And he [Christ Jesus] is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preëminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell."—Colossians 1:17-19.
[314]The apostle Paul uses a human body to illustrate the Christ, the great mystery class; the head representing Jesus, and the other members of the body those who are of his church. "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.... Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular."—1 Corinthians 12:12,27.
[315]The Christ is also designated in the Scriptures as the seed of Abraham according to the promise. "Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ." (Galatians 3:16) Addressing himself to the church, the Christians, the followers of Jesus, the Apostle further said: "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ.... And if ye be Christ's then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:26,27,29) This is the seed, then, through whom the blessings will come to all the families of the earth. Church means a gathered out class; and so the gospel age, that is to say, the period from Jesus' first coming until his second coming, is employed by Jehovah for the selection of the church, the seed of Abraham, through which blessings will come to all the remainder of mankind in God's due time.
[316]This same class is called the elect of God, according to his foreknowledge.—1 Peter 1:2.
[317]Again the Apostle likens the whole of the Christ to a living stone, saying: "Ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.... Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious." (1 Peter 2:5-7) In earthly buildings there is no chief cornerstone; but in this building of God there is a chief cornerstone which is Christ Jesus. The topstone or chief cornerstone of a pyramid is itself a perfect pyramid. The other members of the body, then, must be built up into Christ to conform to that chief cornerstone, which is illustrated by the Great Pyramid in Egypt.—See Isaiah 19:19.
[318]Again this anointed class, Jesus the head and the church his body, is spoken of as a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people. This was foreshadowed by the nation of Israel, particularly by the priesthood in connection with the house of Israel. The apostle Peter speaking of this class says: "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy."—1 Peter 2:9,10.
[319]The members of the body of Christ, the church, are also designated as his footstep followers; and as such they are called to suffer with him that they might also reign with him. "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his footsteps." (1 Peter 2:21) These are also designated as Christians. It does not mean that because one is a member of some earthly organization called a church he is a Christian or a member of the true church. The true church is the body of Christ; and any one to be of the true church must be a follower of Christ in the truest sense of the word. To this class are given the exceeding great and precious promises recorded in the Bible, the promises of being associated with Christ Jesus in his kingdom. (2 Peter 1:4) Not to the world, but to his followers Jesus said: "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life".—Revelation 2:10.
[320]No one has been able to understand these things and appreciate them except those who have given their hearts to the Lord. The apostle Paul says: "The natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned". (1 Corinthians 2:14). Jehovah has so arranged that only those who have their minds illuminated by the holy spirit, which follows their consecration, justification, and acceptance by the Lord, can understand and appreciate the mystery of God. These are the ones designated by the prophet Joel as the servants and handmaidens of God; and in the gospel age God pours out his spirit upon them; which means to give them his spirit. But in God's due time he will pour out his spirit upon all mankind, so that all can understand his wonderful plan.—Joel 2:28,29.
[321]The hiding of this mystery was illustrated by Jehovah in the construction of the tabernacle in the wilderness and its furnishings. The inside walls of the tabernacle were covered with pure gold. Inside the Holy were the golden candlestick, the table covered with gold for the showbread, and the golden altar; and in the Most Holy, was the ark of the covenant. The tabernacle inside, therefore, was beautiful, but it was hidden from the people on the outside because it was covered with three heavy layers of cloth and skins. The priest ministered inside the tabernacle, and therefore was unseen by the people. As God thus hid these things which were typical of greater things, so he has hidden the glories and beauties of spiritual things, seen only by those who have come into relationship with him through Christ.
[322]The gospel age is the antitypical day of atonement. With the Jews there was one day each year called the day of atonement. In that day the priest alone was in the Holy and the Most Holy; and even so on the antitypical day of atonement no one is in the Holy condition except those who are in relationship with Christ, the great high priest. The Lord has been pleased to permit these during the gospel age to have some understanding of his Word, therefore receiving the sweet and refreshing music from his harp; and the light has grown in brilliancy and the music in harmony as the understanding has increased. To the world in general, Christians have been despised because not understood. The Lord of glory, when on earth, was despised because he was misunderstood. And so his true followers seem to be a mean and despised people. The poet has truly said: