Tag: God

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

October 8, 2025

God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration

THE PURPOSE OF THE PLAN OF SALVATION

     “Submit yourselves therefore unto God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh unto you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners, and purify your hearts, ye double-minded. Be afflicted and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.” James 4: 7-11, KJV. 

Let’s keep it simple, accurate and pure in “the truth as it is in Jesus.” Note the following quotes from the inspired pen (all emphasis and bracketed words supplied):

    “There are many who get above the simplicity of Jesus Christ, supposing that they must do some great thing in order to do the works of God [that He requires and empowers us to do]. . . . [But] our first and highest duty is to know that we are abiding in Christ [see John 15:7]. We must do the work. We are to seek to know ‘What saith the Lord, yielding our lives to His guidance…..

     “SALVATION means to us COMPLETE SURRENDER of soul, body, and spirit [mind, character, attitude, personality]. Because of the unruly elements of our [fallen, sinful] nature our passions often gain the mastery. THE ONLY HOPE OF THE SINNER IS TO CEASE FROM SIN. Thus his will, will be in harmony with Christ. His soul will be brought into fellowship with God.” -E. G. White, Manuscript 73, May 11, 1899.

I can never overstate this fundamental truth of the Gospel’s purpose:

    “It was to RESTORE this [the image-character of the Creator in the man] that the PLAN OF SALVATION was devised. . . .TO BRING HIM BACK TO THE PERFECTION in which he was first created is the GREAT OBJECT OF LIFE,—the object [aim, purpose, goal] that underlies every other.” -Ibid, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 595. 

     “He [God in Christ] would give all heaven to WORK OF SALVATION, OF RESTORING THE MORAL IMAGE OF GOD IN MAN.” Ibid, Sons and Daughters (devotional), p. 229. 

When any sinner, no matter how deep he has fallen into sin, and has not yet committed the unpardonable sin against the Holy Spirit, and in humble repentance, unconditionally, willingly, and voluntarily yields his will and submits to God in Christ, God will restore in him His own image of moral perfection by the character-perfecting work of sanctification—the impartation of Christ’s perfect righteousness, which is “the fitness for heaven.” 

This is accomplished, perfected, and sealed in the redeemed, overcoming sinner while yet on sin-cursed earth in his mortal nature and corruptible flesh subject to death and decomposition. It is not the former but the latter is what is “changed in the blink of an eye at the last trumpet” from “corruptible to incorruptible” glorified flesh nature at Christ’s second advent! This is part of the “many-splendored” parts of the perfect and perfecting plan of salvation! Praise God! 

To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

October 1, 2025

God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration

To better comprehend and advance even more in grateful appreciation the unfathomable depths of God’s love for fallen man, revealed in His stated purposes in the different yet unifying aspects of the plan of redemption, hereunder is a comprehensive and definitive meaning of the word ‘Purpose’ according to Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Fifth Edition, Merriam-Webster, 1942: 

     “Purpose: To propose as an aim to oneself; to intend; resolve.

N. 1.a. That which one sets before himself as an object to be attained; intention. 1.b. Resolution. 2. The object or result aimed at. 3. The immediate subject or action;—in, to the purpose, with relevancy. —Syn. End, aim, plan.” Furthermore, it recommends looking up the word, Intention. So here it is: 

    “Intention: A determination to act in a certain way or to do a certain thing. The Object toward which the thoughts are directed; end; aim, specifically, Purpose as to marriage; End for which prayers are offered; intent or import. Logic. A concept or notion, esp. a concept considered as a product of attention directed to the object conceived.” 

Bearing in mind this comprehensive and definitive meaning of ‘Purpose,’ we now return to quotes from the inspired pen: 

THE PURPOSE OF THE GOSPEL AND ITS PLAN

First, we repeat a succinct, simple, accurate, and scripturally pure definition of what the gospel is, and what it was divinely-designed to do and achieve for mankind lost in sin: 

     “The gospel is a system of practical truths destined to work great changes in human character. If it does not work the transformation in life, in habits, and practice, it is no truth to those who claim to believe it. Man must be sanctified through the truth. And said Jesus, ‘Thy word is truth’ (John 17:17). Unless the truth of God shall lift up man out of his depravity, his intemperate and profligate habits, and make him reflect the image of God, he is lost.” E. G. White, Letter 14, Mar. 13, 1885. 

Now these:

    “By sin [the transgression of the law] the [original] image of God in man has been marred and well-nigh obliterated.  It is the work of the gospel to restore that which has been lost.” -ibid, Vol. 5 Testimonies for the Church, p. 743. 

    “When Christ reigns in the soul, there is purity, freedom from sin. The glory, fhe fulness, the completeness of the Gospel Plan is fulfilled in the life.” -ibid, Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 420. 

As Paul wrote: 

    “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the POWER of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth. . .”Rom. 16.

The Mystery of the Riches of the Glory of the Gospel Revealed:     

    “Even the mystery which hath been hid from 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 is CHRIST IN YOU, THE HOPE OF GLORY. Whom we preach, warning every man in all wisdom; that we may present EVERY MAN PERFECT IN CHRIST JESUS.” Col. 1: 25-28, A.V. 

To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

September 24, 2025

God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration

 This is Whole Gospel Ministries, in service for God in Christ through the Holy Spirit in the Word, to you as precious souls “bought with a price” of God’s blood that Christ shed at Calvary’s cross. 

Thus, we have no other agenda, mission, or purpose than to help the end-time “remnant saints who keep the commandment of God and faith of Jesus and have the Spirit of prophecy which is the Testimony of Jesus” (Rev. 12:17; 14:12; 19:10), proclaim while probation’s door still stands ajar, as best as we can, in simplicity, accuracy, and purity, earth’s final merciful warning messages of the everlasting gospel.

We prayerfully share only spiritually edifying and sanctifying subjects designated as “the present, testing truths” of the Bible and the Testimonies on this platform and site with all seekers of eternal truths. 

Thus, we continue this miniseries on God’s Revealed Purposes:

    On His Sermon on the Mount, Christ himself the promised Messiah and divine Gospel bearer, introduced the nature of His prophesied kingdom of righteousness on earth. 

      To His disciples and followers to-be, or Christians, He declared: “Ye are the light of the world. . . .Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matt. 5: 14, 16, K.J.V.

Notice the following magnification on this, with my emphasis on what the gospel means and comprehends as the divine remedy for sin and the fallen sinner’s sinful nature, propensities, and lost condition: 

    “CHRISTIANS must be LIGHT-BEARERS, holding forth the WORDS OF LIFE. They are exhorted by the apostle (Paul, in Phil. 2:14, 15) to the highest achievements of piety [holiness; righteousness; sanctification].

    “The world is not to be convinced by what the PULPIT TEACHES, but by what the CHURCH LIVES [in practice, example, and influence]. The path to heaven is dark or bright, JUST IN PROPORTION as the church gives forth a clear and strong, OR doubtful, fitful light. 

    “The preacher in the pulpit gives the THEORY OF THE GOSPEL, but the PRACTICAL PIETY of the church demonstrates the power of truth, showing its real value. 

    “THE GOSPEL IS A SYSTEM OF PRACTICAL TRUTHS DESTINED TO WORK GREAT CHANGES IN HUMAN CHARACTER. If it does not work the transformation in LIFE, HABITS, AND PRACTICE, is no truth to those who claim to BELIEVE it. Man must be sanctified through the truth [not by any lie, falsehood, untruth, or ‘another gospel’]. And said Jesus, ‘Thy word is truth’ (John 17:17). 

     “Unless the truth of God shall lift up man out of his depravity, his intemperate and profligate habits, and make him REFLECT the image of God [Christ’s perfected character on earth], he is LOST.” -E. G. White, Letter 14, Mar. 13, 1885. 

The latter is—simply, accurately, and in truth-purity-the purpose of the gospel for individuals who will be eternally-redeemed. This is what makes salvation truly individual for Christ is a personal Savior by example. Thus He sums it up: “overcome even as I overcame.” 

To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

September 17, 2025

God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration

A MANY-SPLENDORED UNIVERSAL PURPOSE FULFILLED 

     “And there was war in heaven: Michael and His angels fought agains the dragon; and the dragon fought with his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, the old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth and his angels were cast out with him.” Rev. 12: 7-9, K.J.V.

     “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. . . . And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory as of the only begotten of the Father; full of grace and truth.” John 1:1-3, 14. 

We return to the inspired pen of Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 69, 70 (First part repeated from last week. All emphases and bracketed words supplied):

    “It was a marvel of all the universe that Christ should humble Himself to save fallen man. That He that passed from star to star [constellation to constellation; galaxy to galaxy of unnumbered billions], from world to world [planet to planet; exoplanet to exoplanet], superintending all, by His providence supplying the needs of every order of being in His vast creation,—-that He should consent to leave His glory and take upon Himself human nature, was a mystery which the SINLESS INTELLIGENCES OF OTHER WORLDS desired to understand. 

    “When Christ came to our world in the form of humanity, all were INTENSELY INTERESTED in following Him as He traversed, step by step, the blood-stained path from the manger to Calvary. Heaven [the home of unfallen angels] marked the insult and mockery that He received, and knew that it was at Satan’s instigation. They marked the work of counter-agencies going forward; Satan constantly pressing darkness, sorrow, and suffering upon the [human] race, and Christ counteracting it [through angels doing His bidding]. 

      “They watched the BATTLE between light and darkness as it waxed stronger and stronger. And as Christ in His expiring agony upon the cross cries out, ‘It is finished,’ A SHOUT OF TRIUMPH RANG THROUGH EVERY WORLD, AND THROUGH HEAVEN ITSELF. [But not on earth; not among His sorrowing disciples; not among His own chosen people who condemned the innocent ‘Holy One of Israel’]. 

     “The great contest [of the great controversy; the cosmic conflict of the ages] that had been so long in progress in this world WAS NOW DECIDED, AND CHRIST WAS CONQUEROR [in death!]. His death had ANSWERED THE QUESTION whether the Father and Son had SUFFICIENT LOVE FOR MAN to exercise SELF-DENIAL AND A SPIRIT OF SACRIFICE.”

Note: Self-denial and self-sacrifice are graphically depicted by Christ’s two out-stretched bloody arms with hands nailed to the cruel cross! 

     “Satan had revealed his TRUE CHARACTER AS A LIAR AND A MURDERER [the ‘father of both from the beginning.’]

     “It was seen [exposed; revealed] that the very same spirit which he had ruled the children of men who were under his power [starting from Cain to the wicked antediluvian generation to Christ’s time in Judea!], he would have manifested IF PERMITTED TO CONTROL THE INTELLIGENCES OF HEAVEN. [earth was the universe’s proving ground in more than one sense and greater dimension!]

     “With one voice the LOYAL UNIVERSE UNITED in extolling the divine administration [of the government of God’s everlasting kingdom of righteousness].” (End quote) 

To be continued next MWM, God willing.  Bless all, NMF.

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

September 10, 2025

God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration

THE PURPOSE OF ‘THE GREAT MYSTERY OF GODLINESS’ UNFOLDED 

     “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up info glory.”

1 Tim. 3: 16, K.J. V.

See also John 1: 1-5, 10, 11, 14; Rom. 8: 1-4; Heb. 1:1-3; 2: 9, 10, 14-18. 

We now return to Patriarchs and Prophets by E. G. White, pp. 69-70 (all emphasis and bracketed words provided]: 

   “It was the marvel of ALL the universe that Christ should HUMBLE Himself to save fallen man. That He who had passed from star to star, from world to

world, SUPERINTENDING ALL, by His providence supplying the needs of EVERY ORDER of being in His vast creation, that He should CONSENT to leave His glory and and take upon Himself human nature, was a MYSTERY which the SINLESS INTELLIGENCES OF OTHER WORLDS desired to understand. 

     “When Christ came to our world in the form of humanity, ALL [of the sinless intelligences of other worlds] were intensely interested in FOLLOWING Him as He TRAVERSED, step by step, the blood-stained path FROM THE MANGER TO CALVARY.  

   “HEAVEN marked the insult and mockery that He received [from His own chosen people] and knew that it was at Satan’s instigation. They marked the work of COUNTER-AGENCIES going forward; Satan constantly pressing DARKNESS, SORROW, and SUFFERING upon the race [the fallen human race], and Christ COUNTERACTING it [as part of the plan of redemption in the great controversy].” (End of quote). 

It is also a profound mystery that fallen man and earth, wretched victims of ‘the mystery of iniquity’, should manifest so great an apathy, thus, ignorance of what God, through His written, spoken, and Living Word, has long been waiting to reveal increasingly more of the amazing mystery of godliness to all and anyone desirous of knowing it even just half as much as the sinless intelligences of the unfallen worlds in God’s universe desired so ages and ages ago! But there are a “few” compared to the vast majority. Join them now before the sun of opportunity sets forever. 

To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

September 3, 2025

God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration

THE LAW, EARTH, AND MAN’S EDEN HOME RESTORED, NOT RECREATED 

    “And God saw everything that He had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.” Gen. 1:31. “For in six days the Lord made heaven and the earth, the sea and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.” Exo. 20: 11, KJV. 

We now return to Patriarchs & Prophets by E. G. White, p. 69: 

     “From the first, the great controversy had been upon the LAW of God. Satan had sought to prove that God was UNJUST, that His law was FAULTY, and that THE GOOD OF THE UNIVERSE REQUIRED IT TO BE CHANGED. 

    “In attacking the law, he aimed to OVERTHROW THE AUTHORITY of its AUTHOR. In the [great] controversy it was to be shown whether the divine statutes [in the Decalogue] were defective and subject to change, OR perfect and immutable.”

 NOTE: Of all the world religions, Christianity, i.e., believers of God’s word, the Bible; and followers of Christ’s teachings and example, should be the most knowledgable, well-established, and thoroughly conversant of this originating core issue of contention over God’s law, resulting in the great controversy between Christ snd Satan—and their respective followers snd agencies on fallen earth!  

     Q. Is this true of Christianity, particularly in these last days of earth’s history, just before Christ’s second advent? 

     A.The end-time prophecies, beginning with Daniel in the OT and reaching its stupendous conclusion in Revelation, the last of the 66 books of the Bible, provides all that is needful to know and be enlightened with the knowledge of the truth beyond a shadow of doubt. “Search the Scripture” with the singular purpose of knowing “the truth as it is in Jesus.” And His promise is, “the Holy Spirit of truth” will guide, convict, convince, and teach you all truth and bring them to remembrance.”

Back to PP 69:

    “When Satan was thrust out of heaven, he determined to make the EARTH HIS KINGDOM. When he tempted and overcame Adam and Eve, he THOUGHT he had gained possession of this world; ‘because,’ said he, ‘they have CHOSEN me as their ruler [over their Creator]. He CLAIMED that it was IMPOSSIBLE FORGIVENESS [pardon; justification] should be granted to the sinner, and therefore the fallen race were his RIGHTFUL SUBJECTS, and the WORLD was his.”

NOTE: The foregoing, among many others we have been emphasizing and highlighting in each series, are indispensable to realizing even more and faster, the extensive and far-reaching depths of the great controversy (the exceeding sinfulness of the sin, ‘the mystery of iniquity’ and its author and father, Satan the fallen angel Lucifer), and correspondingly, a greater appreciation for the comprehensive and perfect plan of redemption of the gospel. Thus, greater love, adoration, and gratitude towards God in Christ through the Holy Spirit, is awakened and developed into deeper devotion and dedication to doing His will by loving and willing obedience to His law. 

    “But God gave His own dear Son—one equal to Himself—to bear the penalty of transgression, and thus He provided A WAY BY WHICH THEY MAY BE RESTORED to His  favor [amazing grace indeed!] and BROUGHT BACK TO THEIR EDEN HOME [in the earth made new!]. 

    “Christ undertook to REDEEM MAN, and to RESCUE THE WORLD [planet Earth] from the grasp of Satan. 

     “The great controversy BEGUN IN HEAVEN was to be decided in the VERY WORLD, on the VERY SAME FIELD, that Satan claimed as his” (fallen, sin-cursed planet earth].”  End quote from PP 69. 

To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

August 27, 2025

God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration

THE BROADER AND DEEPER PURPOSE OF THE PLAN OF REDEMPTION

    “God, who at sundry times and in diverse manners spake in time past unto the fathers [patriarchs] by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things by whom also He made the WORLDS.” Heb. 1: 1, 2, KJV. 

Take note of that last word, “worlds.” If you are, like me, a follower of Christ in these last days of earth’s history who “cherishes the old rugged cross,” here’s an invitation: closely re-examine the hopes you have been cherishing of the expected eternal “rewards” in the after life, if it includes the prior realization of God’s “greater” purpose in the plan of redemption as highlighted by His death—other than “saving” us.

Contemplate on fhe following (all emphasis and bracketed words provided):

     “But the plan of redemption had yet a broader and deeper purpose THAN THE SALVATION OF MAN. It was NOT for this alone that Christ came to the earth; it was not merely that the inhabitants of this little world [called Earth] might regard the LAW OF GOD as it should be regarded; but it was to ViNDICATE THE CHARACTER OF GOD BEFORE THE UNIVERSE. 

     “To this result of His great sacrifice—ITS INFLUENCE UPON THE INTELLIGENCES OF OTHER [unfallen] WORLDS, as well as upon man—the Savior looked forward when JUST BEFORE His crucifixion He said: [John 12: 31, 32 quoted].”

Here’s what the Death of Christ on Earth means to Heaven and the Unfallen Worlds of God’s Universe:

     “The act of Christ dying for the salvation of man would not only make HEAVEN ACCESSIBLE to men, BUT BEFORE THE WHOLE UNIVERSE if would justify God and His Son in their dealing with the rebellion of Satan. It would establish the PERPETUITY of the law of God, and would reveal the NATURE and the RESULTS of sin.” (End quote E. G. White, Patriarchs & Prophets, Pacific Press, 1913, p. 69). 

Dear fellow Christian, I can only hope and pray that you will rejoice, as I continually do, having found out these exceedingly profound and precious truths, revealing so very much more of who Jesus really is, the imponderable enormity of His atoning sacrifice, mission, and work on earth and in His intercessory atonement in heaven as our merciful High Priest and Mediator, what it comprehended and what it has accomplished for eternity future for the eternally redeemed! 

Indeed there is no other God like God the Father, no other Friend and Savior like Jesus Christ, no other Comforter like the Holy Spirit, and no other security like the protection of our ministering spirit, private guardian angel.

To be continued next MWM, God willing.  Bless all, NMF.

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

August 20, 2023

God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration

SACRIFICE: FIRST PART OF PLAN OF REDEMPTION

     “It (the promised ‘Seed of the woman) shall bruise thy head (the serpent, Satan), and thou shalt bruise His heel (not head).” See Gen. 3:15, the first and foundational verse of all the promises and prophecies from Genesis to Revelation. 

By omniscient foresight and omnipotent power, the grand plan of redemption, the divine solution to tackle, defeat, and forever eradicate the “mystery of iniquity” of and in the great controversy, was “prepared before the foundations of the earth were laid.” It instantly activated at the same moment of earth time, the same place of the still-pure earth and living space of the first couple’s garden of Eden home. Thus, in Biblical fact, truth, precept and principle, there was a Savior the same instant there was a sinner! Keeping this grand, amazingly wonderful truth close to our hearts, our minds can better appreciate the two-part steps of the plan of redemption, namely, sacrifice, followed by intercession. 

In its further expansion, we see the glory of Calvary on fallen earth in the death of the sacrificial “Lamb of God”, who, after His resurrection and ascension becomes the “all-powerful and merciful High Priest (Advocate, Intercessor, Mediator; righteous Judge of all the earth in the holy places of the sanctuary in heaven; we see the essential nature of the two parts and successive stages of the work of atonement (at-one ment) in: the sacrificial atonement by and in the substitutionary death of the innocent sacrificial victim as the only acceptable “ransom” price for the sinner and its blood for the cleansing of sin (“life is in the blood”), followed by the intercessory atonement of the High Priest, pleading His own blood for and in behalf of the penitent sinners. 

All these and much more, 

in and for the redemption, preservation and restoration of the immutable and everlasting principles of God’s eternal law of love and righteousness, the foundation of His everlasting kingdom of eternity past and eternity future, the very transcript of His unchanging character and nature, as well and for man, the only creature He “made in His image and after His own likeness.” 

Bearing in mind that “without the shedding of blood there can be no remission (forgiveness, pardon) of sins,” we resume quoting from the SOP regarding the first part of sacrificial atonement as first taught and symbolized in its typical, clean animal sacrifices as well as in the others specified in the comprehensive system of sacrifices:

     “The sacrificial offerings were ordained by God to man a PERPETUAL REMINDER and a PENITENTIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT of his sin, and a CONFESSION OF HIS FAITH in the promised [future] Redeemer. They [the sacrificed innocent victims] were designed to IMPRESS upon the fallen race the SOLEMN TRUTH that it was SIN THAT CAUSED DEATH.” 

NOTE: All who claim to be disciples or followers of Christ, “Christians,” particularly those professing to be anticipating, watching or waiting (not automatically preparing and prepared for) for the second advent of the Bridegroom should constantly remember this: death is not simply the “wages” of sin, which is ‘transgression of the law,” it is the CAUSE of death! Thus, sin, which is disobedience to any and all of the “letter and spirit”, precepts and principles of God’s law, moral and natural, is death already. “Twice dead” means “dead in their sins” though alive physically, and unless speedily repented of and totally forsaken, are merely awaiting the reward of “the second death”, the eternal death of the incorrigibly disobedient sinners who persistently refuse to “overcome even as Christ overcame.” 

     “To Adam, the offering of the FIRST sacrifice, was a MOST PAINFUL ceremony. His HAND [not of the officiating priest| must be RAISED TO TAKE LIFE, which ONLY GOD could give. It was the first time he hade ever WITNESSED death, and he kea that HAD he been OBEDIENT to God, there would have been NO DEATH OF MAN OR BEAST. 

    “As he slew the INNOCENT victim, he TREMBLED at the thought that his sin must shed the blood of the SPOTLESS LAMB OF GOD. This scene gave him a DEEPER AND MORE VIViD  sense of the GREATNESS of his transgression, which nothing but the death of God’s dear Son could expiate [atone for]. And he MARVELED at the INFINITE GOODNESS that would give such a RANSOM to save the guilty. A star of HOPE illumined the dark and terrible future, and he RELIEVED it of its UTTER desolation.” (End quote PP 68). 

If we had any of the original feelings and senses of the first Adam, even if already fallen and sinful, we would somehow realize what Paul meant and applied to the supposed “sons and daughters” of the “second Adam,” Christ Himself! Note: Read Heb. 5: 4, 5 first. Verse 6  continues: “If they shall fall away, to renew them again to repentance; seeing they CRUCIFY to themselves the Son of God AFRESH, and put Him to an OPEN SHAME [as in the horrific and revolting spectacle of public crucifixion].

Do we still “tremble” when we commit sin, which is death, or do we counter the conviction by asserting confidently, “I am already safe and sound;” that is, “rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing?”

To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.