CHAPTER NINE

BIBLE STUDIES FOR BEGINNERS

(twenty-six lessons)

PREFACE

This book is edited for believers who love the holy Word. It is suitable for individual or group Bible study. Any brother or sister who loves the Lord, wants to know the crucial and basic truths in the Bible, and wants to receive spiritual help can understand this book's teachings by looking up the verses in the order listed in each lesson. If this book is used for Bible study meetings, one person with the gift of the Holy Spirit and who understands the teachings in this book should be in charge, according to the Lord's leading. He must spend time striving in prayer so that the Holy Spirit would open the minds of the readers to understand the teachings.

The purpose of this book is not to receive man's opinion but to receive God's teaching. Therefore, other than the titles and outlines, very few words of man are added. When there are some words, they are only conclusions which issue from the reading of the related Bible verses. Every title is followed by many verses which prove or explain the title and outline. Most importantly, the readers must look up and read each verse and pray to the Lord to reveal the true meaning of the verses. Only then will they be able to understand them.

The teachings in this book progress from simple to profound. At the beginning, verses are used to answer the excuses for not receiving Christ as one's Savior. Then gradually, the lessons go deeper until Lesson 26, which explains the beginning and end of full salvation. The first few lessons deal with the general way to be saved. Being saved is the starting point of the Christian life. Therefore, if one is not clear about this foundation, it is hard to expect him to go much further.

This book emphasizes both spiritual life and spiritual knowledge because a perfected Christian should not lack either of these. Even a study for knowledge should be related very much to spiritual life. Therefore, we hope the readers will pay close attention to this emphasis on both.

The first part of this book, as mentioned previously, mainly concerns the preaching of salvation. Therefore, it is quite suitable to read this part with unbelievers. It is not necessary to argue with them about difficult questions in the Bible. Simply follow the lesson outline and read each verse listed in the lesson to them, or let them find and read the verses for themselves. Let the Word of God do its own work. God has already delighted in using this method to save many sinners on various occasions. God may do this again on many other occasions. Therefore, you need to be faithful.

This book is also very suitable for group Bible study. If a joint Bible study is held once a week, twenty-six lessons can extend for half a year. For a one month conference, excluding the Lord's Days, there are enough lessons for each day. If the conference lasts only two weeks, then two lessons each day may be studied. This book is flexible and can be divided according to the length of time available.

The original writing of this book (except Lessons 11 and 18 which the Lord was pleased to have me write) came from famous books written by servants who were greatly used by the Lord in Europe and America. Some were translated directly from original texts, and some were edited by me, containing one-third to one-half of the original text. My helpers in translation include: Faithful Luk, Wai-San Wang, Peter Chang, and Wu-Chou Hsu. May the Lord bless their work that it may not be in vain.

I hope and desire that many brothers and sisters, who love the Lord, will set up group Bible studies and, for the sake of the Lord, use this book as lesson notes to bring many sinners to the Lord and build up the saints to grow in life. My work on editing this book is finished. I do not know how much more work I can do for the Lord on this earth. But I long for that glorious day to come quickly so that the world may see the King of Peace reign. I know I am useless, but I commit this little book into the hand of the loving Lord. If He will bless and cause people to be saved and built up, then all the glory goes to Him. I now humbly pray before the Lord that He may work in the heart of every reader.

Watchman NeeJanuary 11, 1927At night in Nanking, China

LESSON ONE

EXCUSES FOR NOT RECEIVING CHRIST

Not being able to understand:
1. "But a soulish man does not receive" (1 Cor. 2:14)
2. "Perishing...blinded the thoughts" (2 Cor. 4:3-4)
3. "To do His will" (John 7:17)
4. First believe then understand (Rom. 3:11; Prov. 3:5; Hosea 6:3; Psa. 25:14)
Fear of not being able to stand firm unto the end:
1. "I will help you" (Isa. 41:10, 13)
2. "Able to guard you" (Jude 24)
3. "By no means perish" (John 10:28)
4. "Guarded by the power of God" (1 Pet. 1:5)
5. See also Heb. 13:5; 2 Tim. 1:12; 2 Cor. 12:9; Phil. 1:6
The conduct of many believers is very corrupt:
1. "Will give an account concerning himself to God" (Rom. 14:10, 12)
2. "Do not judge" (Matt. 7:1-2)
3. "Who are you"? (James 4:12)
4. "For you who judge practice the same things" (Rom. 2:1)
Hindered by business affairs:
1. "They are requiring your soul from you" (Luke 12:20-21)
2. "The love of money" (1 Tim. 6:9-10)
3. "Forfeit his soul-life" (Mark 8:36)
4. "Treasures on the earth" (Matt. 6:19; Eccl. 5:10; Prov. 22:1; 16:8)
Hindered by pleasures:
1. "Reap corruption" (Gal. 6:7-8)
2. "Render an account" (Matt. 12:36)
3. "Passing away" (1 John 2:15-17)
4. "Enmity with God" (James 4:4)
The foolishness of the unbeliever:
1. "The fool" (Psa. 53:1)
2. "All Scripture is God-breathed" (2 Tim. 3:16)
3. "Men spoke from God while being borne by the Holy Spirit" (2 Pet. 1:20-21)
4. "In Him we live" (Acts 17:28)
The end of the man who rejects God:
1. "But the wrath of God abides upon him" (John 3:36)
2. "We are to give our account" (Heb. 4:13)
3. "Be destroyed...without remedy" (Prov. 29:1)
4. "How much...worse punishment" (Heb. 10:28-29)

LESSON TWO

THE TRUTH OF CHRIST'S SALVATION

The state of man without Christ:
1. "Lost" (Luke 19:10)
2. "Perish" (John 3:16)
3. "Condemned already" (John 3:18)
4. "Their works were evil" (John 3:19)
5. "Hates the light" (John 3:20)
6. "The wrath of God" (John 3:36)
7. "Your father the devil" (John 8:44)
8. "From within...proceed evil" (Mark 7:21-23)
The death of Christ is needed to save man:
1. "My blood...poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins" (Matt. 26:27-28)
2. "To give His life as a ransom" (Matt. 20:28)
3. "I lay down My life for the sheep" (John 10:11, 15)
4. "Lifted up" (John 3:14-15). Please read John 12:24, 32, 33.
The perfect redemption of Christ:
1. "It is finished!" (John 19:30)
2. "One sacrifice for sins" (Heb. 10:12)
3. "Bore up our sins in His body" (1 Pet. 2:24)
The condition to be saved by Christ:
1. "Your faith" (Luke 7:50)
2. "Your faith" (Luke 8:48)
3. "Believes" (Mark 9:23)
4. "Every one who believes" (John 3:16)
5. "Believes...disobeys" (John 3:36)
6. "Believes" (John 5:24)
The perfectness of the promises of Christ:
1. "By no means perish forever" (John 10:28)
2. "Able to guard" (2 Tim. 1:12)
3. "Complete it" (Phil. 1:6)
The perfect work of Christ's intercession:
1. "Holy Father, keep" (John 17:11)
2. "To save to the uttermost" (Heb. 7:25)
3. "If anyone sins, we have an Advocate" (1 John 2:1)
Man receives the nature of God through regeneration:
1. "Begotten of God" (John 1:12-13)
2. "Christ our life" (Col. 3:4)
3. "Christ who lives in me" (Gal. 2:20)
4. "I live, you also shall live" (John 14:19)

LESSON THREE

GOD'S MESSAGES

You are a sinner:
1. "There is no man that sinneth not" (1 Kings 8:46)
2. "There is none who does good" (Psa. 14:1)
3. "All have sinned" (Rom. 3:23)
Your nature is corrupt:
1. "In sin...conceive" (Psa. 51:5)
2. "The heart is deceitful" (Jer. 17:9)
3. "In me...nothing good dwells" (Rom. 7:18)
4. "Enmity against God" (Rom. 8:7)
God loves you:
1. "God so loved the world that..." (John 3:16)
2. "While we were yet sinners" (Rom. 5:8)
3. "The love of God was manifested among us" (1 John 4:9)
4. "He loved us..." (1 John 4:10)
Christ died for your sins:
1. "Takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29)
2. "Christ died for our sins" (1 Cor. 15:3)
3. "Bore up our sins" (1 Pet. 2:24)
You who believe in Christ shall be saved:
1. "Has eternal life" (John 3:36)
2. "Has eternal life" (John 6:47)
3. "Everyone who believes is justified" (Acts 13:39)
4. "Shall be saved" (Acts 16:31)
Christ gives you great promises:
1. "Receive you to Myself" (John 14:3)
2. "He may be with you forever" (John 14:16)
3. "Ask and you shall receive" (John 16:24)
4. "Neither by any means shall I abandon you" (Heb. 13:5)
5. "Confess his name" (Rev. 3:5)
Unbelievers shall be condemned:
1. "Shall be condemned" (Mark 16:16)
2. "Condemned already" (John 3:18)
3. "Die in your sins" (John 8:24)
4. "Wrath and fury. Tribulation and anguish" (Rom. 2:8-9)
5. "Their part will be in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone" (Rev. 21:8)

LESSON FOUR

A GREAT COMPARISON

(Acts 28:24)

Some were persuaded (Acts 28:24a)
1. Those who believe are born again:
  1. "Regenerated" (1 Pet. 1:23)
  2. "Begotten...of God" (John 1:13)
2. Those who believe have redemption:
  1. "Redeemed us out" (Gal. 3:13)
  2. "We have redemption" (Eph. 1:7)
3. Those who believe have become near to God:
  1. "Become near" (Eph. 2:13)
  2. "Before Him" (Eph. 1:4)
4. Those who believe are made sons of God:
  1. "Sons of God" (Gal. 3:26)
  2. "Children of God" (1 John 3:2)
5. Those who believe have the love of God:
  1. "God commends His own love to us" (Rom. 5:8)
  2. "He loved us" (1 John 4:10)
6. Those who believe wait for Christ and glory:
  1. "Christ...will appear...to those who eagerly await Him" (Heb. 9:28)
  2. "You will receive the unfading crown of glory" (1 Pet. 5:4)
7. Those who believe are guaranteed to go to heaven:
  1. "An inheritance...kept in the heavens" (1 Pet. 1:4)
  2. "Into His heavenly kingdom" (2 Tim. 4:18)
8. Those who believe have passed out of death into life:
  1. "Has passed out of death into life" (John 5:24)
Some did not believe (Acts 28:24b)
1. Those who do not believe are born in sin:
  1. "Shapen in iniquity" (Psa. 51:5)
  2. "Born of the flesh" (John 3:6)
2. Those who do not believe are cursed:
  1. "Under a curse" (Gal. 3:10)
  2. "Fall under the judgment of God" (Rom. 3:19)
3. Those who do not believe are far from God:
  1. "Far off" (Eph. 2:12-13)
  2. "Separation between you and your God" (Isa. 59:2)
4. Those who do not believe are the children of Satan:
  1. "Of your father the devil" (John 8:44)
  2. "Children of the devil" (1 John 3:10)
5. Those who do not believe have the wrath of God:
  1. "Wrath of God abides upon him" (John 3:36)
  2. "The coming wrath" (Matt. 3:7)
6. Those who do not believe wait for death and judgment:
  1. "Die once, and after this comes judgment" (Heb. 9:27)
  2. "In the day of judgment" (Matt. 12:36)
7. Those who do not believe are guaranteed to go to the lake of fire:
  1. "Their part will be in the lake which burns with fire" (Rev. 21:8)
  2. "Cast them into the furnace of fire" (Matt. 13:41-42)
8. Those who do not believe have "been condemned already" (John 3:18).

LESSON FIVE

WHAT TO SAY TO LOST ONES

All have sinned:
1. "There is none righteous" (Rom. 3:10, 23)
2. "Stumbles in one point" (James 2:10)
3. "Like sheep have gone astray" (Isa. 53:6)
4. "Incurable" (Jer. 17:9)
5. See also Gal. 3:10; Ezek. 7:23; Rom. 3:9-20; Isa. 1:6; John 15:22
The punishment for sin:
1. "Death" (Rom. 6:23)
2. "It shall die" (Ezek. 18:4)
3. "Eternal fire" and "eternal punishment" (Matt. 25:41, 46)
4. "Being in torment" (Luke 16:23)
5. See also Psa. 9:17; 11:6; Rev. 20:15; 21:8; 14:11
Christ died for our sins:
1. "Bore up our sins" (1 Pet. 2:24)
2. "Suffered once for sins" (1 Pet. 3:18)
3. "Died for the ungodly" (Rom. 5:6)
4. "Propitiation" (1 John 4:10; Rom. 5:8; Isa. 53:5; Gal. 3:13; 1 Cor. 15:3; Heb. 1:3)
Salvation is prepared for all men:
1. "Every one" (John 3:16)
2. "That which is lost" (Luke 19:10)
3. "Not intending that any perish" (2 Pet. 3:9)
4. "Him who comes to Me" (John 6:37; 1 Tim. 1:15; 2:4; Rev. 22:17; Isa. 1:18; Mark 2:17)
Saved through faith:
1. "Believes" (John 3:16)
2. "Received...believe" (John 1:12)
3. "Believes" (John 3:18)
4. "Believes" (Acts 13:39)
5. See also John 3:36; 5:24; 6:47; 20:31; Acts 10:43
There is only one way to be saved—by grace:
1. "For neither is there another name under heaven given" (Acts 4:12)
2. "Not out of works in righteousness" (Titus 3:5)
3. "For the grace of God, bringing salvation to all men, has appeared" (Titus 2:11)
4. "The gift of God" (Eph. 2:5, 8)
5. See also Rom. 4:4-5; 11:6; Gal. 2:21; 2 Tim. 1:9
Confessing Christ before men is joyous:
1. "Saved" (Rom. 10:9-10)
2. "I also will confess in him before My Father" (Matt. 10:32)
3. "Sing unto the Lord" (Psa. 96:2)

LESSON SIX

WHAT SHALL I DO TO BE SAVED?

The position of man and his end before God depends upon whether he receives or rejects the works which His Son, Jesus Christ, accomplished on the cross. If he lives in unbelief until his death, he is hopeless and eternal condemnation is guaranteed. There is no need to ask if he will perish when he dies. He will certainly perish. If a man has not received the blood shed by God's Son, Jesus Christ, for the covering of his sins, he is "condemned already" (John 3:18).

An unbeliever is under the wrath of God:
1. "The wrath of God abides upon him" (John 3:36)
2. "Having no hope" (Eph. 2:12)
3. "Blinded the thoughts of the unbelievers" (2 Cor. 4:3-4)
4. "Will die in your sins" (John 8:24)
5. "Shall be condemned" (Mark 16:16)
6. "In flaming fire...vengeance" (2 Thes. 1:7-8)
7. "Lake which burns with fire and brimstone" (Rev. 21:8)
Saved by believing in the heart:
Believing merely in a historical Christ is neither having the faith which saves by believing in the heart, nor the receiving of Christ, the believing of the testimony that God gave concerning His Son.
1. "Believed...the testimony which God has testified" (1 John 5:10-12)
2. "Believe in your heart" (Rom. 10:9-11)
3. "Believed God" according to His Word (Rom. 4:3, 20-21)
What to believe:
1. "Christ died for our sins" (1 Cor. 15:3)
2. "Buried" (1 Cor. 15:4)
3. "Raised" (1 Cor. 15:4)
4. "Was delivered for our offenses" (Rom. 4:25)
5. "Was raised for our justification" (Rom. 4:25)
6. "Bore up our sins" (1 Pet. 2:24)
7. "The iniquity of us all...on Him" (Isa. 53:6)
8. "Made sin on our behalf" (2 Cor. 5:21)
9. "Having become a curse" (Gal. 3:13)
10. "Believes...has eternal life" (John 3:36)
11. "Believes...has" (John 5:24)
12. "Believes...justified" (Acts 13:39)
Salvation is absolutely free:
Salvation is not by man's ways, nor by self-discipline, self-effort, or self-strength.
1. "Without money and without price" (Isa. 55:1)
2. "I give to them eternal life" (John 10:28)
3. "The gift of God" (Rom. 6:23)
4. "Believe" (1 John 5:13)

LESSON SEVEN

THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST

"Without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Heb. 9:22). The only passport to salvation is the blood of the Lamb of God. Only this blood can protect man from the wrath which is to come. In God's Word, the "blood" is mentioned over four hundred times. From this we can see that the blood is important. Whosoever receives the blood of Jesus Christ for the covering of sins is undoubtedly saved already. This salvation is absolutely complete and eternal. The true knowledge of the value of the blood of the Lord is most effective in keeping man away from sin.

The blood of Christ is the price of the believer's redemption:
1. "Obtained through His own blood" (Acts 20:28)
2. "Have redemption through His blood" (Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14)
3. "With precious blood...the blood of Christ" (1 Pet. 1:18-19)
4. "Have purchased...by Your blood" (Rev. 5:9)
The blood of Christ is the foundation of the believer's forgiveness of sins. Forgiveness is instantaneous and complete:
1. "Through His blood" (Eph. 1:7)
2. "Redemption through His blood" (Col. 1:14 [KJV])
3. "Without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Heb. 9:22)
4. "All our offenses" (Col. 2:13)
The blood of Christ is the foundation of the believer's justification (Rom. 5:8-9):
1. The blood is the base (Rom. 5:9)
2. To believe is the way (Rom. 3:28)
3. The resurrection of Christ is the proof (Rom. 4:25)
  Justification, redemption, forgiveness are all gifts in this age.
The blood of Christ is the foundation of the believer's peace:
We cannot reconcile ourselves to God. Peace has been made; we only need to receive it.
1. "Having made peace through the blood" (Col. 1:20)
2. "Have peace" (Rom. 5:1)
The blood of Christ is the foundation of the believer's cleansing:
1. "Cleanses us from every sin" (1 John 1:7)
2. "Released" (Rev. 1:5)
The blood of Christ is the way for believers to come to God:
1. "Become near" (Eph. 2:13)
2. "Entering the Holy of Holies" (Heb. 10:19)
The blood of Christ is the means for the fellowship of the believers: (1 Cor. 10:16-17)

LESSON EIGHT

THE PROBLEM OF SIN

What is sin?
Sin is—A transgression, an offense against God, a serious shortcoming, a violation—Webster's Dictionary.
1. "Sin is lawlessness" (1 John 3:4)
2. "Not out of faith is sin" (Rom. 14:23)
Who is the originator of sin?
1. "The anointed cherub" (Ezek. 28:14-16)
When was sin committed?
"From the beginning" (1 John 3:8)
Are all men sinners?
1. "All under sin" (Rom. 3:9)
2. "All have turned aside" (Rom. 3:12)
3. "All...fall under the judgment of God" (Rom. 3:19)
4. "All have sinned" (Rom. 3:23)
What are the results of sin?
1. "Sinneth, it shall die" (Ezek. 18:4)
2. "Destroyeth much good" (Eccl. 9:18)
3. "Sin, when it is fully grown, brings forth death" (James 1:15)
4. "The wages of sin is death" (Rom. 6:23)
The sin of the unbelievers:
1. "Will render an account...in the day of judgment" (Matt. 12:36)
2. "Thou...canst not look on iniquity" (Hab. 1:13)
3. "After this comes judgment" (Heb. 9:27)
4. "Die in your sins" (John 8:24)
5. "Sins...follow after" (1 Tim. 5:24)
6. "Him to whom we are to give our account" (Heb. 4:13)
The sins of the believers:
1. Where were they?
  1. "The iniquity of us all...on Him" (Isa. 53:6)
  2. "He made sin" (2 Cor. 5:21)
  3. "Bore up our sins in His body" (1 Pet. 2:24)
  4. "Having made purification of sins" (Heb. 1:3)
2. Where are they now?
  1. "Wipes away...will not remember" (Isa. 43:25)
  2. "I have wiped away...your transgressions" (Isa. 44:22)
  3. "As far as the east is from the west...removed" (Psa. 103:12)
  4. "Cast behind Your back all my sins" (Isa. 38:17)
  5. "Cast...into the depths of the sea" (Micah 7:19)
  6. "He...having forgiven us all our offenses" (Col. 2:13)
  7. "By no means remember anymore" (Heb. 10:17)

LESSON NINE

FREEDOM

Unbelievers have two errors: They think that (1) Christians are bound, and (2) unbelievers are free. But God says that unbelievers are under bondage and that believers are free!

The bondage of the unbelievers:
1. By sin
  1. "A slave of sin" (John 8:34)
  2. "Sold under sin" (Rom. 7:14)
2. By self
  1. "A captive to the law of sin which is in my members" (Rom. 7:23)
  2. "Doing the desires of the flesh" (Eph. 2:3)
3. By Satan
  1. "The snare of the devil" (2 Tim. 2:26)
  2. "The desires of your father" (John 8:44)
The freedom of the believers:
1. "Free indeed" (John 8:36)
  1. "Has set us free" (Gal. 5:1)
2. Concerning the condemnation in this age (Rom. 8:1):
  1. "Is not condemned" (John 3:18)
3. Concerning the judgment in the future:
  1. "Does not come into judgment" (John 5:24)
  2. "Delivers us from the wrath which is coming" (1 Thes. 1:10)
  3. "Redeemed us out of the curse" (Gal. 3:13)
4. Concerning the bondage of sin:
  1. "Sin will not lord it over you" (Rom. 6:14)
  2. "Having been freed from sin" (Rom. 6:18, 22)
  3. "Freed me...from the law of sin and of death" (Rom. 8:2)
5. Concerning the law:
  1. "The end of the law" (Rom. 10:4)
  2. "Have died to law" (Gal. 2:19)
  3. "Redeem those under law" (Gal. 4:5)
  4. "Discharged from the law" (Rom. 7:6)
  5. "Not under the law" (Rom. 6:14)
6. Concerning fear:
  1. To release from the fear of death (Heb. 2:14-15; 2 Tim. 1:7)
  2. Completely no fear (Rom. 8:15; 1 John 4:18)
7. Concerning anxiety:
  1. "All your anxiety" (1 Pet. 5:7)
  2. "In nothing be anxious" (Phil. 4:6)
  3. "Do not be anxious" (Matt. 6:25)

LESSON TEN

THE LOVE OF GOD

(Romans 5:8)

The love of God not only cuts off and purges the root and stem of sins in the hearts of evil men, it also changes sinners from being cursed to being blessed, from being morally corrupted to being capable of every good deed, from being servants of Satan to being messengers of God, from being people of darkness to being children of light, and from being those who indulge in their lusts to being servants who obey Christ.

How much does God love?
1. "As You have loved Me" (John 17:23)
2. Breadth—"every one who" (John 3:15-16)
3. Length—"eternal" (Jer. 31:3)
4. Depth—"for me" (Gal. 2:20)
5. Height—"in the heavenlies" (Eph. 2:4, 6)
Whom does God love?
1. "The world" (John 3:16)
2. "We were dead in offenses" (Eph. 2:4-5)
3. "Me" (Gal. 2:20)
How does God love?
1. "Freely" (Hosea 14:4)
2. As the Father (John 16:27)
3. "To the uttermost" (John 13:1)
What did God's love do for us?
1. "A propitiation for our sins" (1 John 4:10)
2. "Has released us from our sins" (Rev. 1:5)
3. "Saved us" (Titus 3:4-5)
4. "Would not perish, but would have eternal life" (John 3:16)
5. "Raised...seated us together" (Eph. 2:4-6)
6. "Eternal comfort and good hope" (2 Thes. 2:16)
What will God's love do for us?
1. "Not having spot" (Eph. 5:25-27)
2. "Without blemish" (Jude 24)
3. "More than conquer" (Rom. 8:37)
4. Keeping us forevermore (Rom. 8:38-39)
5. "Disciplines...scourges" (Heb. 12:6)

LESSON ELEVEN

THE ASSURANCE OF SALVATION

How are we saved?
1. "Grace...faith" (Eph. 2:8-9)
2. "Believe on the Lord Jesus" (Acts 16:31)
3. "Not out of works in righteousness" (Titus 3:5)
When are we saved?
1. "Believes...may have" (John 3:15)
2. "Believes...would not...would have" (John 3:16)
3. "Believes...has" (John 3:36)
4. "Has...does not...has passed" (John 5:24)
5. "Believes has" (John 6:47)
6. "Believes...will receive" (Acts 10:43)
7. "Believes is justified" (Acts 13:39)
8. "Have" (Rom. 5:1)
9. "Having now" (Rom. 5:9)
10. "Now then no" (Rom. 8:1)
11. "Have" (Eph. 1:7)
12. "Have been forgiven" (1 John 2:12)
13. "Has" (1 John 5:12)
  The Bible teaches us that being saved is a present matter. When we believe, we receive eternal life. Once we believe, we receive. There is no need to wait or to hope. Salvation is not something that happens after death, but is a present matter. Since believers are already saved (John 5:24), unbelievers are already condemned (John 3:18).
Can man know that he is saved?
1. "May know" (1 John 5:13)
2. "Let it be known" (Acts 13:38-39)
3. "For we know" (2 Cor. 5:1)
4. "Knowing" (2 Cor. 5:6-8)
5. "Know" (2 Tim. 1:12)
6. "Know" (1 John 3:14)
  Every believer can know whether or not he has eternal life. Men often think, "We can only hope that we are saved, and we can only know if we are saved after we die or at the time of judgment." This is not the teaching of the Bible. The Bible teaches that a man can know whether or not he has eternal life in this age.
How can a man know that he is saved?
1. "These things" (1 John 5:13)
2. "The testimony of God" (1 John 5:9-11)
3. "My word" (John 5:24)
  We may not have known that we are already saved, but the Word of God, the Bible, says that we are already saved; therefore we are saved. The Bible also tells us that he who believes has eternal life, is justified, has peace, and is saved. We only need to ask ourselves whether or not we have believed into the Lord Jesus as our personal Savior. If we have not believed, we will perish. If we believe, we spontaneously are a person who has eternal life. "He who believes has eternal life" (John 6:47). When we believe, we have eternal life. We know that we have eternal life not because we think or we feel that we do, but because God tells us so. Since we are saved and have received God's grace, we should not continue in sin (Rom. 6:1-2).

LESSON TWELVE

THE TWO NATURES

Every Christian feels that he has two natures, but not every Christian knows the reason why. Because he does not know how to deal with this kind of experience, much sorrow and discouragement may fill his heart. The nature that is born of the flesh has no goodness at all; but the nature that is born of God does not commit sins. The source and nature of the new man and the old man are opposites. But both natures are within the Christian. From the first man, we inherited sin, rebellion, and death. From the second man, we inherited righteousness, obedience, and life (Rom. 5:17-19).

The old man:
1. "The flesh" (John 3:6)
2. "Your father the devil" (John 8:44)
3. "The heart is deceitful" (Jer. 17:9)
4. "Cannot please God" (Rom. 8:7-8)
  The best moralists, the most devoted religionists, and the most compassionate, charitable people are far away from God and from eternal life unless they are born again. They are the same as the tax collectors and harlots. Without being born again, one cannot please God, because his heart is deceitful and his father is the devil.
The new man:
1. "Born of the Spirit" (John 3:5-6)
2. "New man" (Eph. 4:24)
3. "A new creation" (2 Cor. 5:17)
4. "Begotten...of God" (John 1:11-13)
The new man is Christ living within you:
1. "Christ in you" (Col. 1:27)
2. "Christ our life" (Col. 3:3-4)
3. "Christ who lives in me" (Gal. 2:20)
The battle:
The new nature and the old nature are archenemies. Both of them want to dominate completely. The old nature has its power and its will. The battle between these two natures is very severe. Therefore, many young believers doubt their regeneration to the point that they are completely disappointed (Rom. 7:14-25). How should we deal with our old nature? "Cast out" (Gal. 4:22-31).
The victory—three ways:
1. On the negative side:
  1. "Crucified with Christ" (Gal. 2:20; 5:24)
  2. "Reckon...to be dead" (Rom. 6:11)
2. On the positive side:
  1. "Walk by the Spirit" (Gal. 5:16)
  2. "Walk by the Spirit" (Gal. 5:25)
3. On the negative and positive side:
  1. "Put to death...you will live" (Rom. 8:13)
  The way to overcome is not by self-discipline or self-imposition. The way to overcome the old nature is (1) by the cross of the Lord, acknowledging that the self is dead already, (2) by following the leading of the Holy Spirit in all our endeavors, and (3) by allowing the Holy Spirit and the cross to work together to put the old man to death.

LESSON THIRTEEN

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LAW AND GRACE

(Deuteronomy 21:18-21; Luke 15:21-32)

Law:
1. What is the law?
  1. "Holy" (Rom. 7:12)
  2. "Perfect...faithful" (Psa. 19:7)
  3. "Right...clear" (Psa. 19:8)
2. What does the law say?
  1. "Keep...do" (Lev. 18:5)
  2. "Does" (Rom. 10:5)
3. What does the law do?
  1. The law is just God's righteous requirement. From the law, man cannot receive any help at all:
    1. "Guilty of all" (James 2:10)
    2. "Fall under the judgment of God" (Rom. 3:19)
  2. The law cannot accomplish anything:
    1. "Not able to be justified" (Acts 13:39)
    2. "Perfected nothing" (Heb. 7:18-19)
4. Why did God give the law?
  1. "Transgressions" (Gal. 3:19)
  2. "To bring us unto Christ" (Gal 3:24, KJV)
5. How did God give the law?
  "Through Moses" (John 1:17; Exo. 20:18-19; Heb. 12:18)
Grace:
1. What is grace?
  1. "Love...of our Savior God" (Titus 3:4-5)
    Grace is goodness bestowed on those who have sinned and those who do not deserve it.
  2. "Kindness toward us" (Eph. 2:7)
2. What does grace say?
  1. "Believes" (John 5:24)
  2. "By no means perish" (John 10:28-29)
3. What does grace perform?
  1. "You have been saved" (Eph. 2:8-9)
  2. "Grace...has appeared" (Titus 2:11)
4. Why did God give grace?
  1. "God so loved" (John 3:16)
5. How did God give grace?
  1. "Through Jesus Christ" (John 1:17)
The believers:
1. Who is a believer?
  1. Anyone who believes that "Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:37).
2. Are believers under the law?
  1. "Not under the law" (Rom. 6:14)
3. What is the standard of their conduct?
  1. "Ought himself also to walk even as He walked" (1 John 2:6)
Christianity:
1. What is it?
  1. "Christ died for our sins...was buried...has been raised" (1 Cor. 15:3-4)
2. Is it a mixture of the law and grace?
  1. "To the one who works...not accounted according to grace...to the one who does not work, but believes" (Rom. 4:4-5)

LESSON FOURTEEN

FAITH AND WORK

A person can be very polite, moral, strict, and conscientious and yet be very far away from the holiness of God. He can endeavor to work, with sweat on his face, and can offer offerings to God like Cain. He can read the Bible, pray, and listen to sermons and yet, at the same time, be waiting for death and judgment!

Can work save a person?
1. "Were not able to be justified by the law" (Acts 13:39)
2. "Out of the works of the law no flesh shall be justified" (Rom. 3:20)
3. "Where then is boasting?...No" (Rom. 3:27)
4. "Not of works" (Eph. 2:8-9)
What is the faith of salvation?
1. Believe in the testimony which God has testified concerning His Son (1 John 5:10-12)
2. "Believe in your heart" (Rom. 10:9-10)
3. Abraham believed in God's word (Gen. 15:6)
4. Abraham believed God's speaking (Gal. 3:5-6)
5. "Having heard the word...believing" (Eph. 1:13; Rom. 10:13, 17)
What can faith do?
1. "Your faith has healed you" (Luke 8:48)
2. "Believes...has eternal life" (John 5:24)
3. "Cleansing...hearts" (Acts 15:9)
4. "Operating through love" (Gal. 5:6)
5. "Saved" (Eph. 2:8-9)
6. "To the gaining of the soul" (Heb. 10:39)
Does faith allow man to be unrestrained?
1. "Denying ungodliness" (Titus 2:11-13)
2. "Put to death the practices" (Rom. 8:13)
3. "Has overcome the world" (1 John 5:4)
Are good works profitable?
He who believes has eternal life. If one performs good works after he believes, he will, in addition to having eternal life, receive a reward.
1. "Repay each man according to his doings" (Matt. 16:27)
2. "Receive the inheritance as recompense" (Col. 3:22-24)
3. "My reward is with Me to render to each one as his work is" (Rev. 22:12)
Works that are without faith:
1. Fleshly and worldly
2. Of the self
3. Inward and downward
4. Leading to darkness and hardship
5. According to man's wavering condition
Faith:
1. Of God and of heaven
2. Based on Christ's accomplished work
3. Outward and upward
4. Leading to light and peace
5. According to God's unchanging truth

LESSON FIFTEEN

SALVATION AND REWARD

When a lost person receives Jesus, he freely obtains an eternal and perfect salvation. His sins are forgiven, righteousness is imputed to him, and the records of his sins are forever erased.

God calls sinners to receive salvation and calls saints to receive the reward. Salvation is given through the righteousness of the Lord Jesus. The reward is given through the work of the Christians. A man cannot be saved through good works, neither can he be rewarded through faith. Salvation comes from believing in the Lord Jesus as the Savior, and the reward comes from the good works which one performs after he is saved.

Salvation:
1. Salvation is a free gift:
  1. "The gift of God" (John 4:10)
  2. "Take...freely" (Rev. 22:17)
  3. "The gift of God" (Rom. 6:23)
2. Salvation is a present inheritance:
  1. "Gave" (1 John 5:11)
  2. "Has saved us" (2 Tim. 1:9)
  3. "Has eternal life" (John 6:47)
    If a saved person works faithfully for the Lord, he will receive a reward. Such a promise may cause a believer to free himself from the pleasures of the world, keep him from falling, and grant him victory in an hour of persecution or temptation.
Reward:
1. What is the reward?
  1. "Crown" (2 Tim. 4:8; 1 Pet. 5:2-4; Rev. 2:10)
  2. "Throne" (Matt. 19:28; Rev. 3:21)
  3. "Reign with Him" (2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 20:6)
2. The requirements for the reward:
  1. "Labor" (1 Cor. 3:8)
  2. "Work" (Rev. 22:12)
  3. "A cup of cold water" (Matt. 10:42)
  4. "Do" (Col. 3:23-24)
  5. "Do good" (Luke 6:35)
  6. "Pray...in secret" (Matt. 6:6)
3. The basis of reward:
  1. Motive (Matt. 6:1)
  2. "Hidden things...counsels of the hearts" (1 Cor. 4:5)
  3. "In the name of a disciple" (Matt. 10:42)

In summary, "For by grace you have been saved...not of works" (Eph. 2:8-9). "But if by grace, it is no longer out of works" (Rom. 11:6). The reward depends on whether or not we have worked for the Lord after being saved.

LESSON SIXTEEN

JUSTIFICATION

The meaning of justification is deeper than the meaning of forgiveness of sins. Forgiveness of sins means that even though we have sinned, God has forgiven our sins. Justification means that God not only forgives our sins, but also justifies us. Forgiveness of sins is like the general amnesty in ancient China, when all the criminals were pardoned. Justification is like a declaration of "not guilty" by the court and is more than just forgiveness. Everyone who believes in the Lord Jesus is justified by God. We should not only believe that each one of us has been justified by God, but we should also always have the boldness of justification to stand before God. Sometimes we may be weak and we may stumble, fail, or sin, yet we are still justified by God; our justification will not change because of our sins. After justification, we cannot be more justified through good works or less justified through evil works. Since justification is not obtained through works, it will not be lost through works. No matter what our condition is, we have the right to believe that every day we are justified by God through the Lord Jesus' merit. God accepts those who believe in Christ, just as He accepts Christ.

Believers are justified by the Lord of the heavens and the earth:
1. "It is God who justifies" (Rom. 8:33)
Grace is the source of justification:
1. "By His grace" (Rom. 3:24)
2. "By grace you have been saved" (Eph. 2:8)
3. "Having been justified by His grace" (Titus 3:7)
Justification is based upon the obedience of Christ:
1. "Through the obedience of the One" (Rom. 5:19)
2. "Becoming obedient even unto death" (Phil. 2:8)
The price of justification is the precious blood of Christ:
1. "In His blood" (Rom. 5:9)
2. "Through His blood" (Eph. 1:7)
Justification is gained by faith:
1. "Out of faith" (Rom. 5:1)
2. "Through faith in Jesus Christ" (Gal. 2:16)
3. "Everyone who believes" (Acts 13:39)
The proof of justification is the resurrection of Christ:
1. "Was raised for our justification" (Rom. 4:25)
2. "Having been raised from the dead" (Rom. 6:6-9)
3. "Raised us up together" (Eph. 2:6)
The result of justification is good works:
1. "Faith without its works is useless" (James 2:20-26)
2. "Let your light shine before men" (Matt. 5:16)
3. "Zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14)
4. "Be careful to maintain respectable works" (Titus 3:8)
5. "For good works...that we would walk in them" (Eph. 2:10)

LESSON SEVENTEEN

SANCTIFICATION

Many doctrines in the Bible have three aspects, including the doctrine of sanctification. The believer, upon receiving the blood of Jesus Christ to cover his sins, is sanctified positionally before God (Heb. 10:10). The believer, being sanctified by the work of the Holy Spirit, is experientially delivered from the evil and bondage of sin by the word of God daily (John 17:17-19). At the coming of Christ, the spirit, soul, and body of the believers will be wholly sanctified (1 Thes. 5:23).

We are sanctified by God the Father:
1. "In God the Father" (Jude 1)
2. "Without blemish" (Eph. 1:1-4)
3. "You shall be holy" (1 Pet. 1:15-16)
We are sanctified in Christ Jesus:
1. "In Christ Jesus" (1 Cor. 1:2, 30)
2. "Are all of One" (Heb. 2:11)
3. "For by one offering" (Heb. 10:10, 14)
We are sanctified in the Holy Spirit:
1. "In the Holy Spirit" (Rom. 15:16)
2. "In the Spirit" (1 Cor. 6:11)
3. "In sanctification of the Spirit" (2 Thes. 2:13)
We are sanctified through the blood of Jesus Christ:
1. "Through His own blood" (Heb. 13:12)
2. "The blood of Christ" (Heb. 9:14)
3. "The blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us" (1 John 1:7)
We are sanctified by faith:
1. "By faith" (Acts 26:18)
2. "Cleansing their hearts by faith" (Acts 15:9)
3. "Has overcome the world—our faith" (1 John 5:4)
We are sanctified in the truth:
1. "In the truth" (John 17:17-19)
2. "Through the word of God" (1 Tim. 4:5)
3. "By your obedience to the truth" (1 Pet. 1:22)
The believers must be sanctified in everything:
1. "Sanctify you wholly, and may your spirit and soul and body" (1 Thes. 5:23)
2. "But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts" (1 Pet. 3:15)
3. "Pursue...sanctification" (Heb. 12:14)

LESSON EIGHTEEN

THE CHURCH

In the Greek language, the word "church" is ekklesia. This word is very hard to translate, and "church" can hardly express the meaning of the word. Its original meaning is the called-out congregation or the called-out ones gathered together. Hence, "church" is the name given to those who are called out of the world by the grace of God to meet together. Therefore, those who are not called out of the world do not belong in the church.

Who belongs in the church?
1. "All those who believed" (Acts 2:44)
2. "Those who were being saved" (Acts 2:47)
3. "Those who had believed" (Acts 4:32)
4. "The church...apostles" (Acts 8:1)
5. "The church...disciples" (Acts 11:26)
6. "Those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, the called saints" (1 Cor. 1:2)
7. "The saints" (2 Cor. 1:1)
8. "His Body" (Eph. 1:23)
9. "His Body" (Col. 1:24)

Both the tares and the wheat grow together in the world, but they do not co-exist in the church. According to the Bible, there are no other kinds of people in the church except the regenerated ones. Even the saved believers who commit sins should be removed (1 Cor. 5:5, 11-13).

Who establishes the church?
1. "I [the Lord]" (Matt. 16:18)
2. "The Lord" (Acts 2:47)
3. "Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 3:11)
4. "The Head, Christ" (Eph. 4:15)
5. "Being built up [by God]" (1 Pet. 2:5)
  According to the verses mentioned above, man cannot establish the church.
Can the church be divided into denominations?
1. "Be one" (John 17:11, 21-23)
2. "Were together" (Acts 2:43-47)
3. "Is Christ divided?" (1 Cor. 1:13)
4. "One Body" (Eph. 4:4)
5. "Factions, divisions, sects" (Gal. 5:20)
The meeting of the church:
1. Place: "One place" (1 Cor. 14:23)
2. Name: "My name" (Matt. 18:20)
3. Presiding One: "The...Spirit" (1 Cor. 12:11)
4. Leading one: "Each one has" (1 Cor. 14:26)
  Sometimes there are exceptions, when some special teachers come to teach the Bible, such as in the case of Paul and Barnabas.
5. Congregation: "The others discern" (1 Cor. 14:29)
6. Principle: "Of peace...in order" (1 Cor. 14:33, 40)
7. Women: "Be silent" (1 Cor. 14:34-36, only in meetings with men present)
8. Goal: "Building up [those within]" (1 Cor. 14:26);
  "Convicted [those without]" (1 Cor. 14:24-25)
The work of the church:
1. Evangelizing (Matt. 28:19)
2. Witnessing (Luke 24:47-48)
3. Announcing the word (Acts 8:1, 4)
4. Praying (Acts 12:5)
5. Suffering (Rom. 8:17)
6. Living to the Lord (2 Cor. 5:15)
7. Glorifying God (Eph. 3:21)
8. Making known to the enemies the wisdom of God (Eph. 3:10)
9. Presented to Christ (Eph. 5:27)
10. Satisfying Christ (Isa. 53:11)
11. Awaiting the return of the Savior (1 Thes. 1:10; Phil. 3:20)

LESSON NINETEEN

JUDGMENT

Some think that when the last day comes there will only be a general judgment for all. They assume that whether they are Jews, Gentiles, believers, sinners, sheep, or goats, they will all come before God the Father to be set on the left or right. But there is no such doctrine in God's Word! The Bible records several judgments, not just one. The persons judged, the place and time of judgment, and the basis of judgment are all different in these judgments.

The sins of the believers have been judged:
1. Time: A.D. 33
2. Place: The cross (John 19:17-18)
3. Basis: The death of Christ (Rom. 5:8; 1 Cor. 15:3)
4. Result: The believers made righteous (1 Pet. 2:24; 2 Cor. 5:21)
The work of the believers will be judged:
1. Time: 1 Cor. 4:5; Luke 14:14; 2 Tim. 4:8
2. Place: "In the air" (1 Thes. 4:16-17)
3. Basis: "Each one's work" (1 Cor. 3:13)
4. Result: "Reward" or "loss," but "he himself will be saved" (1 Cor. 3:14-15)
The nations will be judged:
1. Time: "When the Son of Man comes" (Matt. 25:31-32)
2. Place: "The valley of Jehoshaphat" (Joel 3:2, 12, 14)
3. Basis: "My brothers" (Matt. 25:40)
4. Result: (Matt. 25:46)
The dead will be judged:
1. Time: "He has set a day" (Acts 17:31)
  1. One thousand years after the first resurrection (Rev. 20:5, 7)
2. Place: "A great white throne" (Rev. 20:11)
3. Basis: "The things which were written in the scrolls" (Rev. 20:12)
4. Result: (Rev. 20:15)

A Table of Comparison between III. and IV.

Remarks

The Word of God teaches us that the works of the believers are judged by disciplining (1 Cor. 11:31-32), as a father deals with sons (Heb. 12:6-7). Compare 2 Samuel 7:14-15 with 12:13-14.

The Bible also teaches us concerning the judgment of the angels (1 Cor. 6:3; 2 Pet. 2:4 Gen 6:2-4; cf. Jude 6).

LESSON TWENTY

THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

(John 14:3 Hebrews 9:28)

The Bible does not tell Christians to prepare to die, but asks them to watch, wait, and expect Christ to come again.

He will come again at any time:
1. "Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord comes" (Matt. 24:42)
2. "Watch therefore" (Matt. 25:13)
3. "Eagerly awaiting the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 1:7)
4. "Eagerly await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Phil. 3:20)
5. "And await His Son from the heavens" (1 Thes. 1:10)
6. "Awaiting the blessed hope" (Titus 2:13)
The Lord will come again to the earth with a body:
1. "I go...I am coming again" (John 14:2-3)
2. "This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way" (Acts 1:9-11)
3. "Will appear a second time to those who eagerly await Him" (Heb. 9:28)
4. "Because the Lord Himself...will descend from heaven" (1 Thes. 4:16)
The relationship to the church:
1. "Will be caught up...in the clouds to meet the Lord" (1 Thes. 4:16-17)
2. "We will be like Him" (1 John 3:2)
3. "Will transfigure the body of our humiliation to be conformed to the body of His glory" (Phil 3:21)
4. "Will reign with Him" (Rev. 20:6)
5. "And made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father" (Rev. 1:6)
6. "And death will be no more, nor will there be sorrow or crying or pain" (Rev. 21:4)
7. "Not having spot or wrinkle...and without blemish" (Eph. 5:27)
The relationship to the world:
1. "Every knee should bow...on earth" (Phil 2:10)
2. "And every tongue should openly confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" (Phil 2:11)
3. "They will render an account concerning it" (Matt. 12:36)
4. "God judges the secrets of men" (Rom. 2:16)
5. "Go away from Me" (Matt. 25:41)
6. "Learn righteousness" (Isa. 26:9)
7. "Neither shall they learn war any more" (Micah 4:3)
The relationship to Israel:
1. "All Israel will be saved" (Rom. 11:25-26)
2. "Settles them in their land" (Isa. 14:1-3)
3. "The ransomed of Jehovah will return...with a ringing shout and eternal joy" (Isa. 35:8-10)
4. "I will exult in Jerusalem" (Isa. 65:19-20)
5. "As a meal offering to Jehovah" (Isa. 66:20)
6. "Will dwell securely" (Jer. 23:6)
7. "He will reign over the house of Jacob" (Luke 1:32-33)

LESSON TWENTY-ONE

PREPARING FOR THE WORK

The conditions for a fruitful work in the Lord:

Abiding in the Lord:
1. "Abide in Me" (John 15:4-5)
2. "Bear much fruit" (John 15:8)
Obedience:
1. "Obey God" (Acts 5:29)
2. "Rose up and went" (Acts 8:26-27)
3. "Becoming obedient" (Phil. 2:8)
Be filled with the Holy Spirit:
1. "Were all filled with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 4:31)
2. "Full of the Spirit" (Acts 6:3)
Being cleansed by the word:
1. "Cleansing her...in the word" (Eph. 5:26)
2. "Able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Heb. 4:12)
Prayer:
1. "With one accord in prayer" (Acts 1:14)
2. "Had so besought" (Acts 4:31)
3. "Help in this by petition" (2 Cor. 1:11)
  Whoever abides in Jesus must obey Him, be filled with the Holy Spirit, be cleansed by the word, and pray with one accord in one spirit.
Preaching the word of God:
1. "Speak the word of God" (Acts 4:31)
2. "The sword of the Spirit" (Eph. 6:17)
3. "The word of God...two-edged sword" (Heb. 4:12-13)
4. "Holding forth the word of life" (Phil. 2:16)
5. "Proclaim the word" (2 Tim. 4:2)
6. "Your word is truth" (John 17:17)
7. "Through the living and abiding word of God" (1 Pet. 1:23)
8. "Restoring the soul" (Psa. 19:7)
9. "So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth;...it will prosper" (Isa. 55:11)

This lesson concerns how Christians should work. When we read the Bible, we should carefully meditate on the words and should consider the type of people to whom they refer. We should learn to apply the verses in order to deal with different kinds of sinners. We should know which verses deal with those who do not believe the Bible, those who do not believe in God, those who do not believe in the existence of the spirit and soul, those who do not know they have sins, those who know they have sins, those who are indifferent, those who are eager for their salvation, those who are self-righteous, those who believe but do not have the assurance of salvation, those who have turned away, those who are disappointed, those who love the world, and those who refuse without a reason. We do not need to argue with them. We only need to read to them the words of the Bible in a prayerful way. The Bible is the medicine. We cannot examine and dispense medicine to a person carelessly. We must dispense the right medicine for the right sickness. For this reason, we must memorize the important verses and put marks in the Bible. In this way, we will be "always ready for a defense to everyone" (1 Pet. 3:15).

LESSON TWENTY-TWO

OFFERING

To whom should we offer?
1. "An offering unto the Lord" (Exo. 35:5)
2. "Well-pleasing to God" (Phil. 4:18)
How to offer:
1. According to set principles:
  1. "On the first day of the week" (1 Cor. 16:2)
2. According to oneself:
  1. "A willing mind" (2 Cor. 8:12-13, KJV)
  2. "Each one of you" (1 Cor. 16:2)
3. According to proportion:
  1. "Whatever he may have been prospered" (1 Cor. 16:2)
  2. "Every tithe of the land" (Lev. 27:30)
  3. "The tithes" (Mal. 3:8, 10)
4. The pleasing offering:
  1. "A cheerful giver" (2 Cor. 9:7)
  2. "Of their own accord" (2 Cor. 8:3)
5. The limitation of offering:
  1. "All the living that she had" (Luke 21:3-4)
  2. "The depth of their poverty" (2 Cor. 8:2)
6. What kind of offering?
  1. "Not out of sorrow" (2 Cor. 9:7)
7. Based upon what Christ gives:
  1. "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Cor. 8:9)
The reward for the offering:
1. "More blessed" (Acts 20:35)
2. "Treasures in heaven" (Matt. 6:20)
3. "God loves" (2 Cor. 9:7)
4. "God is well pleased" (Heb. 13:16)
5. "Pour you out a blessing" (Mal. 3:10)
6. "In everything always having all sufficiency" (2 Cor. 9:6, 8)
The manifestation of the offering:
1. "Gave themselves first to the Lord" (2 Cor. 8:5)
2. "Abundance of their joy" (2 Cor. 8:2)
3. No entreaty is needed (2 Cor. 8:4)
4. "Completing out of what you have" (2 Cor. 8:11)

LESSON TWENTY-THREE

THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

He is the power of life:
1. "Born of...the Spirit" (John 3:5)
2. "It is the Spirit who gives life" (John 6:63)
3. "The Spirit of the living God" (2 Cor. 3:3, 6)
He regenerates men with the word of truth:
1. "The word of truth" (James 1:18)
2. "Through the living and abiding word of God" (1 Pet. 1:23)
He is the power of testimony:
1. "Power" (Acts 1:8)
2. "As the Spirit gave to them" (Acts 2:4)
3. "He will testify concerning Me" (John 15:26)
He is the power of prayer:
1. "The Spirit...intercedes" (Rom. 8:26)
2. "Praying in the Holy Spirit" (Jude 20)
He is the power of knowledge:
1. "Teach you all things" (John 14:26)
2. "Teaches you concerning all things" (1 John 2:27)
He is the power of guidance:
1. "Was led by the Spirit" (Luke 4:1, 14)
2. "Having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit" (Acts 16:6-7)
3. "Walk by the Spirit" (Gal. 5:16, 25)
4. "Do not quench the Spirit" (1 Thes. 5:19)
He is the power for distributing ministries:
1. "The same Spirit" (1 Cor. 12:4-11)
He is the One who operates all things within the believer's spirit:
1. "May be with you forever" (John 14:16-17)
2. "You were sealed unto the day of redemption" (Eph. 4:30 see also 2 Cor. 5:5)
3. "Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Cor. 6:19)
  As we study the Bible, we will know the Spirit. The believers must understand the position and work of the Spirit. The Spirit is commissioned by God. All of God's will is accomplished by the Spirit.

LESSON TWENTY-FOUR

THE DEVIL

The devil is full of sin, decadence, and unrighteousness (Isa. 14:12-14). He has kingship and power. He was created with beauty, wisdom, fullness, and power. He was the ruler of the first world. Desiring to be equal with God, he fell. He envied man who was created to take his place and damaged man by tempting him to try to be equal with God. He tempted man to conspire and to join his party to recover his title as king and his position and power.

His nature:
1. "Steal"; "snatches away" (John 10:10; Matt. 13:19)
2. "Craftiness" (2 Cor. 11:3)
3. "He was a murderer from the beginning" (John 8:44)
He has ten names:
1. "The great dragon [typifying cruelty]" (Rev. 12:9)
2. "Serpent [typifying the liar]" (Rev. 12:9)
3. "The Devil [typifying the tempter]" (Rev. 12:9)
4. "Satan [typifying the enemy]" (Rev. 12:9)
5. "The ruler of the world" (John 14:30)
6. "The ruler of the authority of the air" (Eph. 2:2)
7. "The angel of the abyss" (Rev. 9:11)
8. "The authority of darkness" (Col. 1:13)
9. "A roaring lion" (1 Pet. 5:8)
10. "An angel of light" (2 Cor. 11:13-15)
His works:
1. "Seeking someone to devour" (1 Pet. 5:8)
2. "Sowed tares"; "leaven" (Matt. 13:25-29, 33)
3. "Blinded the thoughts" (2 Cor. 4:4)
4. "Hindered" (1 Thes. 2:18)
5. "Accuses...day and night" (Rev. 12:10)
6. "Destruction of...flesh" (1 Cor. 5:5)
7. "Buffet" (2 Cor. 12:7)
His subordinates:
1. When the last days come, he will be reborn into man and become flesh and be called Antichrist (1 John 2:22).
2. Inducing men to worship him, being hypocritical in doing good, and uplifting personality (2 Thes. 2:1-12)
3. His nature (Matt. 25:41)
4. "Rulers...authorities...world-rulers of this darkness...spiritual forces of evil" (Eph. 6:12)
His destiny:
1. "Cast down...to the earth" (Rev. 12:7-9)
2. "Has only a short time" (Rev. 12:12)
3. Bound by an angel (Rev. 20:1-3)
4. After Christ's reign for one thousand years, Satan will be temporarily released. He will gather his warriors to battle with God once again. Eventually, he will be cast into the lake of fire and shall be tormented day and night (Rev. 20:7-10).
How the saints should deal with the devil:
1. "Neither give place to the devil" (Eph. 4:27)
2. "Withstand" (James 4:7)
3. "Be sober; watch...firm in your faith" (1 Pet. 5:8-9)
4. "Put on the whole armor of God [to battle]" (Eph. 6:11-18)

LESSON TWENTY-FIVE

WHY PRAYERS ARE NOT ANSWERED BY GOD

Knowing clearly that one has sinned, yet not judging oneself:
1. "I regard iniquity in my heart" (Psa. 66:18)
2. "The Lord is far from the wicked" (Prov. 15:29)
3. "Your hands are full of blood" (Isa. 1:15)
4. "Your sins have hidden His face from you" (Isa. 59:1-2)
5. Therefore, you should examine yourself whether you have indulged in sins. If so, confess immediately to God and forsake them (Prov. 28:13).
The heart of unbelief stops the blessing:
1. "Doubting nothing" (James 1:6-7)
2. "If you believe" (Matt. 21:22)
3. "Must believe that He is" (Heb. 11:6)
4. Thanks be to God, for His gift is real. Therefore, we can come before Him and apply the apostles' prayer, saying, "Lord, Increase our faith" (Luke 17:5).
One who loves pleasure loses the heart to fellowship with God. Therefore, there is no grace for him from the throne:
1. "Spend...on...pleasures" (James 4:3)
2. "Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" (2 Tim. 3:4)
3. "Gives...to pleasure is dead while living" (1 Tim. 5:6)
Pride impedes the mercy of God:
1. "None giveth answer, because of the pride" (Job 35:12)
2. "The proud he knoweth afar off" (Psa. 138:6)
3. "He is able to abase those who walk in pride" (Dan. 4:37)
4. "God resists the proud" (James 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:5)
A cold heart stops the ascending of prayers:
1. "Smote thrice, and stayed" (2 Kings 13:18)
2. "Because of his...persistence" (Luke 11:5-9)
An unforgiving heart kills prayers:
"Neither will your Father...forgive" (Mark 11:25-26)
The prayers of those who despise or ignore the word of God are worthless and loathsome:
1. "Turneth away his ear from hearing" (Prov. 28:9)
2. "Great wrath came" (Zech. 7:11-12)
3. "All Scripture is God-breathed" (2 Tim. 3:16)
  God will not accept the prayer of those who do not believe that all Scripture is inspired by God.

LESSON TWENTY-SIX

SALVATION

Salvation manifests that Christ Jesus is the wisdom of God. The following verses compare the wisdom of men to the wisdom of God. Since the world comes short of God's wisdom concerning salvation (1 Cor. 1:21), salvation must be preached through God's wisdom, Christ. What is salvation? Salvation has three stages:

"Righteousness" (1 Cor. 1:30)
The first stage of salvation is to save people from the punishment of their sins. This was done in the past:
1. Freed from the punishment of sins:
  1. "Save...from their sins" (Matt. 1:21)
  2. "Forgiveness of their sins" (Luke 1:77)
  3. "Forgiveness of offenses" (Eph. 1:7)
  4. "Gave Himself for our sins" (Gal. 1:4)
  5. "Being justified freely" (Rom. 3:24)
  6. "Was accounted to him as righteousness" (Rom. 4:22-25)
2. This righteousness is gained by the sinner by believing in Christ:
  1. "Through faith in Christ" (Phil. 3:9)
  2. "Through His name" (Acts 10:43)
  3. "Through Him" (Rom. 5:9)
  4. "Through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 3:24-25)
  5. "Accounted to him as righteousness" (Rom. 4:22-25)
3. Such faith renders three results:
  1. Forgiveness of sins
  2. Imputation of righteousness
  3. Freedom from the punishment of sins forever.
    A sinner is reconciled to God through faith. "Have peace toward God" (Rom. 5:1)
"Sanctification" (1 Cor. 1:30)
The second stage of salvation is to be freed from the power of sin. This is for the present. Sanctification is a definite experience for the believers. It is gained through three things:
1. New birth, the beginning of victory over sin:
  1. "Were begotten...of God" (John 1:12-13)
  2. "Born anew" (John 3:3)
  3. "Begotten of God" (1 John 5:1)
  4. "Having been regenerated...through the living and abiding word of God" (1 Pet. 1:23)
  5. "Through the washing of regeneration" (Titus 3:5)
  Through this same Spirit, we can resist unrighteousness and all the fleshly lusts.
2. Dying with Him, the accomplishment of victory over the power of sins:
  1. "Into His death" (Rom. 6:3)
  2. "Grown together with Him in...His death" (Rom. 6:5)
  3. "Has been crucified with Him" (Rom. 6:6-7)
  4. "Have crucified" (Gal. 5:24)
  5. "Reckon" (Rom. 6:11)
  6. "Put to death" (Rom. 8:13)
  Sin has its power. This power often operates within man. It cannot be washed, repaired, improved or cultured. The only way is to put it to death, for if it dies, there will be no more power. Those who are willing to apply faith to "reckon" themselves crucified with the Lord (Rom. 6:11) will have the experience of victory over sins.
3. The Holy Spirit, the practice of overcoming sins:
  1. "The Spirit of God dwells in you" (Rom. 8:9-10, 13)
  2. "The Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us" (Titus 3:5-6)
  3. "Led by the Spirit" (Gal. 5:16-18)
  4. "God who operates in you" (Phil. 2:12-13)
  5. "I in him" (John 15:5)
  6. "He who is in you" (1 John 4:4)
  On the negative side, the believers have died with the Lord Jesus. On the positive side, they should submit to the indwelling Spirit in order to be saved from the power of sin. Sin has various temptations and traps. The Holy Spirit will apply to the believers what the cross has accomplished and will make them overcome.
Redemption (1 Cor. 1:30)
This is the third stage of salvation. The redemption, which frees us from the presence of sin, will be the future experience of the believers. There are three elements in redemption:
1. The complete sanctification of the Spirit:
  1. "Spirit" (1 Thes. 5:23)
  2. "For now is our salvation nearer" (Rom. 13:11)
2. The glorification of the body:
  1. "The day of redemption" (Eph. 4:30)
  2. "Will transfigure" (Phil. 3:20-21)
  3. "We will be like Him" (1 John 3:1-3)
3. Partaking of the glory of Christ:
  1. "Obtaining of the glory" (2 Thes. 2:14)
  2. "Glory...I have given to them" (John 17:22)
  3. The "glory" obtained through sufferings (Rom. 8:17-18)
  In brief, by the blood of Christ, we are saved from the punishment of sins; by the Spirit of Christ we are freed from the power of sin; and by the glory of Christ we are delivered from the presence of sin:

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