#301 Kingdom: Manifested Sons

Over the past few months, the Pastors who have been meeting together to try and discover how we should approach the next restoration of the church, have been examining various understandings about the “Sons of God.” We have researched the understanding of Bill Britton, George Warnock, George Hawtin and J. Preston Eby. Some of these studies were written 40 or 50 years ago so this teaching on the “Sons of God” is not new or unique to our little group. The fact that the “church” rejected these truths years ago does not reflect upon the validity of these studies because the Word of God is clear on many of these issues. Therefore, in this “study” I will try to summarize a few of these truths that have been revealed but have not yet been restored to the church in general. Some of us are feeling an urgency because it appears that the time for this understanding has already come and is basic to the manifestation of the Kingdom of God in our lives. In other words we believe that the “manifestation of the Kingdom” is concurrent with the “manifestation of the Sons of God” but not synonymous. It is for that reason that I am including this study with the Kingdom studies. The basic thought is that the Eternal Father brought forth from Himself and out of His bosom the Eternal Son which is identified as the Word which was God and IS God. The same that was in the beginning with God and through Whom all things were created. The Son was NOT created was but brought forth out of the bosom of the Father and is referred to as “begotten of God.”

However, to bring forth one “begotten Son” was not the extent of what God purposed. His purpose was that through this “Divine Son” He might develop a whole family of sons and bring “many sons” into His very Presence to share His glory. The end of this purpose is to set His family of Sons over all the works of His hands and to perfect these sons to administrate His Kingdom. First, to begin to rule in this life as part of our apprenticeship training for eternity. This ruling is not over people but over God’s adversaries, to make the enemy and the revengeful to cease.

Rom 8: 29] For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren; [30] and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

Heb 2: 9] But we do see Him who has been made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. [10] For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings.

In the Kingdom dimension we serve people and lay down our life for them and we use the Father’s name and authority to rule over God’s enemies. It is in this ministry that God is training us for the Millennial kingdom and for eternity. God has purposed before the foundation of the earth to ascribe unto His mature sons [who overcome] the inheritance of all things and to rule over all of His creation.

Rev 21: 6] And He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. [7] “He who overcomes shall inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. We have all seen in the general leadership in the church the carnal attempt to fulfill this calling in the flesh by ruling over people and to bring everyone under its authority. We are not being critical because we know that worked in the past. Our concern is that this “assumed authority” will not work or be acceptable in the Kingdom of Christ. Overcoming the reluctance of people who have no desire to be ruled over is not the realm of overcoming that God will accept.

The maturity of sons should rid us of these carnal desires to be the head man and assume the church is “under my guidance and authority.” The consecration offering is designed to remove the “big ego” from the sons of God so they can function in the image and likeness of Christ. The revelation of our own bankruptcy should encourage us to just let Him build His church and we can focus upon overcoming the forces of darkness.

Psalms 8: 2] From the mouth of infants and nursing babes Thou hast established strength, Because of Thine adversaries, To make the enemy and the revengeful cease.

Psalms 8:3 When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, The moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; [4] What is man, that Thou dost take thought of him? And the son of man, that Thou dost care for him? [5] Yet Thou hast made him a little lower than God, And dost crown him with glory and majesty! [6] Thou dost make him to rule over the works of Thy hands; Thou hast put all things under his feet, [7] All sheep and oxen, And also the beasts of the field, [8] The birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, Whatever passes through the paths of the seas.

This authority over God’s adversaries and the power to make the enemy and the revengeful to cease is evidently given to redeemed man from the very beginning of his Christian life. Redeemed man should also have dominion over all the things that first Adam had. The understanding that we currently investigating is if every redeemed person has been given “a garden” over which he must guard, protect and rule over.

When we begin this Christian Life we start out as babies who can’t eat the strong meat of the Word of God and we need only milk. Hopefully we will grow up into the children of God when we can eat more solid food and grow by that. We really have not become any danger to the forces of darkness until we grow up into the “Young Men Stage” when we become strong, the word of God abides in us and we have overcome the evil one. It seems that it is in this “young men” stage that we become a threat to God’s adversaries and can cause the enemy and the revengeful to cease.

1 John 2: 14] I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

It is in this stage that we begin to experience the objective Kingdom of God as a practical outworking of the inward Kingdom. Trying to manifest the outward Kingdom when there is not first an inward Kingdom is very disappointing. It is interesting that the “young men” have overcome the evil one. I assume this includes the powers of darkness in some degree.

Jesus said “If I cast out demons by the Spirit of God then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.” In other words ministry is directly linked to the Kingdom reality. But what about past church history where demons were cast out but no relationship to the Kingdom can be detected? Most of the “ministry” in past church history was done by the anointing rather than out the manifestation of the Kingdom. This is not wrong but it is not the Kingdom dimension we think we are entering at this time.

One of the questions that has arisen out of this researching the sons of God restoration is this; why have you suddenly stopped emphasizing the preparation of the bride? The fact is that all these metaphors are guiding us to one destination. While the bride relates to Jesus Christ the eternal Son, the mature sons of God relates to the eternal Father. Christlikeness is the hallmark of both visions. We might say that the process of maturity and “perfection” relates us to the Holy Spirit who has come to lead us into all dimensions related to Eternity. Nevertheless, all these things point us to the Kingdom and God’s purpose for the ages of ages in the future. Some of these metaphors relate us to the Father, some to the Son, some to the Holy Spirit and some to God’s Eternal Purpose, the New Jerusalem and eternity.

Another question that has confronted us is this; How can you take these scriptures that definitely relate to the eternal Son and then relate them to the mature sons of God? The reason is that Jesus Christ is the first born among many brethren and God’s revealed purpose is to bring many sons into His eternal glory.

Rom 8: 29] For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren;

In this purpose then Jesus is the pattern Son after whom every “manifested son” must be conformed. The manifested sons must come to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ and grow up in all things into Him. Since He is the pattern Son the scriptures that speak of Him many times also speak of us.

As an example; He said “I am the light of the world” and then He turned to His disciples and said “You are the light of the world.” He told His disciples “As the father sent Me so I am sending you.” “Greater works shall you do because I go unto My Father.” Being conformed to the Image of the Son is the requirement of every “manifested son.” If Jesus Christ was the ONLY begotten Son then we wouldn’t be confronted by the “manifestation of the SONS of God.” We also wouldn’t be concerned about His purpose to bring MANY sons to glory. We see THE SON in glory and then we see MANY SONS in glory. We must try to throw off this fantasy about everybody who has their sins forgiven or are born again are the “sons of God.”

The confusion between the children of God and the mature sons of God must be cleared up in the church or multitudes will just remain babies because they weren’t informed about the “sons of God” who will inherit all things. They will see no reason to grow up or change! When we introduce the understanding that God has called to Himself a vast family of sons who are just like His only begotten Son it sounds like false doctrine in today’s church atmosphere.

When we share about the sons of God from the Tabernacle of Moses we then use the metaphor of “priesthood.” We speak about the High Priest (Aaron) and his sons as a type or Old Testament picture of our High Priest (Jesus) and His sons. Only the High Priest and his sons had access to the Holy Place. These “sons” were begotten by the High Priest. Within the New Covenant not only has the Pattern Son been begotten by God, the Father but there are “many sons” who have been begotten by the Father. This is not just a matter of having our sins forgiven at the Bronze Altar but of being “born of the Father” with His Life and His genes. We could say “With His seed in us.”

The Living Word of God was removed from the bosom of the Father and became the Eternal Son in the eons of eternity past. He was then born of a virgin, made flesh in the likeness of men and dwelt among men. Therefore, we tend to think that was so unique that it can never be repeated. However, we read in 1 Peter 1:22 that this same Word of God , the living and abiding Word of God, is the very same seed by which we are born again. As the Holy Spirit hovered over Mary and she brought forth the Son of God so also the Holy Spirit implants the same basic seed in us. The purpose being to produce “sons of the Kingdom” or the sons of God. This Living Word [which IS God] is Emanuel or God with us. He is also IN US!

Is it possible that these multitudes that refer to themselves as Christians have actually had a “Wordless Conversion?” That means that the Living and Abiding Word of God, the Eternal Seed, does not live in them. Of course we know that they have believed for the forgiveness of their sins and the cleansing of the blood but the evidence of the living and abiding Word of God is not yet manifested. He is not yet “abiding” within their inner man.

It was through the Eternal Word of God that God created all things and the reason that all things exist. There was not anything made except what He made and God has given all judgement unto His Son. However, He told His disciples that they would sit on 12 thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel. Paul said that we would judge the angels. If ALL judgement was given unto the Son of God from where does this judgement for the mature sons come? Of course we say it comes from the Head through His body. If His body is made up of His mature sons, the judgement is given to His sons through the Head (Christ.)

The key words here is mature sons or set sons or manifested sons. It other words judgement is not given to babies or children but only to those mature and developed enough to be trusted with His authority and judgement. Or we could say; These are those who have received the use of His name.

The “gospel of grace” was restored to the church about 500 years ago and has developed into an over emphasis upon “grace” that makes no demands upon the believer except to believe. Some have removed even the “believing part.” The super grace churches have just presented a “happy gospel” where everybody lives happily ever after and we all go to heaven because of God’s grace. Some have added that even the devil will ultimately be saved because Jesus reconciled all things to God through the cross. It is taught that all “Christian babies” share in all the inheritance because God loves all His children the same. “Overcoming” is just applied to sins. Sin or sins is no longer a problem because God’s “super grace” covers both and when God looks at us He doesn’t see us or our sins but He just sees Jesus.

The “Gospel of the Kingdom” is the gospel of grace but if we separate the “grace” from the Kingdom government of God and God’s expectation of having mature sons, grace is no longer “Bible grace” but just some aberration. All the different parts and interpretation of the “gospel” must be first related and reconciled to the Kingdom government of God. “Grace” that does not have its source and relevance in the Kingdom is corrupted by man’s wisdom. Carnal man has a desire to accept “whosoever will” and is reluctant to expect or require any evidence of change within the person. This is “human compassion” but it is not compatible with God’s eternal purpose to develop a vast family of sons who are just like His only begotten Son.

It is apparent that the gates of hell meets no resistance in the “baby church” that men are building. Hell comes and goes as it pleases and even visits the church service and sometimes stands in the pulpit to disperse its “false grace.”

But how different a “church”this is to the church that Jesus said He would build and the gates of hell would not be able to withstand its attack. The onslaught of the “corporate church” against the powers of darkness is not something we have seen in church history. Still, Jesus said it would happen in and through the church that He is building.

We are speculating that this attack upon God’s adversaries will identify of the “sons of God.” Overcoming in this area of conflict is just basic to the sons of God. 1 John 2:14 I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. The Young men, or those we are referring to as “sons”, are not functioning in the defensive mode but are overcoming in the offensive mode.

If Jesus had only came to earth as the “Unique Son of God” He could not be a revelation of the “pattern Son.” When He came as “the son of man” He opened up a whole new insight into the “manifested sons” that God has predestined to become conformed to His image.

Jesus, the pattern Son, came to Jordan to be baptized by John and it was here that the Father acknowledged Jesus as His beloved son and introduces Him to those present. We are assuming this began the period of Son-ship when Jesus received the use of the Father’s name and could speak for the Father. From this time onward we can see the authority of God being manifested in His life and through His life. After this the storm and waves responded to His command, the fig tree wilted, the fish obeyed Him, the demons acknowledge who He is and leave the people at His word. The sick are healed and the lame walk and the blind receive their sight. The gospel of the Kingdom is both preached AND demonstrated. The deaf are set free and the leper is healed. He steps into a boat and immediately it is on the other shore. He multiplies the bread and the fish and speaks like no other man. If He did all this as the “Son of God” we could still marvel but have no hope of doing the same. However, He said that we would do even greater works than these because He goes unto the Father. These greater works most likely describes the “fulness” of the anointing. Not the Outer Court measure which is called the earnest or the down payment upon the full inheritance but the fulness that comes by His Life in us manifesting Himself.

We know the doctrine of the “in-part measure” and that we see through a smoky, hazy and dark glass. We know in part and we prophesy in part, we see in part and speak in part and we have learned that this is the best it is going to get. Many teach that coming to the fulness of anything is not for us now and we are always going to be limited by the “in part measure.” If we look back at church history for our confirmation of the “in part measure” we can find plenty of examples. However, if we look at the scriptures we see Paul encouraging the believers to be “filled up to all the fulness of God.” To be filled with Him who is the fulness of Him that fills all in all. Since God gave us the earnest or the in part measure of the anointing when we were baptized in the Holy Spirit, it should be apparent that a much greater portion is available to those who have developed into the “son-ship stage” and become strong in the power of His might.

John 1:12] But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, [13] who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Those who are lost and without God and who have no hope can, through receiving Christ, have the right to become the “children of God” by the new birth. Those who have received the experience of being the “children of God” have then the right to become the “sons of God.” However, to confuse the “children of God” with the mature “sons of God” is a great disservice to the church and subverts God’s eternal purpose of bringing “many sons to glory.”

Since Jesus is THE “first born Son” He is the heir of all things that the Father has. However, His bride will share in His inheritance. This is seen in the metaphor of “wife or bride” as it relates to the Son. Still, the metaphor of “many sons” who are conformed to the image and likeness of the Eternal Son are related to the Father who will, according to His purpose, bring them into His Eternal Glory.

Many of the different metaphors concerning sons that develop into God’s predetermined maturity, are different viewpoints of the same thing. The “manchild company”, the 144,000 that stand on Mt. Zion, the manifested sons, the overcomers, the bride, the wife of the Lamb, the “many sons”, the bondservants and the armies of the “faithful” who follow Him on white horses refer to the same purpose of God. The different metaphors unveil the different aspects of their preparation and growth experiences. Even though there may be different levels of “fulness of experience and development” the overall goal and purpose of God is revealed. For example; In Revelation 22 we see the “bondservants” are those who are in His immediate Presence.

Rev 22:3] And there shall no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His bond-servants shall serve Him; [4] and they shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. [5] And there shall no longer be any night; and they shall not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God shall illumine them; and they shall reign forever and ever.

I am assuming that these “bondservants” are also part of the 144,000, the many sons, the manchild company, the overcomers, the bride etc. In the hierarchy of the Kingdom there will certainly be different positions of government assigned according to maturity and character. There will also be a place for all His babies and His children but to teach that they will rule and reign with Him is a great disservice to the church. This would reward those who take no responsibility for their own growth and development and just continue to serve themselves.

I expect that most preachers assume that what Jesus prayed in John 17 applies to all believers regardless of their growth or character. Of course He was certainly praying for the “whosoever will” group but that does not eliminate the spiritual requirements for those who will see His Glory.

John 17:17] “Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth. [18] “As Thou didst send Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. [19] “And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. [20] “I do not ask in behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; [21] that they may all be one; even as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me. [22] “And the glory which Thou hast given Me I have given to them; that they may be one, just as We are one; [23] I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, that the world may know that Thou didst send Me, and didst love them, even as Thou didst love Me. [24] “Father, I desire that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am, in order that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me; for Thou didst love Me before the foundation of the world.

If “being with Him where He is” was automatic for all those who believe something about Jesus, it would have been unnecessary to pray for this. While specific requirements “to be with Him” are not spelled out it is obvious they are implied. The fact is that at least to the natural eye there has never been a race of “manifested sons” on the earth yet. Since “manifested” means make known or make visible or show forth, surely the “many sons that will see His Glory” will be manifested on this earth. Since all of creation is travailing and waiting for this time, it will have a revolutionary effect upon this earth. This is what we are anticipating in the days or years ahead. Still, our understanding is that we all should be in preparation for this event personally at the present time. At least as pioneers or forerunners of the actual event.