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"ON EAGLES’ WINGS MINISTRIES"
“UNTIL THE RESTITUTION OF ALL THINGS.” JUNE 2016, PART 2
“Whom the heavens must receive (or hold) until the times of the restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of his holy prophets since the world began.” Acts 3:21. We begin the second chapter of this series where we left off in the first chapter so as to highlight some of the main points in the scripture passage we used as our focal point. It really doesn’t matter what form of doctrine we embrace and even teach, concerning hell, heaven, the lake of fire, and eternal torment.
The verse of scripture quoted above is concise (deliberate) in announcing what God’s intentions are concerning his entire creation. Peter indicated in this scripture that even the holy prophets of old knew and spoke of the restitution of all things. Not only did Paul refer to this act, which he called reconciliation, as being a part of God’s total act of redemption; he also said that we have been given the ministry of reconciliation, and the word of reconciliation. 2nd Corinthians 5: 19, 20.
The restitution of all things means “to reconstitute” and reconciliation means to be “restored to good favor with God.” Having this understanding, the next step is for us to believe that the two processes above are connected to the entire universe as indicated in the term “all things” and God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself. But since we were given both the ministry and the word of reconciliation, how well do we understand what our assignment really is?
Since to reconcile is to settle a feud between two or more parties, and restore to good graces and harmony, we must know what went wrong to begin with. When you hire a lawyer to represent you in court, you are required to tell that lawyer all the details of the case: even the gory details that cause you to have sleepless nights. The lawyer cannot effectually plead your case if he or she does not know the true details. Notice what our status is in 2nd Corinthians 5: 20. “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, (we now stand and work as Christ in the earth) as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” Meaning, return to harmony and in good standing with God!
As we open the New Testament door and walk in, we readily notice that Adam and Eve did what they could do within the constraints of the time frame in which they lived. Even of the prophets and the patriarchs we read: “And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise.” Hebrews 11:39. They did not receive the promise but saw them afar off and embraced them. Then the torch was passed unto us and we are in line to obtain some better thing.
Here is a thought we need to interject here! As we referred to earlier in the previous letter, Adam was a figure of him who was to come—meaning Jesus Christ. So let us analyze this in minute segments for the sake of equitable consumption. Adam was a man like any one of us. He was married and had children. His job was to dress and keep (guard) the Garden: but along with these realities as they relate to being human, he was nevertheless a mere type of the Christ who would walk the earth and complete the act of redemption on our behalf.
We would be well within our rights to conclude that since Adam was a type—a symbol—a figure that pointed to a time that in reality was not his (he pointed to the time and work of Jesus Christ) likewise every aspect of the Garden of Eden was set forth as types and shadows of persons and events that were to be realized thousands of years later. As viewed in this context, we also must conclude that subduing the earth as a command given to Adam and Eve, the total accomplishment was set for a future age; and we dare to assume that we are the people to whom the baton has been passed.
When we include the world as a part of God’s vineyard that is waiting to be delivered from the bondage of corruption, into the glorious liberty of the children of God, what if we really slow down and consider what does the world consist of?
All through time from the first century, the church has been busy toiling to save the souls of men. In soul winning ministries we frequently ask: “What will a man give in exchange for his soul?” All energy and expense is being used to save the souls of mankind. But now we have to rethink this glorious enterprise, if indeed, we are to reconcile the “world” unto God.
If we were to save all of mankind and leave every other life form in total separation from God, we could not say that we have reconciled “the world.” When Peter spoke of the restitution of “all things” he did not itemize what should be exempt, and what should be the central theme of our labor. I am sure that to him “all things” meant just that. Paul wrote an overview that covers all aspects of creation, and as such, they are candidates for reconciliation, to be reconstituted and remade in the image of God’s Son. Don’t forget that at the end of time or the consummation of the ages; “God shall be all in all” and akin to that, All shall be God.” 1st Corinthians 15:28.
When God formed the earth, he put in place a plan for the ages, or what we call “time frames.” Here is an account of what the Lord had in mind before the foundation of the world. “I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded. For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens: God himself that formed the earth (so it was not without form as we read in Genesis 1: 2.) and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord; and there is none else.” Isaiah 45: 12, 18.
Having set things in motion with man standing at the helm, the Lord inserted himself in declaring his omnipotence saying: “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.” Isaiah 45: 22, 23. This does not sound like an empty wish, in hopes that mankind will acquiesce to the wishes of the Divine Mind. This is a clarion call for mankind at large should wake up and recognize the Almighty who controls man’s destiny.
The scriptures above reflect God’s interest in the entire width and breath of his created universe. When Jesus came on the scene, he echoed the same universal sentiments that are recorded in the Old Testament. Among his teachings and warnings of his forthcoming death, Jesus said: “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth (Upon the cross) will draw all men unto me.” John 12: 32. Actually, all through the bible from the very first book, it is evident that a silver cord of redemption for the entire human race, even for the creation itself was established, since the seed of the woman would bruise the serpent’s head.
Combined with this is the fact that the way back to the tree of life was guarded and preserved for nations upon nations to reenter what the Garden symbolized in the day of our total redemption. Keeping in tune with the salvation of the world as God pursues his own plans to bring a fallen creation back into harmony with him, we hear John the Baptist announcing the arrival of Jesus Christ down by the banks of the Jordan River. “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb (the sacrificial lamb from the days of Moses) of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29.
For anyone to believe and teach that God will eventually reap a third of the harvest from earth, while Satan reaps two thirds; is to be totally misinformed in the scope, the reach, and the effectiveness of the sacrifice upon the cross of Calvary. As indicated by the Lord himself in advance of the gruesome event upon the cross, he would in effect, draw all men unto him. Was this merely a statement that was meant to give the human race a false hope in an event that would never happen? Either Christ is well able to accomplish this feat, or he was the biggest “Con Man” that ever walked on planet earth.
One main factor that this study is going to uncover and put in its proper context, is the redemption of the entire creation: and we in Sonship and the Kingdom ministry constantly allude to the fact that creation is on tip toe, eagerly awaiting the unveiling or manifestation of the sons of God. Yes! Creation as a whole unit is not waiting to be cast into the lake of fire: it is waiting to be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of us sons of God. It is in the light of this truth that a ministry of “restitution and reconciliation” is now active in the earth. But the main thrust of this study, is to put in its proper context what we mean when we refer to “the world.”
First of all, we must see the world through the very eyes of the Creator, and for the most part, this will set you in total contrast to the teachings of the church. My former presiding Bishop once said in a sermon in the City of Baltimore, Maryland: “You cannot help a sinner, until you can see the sinner through the eyes of God: you must see him the way God sees him.” We have been commissioned to execute a task that is far beyond the ordinary. You are not sent simply to be a preacher! You are not called simply to teach Sunday school or lead the young people.
Let us revisit and review one of Paul’s letters. “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” I have highlighted the most important truths as we study this lesson. Notice how the emphasis and “burden of proof” are laid upon our shoulders as if on the shoulders of Christ himself. To that end, as we have noted in previous studies, when Saul met with Christ on the road to Damascus, and asked who art thou Lord that I persecute? The Lord replied: “I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.” But in fact Saul was going to pursue and arrest Christians, and addressing that fact, Jesus announced that those Christians were he himself.
Here is a single most important truth that one must accept and embrace before he or she can set out on a mission to reconcile all things back to God. Are you ready for this? “All things are of God” 2nd Corinthians 5:18. Here is another written in like manner! This one is heavy, so be prepared to open wide the portals of your heart and mind. Unload yourself of man-made traditions that render the word of God of none effect. “God hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.” Proverbs 16: 4.
Also, while putting together your “journey man’s kit” in equipping yourself to be a minister of reconciliation of the world, consider this: “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” Psalm 24:1. The verse ahead seems to suggest that not only the people walking on the earth belongs to God, but also the earth that we ignore, until it is time to plant our gardens, or like in the old gold rush days; to dig for gold.
Well, brother Kennedy I don’t go after gold: I am a sheep farmer and that is where my fortune lies. My friend, God has you cornered there also and he has laid claim to every sheep, every goat, every AL Packer, and any other animal you care to raise. “For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. (Meaning in essence, every hill) I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fullness thereof.” My Lord! This is powerful truths that seemingly we overlook and pass on to try and save the souls of men. In these powerful statements are expressed the Divine ownership of everything that walks, that breathe, and every aspect of our world that is waiting to be delivered, and brought back in harmony with God through the ministry or reconciliation.
As we pay more attention to these various scriptures, we should be getting a better understanding of what the “Savior of the world means in its totality.” We will take time to tap into Paul’s knowledge of what he was called in the ministry to do. When we review the Apostle’s calling and declared ministry, we will quickly see how far behind the church as we know it has been lagging and remain out of sync with the Divine wish and Divine plan for the ages and beyond.
Although many of us have been involved in ministering Deeper Truths/End-time Truths, we are slowly being awaken to the fact that another phase of these truths is now being brought to the forefront of our belief system. We do not have to look far to agree that throughout the history of the church as we know it today, has been involved in bringing salvation only to that part of creation that is visible—namely, human beings.
The church has sent missionaries over this wide world of ours, to save the souls of men and get them prepared for a home in heaven with Jesus. Even in the most profound and productive healing/deliverance ministries that we can remember, only the wellbeing humans were ministered to. The unseen realm has never been addressed and brought into the accepted form of our religious order. But to God, that realm is just as real as what we can see and believe.
As we mentioned in another place, our ministry works from the cradle to the grave; and as soon as the breath leaves the body, we seal that person’s history and walk away with a mindset that God is also finished with the deceased and there in grave he or she will remain until the trumpet sounds someday not far away. In making his case for the truth of the resurrection Paul remarked: “Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead?” 1st Corinthians 15: 29.
Paul did not elaborate on the subject; but he did not ridicule those who were being baptized for the dead, and those who actually believed in the practice. So as we take small steps forward in our quest for more knowledge of what the ministry of the church was designed to be, we will arrive at a vantage point where we can acquire a panoramic view of the kingdom of God and his oracles here upon the earth.
Before long, we will no doubt need to conclude that what we got from the established church is nothing more than a watered down version with gross absence of truths that were taught by Christ and his apostles: but such truths were banned and discarded by the church starting even while the original apostles were still alive. Paul himself personally warned: “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” Acts 20: 29, 30. So even while Paul was alive, the die was already cast; and a downward slide from the truths taught by Christ and himself would gradually be down-graded and finally lost in the throes of the Dark Ages.
In His Service—Royce
Please remember to express your wish to remain on my mailing list if you have not contacted me over the past 12 to 18 months. Thank you.