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What Doth the Lord Require of Thee?

“Let a man deny himself . . . He that loseth his life shall find
it . . . He that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me,
is not worthy of me” (Mk. 8:34; Matt. 10:38-39).

What does God require of us, in return for His infinite gift of eternity? He very reasonably requires a tremendous amount. He requires everything: everything we have, everything we are-our whole being, and every moment of our time. The promise is only to those who love Him enough to give all.

God demands a complete transformation of our whole life-from natural to spiritual in every thought and action. But not as a burden: not as a labor: rather as a joy: a welcome release and an ever-thankful escape from natural darkness and corruption and death.

God’s message to man is a call, an invitation, an appeal from a loving Father to choose the more excellent Way of Life: choose it totally.

God demands our all and our best. This is the first principle of all first principles. Our service must be total. Eternal life is an infinitely, incomparably greater prize than anything in this life. The present life is but a brief, sad flash in the dark: utterly meaningless at its very best. Eternal life is an endless, everlasting intensity of light and joy.

The issues are so stupendous-eternity in joy with God for the poor little speck-of-dust worm called man-that for God to demand less than all, and for man to be satisfied in giving less than all, would be a cheapening and unseemly mockery. It is only for those who realize its greatness, who want it with all their heart and soul, who are totally consumed with the wonder and glory of it.

We must, by study and meditation, rise to the total dedication and devotion portrayed in the Psalms. It does not come easily or naturally. It comes only by long effort and prayer, for the flesh is so coarse and crude and ignorant in us all. We must realize how utterly unclean and ugly we are naturally, as compared to the Beauty of Holiness. It is just a matter of how sincere we really are about it, and how much we really want it: whether we want it enough to give up everything for it. There are millions of half-hearted part-way-ers. It is only the very few all-the-way-ers who will reach the goal.

The Bible makes it very clear that while eternal life is attainable by all-well within the reach of all-still very, very few will ever attain to it, which is a great tragedy. And why? Because they are too wooden and thoughtless and animal: because they do not value it sufficiently to take the trouble to find out, and face up to, what its requirements are; and then to dedicate their whole lives to complying with those requirements. It is not a part-time thing-and that is all that most are willing to give to God. They want to spend most of their time on their own affairs.

Let us consider God’s requirements under these seven headings:

* * *

1. learn and believe the gospel of the kingdom

Jesus’ parting instruction to his disciples was (Mk. 16:15-16)-

Here we are clearly told that there is no salvation without belief of the Gospel. Paul likewise told the Corinthians (1:15:1-2) that we are saved by the Gospel (“Gospel by which ye are saved”) if we “keep it in memory.”

He told the Romans (1:16) that the Gospel is the-

And he told the Galatians (1:8-9) that any who preached any other Gospel than the true one would be “cursed.” It is vitally important therefore to find out what the true Gospel consists of. Now, in four of the first seven times the Gospel is mentioned (Matt. 4:23; 9:35; 24:14; Mk. 1:14) it is called the “Gospel of the Kingdom.”

And in Acts 8:12 where Philip is preaching it, and Acts 28:23,Ê31 where Paul is preaching it, it is described as-

The very first recorded preaching of Jesus is about the Kingdom (Matt. 4:17) and in his first major recorded address he said (Matt. 6:10; 5:5)-

Here is the Kingdom-Gospel, right from the beginning and consistently all through. Remember: the disciples preached the Gospel of the Kingdom long before they even knew Christ was to be crucified, so the crucifixion of Christ was not the Gospel they preached (though this later was added to the original Kingdom-Gospel). See Luke 9:6; Matthew 10:7, preceding Matthew 16:22.

So it is inescapably clear that if we do not believe the Gospel of the Kingdom-Christ’s coming worldwide Kingdom of righteousness on earth, soon to be established with power-then we do not believe the one true saving Gospel: we have, in fact, no Gospel.

There is much warning in Scripture to make sure (by personal prayerful study) that we have the Truth of God. We must find and believe The Truth: ignorance or well-meaning error will not save. Jesus said-

And he prayed-

Paul told the Thessalonians (2:2:13) they were “saved by belief of the truth,” and in the same context he said all would be “damned who believe not the truth” (v. 12). This is very strong, plain language, to leave no doubt.

Repeatedly Paul exhorted (2 Tim. 1:13) to “hold fast the form of sound words,” and (1 Tim. 1:3-4) to “teach no other doctrine, neither give heed to fables.” Whatever is not of God’s Truth is fables. And he speaks of some who-

So even the time of the resurrection is a part of the Truth that must be believed for salvation. He said (v. 17) these false teachings would eat like a gangrene. Gangrene does not stand still. It declares war on the body, and if not cut out, will inevitably kill the body. Error is deadly.

James strikingly emphasizes the seriousness of error by saying (5:19-20)-

* * *

It is remarkable how much warning there is in Scripture about this. Men are so apt to leave their eternal destiny-the most important thing in their lives-to others: to the “professionals.” But salvation is not to be found that way. It is a personal search, a personal effort. It is not for easy sale at church bazaars. Jesus said in his parting message (Matt. 24:4-5)-

Indeed, many do come in his Name today, with an infinite variety of teachings. The world is full of differing churches, all claiming to be in his Name. He said further of the days of his absence (same ch., v. 11)-

Of all the learned and respected religious leaders of his day-all of them-he said-

If that was true then, how much more likely today. They worshiped very zealously, and many of them very sincerely, but, as Paul said-

Because of sincere, ignorant zeal for God, the Jews killed the Son of God. Paul himself had been one of them, opposing the Truth and persecuting the believers to prison and to death. He was wholly and intensely sincere. Jesus said-

Therefore it is impossible for any large popular church to be right. As soon as Christianity became widespread and popular, it became corrupt, and became the Catholic Apostasy. John warned in his day-

How must we “try the spirits?” Isaiah gives the answer (8:20)-

Paul told Timothy-

And he foretold that-

John declared (2 Jn. 1:9) that anyone who-

And he warns-

Much more could be quoted along this line, very unpalatable to modern “liberal” and “charitable” thinking, but still the narrow and only Way of Life. The Bible makes it very clear we cannot, dare not, depend on professional clergy, each trained in his own private creed. We must search the Word for ourselves. We must make it our life’s interest.

* * *

We noted Jesus’ parting message at the end of Mark (16:16)-

Similarly we find at the end of Matthew (28:19-20)-

On the Day of Pentecost, a few days later, the apostles begin to carry out this command. Peter instructed the inquirers (Acts 2:38)-

So again in Acts 10:48, the case of Cornelius-

Again in Acts 22:16-

Let us note well: no baptism, no washing away of sins. Paul makes it clear to the Galatians and the Romans that baptism is the only way to union with Christ and relationship to God’s Promises. He says-

No baptism: then no union with Christ, no heirship, no Promise. Similarly-

Then the sequel-

Paul is clearly saying that if we haven’t been buried with him in baptism, we shall not partake of his resurrection. Now, there are two further important points to note concerning scriptural baptism-

1. Scriptural baptism is always preceded by belief. Jesus’ clear instruction was: “He that believeth, and is baptized” (Mk. 16:16). Baptism is always presented as a personal and voluntary act of faith and obedience: an act of “good conscience.” It is utterly meaningless without faith and understanding. This aspect is strongly emphasized-

That’s the first point: belief. And the second point: Baptism is complete immersion in water. This is inescapable from several facts-

1. It is spoken of as a burial and a resurrection-

2. The word itself. It is the common Greek word for “immerse, submerge, plunge.” If it had been translated properly, there would never have been any doubt concerning the form of baptism. The word never means, or is ever used to mean, “sprinkle” or “pour.”

3. When baptism in Scripture is described in detail, we are told they “went DOWN INTO the water,” and they “came UP OUT OF the water.” Read the account of Christ’s baptism (Matt. 3:16; Mk. 1:10), and the Ethiopian’s (Acts 8:38-39).

4. We are told John baptized his converts “in the river Jordan” (Matt. 3:6; Mk. 1:5, 9). And we are told he chose to baptize at a certain place “because there was MUCH water there” (Jn. 3:23)-an absolutely meaningless statement if baptism was sprinkling with a few drops of water, as today’s churches.

Of baptism’s vital importance, the Bible leaves no doubt. Jesus said-

What did he mean? One thing is certain: we have to find out what he meant, because we cannot enter the Kingdom unless we have been “born out of water,” and we cannot do it without knowing what it is. Baptism-true scriptural baptism: a complete burial in water and a rebirth up out of it to newness of life-gives the beautiful answer.

Will anything else called “baptism” do, or must it be the one true water-burial baptism the Scriptures command and describe? Does any other, different act become “baptism” just by giving it that name? If God says, “Do this,” can we safely give some other act the same name, and do that instead? Surely there can be but one answer!

Paul says (Eph. 4:3-6) that there is “One Baptism.” He is describing the seven-fold unity of the Truth: One God, One Lord, One Hope, etc. This manifests the great and central importance of baptism, and also the importance of it being the One true Baptism. As there are many so-called “gods,” but only One true scriptural God; so there are many so-called “baptisms,” but just One true scriptural Baptism.

Baptism is a very beautiful and fitting provision of the love and wisdom of God: a loving act of submission and obedience, and of thankful union with Christ in his death; a going down into a watery grave; a complete death to the old man of the flesh with all his past sins, and a glorious rising again to the inspiration and joy of newness of life-a New Man in Christ Jesus: a complete new beginning: a complete purification: a completely new slate-standing perfect before God.

* * *

This is absolutely essential if we hope for life, and it doesn’t mean just fifteen or twenty rushed minutes a day. This is the means that God has lovingly provided that we may be totally renewed in knowledge: transformed in the spirit of our mind, from ignorance to wisdom, and from natural ugliness to Godly beauty. The Bible is the only true education. This is the essential daily food for the new man of the Spirit. Jesus said-

He was being tempted, and he answered every temptation with “It is written.” That was his strength, and secret of victory.

The Psalms, which give the mind of Christ in all his struggles and trials and temptations, are full of testimonies concerning the mighty transforming power of God’s Word, and the need to study it constantly. Psa. 1:2-

There is no other way to blessedness. The man of God has no time for anything not related to life’s one great and glorious purpose. Psalm 19-

And the long Psalm 119: every one of its one hundred and seventy-six verses is a command-in a great variety of forms-to constantly study and meditate on the Word-

Is it? We sing this, and words like it, in our hymns so often! Are we telling the truth, or lying to God? Do we think of the words, and mean them? We shall never totally achieve this, in the present weakness of the flesh, but are we at least trying with all our might? If not, whom are we deceiving? Certainly not God. To the Romans, the Corinthians, and Timothy, Paul emphasizes this vital necessity-

God will expect us to have done our lessons, when the final exam comes.

-we have to be made wise: naturally we are foolish. He continues-

That is what God has given us the large volume called the Bible for, and that is why He tells us to study it constantly, and that is what must happen if we are to attain to life. These verses are the key to life. Let us read them over and over. Unless we feel we are already perfect, we have no time to waste. Again to Timothy (1 Tim. 4:13-16)-

So if we do not do it, we shall not save ourselves. Much more of the same could be added, but surely the picture is crystal clear. Eternal life is for those who truly realize its value. Job said-

That must be our fixed way of life too, if we hope for salvation.

* * *

This is a full time job for anyone who is interested in investing this brief life to gain eternity. The pattern is laid in the words of Christ-

Have we “lost our lives for Christ’s sake?”-that is, given them over totally to his service? Only such, he says, will save them eternally.

With most people, religion-if they have any at all-is a self-pleasing hobby: and a part-time hobby at that. They do what they like, and they set their own limits of what they consider reasonable service to God-an hour or so a day, and they think they are heroes.

It can be the same with Christadelphians. We have the same self-deceptive flesh and hearts as everyone else: go through the motions, attend a fair number of the meetings, enjoy the association-but spend most of the life on self-pleasing and puttering about with the rubbish of the world, just like everyone else. Can we honestly feel this is enough to cause God to perpetuate us eternally, and let all the world perish? Is that reasonable? Do the Scriptures give us ground to expect it? Paul said-

Everything we do must be Christ living in us. Paul told the Colossians-

This is just as much a divine command as “Believe and be baptized.” Every activity of life must be purified and sanctified this way, as something done for Christ. This applies to everything-even the most humdrum and commonplace things. It is all or nothing, for it is a Way of Life, and part-time service is hypocrisy. To the Corinthians, Paul gives the same command-

“Always” and “abounding” leave no room for anything else. Again to the Corinthians-

Whatever is done must be done unto God: to His glory and in His service. What cannot be done to His glory must not be done at all. We are totally purchased slaves. That is the price of eternity with God, and it will be lovingly, thankfully, eagerly paid by the wise of heart. Yea, their only regret will be they have so little to offer to manifest their love.

Now coming more particularly to the question of specific, detailed commands. If we are completely dedicated to God, and all our actions are done as unto Him, and all is motivated by love and goodwill, isn’t that enough? Do we have to have rigid, constricting laws? Are we not free from law, and under grace?

We need-and we should earnestly desire-specific, detailed “instruction in righteousness,” for we are by nature totally ignorant and foolish, no matter how good-intentioned. Remember Peter, in his blind, misguided, very loving devotion to Christ, as Jesus spoke of his death-

And Jesus answered-

What a harsh and seemingly unkind rebuke to the concern of a sincere, well-meaning, loving friend! “Satan!” Peter meant so well, but it was Satan-the adversary, the flesh-speaking in its presumptuous ignorance: the proud, foolish flesh that thinks it is so wise. We must realize that by nature we are absolutely ignorant. We are stupid. The flesh can never of itself rise above its native stupidity. Unaided from above, we can never think or do right. The Bible plainly tells us this, and accepting it is the first step in the way of wisdom and life-

Jesus said-

And verse 14-

And he laid it down as a plain rule that (Matt. 7:21)-

Before we can do God’s will, we must first learn what it is. It will not come to us naturally (though so many presumptuously assume that if they do what they think is right, then God must surely be pleased). But the natural thoughts of our blind flesh are the very opposite of God’s holy thoughts. Jesus said-

To some who professed to follow him he demanded (Lk. 6:46)-

That alone is the true test of discipleship. John says very bluntly-

Let us then look briefly at some of his commands. These will be just representative-a few of many-chosen to illustrate that they are not the things that we would ever do naturally, or of our own “wisdom,” however good our intentions, because, as Paul says (1 Cor. 2:14)-

So if these commands seem “foolishness” to us, then that should show us that we are just thinking quite normally and naturally, according to the ignorance of the flesh.

The first commands to consider concern our relation to the world. As natural animal creatures, we are a part of that world, interested and involved in all its silly, animal activities. But we are called completely out of it, to something higher and more sensible. James says-

And he further says, even more strongly and pointedly-

Likewise John says-

The world, and all its churches based on the teachings of the flesh, are godless, though making a great manifestation of “religion.” Love of God and love of the world are mutually exclusive, and we must choose between them at the very beginning. Paul instructed the Corinthians-

“Unbelievers” are any who do not believe The Truth, regardless of how sincerely and repeatedly they say, “Lord, Lord.” It’s a clear choice: God or the world-the people of the world, the things of the world. Once this issue is honestly faced, it tremendously simplifies all subsequent action. Until it is faced, we are in a hopeless bog.

The following are typical of the clear, specific instructions we are given for living according to the Spirit. They are utterly revolutionary, and this must be realized. We must strain to expand our puny little minds to accept them in their fullness: not cut them down to our own fleshly thinking, as is the universal custom-

Did you ever hear of anyone ever doing that, in this so “Christian” land?

Isn’t that what the whole mad human scramble is all about?

Quit scrabbling for perishing possessions. Be satisfied with bare necessities, and give every moment you can spare to the work of the Lord, and not to your own interests and amusements.

These are but a few of many. Others will appear in the following.

* * *

It will be perceived that the commands of God have a consistent pattern and purpose. They are for the destruction of the natural ugliness of the flesh, and for the building of the Christlike beauty of the Spirit.

What the evil, fleshly world worships and calls “manly” is simply glorified ugliness: war, sport, competition, rivalry, victory over others, possessions, power, prestige, lust-all the activities and pleasures of the undisciplined natural animal.

The Scriptures show us a more excellent way, a joyful and joy-giving way: a way whose motive is love instead of lust, purity instead of power, giving instead of getting, victory and rulership over self instead of over others. It is a way, above all, whose end is eternal Life, instead of the end of the natural way, which is eternal Death. Solomon said, by the inspiration of God-

And Jeremiah (17:9)-

These are lessons we must be taught from above. They do not, and never could, come from within. Within our natural hearts and flesh is only darkness and ignorance. Paul told the Galatians (5:17)-

It is to the Romans he explains this subject most fully and deeply. Romans 7 should be prayerfully studied over and over, till we clearly comprehend the mind of the Spirit, and see ourselves for what we really are-

This is the most deadly, most shameful, most pitiful slavery of all-and yet all mankind are deluded and willing slaves of the flesh, and they fiercely resent and reject God’s offer of freedom from it. Paul continues in chapter 8-

And in chapter 13:

And describing the very few true believers among all the pretenders: those few who are pleasing to God and in the Way of Life (Gal. 5:24)-

The “affections and lusts” of which he speaks, which the faithful have put entirely away, are all the things that are forbidden by, and controlled by, the commands we have considered and are considering. Here is a clear test. Have we crucified the flesh? Are we Christ’s?-or just of those who say, Lord, Lord.

This crucifying of the flesh can never be accomplished by pressure or fear or legislation. It must come from the power of the realization of the natural filth and repulsiveness of the flesh; and of the beauty and desirability of holiness and life. It must come from the power of the love of God and of His marvelous goodness. It must come from above, in answer to long and earnest seeking in prayer.

* * *

We shall never in this life fully accomplish this; therefore we shall never have any time to waste on passing things. Paul says to the Romans-

If God Himself says that a total, living sacrifice for this so very short life is a “reasonable service” to manifest thanksgiving for the gift of the joy of the endless ages He promises, who would dare to say it is not reasonable, or that we can safely offer less? Is not such an attitude the most presumptuous of folly? To the Colossians, Paul said (3:2)-

Here is a specific something that must be done, and a specific something that must be totally refrained from. To the Galatians, Paul gives more detailed instruction as to what is involved-

These are the fruits we are told we must “bring forth” in abundance that we be not rejected as “barren and unfruitful.” To the Corinthians he is even more analytical. First he says (1ÊCor. 13:1-3)-

Let us note that well. This is not something vaguely desirable, to just aim at as a possible eventual goal. No. It is something absolutely essential right now. And what is this indispensable “love” of which he speaks, without which we are “nothing” in God’s sight? He describes it clearly-

“Love suffereth long, and is kind”: infinite kindness and patience in the face of long provocation. “Love seeketh not her own”: is not at all concerned with personal advantage or possession. “Love is not provoked”: it does not get angry (the weakening word “easily” is not in the original).

Without these spiritual virtues, says Paul, we are “nothing” to God.

There is an aspect of what God requires us to do for salvation which may seem very strange at first, but the spiritual mind will discern its fittingness and wisdom. Jesus said-

And Peter-

And James-

If a doctor successfully cuts out a cancer that would kill us, we “rejoice exceedingly”-even though the process may be a painful and weary one. So here. These things are of God, to cut out the deadly cancers of the flesh. We must rejoice in them. Paul gives the divine explanation-

* * *

In summing up his new law, his revolutionary new commands, Jesus said-

Absolute perfection of character like God’s will never be attained until the glorification of the body after resurrection and judgment, but God commands and requires us to be constantly striving and straining toward perfection-manifesting an intense love of and desire for it-or He will never bestow it on us at the last day. Why should He bestow such riches where they are not valued enough to do what He asks? Surely if we do not prize the gift enough, and love God enough, to devote our whole life to the effort, then it is not reasonable that He should give it to us, while billions perish forever.

* * *

A final command, and a final glorious promise-

And Paul’s words from prison to the brethren and sisters at Philippi-

God offers everything. He holds nothing back (Psa. 84:11)-

He even promises incorporation into the divine nature itself (2 Pet. 1:4). And He very reasonably demands everything in return (although our “everything” is such a miserable little nothing compared to His). Have we then the simple wisdom and common sense to go all the way for the incomparable and incomprehensible prize of life and joy for evermore? What unutterable stupidity if we do not!

If we haven’t enough sense-if we haven’t enough love-to give total service for seventy years in exchange for seventy billion, billion years (and more) of eternal joy, then what hope is there for us? What good could such half-hearted and self-pleasing creatures be to God?

It’s love He asks: love manifested in works. How much do we have?

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