Study Guide

The Death, Burial & Resurrection of the Church

9,242 words, about 46 min read

burial & resurrection

Mary Banks Ministries & Bible Teachers International PO Box 11563, Spring, TX 77391

866.682.1344 (toll free) www.marybanks.net www.bibleteachers.com www.btbn.tv www.mbfaithlibrary.com www.msogglobalchurch.net All verses of the Holy Bible are taken from The King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

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Mary Banks, an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ is the founder of Bible Teachers International Worship Centers, Lifesavers International, Sons.Training, Bible Teachers Global Training Centers, the Mary Banks Faith Library, and Bible Theater International now located throughout the U.S., Canada, The Caribbean Islands, India, Africa, and Europe. Recognized as “The Bible Teacher” to the Body of Christ, as well as an international speaker, Mary has authored many books and courses that have brought a sure word to the world and the Church. Mary has also penned, produced and directed outstanding stage productions, such as “Amazing Grace,” which received eight academy award nominations in the Caribbean.

Mary has touched the hearts of thousands held captive by crack cocaine, depression, alcoholism, unforgiveness, perversion, and lives without purpose’. She is anointed with wisdom and understanding to answer the simplest and most difficult questions of life, by applying the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to our everyday situations, circumstances, and relationships.

Apostle Banks has been recognized for outstanding evangelistic work and is valued by her community and peers, business community, as well as government officials.

In the middle of writing this study guide, I came to realize that unless the Body of Christ truly understood the redemption plan of God, none of the teaching on salvation would make sense. We have taught much on the mystery of Christ and all of its aspects. However, we have done very little to explain the extraordinary plan to take back His creation that the Father hid within Himself.

I am choosing my words very carefully here. I say ‘take back’ because it was always the intent of the Father to live in man. He made mankind according to the image, (body), He took pleasure in. I want us to consider that God is omniscient, knowing all things. He knew Satan would rebel and that Adam would betray Him. One would readily ask, “Why then did He allow these tragedies?”

The answer would be ‘love.’ Love made Him do it. You see, there was something else the Father wanted; ‘children’ of His own kind, who loved Him in the way He is capable of loving them. Though we will go into this in more detail later in the lessons of this book, it is profitable for us to see how meticulous the Father was and is in His plan to have a family.

Ephesians 1:3-6

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: Paul makes it clear whose plan it is; the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He also makes it clear that the blessings we have received from the Father are all spiritual in nature. This is worth mentioning because so much is preached on natural blessings, (money, houses, cars, etc.).

GOD’S PLAN Manfor

4 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: Here is where we begin to see His magnificent power. How is it that He had already chosen us, the Body of Christ, the Church, before He ever laid the foundations of the world. The prophet writes in Isaiah 46:9-10 - Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: This was the plan. The members of Christ, would be holy and blameless before Him in love. This was determined to be so before the world was ever made. These things took place in eternity past. God is a Spirit, who lives in a spiritual world. He is able to devise a plan and work it out in the spirit world before setting it into motion in our world.

5 Having predestined us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. Now we come to another detail in the plan which also confirms that God knew beforehand what Adam and satan would do. He predestined us to be adopted into His family by Jesus Christ. My point is, adoption was the plan from the beginning. Now we know, adoption implies the creation belonged to another. And yes, Jesus did say you are of your father, the devil. However, the devil was a usurper. He seized the creation through sin. But the father of all mankind was Adam.

Therefore, we see in 1 Corinthians 15:45; And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. This is a comparison of the two men in whom the whole human race was placed.

1 Corinthians 15:21-22; For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. God purposed before the dawn of time, that Jesus would make alive all who died in Adam if they choose Christ.

We also need to consider the fact that God made man in His likeness, (a being with arms, legs, feet, eyes, mouth, ears, etc.). This was the temporary body the Father was willing to dwell in until the time of its redemption. But because this body was given to Adam, if God was going to live in it as His own, then it was necessary to send forth a Spirit of Adoption. The truth is, God always intended to redeem His creation. He never conceded that it was eternally lost to satan. I believe Paul sums it up nicely in his letter to the Romans 8:28-30;

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. This was the plan which became a mystery to the sons of men. But it is now revealed to us, His children; born of His Spirit, abiding in His Temple (His body), and waiting for the redemption of our bodies; that they may be likened unto His glorious Body.

Beloved, wait on Him.

It is good for us to know that the salvation we have received began with a promise. This knowledge will also help us to understand the nature of our God. I think Paul did an excellent job of explaining this giving of the ‘Promise’ in his letter to the Galatians. In it we are able to see the work of predestination, and the purpose of faith as well.

Galatians 3:6-9

6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.

7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. The scripture is straight forward regarding faith. Abraham believed God and that defined faith. So now, those who are of faith are the children of Abraham. Let us not forget that this conversation with Abraham took place four hundred and thirty

THE PROMISE: Justified by Faith

years before the giving of the Jewish law. Therefore, the promise of justification by faith was given long before the Law.

Galatians 3:10-14

10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. 11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. The term ‘justified’ means to be made righteous in the sight of God. Therefore, those who are of faith are made the righteousness of God; and are justified to live and not die.

12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. These verses show a strict contrast; highlighting the weakness of the Law and the power of faith. Those who keep the Law and all of its doings are still under the curse of the law, for they have no power over death, hell, or the grave.

13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Now we come to the bottom line. Those who believe God as Abraham did, will receive the promise of the Holy Spirit. In the next chapter Paul reiterates this fact. Galatians 4:28-29; Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. 29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Note that another significant fact is brought into view. The believer is actually born of the Spirit. This is the promise that was made to Abraham. The ‘just’ shall live by the Spirit by which they are born. This, therefore, highlights the Father’s redemption plan even further.

Hebrews 11:13 - These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Though Abraham believed in the promise, he eventually died having to wait in the grave for the promise to be fulfilled. Let us not forget that to be justified is to be given the right to live. It was not until years later at Jesus’ resurrection that Abraham’s justification was finally manifest. However, now, in the dispensation of faith, those who believe are justified immediately, by being born of the Spirit.

Romans 8:29 - For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. It was God’s intent all along, that those who would believe in Christ would be justified by being transformed into His children. It is through this wonderful operation of adoption that we have been changed from the doomed humanic state into the children of God.

Let me iterate here that there was none worthy of life. We inherited the sin and death of our father Adam. We were by nature sinful, and walked in the darkness of this world. However, we were those who God created for Himself. Mankind was God’s creation and God was not forced to bend a knee to what satan did. In fact, before the world was, the plan concerning the rescue of man was already established. 1 John 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

THE PROMISE: Justified by faith C H a p t e R 2 The scripture maintains that in Adam all died, even those who did not sin after the similitude of Adam.

Nevertheless, death passed to all mankind. But this death was first spiritual (separation from God), then natural, when the body actually expired. Now the redemption, or justification for Adam’s children to live again, required that they believe in the promise of the Father, to send a righteous seed; otherwise, their soul and body would go into corruption forever.

It was God who designed the rescue plan. There was nothing of our own good that we could render that would be sufficient to restore us from sin and death.

The plan of salvation is entirely the work of God. He even placed the conscience in us that we would know that the gospel, when preached, is truth. Our belief in the gospel does not earn us any glory, for what glory is it to believe that which the conscience confirms as truth. All the glory goes to God, for the plan and execution of salvation. However, those who reject it will receive His wrath.

This is what makes our justification so precious. All we had to do was believe in His marvelous plan. To do so is to meet His requirement for salvation. Those who died before Christ, died not having received the promise, (the Holy Spirit), but their faith justified them in the grave allowing them to be raised up from the dead - a cloud of witnesses to the faithfulness of God.

Beloved, believe the report. Accept the righteousness Jesus provided for you. Don’t go into the grave without the faith of Christ. To do so, would be to forfeit the redemption of your body; not allowing it to be changed into one likened unto the glorious body of Christ.

There has been so much confusion and controversy in the church concerning the role of the flesh in salvation. Well the confusion and all controversy is about to be cleared up in these lessons pertaining to “The Body of Christ.” Although I must say that much of this confusion was and is due to our lack of knowledge and complete ignorance as it relates to the mystery of Christ.

The Church has villainized the flesh. It has blamed all its shortcomings on the body. But I want you to stick with me here for just a few moments and hear the mind and heart of the Father concerning the body you live in. In order to make you see the great mystery of our salvation it is necessary to take you back to the beginning and beyond.

It is fitting that we come to understand that the Father was never caught off-guard by anything satan or Adam did in their disobedience to Him. The verse below is only one of several that suggest that God knew us before He ever made the world.

Romans 8:29

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Here we are able to peer into eternity past and see the mind and heart of the Father regarding His creation. For whom he did foreknow, implies that God knew His entire creation name by name, before any of us were ever born. This is confirmed in the following passages.

Ephesians 1:4-6

4 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:

THE BODY Christof

5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

In the beginning God purposed for those who would believe on Christ, to be conformed or rather (made liken unto His image).

Romans 8:1-4, 10-11

1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

I want us to linger here a moment. The verses above are literal. There is nothing figurative or symbolic about them. The subject matter here is ‘those who are in Christ Jesus.’

They walk after the Spirit.
The law of the Spirit of Life has made them free from the law of sin and death.
God sent Jesus into the likeness of sinful flesh, to condemn sin in the flesh.

It was not only that Jesus came to earth looking like humans, but the implication here is also that He came to occupy human flesh. The likeness here also refers to the fact that at salvation the human body is cleansed of all evil concupiscence and the law of sin and death. Therefore, it is no longer sinful flesh. Thus His presence alone condemns sin in the flesh. The human body was indeed born again. Thus, it is no more sinful flesh. Nevertheless, it has the same appearance as the sinful flesh it once was. Now Jesus is able to live in this body (flesh), and condemn sin. For He is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. Now it follows that we can no longer blame the flesh for sin. It is incapable of sinning; because the seed of God, (Jesus Christ), remains in it. And it cannot sin.

Romans 8:4

That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Now that the life of Christ (the Spirit of life), is in the flesh, all the righteousness of the law can now be fulfilled in us. The spirit of satan no longer lives in our flesh, giving it the ability to betray us.

Romans 8:10

And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

Let us look at the literal meaning here. Note the wording here. If Christ be in you, then the body died because it was sinful. Now it’s important to note that the death of the body does not occur until the coming in of Christ. This is when we become partakers of the atonement. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Romans 5:11. To receive the atonement we had to be baptized into Christ death. This is clearly stated in the third chapter of Romans. Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Romans 6:3. In this baptism the body itself is baptized into the death of our Savior, that it may rise in the likeness of His resurrection. This point is further illustrated in the next verse.

THE BODY OF CHRIST C H a P T E R 3

Romans 8:11

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

When the Spirit of Christ enters your mortal body, it will quicken it alive unto God. This makes us partakers of His resurrection. It is by His life that the body lives. Thus, it is the Body of Christ.

Jesus Christ is the last sacrifice for the saving of mankind. Nevertheless, it is most important that we truly understand how this sacrificial offering actually saved us from damnation. Consider Romans 5:9-11 : 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

This is very important. “We have now received the atonement.” That is the part of the gospel that is landing in many theologian’s gray areas. But there is no need for confusion. We will simply take our time and break down the facts as the scriptures convey them.

Romans 8:12-14

12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Let us be sure to keep the intent of the writer here in context. The theme throughout these passages is the flesh and our relationship with it. Having been born again, we are warned to mortify or put to death all the deeds of the flesh we once walked in. It

THE POWER Deathof

is not expedient for the children of God to use the body of Christ to satisfy their own lust. For it is made clear to us that the body is the bone of His bone and the flesh of His flesh. (Eph.5:30).

Romans 8:15-16

15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

Jesus said to the rulers of Israel, “You are of your father the devil; and his works will you do.” It was the spirit of satan that lived in us before salvation. He lived in our flesh, initiating the law of sin and death in the flesh.

This law of sin in the flesh, made it impossible for us to walk in righteousness. There was no way we would be able to please God. Paul said it like this; Romans 7:22-24, For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

Thank God for His faithfulness. He has taken possession of the body. It belongs to Him now. It is His temple. But we also need to see the deliverance the writer here called for. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

This passage of scripture also forces us to look a little closer at our definition of death. We know that God warned Adam and Eve that to disobey God would mean certain death for them. But this is another gray area for some that need to be cleared up. For that cause we will start with the Bible’s exposition on death.

Romans 5:12

12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: That one man we know to be Adam. Here is where we discovered that God truly deals with seed, whether it be righteousness or unrighteousness.The man Adam sinned, and his seed became corrupt. This meant that Adam’s sin was passed down to all men. With sin also came death. Therefore, death too was passed down to us all. The ‘spirit of death’ brought about corruption to flesh, taking away its health and eventually bringing it down to the grave.

But it is also worthy to note here that this was the plan of the enemy; because death was able to enter the world through sin. Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; the point of focus now is that satan has the power of Death. He used this power to separate man from his God, and to destroy his body at will. Thus, sin and death became a law in the body of men.

Romans 5:13

(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. There was no law given in the days of Adam in his generations before the flood to identify each act of sin. They were all considered the children of disobedience. Therefore, the scripture declares in 1 Peter 3:19-20 - By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; 20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, THE POWER OF DEATH C H A p T E R 4 wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. Though there was no Civil Law that would identify sin per say,...

Romans 5:14

Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. It is very important that we understand the concept given here. Disobedience is the child of satan. He is the author of sin and a murderer of the creation through the power of death. Death ruled mankind on the earth and in the grave. That is the power of the grave, ‘the spirit of death.’

Listen to Solomon’s knowledge of death. Ecclesiastes 8:8 There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it. The children of Adam have no power to withstand death; and once they enter the grave, there is no release or dismissal. They are powerless. Death is a prison for the body and souls of all who reject God. Consider these passes from the prophet: Isaiah 24:22 - And they shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison, and after many days shall they be visited. Isaiah 42:7 - To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. There is but one who can deliver both body and soul from the grave. His name is Jesus. He has earned the right to do so. He overcame sin with righteousness. He overcame the grave by the power of the right of resurrection. Therefore, the prophet foreseeing these events, speaks of them in Hosea 13:14 - I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction.

This Temple which God now lays claim to, once belonged to another. Though the body belonged to Adam, it became the temple of satan. Remember, Jesus referred to him as being our father before salvation. My point here is that God’s claim on the body is by the Spirit of Adoption. It is by the Spirit of adoption that we can now cry Abba Father. Yes, beloved, the body is now living because of the first phase of its adoption.

Nevertheless, the day is fast approaching when the body will experience the final phase of its adoption. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body (Romans 8:23). We have the Spirit of adoption living in our flesh. This is true, but not only true. It is most important if we are to be raised from the dead at the sounding of the last trump.

Romans 8:24-25

24 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?

25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

Romans 8:13

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

Mortify the deeds: Subdue or put to death the desires of the flesh; by selfdenial or discipline: It is not that the body in itself has any desires. However, it is the soul that desires to live out its desires in the flesh. It needs the body to fulfill its lust. Therefore it is necessary that we mortify or ‘put to death,’ any unlawful desires that can only be accomplished through the flesh.

SPIRIT Adoptionfor

1 Thessalonians 5:23

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

Philippians 3:20-21

20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

In the passage above, it is made clear that at the return of Christ our earthly bodies will be changed. That is the operative word in this lesson, ‘changed.’ The body will be changed. It will be fashioned like the body of our Lord, a glorious body. One that will know no more pain, suffering, or death. It will be a product of the seed that was planted in it. Neither the location, or concondition of the body are relevant as to its change. If alive upon the earth, it will be changed. If sleeping in the grave, it will be changed.

John 5:24-25

24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. The best way to deal with this subject is to allow the scriptures full course to say what they say. We will not add or subtract from their meaning. As the above passages are literal, there is no need for any interpretation of symbols or figures of speech. So let us deal with what is written.

Those who believe on Jesus will have everlasting life.

● Everlasting life implies that the believer will never die. The believer has passed from death unto life. Even if the believer is in the grave, he will hear the voice of the Son of God and live.

Those who do not believe on Jesus:

The Unbeliever will enter into condemnation.
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. John 3:19
If the unbeliever dies before the return of the Lord, he will remain in death, until death is ordered to give up its dead.

But we must continue to investigate that which seems to be obvious. In other words, most would say, the born again will rise in righteousness and the unsaved unto eternal damnation. Yes, that is true. But the ‘why’ of this whole matter, is the manifestation of the mystery of Christ in the Church. Bear with me here.

John 5:26; For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; What does this verse have to do with the raising of the dead? Is it that Jesus is saying that He simply has the power to raise the dead, or could it be that something more is being implied here?

The Father has life in Himself.

The explanation of this statement can be found in the following passage. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 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. John 17: 20-21.

In His walk on the earth, it was the Father who gave life to the body of Christ. His Body was the Temple of God. Thus, it was God speaking through Jesus, …Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. John 2:19. It was the Father speaking through the flesh to Phillip. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? …10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.(John 14:9- 11). And again Jesus speaks of this oneness. But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. John 5:17 Jesus is the prototype for the Church. His coming to earth was in the fashion of each individual that will enter the Church. His life, (soul) was in the Father and the Father was in His flesh, (body). The point is that it was the Father who was the life source of Jesus’ flesh.

Let’s look at John 5:26 again.

John 5:26; For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; The simple meaning here is that Jesus declares Himself to be a lifegiving source, even as the Father. He too, has the ability to give life to the flesh. That is the power of the Son of Man. He is given this ability by the Father simply because He has paid the price for the sins of the entire world. We must consider that all the world was condemned to the eternal wrath of God. But Jesus paid for our sins with His own flesh and blood. But having committed no sin of His own, God was justified in raising Him from the dead.

Now it is the Holy Ghost, (the Spirit of Life), that raised him from the dead. It is also here that we come to the benefit of his resurrection for the believer. Though he died for the sins of the world, only those who actually believe this report will benefit from this atonement. Consider the following.

Romans 5:8-9

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

The Law declares the wages of sin to be death. Thus the entire Adamic creation was doomed to suffer eternal damnation and separation from God. But there is something else I want to iterate here. None of this came as a surprise to the Father. None of this was a spur of the moment solution for a fallen creation. The Word declares that God foreknew every member of His creation before they ever existed in time. The fact that Christ died for us removed the penalty of death and the wrath of God from us. This too, was also a predetermined fact. Therefore, through His foresight and foreknowledge of us, God was able select or elect those whom He knew would believe and accept Christ. Thus, their names were written in a book called The Lamb’s Book of Life.

Romans 5:10

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. If we take a moment to look at our salvation through the eyes of the Father, we would see that we were reconciled by His death; the shedding of His innocent blood for the guilty. But we were actually saved, (given the right to live nd our life preserved), by His life.

Romans 5:11

And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

This verse gives us the how-to. We literally received the atonement. That man who died on the cross, and was resurrected by the Father, through the eternal Spirit is now living in our natural bodies. This resurrected Christ is now living in the bodies of all who believe.

The challenge of this lesson is to make all aware of the true concept of our salvation. It is not widely preached or taught in mainstream Christendom, as one would think. Therefore, it is necessary that we bring this concept before us, if we are to truly understand the intent of our God.

In the beginning…

Satan and much of the angelic host worshiped God in the Holy Mountain of God, (the sides of the North) in what is now Jerusalem. The prophet confirms this. Ezekiel 28:14-15 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. 15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.

The following scriptures also lay a foundation for our understanding.

Isaiah 14:13-14

13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

Psalms 48:1-2

1 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.

2 Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.

The Prophets are describing the place of Satan’s desire. He knew God had chosen Jerusalem as His holy mountain. The location of His seat is also referred to as the sides of the north.

THE SAVING Bodyof the

We also know that the Garden of Eden was located somewhere in Iraq, which is hundreds of miles from the Holy Mountain, (Jerusalem), where Lucifer was conducting his services. However, it is important to note that at some point before God created the Garden, Lucifer fell into sin.

Now there are several things to consider here. First of all, do you think for one moment that God was not aware that the spirit of satan had entered the serpent? Yet, He allowed the serpent to remain in the Garden; giving satan access to His creation. Thus, satan was able to plant his spirit in the serpent, (the spirit of iniquity), in an effort to seduce the woman that she might get the man to sin against God. The first part of satan’s plan worked flawlessly. Man lost his place in paradise and his bishopric over the earth. Little did Adam know, disobedience is a spirit. (Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Ephesians 2:2 ). By this one man, sin came into the world and death by sin.

Therefore, death ruled in the earth and in man. Paul made this clear in his letter to the Roman church. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. Romans 5:14.

As I said, the first part of satan’s plan worked flawlessly. However, the Father had His own plan. Therefore, He made sure Adam was not able to get to the tree of life, eat of it, and live forever with the spirit of the wicked one living inside of him as well. Satan would have used that undying body to prolong his own existence. Remember the words of our Saviour, Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. John 8:44.

Though his plan to occupy flesh that had everlasting life failed, yet he had the use of bodies that would serve him until they finally died. The creation appeared to be eternally lost. It had no hope in itself; for the law of sin and death worked its members, bringing it into captivity to do the will of the wicked one. Even when it wanted to do good, evil was present, forbidding it.

This is a good time to say, “But God.” Yes, God is the master architect, He is the master builder. The plan was His all along. Can we even consider thinking that God did not know that Adam would disobey Him. He is omniscient. Listen to His boast in Isaiah 46:9-10 - Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure - It is obvious, no one really has a plan. Everything that is done upon the earth is done inside of His plan. The same is true concerning the saving of man. It was always the intent of God to save, restore or redeem his creation. But this plan was hidden from the sons of men. But make no mistake the plan existed. Ephesians 3:9-10 - And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, Furthermore, this is also highlighted in John’s writing. 1 John 5:7, For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And 1 John 5:11, And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

These passages prove that the Father had a plan before the world was ever formed. His intent was recorded in Heaven before the dawn of time. Once again, Paul says as much to Titus concerning the salvation of the fallen creation in Titus 1:1-3: Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; 2 In hope of eternal life, THE SAVING OF THE BODY C H A p T E R 6 which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; 3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;

Before we move on, there are some important points we need to pinpoint here. Paul testifies that the creation was placed in hope of eternal life. Now think on how contradictory this is in light of the fact that it is dead in sins and trespasses. But God promised in eternity past, to bring the opportunity to enter into eternal life through His Son. Romans 8:20-21; 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. He goes on to say that the creation was made subject to the one it obeyed. But He also at the same time subjected it to hope. Now hope means to have a great expectation. Thus, it was the plan of the Father to make a promise of a coming Deliverer. It is also necessary to note that this Deliverer would also deliver the creation from “the bondage of corruption,” which is sinful flesh. Now when we come back into ‘time’ we see the Father actually vocalizing this promise to His fallen creation. Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. This is the covenant God made with mankind. And even though man became so evil that God purposed to destroy all that breathed the breath of life, Noah found favor with Him. Genesis 6:18: But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons’ wives with thee. Though the earth and all of its inhabitants were destroyed, God kept His promise to Adam and established it in Noah. Nevertheless, again in the halls of time, we hear Jesus reiterate the promise that was first spoken in eternity. Matthew 18:11: For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. Now I really want to pause here for a moment to point out something that is not being preached in mainstream Christendom. Christ Jesus is not only the savior of the soul, but He is also the savior of the body as well. No, the saving of the body is not something that is commonly taught in the church. However, it is a vital part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. To make us truly see the manifold wisdom of God, we will take another look into the Garden. Genesis 2:7; And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

Man was formed from the dust. He was called man before the breath of life was breathed into him. It was the breath of life (soul) that brought the ‘man’ alive. My point is, there is no man without a body. This is a very significant fact because God had purposed to live in the bodies called mankind. The body of man is the image God chose to live in. Let us not forget one of the main purposes for the coming of Christ was to build God a house, a holy habitation to dwell in. This is the plan that will flow into eternity. 1 Corinthians 15:28: And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

This plan never changes. Therefore, it was necessary for the whole man to be saved. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 - And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We never hear of the saving and reservation of the body in salvation. But if the Father is to have the good pleasure of His will, ‘the body’ of His creation must be preserved. Therefore, Paul the apostle who was given an amazing revelation of Christ in the Church, boldly states…Ephesians 5:23: For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

Now we come to how this saving of the body is to take place. Matthew 9:17: Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved. I think we can all agree that the wine here is the Holy Ghost, the old bottles are the bodies of unbelievers and the new bottles are the bodies of the believers. Here in the scriptures is the process or the operation of the faith of God.

● Romans 6:6 (the death of the old body)

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

● Colossians 2:11 (death of the body and eviction of the law of sin and death)

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

● Hebrews 10:22 (the washing of the corpse)

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

● Romans 8:11 (The corpse brought back to life)

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

● 1 John 3:9 (Christ in flesh…)

Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

THE SAVING OF THE BODY C H A p T E R 6

● Ephesians 5:30 (The manifestation of the the son of God)

For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

Now that we have seen and understand the operation of the faith of God in the saving of the body, we also need to understand that we believers are living in hope. Yes, we have been subjected to the hope of eternal life. Paul writes to us of this blessed hope in Philippians 3:21: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. He also speaks again in 2 Corinthians 5:1: For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. This is where we were confused. The phrase eternal in the heavens, was thought to mean that when we expire here on earth, and the body goes back to the dust, that is the end of it. But that is not the case. Let us continue to read what the writer wrote. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: 3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. 4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

The scriptures below also tell the story.

1 Corinthians 15:52-55

52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

There is a need for us to correct some of our theology here. For many years we have thought the scriptures to imply that the dead in Christ are in heaven; and that is where they will come from with Him, in the rapture of the Church. Their souls are indeed in Heaven, however, their bodies are still in the earth. Consider the following passages.

1 Corinthians 15:42-44

42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

John 5:27-29

27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.

28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. The bodies of those who have believed and received the atonement of Jesus Christ, will rise from the grave and be changed into bodies likened unto the glorious body of Christ. Jesus will bring their souls back with Him to occupy their changed bodies. They shall rise first, and then those of us who are still alive at the coming of the Lord, our bodies will be changed. Thus, we will meet Him in the air.

So what is the conclusion of the matter? Well, I think Paul’s encouragement to the Romans says it all. Romans 8:23: And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

This is our great expectation, the hope of a new body. And this hope is justified, because the seed of Christ has remained with us and provided our body with a divine sinless nature. Beloved, let us strive to keep it holy, and acceptable unto God; that we may also appear in the first resurrection of the dead in Christ.

I love you all with the love of our Savior Mary, the apostle of Jesus Christ