INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. The Father Beareth Record in Heaven
2. The Word Beareth Record in Heaven
3. The Holy Ghost Beareth Record in Heaven
Remarks.
1. John the Apostle writes: “And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one,” 1 John 5:6-8. It is verse 8; that set forth this profound premise regarding the truth. This verse discusses the truth of the Spirit; regarding His uncovering of the “mystery of Christ,” to the world.
2. The Father beareth record in heaven regarding the truth. David said: “Forever O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven,” Psalms 119:89. The truth is settled, recorded and certified in heaven. It was the Plan of God to unfold the message of truth to the world regarding the “truth which is after godliness” before the world was founded. It was conceived by God; commission by God and committed unto the holy Apostles by the commandment of God,” Titus 1:1-3.
3. The Word beareth record in heaven regarding the truth. Jesus speaking to Pilot said: “My kingdom is not of this world...To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice,” John 18:36-37. Jesus speaking to his disciples said: “I am the way, the truth and the life,” John 14:6. John wrote: “Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ,” John 1:17.
4. The Holy Ghost beareth record to the truth. Jesus speaking to his apostles said: “Howbeit when He the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth...He will shew you things to come,” John 16:12-15. The entire truth was not yet made manifested; part revealed by the Father unto our fathers; another by the Word to His disciples and the world, and the final pieces to be revealed by the Holy Spirit unto “the holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.” The Spirit beareth witness of the truth, because the Spirit is to make know the truth in the “dispensation of the grace of God” unto the world. Let’s notice our first point.
BODY OF LESSON
I THE FATHER BEARETH RECORD IN HEAVEN
A. The promised seed of Abraham. Notice: “God, who at sundry times and in divers manner spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days,” Hebrews 1:1-2. What was his message? Unto Abraham, the father of all nations Jehovah spake regarding his “seed” which should come, which was Christ. And his work to bring all nations into one family: “That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth: even in Him,” Ephesians 1:10; Ephesians 3:14-15.
B. Paul’s letter to the Galatians: “Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scriptures, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, in thee shall all nations be blessed. So then, they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham,” Galatians 3:7-9.
1. God made this promise to Abraham and then ratified it by a covenant, Genesis 15:5; Genesis 22:18. Recall the lesson: “Passing Through the Pieces?” This lesson deals with the covenant promise and confirmation Jehovah made to Abraham.
2. Paul speaks of this covenant, and the “seed” which is Christ, Galatians 3:16. Notice: “Now unto 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. The promise made unto Abraham was the seed that would come through Abraham’s descendants; and ultimately the children of God that would embrace “the gospel of Christ.” Christ was that promised “seed.”
C. Paul reveals the unfolding of truth, to his son Titus. Consider his message: “Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’ elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness:”
1. Conceived by God: “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;”
2. Commissioned by God: “But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching;”
3. Committed by God: “Which is committed unto me (an apostle) according to the commandment of God our Savior,” Titus 1:1-3.
4. This promise to Abraham was the unfolding of “the faith of God’s elect, and the truth which is after godliness.” Paul’s gospel to the Romans was “for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name,” Romans 1:5. This faith was preached and “made known to all nations for the obedience of faith,” Romans 16:25-27.
5. The faith of the gospel of Christ was that: “The just shall live by faith,” Galatians 3:11; Romans 1:16-17; Hebrews 10:38. This message is woven throughout the Old and New Testaments. Illustrate: Someone is coming, John 1:29.
D. The body of Christ: “Wherefore remember...but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made night by the blood of Christ... Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man so making peace; and that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby....Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God,” Ephesians 2:11-22. Summary:
1. It took the death of Christ to make possible peace between God and mankind; Jew and Gentile; those that “were nigh with those afar off.”
2. It took the preaching of the gospel in due time by the apostles through the Spirit to reveal the truth which make us heirs to the “hope of eternal life,” Titus 3:4-7.
3. This was God’s eternal purpose; His plan to grant the “faith of God’s elect to all, through the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness,” Titus 1:1.
4. It is in the hearing of “the truth; the gospel of Christ” and our obedience to it; “we receive the promise of the Spirit through the faith,” Galatians 3:14; Romans 1:5; and Romans 1:16.
5. Hear Paul’s conclusion: “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession unto the praise of his glory,” Ephesians 1:13-14. Which is our “mortal bodies,” Romans 8:11; Romans 8:23; Ephesians 4:30.
E. There is one body. Paul concludes: “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, and one baptism; One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all,” Ephesians 4:4-6. Notice:
1. The one body is the church, Ephesians 1:22-23.
2. The body is of Christ, Ephesians 4:11-16.
3. The head of the body is Christ, Ephesians 5:23.
4. There is salvation in the body, Ephesians 5:23; Acts 2:47.
Anytime we speak to the “oneness of Christ and the church” many folk get a little upset. But I must contend today, that the church is one; because the body is one. The church is the body; and the body is the church. Therefore, there is one church, and its head is Christ. Let’s consider our next point.
II THE WORD BEARETH RECORD IN HEAVEN
A. Jesus came on the scene, not speaking His own doctrine; but, the doctrine of the Father. Hear Jesus: “And the Jews marveled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? Jesus answered them, and said, my doctrine is not mine, but His that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself,” John 7:15-17. What was this doctrine?
B. I am the way; the truth; and the life, John 14:6. Jesus was the “Word” embodied in flesh. He is the word of the creation, John 1:1-3. This word: “Was made flesh and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth,” John 1:14; John 1:17. Jesus “pitched His tent among us.” The word: “Tabernacle among us.”
C. Jesus came to reveal the will of the Father. To complete the work of redemption for which included both Jew and Gentile. To those Jews which followed him, he said: “If ye continue in my word:”
1. Ye shall be my disciples indeed,”
2. Ye shall know the truth,”
3. The truth shall make you free,” John 8:31-32.
4. This promise not only included these Jews; but, also the Gentiles, the children of Abraham, Galatians 3:26-27.
D. Other sheep. The Lord said: “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold and one shepherd,” John 10:16. Notice:
1. Here Jesus speaks of the Gentiles becoming His sheep; and He becoming their shepherd, John 10:14-15.
2. Jeremiah mentions this great promise, Jeremiah 23:1-6.
3. Ezekiel’s promise of Christ the shepherd: “Therefore thus saith the Lord God... I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David (Christ); he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. And I the Lord will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the Lord have spoken it. And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods,” Ezekiel 34:20-25; Ephesians 2:13-18.
4. Christ has become “the great shepherd of the sheep,” Hebrews 13:20.
5. Elders are appointed to “feed the flock of God,” Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4.
E. Pilot hears Jesus promise. Notice: “My kingdom is not of this world...To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Everyone that is of the truth heareth my voice,” John 18:36-37; John 10:27-30. Pilot asks: “What is truth?” John 18:38.
1. Jesus’ death on the cross paid the price of redemption for all “for those that were nigh, and to those that were afar off,” both Jew and Gentile.
2. Jesus in His death shed His blood to forgive sinner, and to purchase the church, John 19:34; Matthew 26:28; Acts 20:28.
3. Jesus announced on the cross His work was complete. When he said: “It is finished,” John 19:30.
a. Scriptures are fulfilled, Luke 24:44-49.
b. Sacrifice for sin is paid, Genesis 22:8; 1 Peter 1:18-19.
c. Sinner can obtain forgiveness, Hebrews 9:22; Hebrews 10:15-18.
Let the church say Amen! Let’s consider now our last point.
III THE HOLY GHOST BEARETH RECORD IN HEAVEN
A. The Holy Ghost beareth record in heaven. Jesus said unto His apostles: “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when the Spirit... He shall guide you into all truth...For He shall not speak of himself, but that which he heareth ... And He will shew you things to come,” John 16:12-15.
B. For the Spirit beareth record in heaven regarding the truth, 1 John 5:7-8. He will now present this truth unto the apostles of Christ. The “doctrine of Christ” became the “apostles’ doctrine,” Acts 2:42. There is a “chain-of-command” in the revelation of this doctrine. Notice:
1. It was the Father’s doctrine, John 7:16-17.
2. It became the doctrine of Christ, 2 John 9.
3. It then became the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, John 16:12-15.
4. It then became the apostles’ doctrine, Acts 2:42.
C. That form of doctrine. Paul later calls it “that form of doctrine,” Romans 6:17-18. It is this doctrine that “makes one free from their sins.” None can become free from their sins until they have “obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine.”
1. This doctrine is believed in the heart.
2. This doctrine is obeyed from the heart.
3. Salvation “to the faith” must come by sincere faith and obedience, Romans 1:5; Romans 1:16; Romans 10:16-17.
4. I ask a preacher in the community once: What is “that form of doctrine?” That Paul speaks of in Romans 6:17-18. I did not get an answer. However, most preachers when asked a bible questions, will respond in one of three ways. Notice:
a. First, they might say, “I will look into it.”
b. Further, they might become offended and “raddle their saber.”
c. Finally, they might “filibuster.” Just talk around endlessly, not giving a reasonable answer.
D. This is the doctrine that must be preached; it is the “faith of God’s elect.” It is the gospel of the grace of God: “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God,” Acts 20:24. This is the gospel of the “mystery of Christ.”
E. The revelation of Christ: “For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles. If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:”
1. How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery;”
2. (As I wrote afore in few words;”
3. Whereby, when ye read;”
4. Ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ;”
5. Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men;”
6. As it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;”
7. That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ by the gospel;”
8. Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power,” Ephesians 3:1-8; 1 Timothy 1:12-15.
9. Summary:
a. God gave it to Paul, by revelation.
b. Paul wrote it down, by inspiration.
c. Whereby when we read, by examination.
d. We might obtain, the illumination, Ephesians 3:14-21.
e. Illustration: I don’t see it like that. My preacher doesn’t teach it like that. What is the problem? You must not be reading.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. The Father Beareth Record in Heaven
2. The Word Beareth Record in Heaven
3. The Holy Ghost Beareth Record in Heaven
B. Remarks.
1. The Father bared record in heaven regarding the truth. David said: “Forever O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven,” Psalms 119:89. The truth is settled, recorded and certified in heaven. The Plan of God was to unfold the message of truth to the world regarding the “truth which is after godliness” before the world was founded. It was conceived by God; commission by God and committed unto the holy Apostles by the commandment of God,” Titus 1:1-3.
2. The Word bared record in heaven regarding the truth. Jesus speaking to Pilot said: “My kingdom is not of this world...To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice,” John 18:36-37. Jesus speaking to his disciples said: “I am the way, the truth and the life,” John 14:6. John wrote: “Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ,” John 1:17.
4. The Holy Ghost bared record to the truth. Jesus speaking to his apostles said: “Howbeit when He the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth...He will shew you things to come,” John 16:12-15. The entire truth was not yet made manifested; part revealed by the Father unto our fathers; another by the Word to His disciples and the world, and the final pieces to be revealed by the Holy Spirit unto “the holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.” The Spirit beareth witness of the truth, because the Spirit is to make know the truth in the “dispensation of the grace of God” unto the world.
C. Invitation.
D. Motivation.
E. Persuasion.
