"Seek ye first the kingdom of God." (Matt. 6:33)  The gospel is the gate into the kingdom of God.  "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." (Rom. 1:16)  The key to the gospel is the Melchisedec Priesthood.  Jesus was first ordained to the Melchisedec Priesthood before He could preach the gospel.  He then ordained others with this divine authority.  "And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (Mark. 16:19)  As an Elder with a valid claim to the Melchisedec Priesthood, I send this special invitation to you.

“Seek ye first the

  KINGDOM    OF   GOD ,

                    and his righteousness.”

Jesus--Matt. 6:33

Part One:

Life, Death, and the Resurrection
Eternity
Walk Even As He Walked
Chosen Before This Mortal Life
Fullness of the Gospel—Word and Power
Power of the Gospel—Divine Authority

Click here to go to Part Two

Life, Death, and the Resurrection

The greatest duty we owe to ourselves and our families in this mortal life is to know God, understand His will, and secure our salvation in eternity.  We all lived together as spirits before living in this mortal flesh.  Our works during this first estate determined spiritual opportunities now.

This life is like a snap of the fingers when compared with eternity. Jesus is actually the savior of all men.  “For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.” (1 Tim. 4:10)  All men will receive an immortal physical body in either the resurrection of the just, or the resurrection of the unjust.

Not all men will inherit the same rewards after death and in eternity.  After death, our spirit is taken back to God, judged, and placed either with the bosom of Abraham (in the kingdom of God ), or with the spirits in prison (hell).  “And in hell he [the rich man] lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.” (Luke 16:23, 24)  The torment the rich man suffered was not from fire, as that would have no effect on a spirit, but was mental anxiety.  He realized what wonders could have been his in eternity, if he had cared first for his eternal life while in the flesh, “seek ye first the kingdom of God .” 

The resurrection of the just is at the beginning of the Millennium; and the resurrection of the unjust at the end of the Millennium.  “And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.” (Acts 24:15)

If we fail to know God and obey His will in this life, we can expect to await our resurrection with the spirits in prison (hell) for a thousand years.  “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone.” (Rev. 21:7, 8)

Only A Few

“Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved?  And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” (Luke 13:23, 24) “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matt. 7: 13, 14) “Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8) The goal of this tract is to bring an awareness of the importance of knowing God and obeying His will TODAY.

Eternity

Mortal man has only been given seven thousand years.  The resurrection of the just is at the beginning of the Millennium.  After the Millennium, and the short season, mortal man will be no more.  Then comes the resurrection of the unjust; and their judgment.  Man now enters the realm of eternity.  John saw a new heaven and a new earth.  Jesus said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2)

“There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars [telestial]: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead.” (1 Cor. 15:40-42)

The earth enters its celestial glory.  John describes the earth as being the inheritance of the saints of God—the celestial glory or heaven that many imagine.  Read Revelation 21 and 22. “And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” (Rev. 21:21, 22)

Only those who know and worship the living God of Israel, and live faithfully according to His will, have hope of inheriting the celestial glory.  How important is your life in eternity?  You can leave this life and be taken to the kingdom of God , or be taken to the spirits in prison.  You have the choice between a glory like the sun and one like a star.  Those who inherit the Celestial glory will have the wonders of the whole universe at their call.  Men in the Celestial glory will be able to travel by faith, knowledge, and thought.  Knowledge and wisdom will be unlimited. Those in the Telestial will not inherit that mobility and all of the other wonders of the Celestial glory.  “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15)  “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 3:2)

Saved By Faith?

Have you ever wondered how thousands of different Christian religions, with as many different doctrines and organizations, can ALL promise their followers eternal life? When there are different spiritual beliefs, both can be wrong; but, only one can be right.  There is only one path to eternal life.  “Enter ye in at the strait gate… few there be that find it.” (Matt. 7:13, 14)  There is only “One Lord, one faith, one baptism.” (Eph. 4:5)

Many professional preachers of today would have us believe that all we have to do to be saved is believe in Jesus as our Savior. This doctrine originated in the sixteenth century.  “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” (Gal. 1:8)

If there is one other requirement to inherit eternal life, this doctrine is false and can never lead you into the kingdom of God .  “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matt. 4:17)  “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God .” (John 3:5)  “Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.” (John 6:53)  “And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him.  And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.” (1 John 3:24)  Here are five other things that must be realized to enter the kingdom of God .  You cannot be a member of the kingdom of God without obeying each of these laws.

Jesus could not enter the kingdom in the flesh without being born of water and the Spirit.  The saints who followed Jesus had to be baptized.  “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God … I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God .” (John 3:3, 5)

When the disciples gathered on the day of Pentecost, they were asked, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37 )  Did Peter tell them to accept Jesus as their Savior?  No.  “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)

There is not a single account of a person in the Bible that was saved in the kingdom of God through faith alone. Not one of the Apostles ever taught such a doctrine.  Many fall into error because they do not understand the epistles of the New Testament were written to those who already obeyed the gospel, “he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” (Matt. 10:22)

Cornelius is believed to have been the first Gentile to enter the kingdom of God .  He was a devout man who worshipped God and accepted Jesus.  His righteousness brought an angel of the Lord to him.  Did he tell Cornelius all he had to do was accept Jesus?  No.  He told him to call for Peter.  Peter held the Melchisedec Priesthood.  What did Peter tell him to do?  “And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.” (Acts 10:48 )

“And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth.” (2 Thess. 2:11, 12) “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. “But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?... For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” (James 2:19, 20, 26)

How can a man be saved while he is still in the flesh?  The great Gentile Apostle Paul did not consider himself saved.  “If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:11-14)

Walk Even As He Walked

God requires more than belief to enter the kingdom.  We are all born alien to the kingdom of God .  Not even Jesus could enter the kingdom in the flesh without obeying the gospel. “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” (1 John 2:6)

Saints of God have only a HOPE of a better resurrection, living in the flesh with Jesus during the Sabbath of Creation, and inheriting the earth with the Father and the Son for eternity.  “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.” (Rom. 8:24 , 25)

Strait Gate—The Gospel of Christ

“Enter ye in at the strait gate.” (Matt. 7:13) What is this straight gate?  It is the gospel of Christ.  “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” ( Rom. 1:16)

Unfortunately, most people are content with the idea of being saved by faith alone; and never understand the gospel of Christ.  Contentment is a snare of Satan.  “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)  “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” (1 Thess. 5:21)  “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” (Isa. 8:20)

Chosen Before This Mortal Life

Are you willing to open your mind like a little child, pray, study, and become involved in being the master of your own destiny after this life? The gospel is easy to understand.  Few, though, are given gospel faith in the flesh and an understanding of the fullness of the gospel; because they were not honorable in their first estate as spirits.  “And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.” (John 3:13)

“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 [for-ordained] us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.” (Eph. 1:4, 5)

If you are able to understand the truths in this tract, you were a very special person when we all lived together as spirits.  But, only a few are ever called of God to enter the kingdom in the flesh.  “Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8)  The rest are preached the gospel after death.  “By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison.” (1 Pet. 3:19) You could be among the few that will be found acceptable when Jesus returns in this generation.  Let us discover how.

Fullness of the Gospel—Word and Power

The fullness of the gospel includes both the word of the gospel and the power of the gospel. “For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.” (1 Thess. 1:5)

What is the word of the gospel?  Those acts required to enter the kingdom of God .  Before any person can enter the kingdom of God he must submit his will to the will of God—just like an alien entering the U. S. must submit to the laws of that country.  The word is simple; but the commitment embraces the whole soul.  “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.” (Mark 12: 30 ) “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.” (John 15:10)

We must have faith in God, Jesus, the gospel, the ministry, and the laws of God. “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) “And he [Abraham] received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also.” (Rom. 4:11 )

No unclean thing can enter the kingdom of God .  We must commit ourselves to a life without sin; and repent of all previous sin. “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand [among you].” (Matt. 4:17)  We are cleansed of sin through the regeneration—being born again through the waters of baptism.  “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” (Rom. 6:4) Finally, we must be confirmed into the kingdom by the laying on of hands, being born of the Spirit, and receiving a gift of the Holy Ghost.  “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God .” (John 3:5)  “Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 8:17 )

Here is the word of the gospel:  faith, repentance, baptism of water, and baptism of the Spirit. “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)

After obeying the word of the gospel, it is necessary to share in the sacrifice made by Jesus.  “Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.” (John 6:53)

Abraham and Melchisedec partook of the sacrament.  “And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.” (Gen. 14:18)

The people of God in the days of Moses had to obey the gospel; and they partook of the sacrament.  “And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” (1 Cor. 10:2-4)

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. 18, 9)

Power of the Gospel—Divine Authority

The power of the gospel is divine authority from God to administer the ordinances of the gospel.  The Jews could not understand that Jesus brought the gospel not in word alone; but, in power—divine authority.  He was not of the tribe of Levi; and had no claim to the Levitical Priesthood.  “And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power [authority].” (Luke 4:32)

This power is the key to the gospel.  What is this power? Before Jesus began His ministry, He went to John the Baptist to be born of water. “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.” (Matt. 3:11) After being tempted of Satan, “angels came and ministered unto him.” (Matt. 4:11)  What did they minister?  Jesus was ordained under the hands of the Father to the Melchisedec Priesthood; as an Apostle, Prophet, and Lawgiver.  “For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.” (Acts 3:22 )

He also held all lower offices; including that of High Priest.  “And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. 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. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” (Heb. 5:4-6)

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he [the Father] hath anointed me [ordained me] to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.” (Luke 4:18)

The Apostle Paul noted that only those called by the spirit of prophecy and ordained under the hands of one holding that priesthood are recognized by God.  Aaron was called through a revelation given to Moses.  Moses held a higher office; and therefore held authority to ordain him.  Jesus could not take the power or authority of the priesthood upon Himself like modern divines presume to do.  “Thou shalt not take the name [authority] of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” (Ex. 20:7)

Kingdom of God  Part Two