Foundation 1
The First Foundation: Repentance
Repentance From Dead Works
Repent and Be Baptized
Repent or Likewise Perish.
Repent Or Be Vomited Out!
Leo Fenton
December 26, 2012
While I was still at home and company was going to visit, my mother felt she always needed to clean. That was over seventy years ago.
Since there was not much time she would say "Well, I will just give it a lick and a promise for now."
After studying this first foundation for the last two weeks it has become clear that "just a lick and a promise" will not be sufficient to "lay this foundation."
It appears that this shallow understanding of repentance, a lick and a promise, has been the result of this incomplete method of researching this foundation.
Now it is clear that to ignore this "foundation" is a terrible injustice to the church and a sentence to mediocrity for the believer!
These "less than mature Christians," who have neglected the full foundations, have become the new normal.
Of the seven "Foundations" for the Kingdom Life that we shall identify, NONE is of less importance than another.
Neglecting any one of these will affect something in our eternal destiny.
Therefore, repentance is not first or last in importance, just first in our experience.
In Hebrews we find one set of examples of the foundations and how important they are in our maturity.
This reveals where they sit in our race to maturity or Christian Perfection.
In these few words we learn that God may not permit us to grow without these foundations.
Heb 6:1 Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity (perfection), not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of instruction about baptisms, and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And this we shall do, if God permits.
(1) "Repentance from "DEAD WORKS" indicates there is no proper LIFE behind the works!
This means that everything that was done out of the old life, the natural man or from out of the human will can ONLY be out of the death realm and therefore, these are called "DEAD WORKS."
For example; can "baptism in water" just be another "dead work" if it doesn't produce the "life" it was designed to impart?
Can "saying these words and believing this doctrine" just be more "dead works" and not a real salvation? Yes, and this is a real problem!
Romans 5:10 says that we are "saved by His Life."
If there is no life imparted then there is another "dead work."
"LIVE WORKS" or "LIVING WORKS" can only be accomplished out of the New Life of God and then they should be the very works that God has prepared for us beforehand and pre-ordained for us to complete.
We can ONLY define these "good works" from out of our obedience to the new Life.
Eph 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Works that have been done out of the "I" (ego) factor are unacceptable to God.
Since most of the visible church functions out of this substandard realm, most of the works are substandard. Therefore, they cannot meet the "LIFE" test and are, therefore, rejected and a waste of time.
(2) We should recognize that repentance "begins" in the outer man, the natural man, the carnal man, the old man and the one who is totally lost.
Then how can he repent?
This is why no one can come unless the Father draws him.
Our primary repentance begins by God drawing us and the Holy Spirit convicting us of sin, righteousness and judgement.
True repentance, in its primary state, is the result of our response to God's call and conviction.
Then repentance must move into the "LIFE REALM" of the New Creation Man and begin a New Life of Repentance.
In other words repentance is not a one event experience but a growing and developing Life of repentance!
If we miss this continuing and progressing dimension of repentance we will surely lose our sensitivity to our need of a continually growing and greater repentance.
(3) Even though God begins the process of foundations by drawing us, we have also been given free will and decide if we will follow or not.
If we respond and "are birthed into a life of repentance" it will redirect our path into God's Will and toward our eternal goal.
Repentance then is the "FIRST STEP" in a long race toward the ultimate prize within the High Calling of God.
(4) Repentance begins in the Old Covenant dimension and then continues to grow and change as it advances into the New Covenant realm.
The New Covenant provision of transforming the New Inner Man permits the New Man to be given revelation, understanding and an inner guidance following his "conversion."
A "life of repentance" is part of conversion!
Another aspect of "conversion" is to be converted from the Old Covenant and the Law to the New Covenant and the Law of Life.
In the "Law of Life" our repentance rises to a new dimension of sensitivity.
Since the Old Covenant could NOT impart Life, the works it required are now called "dead works" when performed in the New Covenant dispensation.
(5) Repentance begins in the anarchy and the hostility of fallen man but then must move into the Kingdom of God dimension of personal experience.
"Good Works" cannot be done out of anarchy.
Therefore, some fake repentance is void of reality because it cannot lead to these new realms of New Covenant function.
In other words; Repentance begins without law and out of lawlessness but must develop into the Governmental realms of God and into a Life of obedience.
Repentance leads us to obedience.
Why is this relevant?
Because, we have been commanded to repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!
Repent then is a command and is NOT optional!
Some of us, that fellowship in Ohio, believe that Repentance is another birth, even though we don't have a Scripture that says it.
Why do we believe that it is the first "birth?" It is because we understand that Bible repentance must grow throughout our Christian / Kingdom Life!
To grow it must have a beginning life. Why must it grow?
Because repentance is linked to the life realm inherent within the New Covenant provision!
Repentance is also linked to the Kingdom of God.
"Repent for the Kingdom is at hand" indicates that repentance should grow as the Kingdom grows in our experience. Not my will but Thine be done is linked to Bible repentance!
In this study we will apply many Scriptures that show repentance in several different stages of growth.
For example; Repentance from dead works is much different from the depth of repentance we see required in Revelation 2 and 3.
Also, repentance precedes the overcoming Life that permits us to sit with Him on His Throne or even to participate in the eternal realms.
Repentance from "dead works" indicates that repentance is necessary to advance to "living works" or the "works" that are acceptable to God.
"Dead works" are unacceptable and are a big waste of time and effort.
Still, dead works are common in the visible church.
Dead works originate with man and are "inspired" new programs that begin enthusiastically with fresh ideas, but end in an ego-centric activity that is without the design or authority of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, dead works do not promote God's purpose but man's purpose!
Repent and be baptized and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit is what the seekers were told to do in Acts 2.
Act 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall we do?" 38 And Peter said to them, " Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit . 39 "For the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God shall call to Himself."
40 And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation!"
This tremendous promise is the result of having repented and receiving proper baptism.
In other words, Repent, be baptized and receive the Holy Spirit was God's provision to be saved from this perverse generation!
Salvation from this perverse generation is very clearly revealed as one dimension of "salvation." But what about those who don't believe the Scripture and fail to act upon these words?
This is exactly why we are addressing this issue because the consequences of ignoring these things are very disturbing.
Still, to insist upon these basic experiences is contrary to most everything the fundamental churches teach.
Repent or you will likewise perish has eternal consequences that sound very serious and final.
Repent or be vomited out of My body sounds even more serious and final and is addressed to those who were already in His body.
Act 3:19 "Repent therefore and return, that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; 20 and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, 21 Whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time.
"Repent therefore and return, that your sins may be wiped away" will seem like a strange doctrine to the average Bible believing person. Why?
Sin, being taken away, is linked to repentance.
Act 17:30 "Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all everywhere should repent,
Act 26:19 "Consequently, King Agrippa, I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but kept declaring both to those of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance.
Rev 2:5 'Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you, and will remove your lampstand out of its place - unless you repent.
Repentance is linked to doing appropriate deeds or works that are normal for a Lampstand Church.
The real difference between keeping the lampstand intact, with its illumination, or losing it, is tied to repenting and doing certain appropriate deeds which, obviously, must not be more dead works.
Heb 5:12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil. (Heb 6:)1 Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of instruction about baptisms, and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And this we shall do, if God permits.
There obviously should NOT be a division between Hebrews 5 and Hebrews 6 because this is one thought that includes these foundations.
This exhortation is addressed to those who should have been teachers "by this time" but were only babes in Christ.
Chapter 6 begins with "therefore, which ties it back to the context of Chapter 5.
These six "Foundations" are given to solve the problems addressed in Chapter 5.
The problem that is addressed is that these "believers" had experienced no growth into a functioning ministry such as teaching.
This "growth" (becoming teachers) was considered normal for all believers.
Developing the ability to teach others was considered as the normal Christian Life.
The ministries in Ephesians 4:11 were supposed to bring ALL the believers to the maturity of "ministry."
This rebuke was leveled at these "believers" who were evaluated as still being babes after sufficient time. They were without discernment and were still unaccustomed to the Word of righteousness. They were too immature to teach the Word of God!
They, also, were unable to receive normal spiritual "food" but still required "milk." The obvious reason given for this pitiful condition was simply because they lacked these six foundations.
This same "rebuke" could be written to most all of the visible churches today, regardless of their denomination.
Of course, Repentance is the first Foundation given in the Book of Acts and preceded Baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit.
Since there is no other way given for us to separate from this perverse generation, this "repentance" cannot be unimportant or optional.
Anyone still connected to this perverse generation will suffer the same consequences as this perverse generation and be judged corporately!
Repentance is not optional and neither is it as shallow or unimportant as it is presented in the visible church today.
It is discouraging that this 'foundation" is generally accepted as unimportant and ignored by the casual believers everywhere.
We also believe that "repentance" is one complete foundation that is made up of several different elements or "stones."
In other words if there is not a COMPLETE foundation (all seven separate layers of foundations for the "building.") laid, we will NEVER be permitted to build.
This "building" is not of this earth and NOT a Sunday morning meeting place.
This is the first invisible Foundation of the spiritual building structure before we can even begin to build something visible in the eternal realms.
Repentance (in its complete form) is just one stable, horizontal course of the complete Foundation.
That means one row out of the seven rows of the ABSOLUTES that make up the full Foundation.
My thesis for this study is that the main reason the visible church is stuck in this pitiful condition is simply because none of the foundation rows are completely laid.
It appears, from my observation of many years, that not even one row out of the seven is complete in any of the assemblies I have visited!
Therefore, it is little wonder why the "assemblies" are NOT going (growing) on to perfection.
God will not permit the believers to move beyond the Outer Court preparation simply because the "preparation" is not complete.
Where do we see this "wall that prevents entrance" in the Tabernacle?
It is at the Second Veil, the Veil of Truth.
Until the seven preparations are laid and stable we shall NOT pass through that Second Veil.
Who is the judge of that?
God! When He doesn't permit, NO ONE passes.
Again, so no one will misunderstand; This failure of growth in the believers must be laid 100% at the feet of the ministries!
It is their responsibility to lay these foundations and establishing these Foundations as experiences is included in their JOB DESCRIPTION for the perfecting of the saints.
Here, again, is the context of Hebrews 5 and the danger of not growing.
This is likened to a believer having come, in some basic way, into Christ but then stopped growing and advancing.
The next step is the "falling away."
In other words if we are not moving forward and upward we are actually falling away, backward.
The result should be terrifying!
It is impossible to renew them again to repentance, is a very serious truth that is linked to this lack of growth and is called "falling away!" Why?
Because lack of growth indicates a lack of individual repentance!
To understand this we must view it within its whole context to discern its importance!
Heb 6:1 Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, (perfection) not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of instruction about baptisms, and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
3 And this we shall do, if God permits. Heb 6:4 For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good Word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God, and put Him to open shame.
If we STOP or "don't continually grow" or "go on," AFTER we have been enlightened, the consequences are terrible.
Most "Christians" are not even informed of the consequences of babyhood and neither are they conscious of the danger of casual Christianity.
The "work" of informing the believers of these dangers is assigned to the "ministries" He sets in the church.
2 Peter 2:21 For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment delivered to them .
There is no question that the lack of ALL Seven Valid Foundations as EXPERIENTIAL REALITY are necessary before the church will be permitted to go on to perfection (Functioning in their Ultimate Maturity).
For that reason we will research each one of the Seven Foundations that are essential for the believer to function within the Lampstand Church or to participate in the Priesthood after the Order of Melchizedek.
Without this functioning Priesthood "A KINGDOM OF PRIESTS" is just another "sermon fantasy" or just another cliché used in preaching!
We are certain that "a Kingdom of Priests" is not just doctrinal but experiential.
But aren't we ALL are a Kingdom of Priests?
No! To be acknowledged as a "priest" we must function as a priest, not just call ourselves "priests" as an honorary title.
All "priesthood" must be within the ONLY priesthood that is available to us which is after the order of Melchizedek.
"Repent, be converted, and believe the Gospel" appears to be the basic way to begin to participate in this fulfillment of God's Purpose.
However, there are 24 verses that speak about the need to "repent" and not all are speaking about the same primary dimension of repentance.
Repentance from dead works is just "one of the stones" in that one stable row of stones required for the completion of the first foundation called repentance!
Why do we use "stable row of stones" in this example?
That is simply because if we build upon "sand doctrines" rather than "stone experiences" the whole structure will collapse.
Mat 3:2 "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand."
Mat 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand."
Mark 1:15 and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel."
The reason given for this mandate to repent is because "the Kingdom is at hand" or as close as your hand.
Then repentance is primarily related to the Kingdom of God.
We might even say the Kingdom DEMANDS repentance!
But "REPENT OF WHAT" is the question?
We might add a personal opinion here that is associated with the current church system.
"Repent because of all the ages the Kingdom Government of God and His Laws have been ignored!" "Repent because NO FOUNDATIONS have been laid!"
But could that really be directed at the church today?
Certainly! Why?
Because the Kingdom has been ignored by the visible church for 1900 years.
Building upon "sand" has been the normal in the visible church.
"Repent and believe in the Gospel" is only possible if we can identify what the real Gospel is, so we can repent.
Of course, our opinion is that "the Gospel" we are to believe is the Gospel of the Kingdom and NOT the "gospel of the half-priced sale" or the "gospel of the bargains."
Mat 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, He said to them, "You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
8 "Therefore bring forth fruit in keeping with repentance;
This may seem slightly harsh to speak this way to the religious leaders of the day.
Some will wonder, "But, isn't bringing forth fruit "just works" that can never save you?"
I have heard this ignorance repeated for over 40 years.
However, John relates repentance with fleeing from the wrath to come.
Fleeing from "the dead works" in which there is NO salvation is quite different from "fleeing from the wrath to come."
There are 22 verses speaking about "repentance" and not all these are speaking of the same dimension of repentance.
There are 46 total verses that highlight the stability in this foundational course called "repent" or "repentance."
Each one calls for "REPENTANCE" in various areas and degrees as we approach God.
There may be stages of repentance or progressive repentance that varies in each believer because we each have our own difficulties and defects that can only be solved by repentance and a deeper work of God in our lives!
Luke 13:5 "I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish."
Act 17:30 "Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all everywhere should repent,
Rev 2:5 'Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you, and will remove your lampstand out of its place - unless you repent.
Rev 3:18 I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire, that you may become rich, and white garments, that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; be zealous therefore, and repent.
G3340 metanoeō met-an-o-eh'-o From G3326 and G3539; to think differently or afterwards, that is, reconsider (morally to feel compunction): - repent.
It seems clear that "repent or repentance" is given as a commandment that has serious consequences if it is ignored. None of these verses present repentance as a "suggestion."
Repentance here is linked to reproval and discipline!
In this case the simple dictionary definition of the Greek word is not sufficient to convey the "Bible meaning of the word REPENT." Why?
Because the Bible presents the word and its meaning from God's Viewpoint rather than from the secular Greek definition.
As important and absolute as this foundation appears to be from the 46 verses, it seems clear that to "think differently" or "reconsider" or "compunction" or "feel sorry" does not convey the magnitude or the seriousness of the warning inherent in the 46 verses.
From God's viewpoint, not repenting is direct disobedience and has very serious consequences.
compunction >noun a feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents or follows wrongdoing: he felt no compunction in letting her worry. -To 'prick sharply'.
For example; to reconsider or compunction or change your mind appears to be much too shallow to define Bible repentance and is more related to the "conscience" than what the Bible refers to as repentance.
A popular definition of repentance as a "change of mind," seems rather weak to speak about Bible Repentance and this may be one reason for the failure to lay or even recognize the essential nature of this foundation.
The WARNINGS inherent within this "foundation" are very specific and too clear to overlook.
For example; Jesus rebuked the Seven Churches very severely for their lack of repentance and threatened them with irrevocable consequences if they didn't repent.
The fact that they didn't "feel sorry" for their failure seems like a clearly inadequate reason to be cast out of His body!
Nevertheless, repentance is linked to being vomited out of His body!
In discussing this issue with different pastors in various countries over the years it was clear that this foundation was not considered very important.
In the majority of the ministers' minds, to accept Jesus as personal Savior was the most important issue to be considered.
The fact that Jesus may never have accepted them, after they had accepted Him, was not even considered possible. Why?
Most assumed that Jesus HAD to accept EVERYBODY into His Body who had accepted Him as Savior.
We must point out that this "guaranteed acceptance" is JUST an assumption but not one of God's revealed facts.
"Accepting Jesus as personal Savior" is not even found in the Bible.
However, participating as an active member of His body is a clearly revealed Truth.
We may assume that Jesus is absolutely SOVEREIGN over His Body and accepts whom He accepts and rejects whom He rejects.
Rom 9:18 So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires.
Nevertheless, it is an ABSOLUTE fact that Jesus WILL cast out of His Body all those who are lukewarm and don't "Hear, Heed and Repent."
This ABSOLUTE can be relied upon to be an eternal fact.
Still, even though Jesus is absolutely Sovereign over His Body, the fact that we might be "vomited out of His Body" has become a strange concept in the visible church.
Act 2:38 And Peter said to them, "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
Obviously Peter was ill-informed because "baptism" is NOT even considered an issue today for the "forgiveness of sins."
Everybody in the visible church knows that "sins" are ONLY handled by the Blood.
Most will repeat something they "heard" that baptism is not essential because "we are saved by faith in the Blood."
Act 22:16 'And now why do you delay? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.'
It seems that Ananias forgot to have Paul "accept Jesus as personal Savior" before he baptized Paul.
The point I am making is this; We may accept too many things that are taught as Bible facts that are not even in the Bible.
Then, the very foundations that are essential "to going on to maturity" are not taught and many times are totally ignored.
We cannot even assume that all "facts" that are being preached on Sunday morning about repentance, salvation, baptism, garments, priesthood, anointing and consecration are really accurate.
What then is the solution?
We must search out each one of these foundations and determine if we have a genuine experiences of each one.
We need to be alert to determine if what we are hearing is really true.
This is really pitiful that unless we check out the "facts and information" ourselves we cannot be certain we are even on the right path to eternal salvation.
Why do we point out these things?
It is because not all "generally accepted doctrines" are relevant to God's Eternal Purpose or His Kingdom Government and some are just NOT TRUE at all.
We no longer seem to have the luxury of just coming to a building and hearing some words or message and assume that is all that is required or that we will even hear something that is even accurate, true or even relevant!
It is sad but in many places it is just "every man for himself" because each one of us must take responsibility for our own salvation, growth and for fulfilling God's Purpose for saving us!
I wonder if what I am sharing in this document is relevant.
For example; If I am able to research what "repentance" really means from God's Viewpoint and why it is one of the Seven essential foundations for the Kingdom / Christian Life but I don't actually repent, will anything really be accomplished?
To find a few people who will take this seriously and actually participate in ALL of these Seven Foundations is my goal before I depart from this realm.
I really need to know if ANYTHING we share actually works and contributes to the Kingdom / Christian Life.
If what I have been sharing is irrelevant then I have wasted a lot of paper, a LOT of people's time and my life also!
Therefore, this is what I propose to present to those who are really concerned with their current condition or the pitiful condition of the visible church.
Each one of us must accept a personal responsibility similar to what Daniel did in his day.
Daniel didn't call for a popular opinion but acted in his own behalf.
He said let there be two groups in this test.
Let the placebo group continue on with the program but let our group eat just Kosher stuff and then see the results.
Dan 1:5 And the king appointed for them a daily ration from the king's choice food and from the wine which he drank, and appointed that they should be educated three years, at the end of which they were to enter the king's personal service.
Dan 1:8 But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king's choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself.
Dan 1:12 "Please test your servants for ten days, and let us be given some vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 "Then let our appearance be observed in your presence, and the appearance of the youths who are eating the king's choice food; and deal with your servants according to what you see."
14 So he listened to them in this matter and tested them for ten days.
Dan 1:15 And at the end of ten days their appearance seemed better and they were fatter than all the youths who had been eating the king's choice food.
16 So the overseer continued to withhold their choice food and the wine they were to drink, and kept giving them vegetables.
My thought is to apply this Daniel test/ trial/ experiment to my own life to see if it really works.
Then I would like to ask for those in different places to give themselves totally and violently, in a full consecration, to establish themselves experientially in each of these Seven Foundations.
I am guessing that each one will need to set apart at least one year in this consecration.
Of course this may require much more time than 365 days before we are confident that we have the genuine foundations as personal experience.
This is not a matter of quitting our current jobs or changing our activities to participate. This should be attempted by a few which are a cross section of people to see if this is at all effective in their basic maturity.
Let the visible church act as the Placebo group that just continues on year after year in the same senseless rituals.
If after one year and there is no difference between the Placebo group and the group that has established these foundations as personal experience, we can scrap this whole idea and look for the real thing.
After all, why should the next generation waste their lives in more senseless activities that cannot bring the saints to perfection?
I personally believe that God's Way of completing the Seven Foundations or the Seven Steps to Maturity, will work!
Still, who will accept this fact without visible evidence and unless there is living proof in the lives of actual Christians.
Here again we expect that the Living and Abiding Word of God will actually become flesh in this generation, if we do it God's Way.
Hyping another prophecy about great and wonderful things, miracles and a worldwide ministry is Not the answer.
Another prophesy about "GOD IS MOVING" is not relevant when the church is comatose.
Creating a new set of clichés about "God will complete the work He began" or this is "God's work not ours" or just "Trust God to do what He purposed before the Foundation" has not produced very much in the last 500 years. Why is that?
Because, God is raising up a Kingdom People who WILL come to the perfection which is the standard that God has already established. Why?
It is God's plan to prepare a people who have been proven in this life to have functioned in obedience and integrity. Why?
So that they will be experientially qualified to be placed into the Government of the World yet to Come.
This GOVERNMENT will be a Kingdom of Priests after the Order of Melchizedek.
What does that mean for us?
This Eternal Priesthood BEGINS on this earth but in the Holy Place Realm and IN THIS LIFETIME DURING THE CHURCH AGE!
That means that ALL the foundations MUST be experientially laid in the Life of each Priest who will function in that dimension.
If we neglect these Outer Court foundations, God will NOT PERMIT us to go on to the Holy Place Life and Ministry!
That will prevent us from functioning in the Lampstand Church and in the Eternal Priesthood.
This Eternal Priesthood BEGINS in the body of the High Priest and our High Priest functions in the Holy Place Realm. This IS the location of the Church He is Building!
If we are VOMITED out of His Body in that realm it indicates a believer is rejected after he had already pressed "that far" into God's purpose!
After having attained to that place it would be difficult to come up with a more severe or devastating end.
There is an absolute fact which is clear; He is in Total Control and has Sovereign Authority over those in His body and He can do whatever is necessary to carry out God's Purpose.
He has already been given ALL authority over both heaven and over earth.
"But, Brother, where is the grace and mercy for the lukewarm believer?"
This "grace covering" for the unconcerned and casual believer is another fantasy of those who should have read the whole Bible before coming up with these theories!
The "rapture" of the lukewarm church is another fantasy.
If ANYONE has a better plan about how to get the believers grown up and perfected for God's Eternal Purpose, I would be glad to hear it.
Up to this time in December of 2012 I have heard of NO alternate plan for the maturity (perfection of the saints).
I have found NO Program that has been presented by ANYONE that has produced any proven disciples who can be confirmed to be "PERFECTED, MATURED or HAVE GROWN UP IN ALL THINGS INTO CHRIST."
Of course there is all the ministry hype but there is no proof yet that I have seen.
There are a LOT of people that use the excuse that Paul was not yet perfect so why should we be concerned?
Of course, he had come to the primary stages of perfection and was still pressing on to the next stage of perfection.
Philip 3:12 Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,
14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you;
16 however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.
The difference today is that multitudes have never even started to lay the beginning Foundations but are using Paul as an excuse.
As we could expect, there are standard clichés that teach that these saints are invisible at this time but they will suddenly appear at the rapture of the lukewarm church.
We can hardly expect any other response from the placebo church that are only hearing irrelevant messages that can only qualify as sugar pills.
They are unconcerned because no one told them there is even a necessity to press on into the Purpose of God.
They still assume that Christianity is just another one of the great religions of the world.
They are ignorant of the fact that today's Christianity is our only opportunity to be prepared to take our place in Eternity.
We expect the "group" who are serious about these foundational experiences to be VERY small. Why?
This is because they will be expected to violently deal with EVERY un-Kingdom, un-Christian thing in their life.
Why is this so critical?
It is still true today that every work of the flesh must be forcefully dealt with.
The sixth Foundation (the anointing or the Baptism in the Holy Spirit) includes the continuous teaching, help, gifts, discipline and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Everything Jesus promised about the Holy Spirit in John 14, 15 and 16 must be experiential and will be essential to complete the Seventh Foundation which is the Consecration Offering.
More clichés about the Holy Spirit will NOT be helpful.
New concepts, doctrines and platitudes, which produce no experience, are irrelevant!
The foundations must be recognized by a visible change in our outward life and a definite development in our inner Spiritual Life.
Sometime during our Christian development, the Living and Abiding Word of God must be given EVERY opportunity to grow within us.
At the same time the Adam man must be continually sentenced to death.
All this must take place outside of any religious settings or human monitoring because this development is personal.
As this development advances there will be a continuous confrontation between The Head and the defective members in His Body.
As our High Priest He CANNOT have undeveloped or defective members in His Body!
Having a small corporate group of serious believers in fellowship would be VERY helpful during this time of transformation. Why?
It is essential that every encouragement and genuine compassion be extended to those in this valley of decision.
It is important that anyone, who has been this severely dealt with by God, be available to help encourage these genuine seekers.
There surely must be an absolute Truth, Integrity and Spiritual Reality maintained in any help given. Why?
Because, EVERYONE will be confronted with serious gaps in their development.
Where do we get the truth of this statement?
From our High Priest as He confronts the Lampstand churches in Revelation chapters 2 and 3.
He is actually confronting the leaders or "angels" who have been given the responsibility for the total rectification of the churches?
What if the leaders, Apostles, Pastors or others are not interested in moving out of the status quo of ineffective ministry?
Then "pastor / leader / minister / apostle" is just another irrelevant title that has no obvious function.
It is the evidence of "ministry" which is the "perfection of the saints" that can be used to identify the Kingdom ministry groups!
We should take responsibility and seek out these groups because it is there that we can receive the help and encouragement we need.
Of course, ANYONE can get discouraged and drop out of the "experiment" at any time.
At this point in church history it appears that this "transition" is just between you and God.
It is only those few believers, who are fully consecrated to go the whole way, that will be successful in experiencing the benefit of these foundations.
When we see God seriously dealing with each person and they are progressively getting more and more bankrupt and without ANY recommendation before God, we will have the evidence that the process is working.
The foundations include some drastic changes that appear to be anti-productive!
For example; How blest are those who KNOW they are BANKRUPT, poor, destitute, and have need of EVERYTHING.
This can appear to be VERY discouraging because it seems we are going backward instead of forward.
Still, we must enter the Kingdom / Holy Place realm as little children.
In that dimension, under the illumination of the Seven Spirits of God, we will understand that we have NOTHING that can recommend us to God or for us to qualify as priests after the Order of Melchizedek.
Why are these "Foundations so radical" and essential for our preparation to participate the next restoration?
A radical rectification must take place because the person that is self-sufficient, capable, confident, self-assured and satisfied in his own ability will find it impossible to function in the Body of our High Priest!
If this "BANKRUPTCY" doesn't happen BEFORE the Second Veil it MUST happen at that point in our transition or we must recognize that something is lacking in our preparation.
In other words something is alive that was destined for death and burial and something may be dead that is destined for life.
Those who are in the Body of the High Priest can have NO self-confidence in their own ability or insist upon a bunch of carnal ideas they want to try.
None of this is complicated nor is it impossible for ANY true believer to participate.
God has not made the foundations so impossible that only a few are able to endure their participation.
However, there still may only be a few that will attempt to "lay the foundations" and only accept God's Way of doing it.
Multitudes will substitute excuses, clichés, doctrines and new programs instead of taking a personal responsibility for growing up.
This is what I hear;
"Well, God knows my heart. I would if I could but I can't. I know He loves me just as I am. I am still victorious in Jesus. The Bible says I am more than a conqueror though Him Who loved me and that is good enough for me!
Jesus is on the throne and I am in Jesus so I am already on the throne and that proves there is no such thing as "going on" to perfection because I am already perfect in Jesus!
I cannot sin because I am in Jesus and when God looks at me all he can see is Jesus, Who IS perfect."
Here is another; "One night I even heard Jesus tell me I am "HIS BRIDE" and that settles it for me.
In Revelation 19 it says that all believers are the Bride of Christ and that we will be with Him forever.
He said He was going away to prepare a place for me and then He will come again to receive me to Himself.
That is my faith and my hope and no one can steal it from me. I am promised a mansion in heaven for just believing in Jesus and that is what I expect.
The overcomers will sit with Him on His Throne and I overcame alcoholism so I am guaranteed a good seat."
While all these things sound good and some of these things are even preached, too much is riding upon this time in our preparation to be deceived by clichés.
Each of us must be fully convinced of the actual truth and reality of these foundations.
It really is essential that each of us takes personal responsibility and check these things out and be fully convinced if they are true OR not true.
Some of us will have the excuse that I am too busy right now! Later I will check it all out.
Of course we will have eternity to check it out but it would be good to know for sure before that time.
It is really difficult to be upgraded to a better seat after the Judgement Seat or at a later time.
It appears that all seat assignments are done during the processing of the tickets.
Once the door closes all the seats available in the throne dimension may already be assigned.
Remember, there are NO SEATS in the Holy Place OR in the Outer Court! Why?
These realms are still preparation. How do we know that?
Because, even in the Holy Place, Our High Priest still has a lot of issues to correct in the Lampstand churches!
Therefore, the process of "perfection" advances and the race for the Ultimate Prize continues!
Expecting to fly stand by on this first flight out is NOT A GOOD PLAN!
Is this the conclusion of the foundation of "Repentance?" Not at all! Why?
This is because our first Repentance should produce a 'birth" into a life of repentance.
Repentance must become a LIFE reality and not just a doctrinal concept to be accepted.
Therefore, REPENTANCE is not a document that you can read but is a LIFE that must be lived.
Can another man "help you repent" or "repent for you" because he is your pastor?
Can he go up the mountain for you and request that God include you in the Kingdom of Priests?
Certainly NOT!
Each person must take his own responsibility and actually REPENT and then continue to grow in their REPENTANCE!
"REPENT FOR THE KINGDOM IS AT HAND" removes Repentance from the church realm and establishes it solidly in the Kingdom Realm.
In the Kingdom Realm there is ONLY one Mediator and He is the High Priest Who knows EVERYTHING that is happening in His Body and is Absolutely Sovereign over it.
WE CANNOT CON OUR WAY INTO THAT REALM!
Mat 25:10 "And while they were going away to make the purchase, the Bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut.
11 "And later the other virgins also came, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open up for us.'
12 "But he answered and said, 'Truly I say to you, I do not know you.'
Then what EXACTLY is "REPENTANCE?" I don't know!
However, He is not bashful or too timid to point out every area of your life that requires "Repentance."
Asking me will be quite different from asking Him.
My opinion is actually irrelevant and I am struggling with my own issues.
But why is this so difficult that I have to ASK HIM, HEAR HIS VOICE, ACT UPON IT AND OBEY?
Because, that is how the Body of the High Priest functions!
"But, Brother, to be honest with you, I simply do not believe that." "That is OK.
You can find a nice place on the New Earth to dwell.
That will also be a wonderful place!
Still, He is preparing the "PLACE" where He and His Bride will dwell."
Therefore, we are discussing the level of repentance necessary to take our place in the Body of Our High Priest and His Dwelling Place which is the New Jerusalem.
We are NOT discussing going to heaven when we die!
John 14:1 "Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 "In My Father's house are (already ) many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. (a different place) 3 "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
The "PLACE" He is preparing is the New Jerusalem.
Now He is preparing the Lampstand Church to manifest the Seven Spirits of God!
The Lampstand is made up of those who have grown into that dimension of Gold Perfection.
They have made the transition from the Outer Court preparation to the "preparation" for the Function within the Lampstand.
The combination of the seven Foundations is designed to produce the maturity necessary to dwell and function in the Holy Place realm.
Since that "next place" (the Most Holy Place) is transparent, the preparation is more severe!
There is still the process of making the Gold that is pure into Gold that is transparent.
That is what He is doing as our High Priest as He is "working in the church" in Revelation 2 & 3.
Eph 5: 24 just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her;
26 that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word,
27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she should be holy and blameless.
Jesus is NOT going to present to Himself a "baby bride" but a Bride just like Himself.
She will be full grown and in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but she shall be holy and blameless.
For ANYONE to strive for that "place He is preparing" is a worthy goal!
Then He will come again to receive the corporate Bride unto Himself so that where He is she will be also.
The fact that there will be so many believers at the wedding feast that it is impossible to count them is all relative. Why?
Because these are all the invited guests .
Rev 19:6 And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude and as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty peals of thunder, saying, "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns. 7 "Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His Bride has made herself ready."
8 And it was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. 9 And he *said to me, "Write, 'Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.'" And he *said to me, "These are true Words of God."
His Bride has made herself ready is what we are writing about in this series of studies!
This great multitude is NOT the Bride, as is being taught, but are the invited guests.
The Bride stands out from among the multitudes because "She has made herself ready and she is totally unique and has on specific garments that are exclusively for the Bride."
How did she make herself ready?
Well, one way was through experiencing the Seven Foundations!
What was the result?
GOD PERMITTED HER TO GO ON TO PERFECTION.
"But, Brother, will the lukewarm, casual and half-saved believers be at the wedding feast?"
"I wouldn't count on it! "