(Some portions of the following is taken from an article entitled. "The New Schofield Bible" by A. C. Brown. This paper. however. only considers the Original Schofield Notes.)
The Schofield Bible- with its Notes contain some items of sound, beneficial help. Their distinction of law and grace, of the Church from Israel, the introductions, footnotes, chain references, etc., are indeed helpful and call out our happy "Amen." However, no commentary is perfect and those believers that diligently seek the grace to walk in the truth will prove all by the Word of God. They will give the Word its due supreme place, above the teachings even of the best of men, and avoid accepting any doctrine as true merely because certain teachers say so. In prayerful dependence they will value all the commentaries, helps, notes and ministry in the light of The Word of God, even as the Notes themselves exhort: "Therefore, in approaching the study of the Gospels the mind should he freed, solar as possible, from mere theological concepts and presuppositions.." (Introduction to The Four Gospels.) These comments are not intended to discredit everything that the Editors have written but to point out some very serious errors made which call for due the caution of the reader.
The Consulting Editors
We do not doubt the uprightness of those who have labored long to produce the Notes, but we desire the grace to be faithful
while pointing out some teachings not in accord with God s Word.
All the Editorial Committee are involved in clericalism and sectarianism. This is in direct contradiction to the Note of Num. 16:1010And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also? (Numbers 16:10), approved by themselves: "The 'gainsaying of Korah'. .. The modern analogue is Nicolaitanism (Rev.i1.6,15), the division of an equal brotherhood (Matt. 13:88But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. (Matthew 13:8)) into 'clergy' and ‘laity'..."
Also, some members of the Committee are leaders of "theological" Seminaries that do not amend or contradict the error of "the gainsaying of Korah." It is evident that they also do not recognize the sin of sectarianism which is condemned in the Word: "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and [that], there be no divisions among you; but [that] ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." "That there should be no schism in the body; but [that] the members should have the same care one for another." (1 Cor. 1:10,12:25).
The above is not said to judge persons but only to warn students of the Word of God of the level and spiritual character that they should expect to find reflected in the Notes.
The Annotations
Some General Considerations
Thankfully, the law and grace are generally clearly distinguished, and the difference between Israel and the Church is presented. However, there are references to the law of Moses made afterward in several places that serve to lower the
Christian position and inheritance to the spiritual level of a justified Jew (See The Note: Rom. 3:2121But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; (Romans 3:21),etc.). If such Notes are relied on there is great danger of annulling any benefit for the soul that the Notes contain.
It is lamentable that the Chronology of Usher has not been considered dependable.
The Notes
Ex. 27:2020And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always. (Exodus 27:20). "... only as, filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:1818And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; (Ephesians 5:18)) do we really walk in the light." No, all Christian walk always in the light. 1 John 1:77But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:7) says: "... but if we walk in light, as he is in the light..." We are in the light AS He is in the light. There is, certainly, no question concerning HOW God walks, but WHERE. God is light and He is IN the light since Christ has come to manifest Him. It is WHERE we walk as believers, not dependent on HOW we walk but on the fact that "the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all. sin."
(lin 1-7)
Num. 15:11And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, (Numbers 15:1). "There is a present rest of God... into which believers may, and therefore should, enter by faith (Heb. 3-4)." There is a current rest for believers (Matt. 1:1:28), but the reference in Hebrews refers to a future rest (Heb. 4:99There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. (Hebrews 4:9).11) It is important to distinguish these. The present rest is rest from trying to save ourselves by our own efforts Thanks he to God, Christ gives us a full and eternal salvation by faith. The rest of Hebrews is to rest as God rested—that is rest from good (not evil nor dead) works. We should not rest from good works until home in the glory.
Josh. 5:22At that time the Lord said unto Joshua, Make thee sharp knives, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time. (Joshua 5:2). "... circumcision... Spiritually it is mortifiying the deeds of the body through the Spirit." Circumcision means not only to mortify the deeds of the body but also to have a new position in Christ raised from among the dead (Co1.2:11,12) This requires not only the death of the DEEDS of the body hut also of the body itself. We are before God in a new heavenly position in Christ.
PSALMS 118:2929O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. (Psalm 118:29). ".... (4)... As Priest, He offers Himself in sacrifice (P.s-a.22,- 40:6)... " The Lord was not a priest until His resurrection (Heb. 5:9,10;7:149And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; 10Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. (Hebrews 5:9‑10)
14For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. (Hebrews 7:14)). Note the importance that the writer puts to this fact in Heb. 7:11-2811If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? 12For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. 13For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. 14For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. 15And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, 16Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. 17For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 18For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. 19For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. 20And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: 21(For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) 22By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. 23And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: 24But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 26For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 27Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. 28For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. (Hebrews 7:11‑28).
ISAIAH 14:1212How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! (Isaiah 14:12). "Lucifer" is not Satan but the Roman beast, head of the last form of the world Empire (Rev. 13:1-101And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. 2And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. 3And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. 4And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? 5And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. 6And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. 7And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. 8And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 9If any man have an ear, let him hear. 10He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. (Revelation 13:1‑10)). (See also the Notes of Ezek. 28:1212Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord God; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. (Ezekiel 28:12) and Rom. 3:2323For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23).)
Dan. 7:88I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. (Daniel 7:8). The "little horn" is the "beast that rose out of the sea," the King of the revived Rome. (Rev. 13:11And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. (Revelation 13:1)) Dan. 11:36-4536And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done. 37Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all. 38But in his estate shall he honor the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honor with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things. 39Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain. 40And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over. 41He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon. 42He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape. 43But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps. 44But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many. 45And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him. (Daniel 11:36‑45) and 2 Thess. 2:4-84Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. 5Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: (2 Thessalonians 2:4‑8) refer to another, the Antichrist. ( Rev. 13. 11)
Dan. 12:44But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. (Daniel 12:4) AND 12. Here there is confusion. The "prince that shall come" is the Roman beast, Dan. 9:77O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee. (Daniel 9:7) and Rev. 13:4-64And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? 5And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. 6And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. (Revelation 13:4‑6). Dan. 11:36-3836And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done. 37Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all. 38But in his estate shall he honor the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honor with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things. (Daniel 11:36‑38) and 2 Thess. 2:44Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. (2 Thessalonians 2:4) refer to the Antichrist.
Matt. 3:1515And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. (Matthew 3:15). ".,Jesus... needed no repentance..." Amen! The priest in the Old Testament "was. first washed and then, anointed" but the Lord never was "washed," neither was He a priest when He offered Himself. Leviticus16:4 says that Aaron presented himself to offer the sacrifice dressed in "the holy linen coat... the holy garments..." He did not offer it in the priestly garments. This teaches us typically that Christ as a Holy Man offered Himself, not in the capacity of Priest. There is no conflict in the Scriptures. (See Heb. 7:1414For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. (Hebrews 7:14))
Matt. 5:1717Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. (Matthew 5:17). "... (7) He mediated by his blood the New Covenant of assurance and grace, in which all believers stand (Rom. 5:22By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:2); Heb. 8:6-136But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. 7For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. 8For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: 9Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. 10For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: 11And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. 12For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. 13In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away. (Hebrews 8:6‑13))." We, the believers today in the day of the grace, we are not parties to the New Covenant. This is seen very clearly in Jer. 31-34 and Heb. 8:6-136But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. 7For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. 8For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: 9Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. 10For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: 11And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. 12For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. 13In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away. (Hebrews 8:6‑13). Both portions speak of Israel as party to the New Covenant, not the Church. The shed blood of Christ is, certainly, the blood of the New Covenant, but also much more. The New Covenant never gives the privilege of saying "Abba, Father," never establishes the believer "in Christ Jesus," does not give a heavenly place and portion as that which belongs to a member of the one body of Christ and the bride of the Lamb (Rev. 21:99And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. (Revelation 21:9)) We are sons of God and a father does not need a covenant with his own children. See also the Notes themselves: "Especially is it necessary to exclude the notion... that the Church is the true Israel, and that the Old Testament foreview of the kingdom- is fulfilled in the Church." (Introduction to The Four Gospels) Furthermore, contrary to this Note (Matt. 5:1717Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. (Matthew 5:17)), the 'law of Christ" is the habit of His own life here as Man ("... as he walked," (1.1,12:6) is its meaning). It is not another law imposed on us after He delivered us from the law of Moses..
Matt. 13:4343Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. (Matthew 13:43). "Me kingdom does not become the kingdom of the ‘Father' until Christ, having 'put all enemies under His. feet,' including the last enemy, death, has 'delivered up the kingdom to God even the Father' (1 Cor. 15:24-2824Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 28And 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. (1 Corinthians 15:24‑28); Rev. 20:22And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, (Revelation 20:2))."
... the kingdom of his Father," is the heavenly portion of the resurrected saints over the millennium.
Matt. 19:2828And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Matthew 19:28). The word "regeneration" does not mean new birth. In Titus 3:55Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (Titus 3:5) also it refers, as here, to a new order—that of the new creation to which the believer has been brought.
Matt. 24:33And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? (Matthew 24:3). ".... Verse 15 gives the sign of the abomination Dan.9:27, note) the 'man of sin' or 'Beast ' (2 Thess.2:3- 8)..." The image here it is that of the Beast. 2 Thess. 2:3-83Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. 5Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: (2 Thessalonians 2:3‑8) is the Antichrist.
Luke 16:2323And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. (Luke 16:23). "Hades since the ascension of Christ....a change has taken place which affects paradise" No change has taken place. Eph. 4:88Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Ephesians 4:8) (misquoted in the Note) does not refer to "leading" CAPTIVES, but "captivity captive." The Lord Jesus "descended first into the lower parts of [not under] the earth." He was among the poor and humble of the earth and ascended from the earth (Acts 1), not from under the earth. The passage in Ephesians teaches us that He led captive, set us free from, everything that could hold us back in the path of faith and in the exercise of the gifts He has given. 1 Peter 3:1919By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; (1 Peter 3:19) is often mistakenly linked with the error of this Note. It reads: "By in which also he Christ went and preached unto the spirits which are in prison..." The verse is explained by chapter 1 verse 11 of the same epistle: "... the Spirit of Christ which was in them 'the prophets'.. testified beforehand.. " Christ preached by the Spirit in Noah to those disobedient in Noah's day who were in prison in Peter's day.
John 3:33Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (John 3:3). "Regeneration" is not found here. (See Matt. 19:2828And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Matthew 19:28) above). "The condition of the new birth is faith in Christ crucified. " John 1:1313Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:13) comes doctrinally before verse 12 and shows that it was those who were already born again that received Christ in verse 12. "New birth" is the new nature in contrast to the old, and is applied to the saints of all dispensations. The Lord refers to it as one of the "earthly things" in John 3:1212If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? (John 3:12). "... heavenly things" include "eternal life," which is enjoyed only by the Christians of this age, who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, after the cross (vs.14): In the synoptic Gospels (Matthew—Luke) "eternal life" speaks of the life in the earth during the future age of the kingdom. Gal. 2:2020I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20); Eph. 2:10; 4:2410For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)
24And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (Ephesians 4:24); and Col. 1:2727To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (Colossians 1:27) speak of the full Christian status and relationship. These are more than the new birth which is applied to believers other than Christians, even to those before and after the day of the grace.
John 20:1717Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. (John 20:17). "... was on His way to present the sacred blood in heaven... He had so ascended and returned." This is to force a Biblical "type" to be an "anti—type." A "type" is a type of the truth revealed in the New Testament, not the reverse. Heb. 9:1212Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. (Hebrews 9:12) does not say that Christ entered "with" His own blood but "by" (in the power or character of) it He "entered in once into the holy place..." Mary Magdalene wanted to embrace Christ (have a relationship to Him) before His entry into His resurrection glory (John 13:3232If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him. (John 13:32)), which was not possible. The Greek word for "touch" is different when He speaks to Thomas in John 20:2727Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. (John 20:27).
Rom. 3:2121But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; (Romans 3:21). "The righteousness of God is neither an attribute of God, nor the changed character of the believer, but Christ Himself who fully met in our stead and behalf every demand of the law, and who is, by the act of God called imputation (Lev. 25:5050And he shall reckon with him that bought him from the year that he was sold to him unto the year of jubilee: and the price of his sale shall be according unto the number of years, according to the time of an hired servant shall it be with him. (Leviticus 25:50); James 2:2323And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. (James 2:23)), made unto us... righteousness' (1 Cor. 1:3030But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: (1 Corinthians 1:30))." This Note ignores the verse itself which says "without law," saying that we are saved BY law—by Christ meeting the demands of the law! It is regrettably wrong. Justification is not answering to the law of God for us (the law never permitted that one person could answer for another—it says: "The man that doeth them shall live in them" (Ga1.3:12).
God is light and God is love (lJn.1:5 and 4:8). The righteousness of God IS an attribute of God: "that which is justly and necessarily attributed to Him by virtue of Who and What He is." His righteousness in this time is manifested by the act of God whereby He justly declares righteous one who believes on Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 1:3030But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: (1 Corinthians 1:30) is not imputation but definition:
... who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness
..." If this verse were imputation we would be as wise as we are just by faith, since it speaks of "wisdom" as well as "justification". The Lord Jesus Christ glorified God by the work of the cross of Calvary here in this world where the sin is "... Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself and shall straightway glorify him." (Th.13:31,32). God's glorifying the Man Jesus in response to His work is His righteousness—is according to, and necessary to, His righteousness. Declaring a sinner "just" is part of the recompense that Christ deserves and it is a demonstration in this time of God's righteousness. The blessing of the believer in this day is according to the glory that God owes to Christ—it is more than new "clothes", it is a new state, new position, "the glory of God," "in Christ Jesus," "co-heirs with Christ". The law of Moses never envisaged anything of this.
ANOTHER HAS SAID ON THE SUBJECT OF DIVINE RIGHTEOUSNESS: ".. HAS NOT GOD SET UP ANOTHER KIND OF RIGHTEOUSNESS THAN THAT OF LAW? AND IF SO, THE FULFILLMENT OF THE LAW CANNOT ACCOMPLISH THAT RIGHTEOUSNESS, A RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH IS NOT THE ADEQUATE FULLFILLMENT OF MAN'S OBLIGATIONS (AND THE LAW CAN DO NO MORE), BUT THE GLORIFYING OF GOD'S NATURE FULLY, SO THAT HE IS GLORIFIED IN BLESSING ACCORDING TO ALL THAT NATURE IS....IT IS ACCORDING TO WHAT HE IS, NOT WHAT MAN OUGHT TO BE MERELY....FOUNDED ON CHRIST’S WORK IN MANHOOD, BUT IN WHICH GOD HIMSELF WAS GLORIFIED, AND INTO WHICH MAN IS BROUGHT, SO THAT IN IT, HE, GOD, IS JUST AND THE JUSTIFIER OF HIM THAT BELIEVETH IN JESUS."
Rom. 3:2626To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. (Romans 3:26). God justifies "... a sinner than believes in Christ; that is, one in whose behalf Christ has met every demand of the law (Rom. 10.4)." The law did not require that one should die for another—in fact it prohibited that (See Rom. 3:2121But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; (Romans 3:21), above). Salvation is not by works of law, whether accomplished by Christ or by another. Christ (blessed Savior!), obeying a commandment not of the law of Moses (John 10:1818No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. (John 10:18)), was made a curse under Moses' law (Gal. 3:1313Christ 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: (Galatians 3:13)) to redeem the Jews that were under it (the Gentiles were not under the law (Rom. 2:1414For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: (Romans 2:14)).
Rom. 6:66Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (Romans 6:6). ".. make this good (our old man was crucified with him ... in experience, reckoning it to be so by definitely 'putting off’ the old man and 'putting on' the new." The exhortation to 'put off' and 'put on' is not found here, since God says that it has already been done in the cross of Christ. "... put off" and "... put on" in Eph. 4:22,2322That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; (Ephesians 4:22‑23) should be translated in the past tense (something already done), as Col. 3:9,109Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: (Colossians 3:9‑10). The old nature is something different and remains a constant problem.
Rom. 7:1515For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. (Romans 7:15). Paul is not "in defeat" here. The verse speaks of the experience of a person able to set the elements of the experience before us as being out of and beyond it in his own soul. It is the experience of one born again but as yet does not understand that we are freed from "the law of sin." Trying to keep the law in his own strength, he learns that he can not. The chapter shows us the experience by which we learn that only in the power of the Holy Spirit can we obey. The new nature has no strength in itself. It does not struggle against the flesh, it is the Spirit who does so (Gal. 5:1717For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. (Galatians 5:17)). All the strength of the believer is in the Holy Spirit that dwells in everyone that believes "the gospel of your salvation..." (Eph. 1:1313In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, (Ephesians 1:13))
FIRST CORINTHIANS 9:27. "The apostle is writing of the service, not of salvation." No, he includes both, salvation and service, contrasting himself with any counterfeits (as Judas) that were serving hut did not have faith. We know that the apostle did not fear losing his salvation, it is only that he shows that preaching does not save, only faith in Christ does. ".. when I have preached to others, I myself should he a castaway." He applies the truth to himself rather than accuse anyone else (See 1 Cor. 4:66And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. (1 Corinthians 4:6)).
Gal. 6:22Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2). See Note, Matt. 5:1717Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. (Matthew 5:17) above. Eph. 4:88Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Ephesians 4:8). See Note Luke 16:2323And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. (Luke 16:23) above. Eph. 4:22,2322That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; (Ephesians 4:22‑23). See Note, Rom. 6:66Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (Romans 6:6) above. Col. 3:2,102Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. (Colossians 3:2)
10And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: (Colossians 3:10). See Note, Rom. 6:66Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (Romans 6:6) above.
Titus 1:55For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: (Titus 1:5). "... the qualifications of an elder become part of the Scriptures for the guidance of the churches in such appointment [of elders]." It is evident that the churches cannot appoint elders as Paul sent Titus to Crete to do it. The apostle then gave him instructions to return (Titus 3:1212When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter. (Titus 3:12)), thus ending a specific mission to be carried out with apostolic authority. This authority, no longer present on earth, is necessary for the appointment of elders. Love needs no "appointment" in order to serve.
FIRST PETER 1:20. Tut Scripture nowhere declares what it is in the divine foreknowledge which determines the divine election and predestination." It is not a predeterminant "what" in the divine foreknowledge which determines election. Some mistakenly believe that God knew beforehand who was going to believe (a "what") and therefore chose them. Foreknowledge is of persons, not of facts about them. "For WHOM he did foreknow, he also did predestinate..." (Rom. 8:2929For 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. (Romans 8:29)) Love, not knowledge, is the basis of foreknowledge.
FIRST John 1:77The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. (John 1:7). "n) walk in the light is to franklv confess both Ain in the nature and sins in the life1." All believers walk all the time in the light. It is not HOW we walk but WHERE. "but if we walk in the light, AS HE IS IN THE LIGHT..." Certainly, there is no question of "how" God walks, nor of us either. Our communion more properly is treated of in chapter 2:1,2. (See Note, Ex. 27:2020And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always. (Exodus 27:20) above.)
W. M. W.
"PROVE ALL THINGS; HOLD FAST THAT WHICH IS GOOD.... BUT SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE, MAY GROW UP INTO HIM IN ALL THINGS, WHICH IS TIIE HEAD, [EVEN] CHRIST."