Salvation and eternal life require faith in the true and living God of Israel.  The whole Bible teaches of this one true God.  The mystery gods of Babylon and Rome were adopted for the Christians by Constantine in 325 AD. Israel was separate from the pagans; who worshipped idols and vain imaginations.  We are not to worship either anything that is made by hands, or conceived in the imagination of man.

  And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God,
and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.-- John 17:3

“But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him;
and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.” (1 Cor. 8:6)

A correct knowledge of God and a true understanding of Jesus is the first cornerstone in the building of eternal life.  The second is an authorized priesthood, called and ordained of God to administer the saving ordinances of the gospel.  Third, is obedience to the gospel of Christ.  The fourth cornerstone requires each person to remain faithful to the law of God to the end.  Take away any one of these cornerstones and the building of eternal life collapses.

The gospel was not taken to the Gentiles from Noah to Jesus.  “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.” (Acts 17:30)  After the resurrection of Jesus, a gospel dispensation was opened to the Gentiles.  The Bible has posted a great warning to the Christian Gentiles.  They are absolutely responsible for knowing God and obeying the gospel.  Jesus will soon return, "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power." (2 Thess. 1:8, 9)

The Bible clearly distinguishes between the fate of Gentiles and that of Israel in the last days.  "O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit. Shall a man make gods unto himself, and they are no gods?" (Jer. 16:19, 20)

Jesus is not to return to the Christians; but, to the house of Israel.  "And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart." (Jer. 24:7)

The greatest commandment ever given to man was to worship and love God.  This is not a casual relationship.  It requires both worshipping God and keeping His commandments.  Many simply believe and pray to "our Father" in heaven.  Such narratives, without an accurate understanding of God, fall to the ground.  Would you listen if someone called you "hey you"?  We have been given a name of God to use in our understanding of, and communication with, God.  "And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations." (Ex. 3:15)

We must have a correct understanding of God, before we can have faith in God.  When you think about your Mother, do you think about her personally?  Or, do you just think of the concept of Mother?  People all over the world worship a god in heaven.  Only the God of Israel can hear and answer your prayers, guide your life, and offer eternal life in the kingdom of God.  There is no "Thus saith the Lord" in Babylon.  The god of Babylon is deaf and dumb.  When has the god of Rome ever spoken to any of catholicity?  “Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” (Amos 3:7)

Faith in God is a prerequisite to eternal life.  "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Heb. 11:6)

Before a person can exercise faith in God he must have a correct understanding that He actually exists, appreciate His character, perfection, and attributes; and recognize whether his course in life is in accordance with His will.  We are most fortunate in the testimony of God's holy prophets that have survived the ravages of time and paganism.  We must pray and "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Tim. 2:15)

  Importance of Knowing God

Although most people in the world worship a god, they do not worship the Biblical God of Israel.  Some believe God is some type of spirit; without body, parts, or passions.  Others, like the pagans before, simply think of Him as the Unseen God.  Some don't even think it makes any difference.  Few of these even consider that it is man's iniquities that caused the voice of God to become silent.  They never ask why.  When the fires of the Apocalypse come, they will ask:  why upon us?  And, not having a correct knowledge of God and not having obeyed the gospel, they will die!  "For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen [Gentiles]... and they shall be as though they had not been." (Obad. 1:15, 16)

"And here I have to notice, first, the identity of the objects of worship in Babylon and Rome.  The ancient Babylonians, just as the modern Romans, recognized in words the unity of the godhead; and, while worshipping innumerable minor deities, as possessed of certain influence on human affairs, they distinctly acknowledge that there was ONE infinite and Almighty Creator, supreme over all.  Most other nations did the same.  'In the early ages of mankind,' says Wilkenson in his 'Ancient Egyptians,' 'the existence of a sole and omnipotent Deity, who created all things, seems to have been the universal belief; and tradition taught men the same notions on this subject.'  'The Gothic religion,' says Mallet, 'taught the being of a supreme God, Master of the Universe, to whom all things were submissive and obedient.'-- (Tacit. de Morib. Germ.)  The ancient Icelandic mythology calls him 'the author of every thing that existeth, the eternal, the living, and awful Being; the searcher into concealed things, the Being that never changeth.'  It attributeth to this deity 'an infinite power, a boundless knowledge, and incorruptible justice.'  We have evidence of the same having been the faith of ancient Hindostan.  Though modern Hinduism recognizes millions of gods, yet the Indian sacred books show that originally it had been far otherwise.  Major Moor, speaking of Brahm, the supreme God of the Hindoos, says:  'Of Him whose Glory is so great, there is no image' (Veda).  He 'illumines all, delights all, whence all proceeded; that by which they live when born, and that to which all must return' (Vedo).  In the 'Institutes of Menu,' he is characterised as 'He whom the mind alone can perceive; whose essence eludes the external organs, who has no visible parts, who exists from eternity... the soul of all beings, whom no being can comprehend.'  In these passages, there is a trace of the existence of Pantheism; but the very language employed bears testimony to the existence among the Hindoos at one period of a far purer faith." (The Two Babylons, Rev. Alexander Hislop, p. 14)

Few members of Christian churches realize that knowledge of the God of Israel was replaced with pagan gods, with Christian names, by Constantine in 325 AD.  As absolute ruler of church and state, this unbaptized, pagan Roman Emperor adopted pagan doctrines for Christianity.  The foundation had already been laid by many bishops who had already been adopting pagan beliefs.  As head of the Council of Nicea, he created the Creed of Saint Athanasius.  This cornerstone of Christian belief, states, "The Father incomprehensible, the Son incomprehensible, and the Holy Ghost incomprehensible."

Man cannot have faith in an incomprehensible, "without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Heb. 11:6)  Ambrose, a church father shortly after Constantine , wrote, “when God is thought of, our thoughts should dwell on no material reality whatsoever.”  Faith cannot exist, unless man has a correct knowledge of God.  "Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews." (John 4:22)  Faith, and hope of eternal life, cannot exist unless man has an actual knowledge of what course in life is the will of God.

Those who want to live after death in the bosom of Abraham, arise in the first resurrection, live with Jesus and all the saints of God for the Sabbath of Creation, and inherit eternal life must desperately seek an understanding of His nature, character, attributes, and perfection.  The law of God requires not only a correct knowledge of God, but also a deep and enduring love for Him.  This love brings an intense desire to do the will of God.  We are indebted to the prophetic writings; which bring us considerable knowledge about the truth of God.  God always spoke to His people.  Israel knew God as the living God.  The pagans knew their god as the Unseen God.  Their gods were a figment of imagination, an incomprehensible, that can neither be seen, nor speak to man.  There is no "Thus saith the Lord" in Babylon.

Fountain of Knowledge

The stream of spiritual knowledge flows from the fountain of revelation.  "God said" is found 71 times in the Bible.  The "Lord said" occurs 285 times in the Bible.  The "angel of the Lord" exists 68 times.  Adam learned from the mouth of God.  He walked, talked, and knew God as a familiar friend.  After the fall, a veil was drawn; and man has learned through prophets, who are called of God and have direct communication with Him.  Men can drink from this stream of knowledge, from the first to the last page in the Bible; but, man can understand spiritual truths only by personal revelation through the Spirit of God.

Many read the Bible; yet, lack a correct understanding of God.  Why?  They do not learn from Apostles and Prophets; but, of doctrines originating in Babylon and passed down to men never called of God.  A correct knowledge flows only from those called of God.  "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed?  and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?  and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?  as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel.  For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Rom 10:14-17)

Jesus inquired of Peter, "But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock [revelation] I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matt. 16:15-18)

“When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?” (Matt. 16:13)  Peter replied, “Thou art the Christ.”  Christ means “anointed.”  Jesus was called and “anointed” (ordained) at the hands of the Father.  “So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he [the Father] that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.” (Heb. 5:5)  He became the Christ, the “anointed” Son of God, through His ordination as Apostle, Prophet, and High Priest.  Peter understood this calling and ordination through the spirit of prophecy.  How many orthodox Christians understand as much?

The rock of the church is revelation from God, “for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (Rev. 19:10)  The gates of hell can prevail against anything mortal; but, not against God.  Jesus was speaking of the revelation received by Peter from the Father.  The church is built upon offices of the priesthood that are called of God by revelation.  "And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron." (Heb. 5:4)  Christ was called and ordained at the hands of the Father (Heb. 5:5).  He called and ordained the Apostles.  The Apostles called and ordained elders in every city.

Some have thought this reference was to Peter; as first pope of Rome.  History belies this deception.  There was no pope over the Catholic church for 500 years after Jesus.  None stood as the head, after John, for over two hundred years.  Then, in 325 AD, the unbaptized, pagan Roman Emperor Constantine stood as absolute head of the Christian church.  The gates of hell certainly did prevail against Peter.  He was crucified by Rome in 69 AD.  Jesus was referring to the rock of revelation; which brings an understanding of spiritual truth.  "Howbeit 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 shew you things to come." (John 16:13)  When the Spirit of God is withdrawn from man, it is because of sin and lack of faith.  How much chance would a homeless man have in talking to the President?

Peter was an Apostle.  The highest office in the Catholic Church was of a much lower priesthood--that of bishop.  The law of God requires every officer in the kingdom to be called by revelation.  After Constantine, none claimed divine appointment.  No officers of the priesthood can create a higher authority than they possess.  If the office of pope is higher than that of a bishop, it could only be called by angelic administration.  No vote of man can call a person to any office of divine authority.  Man cannot create a priesthood lost through apostasy; regardless of how they envision their needs.  Man always feels that he needs a head.  He is less concerned whether that head was called of God.  The head of the Church of God is an Apostle and Prophet.  He has direct communication with God.

The office of bishop was adulterated.  The first commandment given to man was to "Be fruitful, and multiply." (Gen. 1:28)  The Bible requires bishops to have a family; and to be very honorable men.  History of the popes (bishops) demonstrates that most had no legitimate families; and many were some of the most murderous men in history.  "This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)." (1 Tim. 3:1-5; Titus 1:7)

Man could read the Bible, and listen to those not inspired of God, a thousand times; and never come to an understanding of spiritual truth.  Like Peter, we must seek the Spirit of God through one called of God.  "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him?  even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God." (1 Cor. 2:9-11)

Without personal revelation, man could never drink from the stream of knowledge with understanding and wisdom.  "Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith." (2 Tim. 3:7, 8)  Without revelation, no man can acquire knowledge of God.   "Canst thou by searching find out God?  canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do?  deeper than hell; what canst thou know?" (Job 11:7, 8)

Knowledge of God and an understanding of the gospel is not given to every man; but, to those called of God.  "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will." (Eph. 1:3-5)

"But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." (Gal. 1:11, 12)

Those who are called of God (Eph. 1:5) are given an opportunity to understand God and Jesus; as was Peter.  The Apostles taught that every one that believes and is (properly) baptized is entitled to continued communication with God.  "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.  For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed." (James 1:5, 6)

The gifts of the Holy Ghost, including the gift of prophecy, were promised to all who repent and are properly baptized out of every generation.  "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." (Acts 2:38, 39)

"1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant... 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit... 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.  8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another...knowledge... To another faith... to another the gifts of healing... To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues." (1 Cor. 12)

Every people in the world believe there is a god.  The God of the Bible is unique among all the invisible and voiceless gods of the Gentiles.  He is a living God.  He spoke with man for the 2000 year period from Adam to Abraham; and the 2000 year time of Israel.  The 2000 year time of the Gentiles, when God was silent, is a result of their own iniquity.  The entire account in the Bible is the story of God's direct relationship with His people.  Anytime God had a people on the earth, that He recognized as His own, he sent prophets to communicate with them.  Why did He become silent?

God does not change.  "Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear." (Isa. 59:1, 2)  Only sin and disbelief separate man from God.  When God ceases to speak with man, he needs to examine himself.

Most Christian churches teach that revelation ceased with the Apostles.  If that be true, divine authority also ended with the Apostles; and faith in God ceased.  It is obvious from prophecy that few, in the latter days, will worship God; and obey the gospel.  "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it." (Amos 8:11, 12)  "I tell you that he will avenge them speedily.  Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8)

God was to again speak to the Gentiles; after a 1260 year apostasy.  They were to be given the opportunity to learn again of the true and living God and the gospel of Christ.  "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people." (14:6)  Again, Gentiles were to prefer paganism.  The gospel was to be preached as a witness against them; before their destruction.  "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." (Matt. 24:14)  Only a very small remnant of that people is to survive and witness the return of Jesus (Isa. 1:9).

God will once again speak with the house of Israel in the last days.  "And I will bring you out from the people, and will gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered, with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out. And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face. Like as I pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with you, saith the Lord GOD." (Ezek. 20:34-36)

"And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel , and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed. And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:  And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit." (Joel 2:27-29)

Knowledge of God and Jesus and of the gospel remains.  They will be found only among those few remaining Gentiles who hold the Melchisedec Priesthood.  Weigh the principles which I present to you against those whose roots are in Babylon.  "Beware of false prophets [preachers], which come to you in sheep's clothing [as men of God], but inwardly they are ravening wolves." (Matt. 7:15)  Truth is free; and can make you free from the precepts of men.  My greatest pleasure is passing to others; what I have freely received.  Truth is an allusive prey.  We must earnestly desire spiritual truth above all things, to drink from the fountain of truth.  We must be willing to step beyond the circle of conformity into the world of independent thought.  We have to be the masters of our own destiny.  Faith in, and prayer to, the living God can open the door to eternal life; as long as one person remains that holds the Melchisedec Priesthood with divine authority to administer baptism by water and Spirit.  "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." (Matt. 7:14)

Appearance of God

Adam walked with God in the garden of Eden; and knew Him as a familiar friend (Gen. 3:8).  God talked with Enoch, "And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him." (Gen. 5:24)  Noah walked and talked with God, "These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God... And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth." (Gen. 6:9, 13)

Abraham mistook God for a man.  He invited Him into his tent to eat; and offered to wash His feet. "And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day... And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD." (Gen. 18:1, 22)

Jacob saw God face to face; and wrestled with Him.  "And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." (Gen. 32:24, 28, 30).

Moses conversed with God face to face; as a man converses with a friend.  "And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.  And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle." (Ex. 33:11)

God appeared to Ezekiel in the likeness of a man; although surrounded with fire and a glorious radiance. "And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it. And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about." (Ezek. 1:26, 27)

Many misunderstand the description, "God is a spirit." (John 4:24)  Like him, we are also personages of spirit.  Our soul is both body and spirit.  Angels are also "spirits sent forth to minister to them who shall be heirs of salvation" (Heb. 1:14).  Yet, Abraham and Lot mistook angels for men (Gen. 18:2, 5, 16-20; 19:1, 15).  "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." (Heb. 13:2)  John the Revelator mistook one for God (22:8, 9).  How could John make such a mistake; unless the angel was in the image and likeness of God?  Jesus had appeared to John (Rev. 1:1).  John had seen Jesus, Moses, and Elias, and heard the voice of God, on the day of transfiguration (Matt. 17).

What does God look like?  Look in the mirror.  Here is an image of you; and, to a degree, the image and likeness of God.  More accurately, you are an image of God.  "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness... So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." (Gen. 1:26, 27)

Jesus is the express image of the person of the Father.   "Who being the brightness of his 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." (Heb. 1:3)  Jesus was made in all things like His brethren.  "Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted." (Heb. 2:17, 18)

Only One God

Constantine gave us the god of Babylon.  "And the Catholic faith is this: That we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity... So the Father is god, the Son is God, and the Holy Ghost is God... This is the Catholic Faith; which except a man believe faithfully, he cannot be saved."  Have no fear.  This god never spoke one word to either Constantine, or any of catholicity.  He is deaf and dumb.  He exists only in the imagination of men.

The Bible gives us the living God of Israel.  God alone is one.  "And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he." (Mark 12:32)

"But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled." (1 Cor. 8:6, 7)

"One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." (Eph. 4:5, 6)

"Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me," (Isa. 46:9)

"For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth." (Ex. 9:14)

"Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him...  Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else." (Deut. 4:35, 39)

"God alone is one.  There are choirs of angels; hosts of spirits; and multitudes of men: but God hath no fellow.  A great King, is to him as the unseen spawn before the monsters of the deep; Methuselah, as the ephemera of a day:  the most glorious spirit, is bodiless, and a breath.  And the Lord Jesus, who created the earth, and redeemed it; whose kingdom filleth the earth, and the heavens; possesseth but a speck, amid the stars he made.  He alone is one.  Thou shalt love him with all thy heart, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.  Thou shalt adore him, and serve him, and obey him; and beside him, thou shalt have no other God:  for he alone hath immortality, and omniscience, and omnipotence, and omnipresence.  He alone is one; and they who obey his law, shall be like him." (Book of the Law, p. 62)

The Bible teaches God and Jesus are separate and distinct personages; and Jesus is subject to the Father.  When Jesus first began His ministry, he was tempted of Satan.  "Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil." (Matt. 4:1)  God cannot be tempted with evil.  "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man." (James 1:13)  Jesus, like the Jews, worshipped the living God.  How could He do the will of the Father; unless the Father expressed such will directly to Him?  "I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me." (John 5:30)  "Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you.  If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I." (John 14:28)

Jesus recognized that we must love God (Matt. 22:37).  He told us we must have faith in God (Mark 11:22).  He always noted that He was sent by God (John 8:42).  Jesus is called the Son of Man 85 times in the Bible.  Jesus found favor in the sight of God (Luke 2:52). Jesus was raised from the dead by God (Acts 3:15).  Jesus stands at the right hand of God.  "The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool?" (Matt. 22:44)  Jesus said, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3)

After two thousand years of being scattered among the nations of the world, the Jews still worship the same God.  There can be only one true and living God; and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Unfortunately, they did not accept Jesus in the flesh.  The day is near at hand when they will recognize their Messiah; and live and reign with Jesus for a thousand years; and then for eternity on the new earth.

The God of Abraham is spoken of 26 times in the Bible.  The "God of Israel" is noted 203 times in the Bible.  Isaac was the son of Abraham.  Jacob was his grandson.  "And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed." (Gen. 32:28)

When you call a person, do you not call them by name?  "And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations." (Ex. 3;15)  Jesus called God the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Matt. 22:30; Mark 12:26; Luke 13:28).  Jesus will soon return to His people in Jerusalem; and take vengeance on the heathen (Gentiles); because they "know not God."

  Character of God

God is unchangeable.  He is the same from eternity to eternity.  "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (James 1:17)  "For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed." (Mal. 3:6)

God is love.  "He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love." (1 John 4:8)  "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

God is truth.  He cannot lie and cannot tempt man with sin.  "He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he." (Deut. 32:4)  "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it?  or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" (Num. 33:19)  "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began." (Titus 1:2) 

God is forgiving.  He forgives iniquity, transgression, and sin providing man is equally penitent and seeking the good.  "The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation." (Num. 14:18)

God is no repector of persons.  "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons." (Acts 10:34)  "For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him." (Rom. 10:12)

God is just.  "Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face." (Ps. 89:14)  Justice requires reward of the worthy and punishment of the disobedient.  It is not intent; but, the operations of the heart by which man is judged.

God is merciful to those who keep His commandments.  "And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation." (Ex. 34:6, 7)  Mercy is for those who are penitent, keep His covenant, and live according to His law.  "But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them." (Ps. 103:17, 18)

God is judgment.  "He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he." (Deut. 32:4)  Man cannot expect to escape the judgments of God; without living by the commandments of God.  Justice and judgment offer worthy blessings, a sure foundation, and true hope of salvation.  For the disobedient it offers curses.

"And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee. (Deut. 28:1, 2, 15)

God is merciful, gracious, slow to anger, long suffering, and abundant in goodness.  "...but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not." (Neh. 9:17)  "I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living." (Ps. 27:13)  "But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth." (Ps. 86:15)

If God did not possess all of these characteristics, we could not have faith in Him.  If God was changeable, we could never be certain of salvation.  If God was not truth, justice, and judgment, we could have no confidence and faith in Him.  As God in unchangeable, we know all teachings, principles, and promises remain the same from Adam to the end of time.  Being a righteous judge we can have faith in Him to reward the righteous and punish the wicked.  If God was not loving, forgiving, and merciful we would have no hope of salvation.  Through faith we can understand, "the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment." (Heb. 6:2)  If we do not have a correct understanding of God, we cannot have faith in Him; and hope is vain.

Knowledge of God

The reliability of knowledge depends on its source and the possibility of the introduction of biased information.  None can question that Adam, Noah, Abraham, and Moses had a perfect knowledge of God.  The Bible claims they all spoke with God "face to face."  If their testimony is unreliable, the whole Bible is a fantasy.  There were nine generations from Adam to Noah.  Noah's father, Lamech, knew every generation from Adam to Noah.  Noah knew every generation from Adam's grandson Enos to Abraham.  A perfect knowledge of God was passed from generation to generation through direct association with God.  How easy for a perfect knowledge of God to pass from Adam to Jacob (Israel).  Perfect tradition makes for perfect understanding.  There were also many during these generations that turned from the will of God.

Unfortunately, the books written before the flood have been lost.  Josephus, contemporary with Jesus, noted the prophecies of Adam.  The Book of Enoch is noted in the Bible.  Enoch was seventh from Adam.  "And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints." (Jude 1:14)

There were ten generations from Noah to Abraham.  Noah and his son Seth lived to see and teach Abraham.  A perfect knowledge of God was passed from Adam to Noah; and from Noah to Abraham.  Many books of Scripture, after the time of Noah, have also been lost.  The first five books of the Bible were written by Moses.  Twenty-two books noted in the Bible are gone.  The Book of Jasher, although noted in the Bible (Joshua 10:13; 2 Sam. 1:18), was not included by Constantine.  It was in Hebrew.  It tells of Abraham living with Noah and Shem for thirty-nine years.  The Book of the Law of the Lord is noted nineteen times in the Bible; and another eighteen times as the law of Moses.  It was the most valuable book of Scripture.  Surely, it contained a perfect knowledge of God.  Where is this treasured book today?  James J. Strang translated the Book of the Law from a copy taken out of Jerusalem in 600 BC.

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Israel) all knew God.  The house of Israel was held captive by Egypt four hundred years.  Imagine what impact the deliverance by Moses must have had on the children of Israel.  Their escape from the Destroying Angel is still observed as the Passover.  Moses spoke face to face with God.  All the people heard the voice of God; when He gave the ten commandments, "And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me." (Ex. 20:1-3)

A perfect knowledge of God was kept continually before the house of Israel, through His holy prophets from Adam to Noah, and from Noah to Jesus; except for the 400 years in captivity and after Malachi.  It is evident that a knowledge of God still existed when Jesus began his mission.  "And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he." (Mark 12:32)

This knowledge continued through the days of the Apostles.  Only once is it written, "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one." (1 John 5:7)  Some think this reference supports the Trinity.  Actually, this statement denies the Trinity by confirming that we have three witnesses in heaven; and not that the three witnesses are one in identity.  Had that been true, we would have only one witness; and our salvation would not be assured (at least two witnesses are required to establish a fact).

Jesus gave the true meaning of being one.  All saints of God are one in purpose and in love.  "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." (Rom. 8:14)  "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them." (John 17:21-26)

In the last book of the Bible, John demonstrates a perfect knowledge of God and Jesus Christ, as separate personages, whose purposes are one; and who are understood through the spirit of prophecy.  "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him." (1:1)  "...from him which is, and which was, and which is to come... AND from Jesus Christ." (1:4, 5)  The Book of Revelation is addressed to those who have "the testimony of Jesus Christ." (1:2, 9; 12:17; 14:12)  "...for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." (19:10)

Hope of eternal life rests not only in knowing God; but also, in a correct knowledge and understanding of Jesus.  The Trinitarian Creed would have us believe that Jesus was the illegitimate son of a ghost.  Jesus could only claim to be the Messiah, if he was of the seed of Abraham, the tribe of Judah, and the house of David, "according to the flesh."  "Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh." (Rom. 1:3)  Matthew and Luke both give His genealogy through His father Joseph (Matt. 1; John 6:42).  Jesus could not be the "seed of David according to the flesh;" except through Joseph.  The seed is only carried in the male line.  Mary was of the tribe of Levi.  "Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people." (Heb. 2:17)

But, says some, Jesus was the son of God.  Jesus was the only begotten of God; and not a literal son of God.  "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches.  I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star." ( 22:16 )  He was the creator of David in the spirit; and the offspring of David in the flesh.  As the morning star, Jesus was the beginning of our spiritual creation.

He never said that He was God!  It is clear throughout the Bible that the Father and the Son existed as separate identities.  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)  Jesus became the son of God in the flesh by ordination to the holy priesthood by the Father.  “So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he [the Father] that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.” (Heb. 5:5)  He fulfilled this ordination through the resurrection.  "And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead." (Rom. 1:4)  Jesus called himself the Son of Man 87 times.  "And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head." (Matt. 8;20)

The term "sons of God" should be familiar to readers of the Bible.  It is used 11 times in the Bible.  "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." (John 1:12)  "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." (Rom. 8:14)  "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and 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 3:1, 2)

In the last days, God will remember His covenant with the seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  "And I will bring you out from the people, and will gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered, with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out. And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face." (Ezek. 20:34, 35)  Knowledge of God will cover the earth like a flood.  "My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And the heathen shall know that I the LORD do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore." (Ezek. 37:27, 28)

Why Is God Now Silent?

God spoke with His people throughout the Bible.  Why would He stop with John, if he is no respecter of persons?  Either God changed, or man changed.  "For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed." (Mal. 3:6)  God is always ready to hear and speak with man.  Sin and disbelief separate man from God.  "Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear." (Isa. 59:1, 2)

God promised to speak to those who believe and are faithful.  "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.  For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed." (James 1:5, 6)

God spoke with man 4,000 years from Adam to Jesus.  He was evidently silent only during the four hundred years of captivity in Egypt and after Malachi.  Jesus, after His resurrection, spoke to the Gentiles through Apostles and prophets for about 70 years.  The Gentiles, though, soon returned to their pagan ways.  God became silent.  The Church of God was to be taken from the earth for 1260 years (12:6, 14).  Satan was given power to continue during this time; "And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations." (13:7)  For 1260 years not one Gentile was to enter the kingdom of God .

It is the iniquity of man that breaks the bond between man and God.  The bond was to exist one last time between the Gentiles and God (14:6).  God was to speak with the Gentiles one last time (Matt. 24:14); as a witness against them.  “6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” (Rev. 14:6)  But, the bond was to be broken, "because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant." (Isa. 24:5)  The times of the Gentiles ended in 1967 (Luke 21:24).  Only a very small remnant of saints was to remain (Isa. 1:9).

That bond (covenant) will be renewed again with Israel.  He is to speak again with man (Ezek. 20:35).  When Jesus returns, He will live and reign with His people for a thousand years in Jerusalem and in Zion.  God is no respecter of persons, is without change, and His ear is never heavy.  Sin and disbelief separate man from God.  Iniquity hid the face of God from the Jews for the last 2000 years.  The question is what "iniquities" did the Christians commit to bring such silence upon them for almost 2000 years?

The Apostles were aware of the departure of the Gentiles from the gospel.  Unlike the heritage of the Jews, the Gentiles had been pagans for nearly two thousand years.  Nimrod, the founder of Babylon, was the father of idolatry.  The mysteries of Babylon were inherited by Rome; and other Gentile nations.  Peter wrote, "For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock." (Acts 20:29)

Paul warned the Corinthians, "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you." (1 Cor. 1:10, 11)  He also wrote, "For the mystery of iniquity doth already work." (2 Thess. 2:7)  Peter and Paul were killed in 69 AD.

John gave the words of Jesus to the "church in Pergamos," "I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication." (2:13, 14)  Pergamos was "where Satan's seat is."  It passed the realm to Rome in 133 BC.  It was the site of the first temple of the Caesar cult in 29 BC.

John was gone in 99 AD.  At the time of John, Jesus warned them against idolatry, eating meats sacrificed to idols, following a false prophetess, and violating the law of God.  He warned them to repent; and even to be rebaptized.  "I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent." (2:5)

God had not stopped talking to man because he had become Christian; but, because he returned to paganism.  "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (3:20)

Gentiles violated the covenant and drifted back into paganism.  Again, iniquity had separated men from God.  There were no more prophets and Apostles; and no more Scripture.  God was silent.

Constantine drove a deadly spike into the heart of Christianity.  In his quest for power, he amalgamated paganism with Christianity to create the state religion.  He adopted the pagan gods of the Trinity, changed the nature of Jesus to a pagan demi-god, adopted the cross of Tau (sign of the false Messiah) in place of the resurrection, usurped the authority of God, changed the Sabbath to the "venerable day of the sun," and adopted the pagan festivals.  He converted Christianity to paganism.

Pagan Christian Rome only lasted from 325 AD to 476 AD.  In 570 AD Papal Rome rose to power; where Constantine left off.  Other pagan festivals were adopted; such as the festival of St. John and the Feast of the Assumption.  The church adopted every pagan precept; including that of heaven and hell, extreme unction, purgatory, and prayers for the dead.  Idol processions, relic worship, and all that was once paganism became Christianity.  Popes became considered as God.  Possibly the worst abominations in history were committed by the papal office.  Surely, here is "Mystery, Babylon the Great."  “10 Alas, alas, that great city Babylon , that mighty city!  for in one hour is thy judgment come… 19 for in one hour is she made desolate.” (Rev. 18)

The Reformation made no changes to the fundamental doctrines of the Catholic Church.  The principles of divine authority were completely lost, the gospel was perverted, and recently a new set of Ecumenical doctrines were formed.  It is now more important to attend a nice church, and accept Jesus as Savior, than to know God and obey the gospel.  Why does God no longer speak to such?  There is no "Thus saith the Lord" in Babylon.  The orthodox Christians worship the gods of Babylon , have lost a knowledge of God, and sit in darkness; without the light of revelation.

God To Speak Again

After the 1260 years of silence, God was to speak to man once again.  John saw the Church of Christ lost for 1260 years (Rev. 12:6, 14).  If the church was taken from the earth for that time, it is evident that it must return after that time; otherwise it would not be gone for 1260 years.  John wrote that not one saint of God remained after the beast and Mystery, Babylon the Great, whose seat is the city of seven hills, controlled church and state.  "And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations." (13:7)

Establishing a dateline for the restoration of the gospel and divine authority, provides a key to finding an escape from coming desolation; and hope for eternal life.  The church of God fled into the wilderness, during the time the beast was given power over the world, "to continue forty and two months."  The first beast (pagan Christian Rome) did not have power over the whole world.  The second beast (Papal Rome), was a regeneration of the first beast; and gained this power. This power to destroy "all kindreds, tongues, and nations" was a spiritual power over the souls of man.  The dateline for the beginning of the 1260 years could only be about 570 AD; when Papal Rome began.

John writes that after the 1260 years, an angel, through revelation (flying in the midst of heaven), would restore the Church of God to the Gentiles.  "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people." (14:6)  Hope of eternal life requires an investigation of any claim to a restoration of the priesthood and gospel of Christ around 1830.

There has been only one claim to a restoration of the Melchisedec Priesthood and the inspired gospel of Christ:  by Joseph Smith.  He claimed to have received this restoration at the hands of angels.  Persecution and martyrdom were his earthly inheritance.  At the very moment of his death, James J. Strang claimed to have been ordained to the same holy priesthood at the hands of angels.  His biggest error was being to gentle with his enemies.  He, too, inherited a prophet’s reward of martyrdom in the flesh.  A few remain that hold the Melchisedec Priesthood.  I claim to this great honor through a lineage of five generations from the angelic ordination of James.

Sadness again filled the spiritual air.  Scripture teaches us that this gospel restoration to the Gentiles, would not convert the world to original Christianity; but, would become a witness against them. (Matt. 24:14)  Again, the Gentiles were to turn from the voice of the Lord.  "The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant." (Isa. 24:5)  Only a very small remnant of this last dispensation to the Gentiles was to remain.  "Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah." (Isa. 1:9)

Jesus recognized this failure of the second Gentile dispensation.  He said the times of the Gentiles would end, when Jerusalem was no longer "trodden down of the Gentiles." (Luke 21)  After the six day war in 1967, this prophecy was fulfilled.  The last gospel dispensation to the Gentiles was closed.  Destruction was assured within the next forty year generation.

"For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen [Gentiles]: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee... they shall be as though they had not been." (Obad. 1:15, 16)  "O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit." (Jer. 16:19)

The only hope for Gentiles comes through that very small remnant that was to remain until the return of Jesus.  Look about you and count how many teach of the God of Israel, of the real nature and work of Jesus, of the Melchisedec Priesthood, of the inspired gospel of Christ, and of the necessity of enduring faithful in the laws of God?  None others have the original Ten Commandments; and the Book of the Law of the Lord.  The door to eternal life is open.

Salvation can be yours.  It is my assertion that the man who ordained me was only four generations removed from an ordination at the hands of angels, in the last gospel dispensation to the Gentiles.  Truth has no fear of investigation.  I could be the best friend you ever had.  The kingdom of God is available without money; but not without abiding in all the commandments of God.  Come with me.

Samuel E. West
Elder in latter day Zion

www.GospelOfChrist.org
Samuel270@aol.com