"Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities", (Psalm 51:7, 9). This was the desire of David, when made conscious of his great sin -- an admirable way (the ONLY way) to deal with sin.
    If we are wise our sins will always be before our faces (Ps. 51:3) until they have been properly dealt with. The eye of the Lord is constantly upon us. Nor does He merely look on the outward appearance; He looks upon the heart. His pure, holy and just nature is highly incensed when we attempt to hide our sins without despising, confessing and forsaking them.
    With a just horror of our transgressions, we ought to ask God to turn away His face from them -- blotting them out as a thick cloud. And we must so deal with our sins each day. It is utter folly when one attempts to avoid Christ due to a consciousness of failure. This is when we need Him MOST!
    His word assures us (His own children) that "if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse)

    (The following article was submitted to the editor several-years ago by Bro. Robert L. Berkey, now a missionary in the Mariana Islands. Since there have been requests for a concise article on this subject, I have decided to submit this work by Bro. Berkey -- without obtaining his express permission to do so. It is a good statement. EG)
    The gathering together of the "elect" is specifically said to be "AFTER THE TRIBULATION of those days", (Matt. 24:29-31; Mk. 13:24- 27). The language of the Olivet discourse (Matt. 24; Mark 13; Lk. 21) is addressed to the disciples AS A CHURCH and NOT as Jews PER SE; and throughout, the Lord indicates that they should expect to SEE the "abomination which maketh desolate" set in the holy place, the signs in the sun, moon, and stars, etc., and it is when they do see these portentous events that they are to "look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh", (Lk. 21:25; see also Matt. 24:30-33 and Mark 13:24-29). The "elect" (which are NOT merely Jewish elect, as will be explained later -- (Ed's. Note) are said to SUFFER SO

will be accomplished by His victory over death and His ascension to heavenly majesty, (Jn. 1:4-5; Eph. 4:7-8; 1:15-23). His earthly work will be continued through the church and under the direction of the Holy Spirit.
    The real object of His desire for glorification is the ultimate glorification of the Father. This was ever Jesus' greatest concern -- even greater than His concern for the salvation of men. But the Father could be glorified ONLY through the glorification of the Son Who came to reveal Him to men (Jn. 14:7-10). Glorification of the Father could only be in proportion as His true character was revealed; and only the Son could do that, (Matt. 11:27).
    Jesus' petition for glorification was in full harmony with His earthly mission, (Jn. 17:2). The Father had given Him power over all flesh, (Matt: 28:18; Jn. 3:35; 5:27; I Cor. 15:25, 27; Phil.2:l0-11; Heb. 2:8).

    In the New Testament scriptures "eternal life" is variously represented: 1) as A PERSON -- This was to the end that He should "give eternal life" to as many as the Father had given Him (Jn. 6:37).
     The meaning of "eternal life" is probably stated here with greater clarity than in any other biblical context, (John 17:3). Fully ignoring any relation to "time" (or endurance), Jesus expresses its QUALITATIVE character and shows that it is attainable IN THIS PRESENT WORLD (Jn. 3:36; 5:24). It is characterized by an ever-increasing knowledge of the true and living God, (Jer. 9:23-24; I Cor. 8:4; I Thes. 1:9). At the same time, it recognizes Jesus as "the Christ", whom God has sent, (Jn. 3:34; 5:36-37; 6:29, 57; 7:29; 10:36; 11:42). This aspect of the truth was necessary for both Jew and Gentile to understand, (Jn. 1:18; 14:6). As no one can truly "know the Father" without the Son, (Matt. 11:27); so, no one can have eternal life apart from Him whom the Father has sent to bestow it.
    In the New Testament scriptures "eternal life" is variously represented: 1) as A PERSON -- to be known in experience and fellowship, (Jn. 17:2-3); 2) As an OBJECT -- to be possessed, and to which one must devote himself with diligence, (I Tim. 6:12, 19; (Jn. 3:15-16). 3) As a REWARD of the faith that actively obeys the Word of God, (Matt. 19:29; Gal. 6:8; I Tim. 1:16); 4) As a SPHERE OF BLESSEDNESS into which the saints may enter following the dissolution of this present world system, (Matt. 25:46; Lk. 18:30; John 12:25); and 5) as a QUALITY OF LIFE that may be experienced in its glorious fulness ONLY in the coming kingdom of God.

    Whatever aspect of this subject one may choose to EMPHASIZE, it will NOT set forth the WHOLE TRUTH embodied in the doctrine of "eternal life". Thus, one must be careful not to place too great an emphasis on any one aspect. Jesus' usage of "eternal life" in this prayer suggests that, in one sense, His very prayer was so designed as to INSTRUCT and inform His disciples.
    Anticipating the imminent completion of His earthly mission, the Son of Man asks for such glorification as will evidence its accomplishment, (John 17:4-5). His ascension, and restoration to the Father's right hand, is necessary before the out-pouring of Pentecost will be possible.
    The task for which Jesus became incarnate is complete; in His own heart and mind He has already delivered Himself up to death, (Jn 4:34; 14:31; l5l0; 19:30). Thus, He has glorified, by making intelligible to men, the Father Who sent Him (John 13:31; 14:13). Since the humiliation of His incarnation is about to end, He now desires to resume the place of glory that He shared with the Father before the world existed.
    All this certainly suggests our Lord's pre-existence in the form of God, (Jn. 1:1-2; 10:30; 14:9; Phil. 2:6; Col. 1:15-17; Heb. 1:3, 10; Rev. 13:8). It also suggests His restoration, in His perfected humanity, to the heavenly glory that had been His from all eternity -- until He voluntarily laid it aside to meet the need of us sinners, (Heb. 2:9-11).

    How we OUGHT to praise, worship and adore Him -- rejoicing in His restoration to the place of indescribable honor that He laid aside to provide eternal deliverance from the condemnation of our sins and an INHERITANCE "incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away" -- reserved in heaven for all who are "kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time", (I Peter 1:4-5). E.G.


    For Himself our Lord asked very little (in the prayer recorded in John 17); but when He began to intercede for His little flock there rushes forth an irresistible stream of requests which evidence the fervent love of His heart. He knows how dependent they have been upon Him. And, though He has promised to send the Comforter to sustain them, He is deeply conscious of how utterly unprepared they are for the trial they are about to face. So, He tenderly commits them into the Father's care.
    As He based the petition for Himself on the fact of His FINISHED TASK, so He now bases His petition for His disciples (His church) on the fact- that they HAVE RECEIVED HIS WORD, (Jn. 17:6-10). They once belonged to the Father, but, there is a special sense in which He has now GIVEN THEM to the Son, (Jn. 6:37, 39; 10:29; 15:19). To them He has manifested the name -- revealing, in His own person, the

very nature of the Father's being, (Psa. 22:22). They have "kept" the Father's word -- proving their love for both the Father and the Son, (John 14:21-23); and are, thus assured of His continuing love, (John 15:9-10).
    These disciples have not merely received Jesus as "the Man of Galilee"; they have received both Him and His words as SENT FROM GOD (Jn. l77-8; 8:28; 12:48-49; 14:10; 16:27, 30). They received His words, recognized His divine origin and believed in His divine mission.
    Jesus specifically does NOT pray for "the world"; He prays for HIS CHURCH -- through whose instrumentality "the world" may ultimately "believe" (vs. 21), and "know" (vs. 23). These have been specially GIVEN to Him by the Father. He values them highly; they are His "jewels". But they do NOT cease to belong to the Father also; there is a commonness of ownership between the Father and the Son, (Jn. 17:10; 16:15).
    By the change already divinely wrought in them, the Son of Man is glorified. The union between Father and Son has its counterpart in that between Christ and His church. She glorifies Him by manifesting Him to the world -- reflecting His glory and the attributes of His person, (2 Cor. 3:18). She further glorifies Him as an instrument through which the very "principalities and powers in heavenly places" may come to understand more fully the "the manifold wisdom of God", (Eph. 3:l0).
    Next, Jesus prays concerning the

NEEDS of His little flock (John 17:11-19). So long as He was with them, He kept them in the Father's name, (John 6:39; 10:28); not one has been lost (from the fold) "but the Son of perdition". (Compare John 6:70; but note that the word translated "devil" is better understood as "adversary". ONE "devil", but MANY "adversaries". See also John 13:18).
    Now leaving this world, to return to the Father, Jesus desires the Father to keep them in His own name, "that they may be ONE as we are". The unity that He desires for them is such as is possible ONIY as they "abide in Him" and He in them. It is a divinely-wrought unity of love wherein ALL wills are bowed to His order, all affections are kindled at the flame of His unselfish care, and all hearts are set on the same goal -- the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus -- one glorious fellowship of LOVE! He prays audibly for them to strengthen their confidence and assure the fulfillment of HIS JOY in them (Jn. 17:13; I Jn. 1:4). His was the joy of a fruitful life of obedience to His heavenly Father, (Psa. 40:8). He wants His little flock to know this same joy -- possible only through whole-hearted yieldedness to His perfect will IN EVERYTHING.
    In union with the Master, the little flock is about to face the world's hatred and scorn. They have received the Word, as revealed in the Son of God. The world has REJECTED both the Son and the Word -- loving darkness rather than light because of its sin. So, the world

can no more love them than it has loved their Master, (John 15:18-19; Gal. 1:4). And they are no more "of the world" than was their Lord, (John 17:16).
    It is deeply significant that Jesus does NOT ASK that His disciples be taken OUT OF the world; that would make impossible the fulfillment of their mission. He asks, rather, that they be protected from the power of the evil one -- for their PRESERVATION through the trials of fire and persecution that they will most assuredly face, (I Peter 1:7-9). Nor does He ask that they be kept from the ENDURANCE OF PHYSICAL TRIALS -- only for their spiritual preservation through them. Thus, one is surely most presumptuous to imagine that the words of Revelation 3:10 are a promise of ESCAPE FROM facing "the hour of temptation" (for 20th-century disciples); it is, rather, a glorious promise of PRESERVATION THROUGH IT for all who, in faith, commit their destinies into the hands of their faithful Creator.
    Jesus DOES PRAY for their sanctification (separation from the world, and dedication unto divine service) "through the truth", (John 17:17). Apart from the Word of God there can be no such sanctification (John 15:3; Eph. 5:25-27; I Pet. 1:22). The truth SETS MEN FREE from the world's bondage to the glorious liberty of divine sonship, (John 8:31-32, 36).
    As the Father has sent the Son "into the world"; the Son now sends HIS CHURCH into the world on a mission of redemption, (John 20:21). The consecration of the Son was to

a life of sacrifice and service -- resulting in His death, (Jn. 10:17, 36; Heb. 10:7-14). The grand object of His earthly mission will be fulfilled when they are, in like spirit, consecrated to His service. Seeing the fulfillment of that for which His soul has travailed, He will be "satisfied". To this end He gives Himself to die at Calvary. Then He ascends on high that He may send the Holy Spirit to sustain then -- working IN THEM His perfect will, as they abandon themselves to the truth. And, by the power of His resurrection-life, they will be enabled both to DO and BE all that He desires, (Romans 5:10).


    No one who is spiritually alert will fail to note, in the prayer that Jesus prayed specifically and exclusively for His church, how deep was His love, and far-reaching was His purpose, for His "body", the church. It is quite clear that He intends it to develop into a far-reaching witnessing agency -- whereby the "good news" of divine mercy and grace will be published to the ends of the earth. She will "let the whole world know" what He has done for undeserving sinners.
    His concern for the progressive development and enlargement of His church is evidenced in that part of His prayer (John 17:21-24) not specifically pertaining to the church. Here He prays, rather, for those who will be brought into fellowship with Himself THROUGH THE INSTRUMENTALITY of His little flock. It has

ever been our Lord's desire and intention that ALL who are saved by His grace SHOULD so yield themselves to His lordship, and walk in the newness of His resurrection-life, as to give Him glory "in the church", (Eph. 3:20). That for which He prays in John 17:21-24 cannot be fulfilled apart from "believer's" IDENTITY WITH HIM as members of His body.
    Jesus does NOT, in these verses, specifically pray for the church. He does indicate His expectation that, through its witness, the offer of blessing and eternal life will be extended to the ends of the earth. Though fully conscious of the imminency of His own crucifixion, He was confident that this little band of disorganized, discouraged and disillusioned disciples would soon (through the power of the Holy Spirit) recover to become a powerful and effective witness in the world.
    Those to whom Jesus has "manifested the Father's name" are now to manifest it to others -- not in word only, but in lives that already reflect His glory. Very soon He will be giving them a specific commission to make, baptize and instruct "disciples" in the way of life.
    Do not miss the SIGNIFICANCE of that for which Jesus specifically prays concerning those who shall believe through the witness of His church. "That they ALL may be one"; This is TRUE UNITY -- not merely doctrinal and organizational (important as those may be), but "of the Spirit and in the bonds of

peace", (Eph. 4:3). "As thou, Father, art in me, and I in Thee". The "they ALL" INCLUDES the church through whom these have heard the "good news". Thus, Jesus prays that these future "believers" may be brought into full fellowship with Himself and the Father through the whole-hearted submersion of their lives and interests in the church. There certainly is nothing in this prayer of Jesus (nor anywhere else in the New Testament) to justify anyone in offering the blessing requested in this prayer to ANY who refuse to follow our lord's "order" for the maturing of their Christian lives.
    Who can doubt Jesus' love for the church? Who can doubt the Father's love for the body which was so dear to His Son? Who can imagine that a person taking a low view of the church, for which Jesus shed His precious blood, is "one" with the Father, the Son and the "little flock" whose-love & fellowship have been spurned, or even despised?
    The pattern of that unity which our Lord desired is clear: "As Thou Father, art in me, and I in Thee". Perfect harmony characterized the relationship between the Father and the Son. While incarnate on earth, the Son FULLY yielded Himself to the Father's will -- fulfilling the order that the Father had prepared for His earthly life. And, those brought to Jesus, through the instrumentality of the church, are to submit themselves to the order divinely established in the church for the proper functioning of their spiritual lives and the glorifying of Him Who established that order.

a cognate of the noun in 2 Timothy 4:l.
    In 2 Thessalonians 1:3-9 Paul teaches the church to endure tribulation as a usual and necessary thing during all of this age UNTIL God recompenses "rest" to them who have suffered "WHEN the Lord Jesus is REVEALED in flaming fire taking vengeance etc.. The word "revealed" here is "apokalupsei" which all pre-tribulation rapturists agree refers to His VISIBLE MANIFESTATION to all the world.
    NOTE: The idea that God's people must suffer under Antichrist before they should enter into the glorious rest at Christ's coming is NOT some new notion conceived in the brain of some heretic, and appealing only

TO a few masochistically inclined brethren, George Ladd, in his book "The Blessed Hope", names such respected commentators as Oswald J. Smith, Henry Frost of the China Inland Mission, William Ereman, Chas. Erdman, A. J. Gordon, George Mueller, Charles Haddon Spurgeon and Hudson Taylor as champions of this view.
    A recent Baptist publication asks the question, "And suppose the woman who stood up in Edward Irving's church in London in 1531, claiming a special revelation that the church would be removed before the tribulation, was wrong? And that Irving was also wrong in spreading these teachings at Powers Courthouse in Ireland, where he influenced J. N. Darby, a leading figure in forming the Plymouth Brethren movement, as well as C. H. MacIntosh and others? We all know of their influence upon C. I. Scofield. It was his Reference Bible that popularized this Irvingite view of the imminent return of Christ. UNTIL 140 YEARS AGO THE BULK OF GOD'S PEOPLE BELIEVED THAT JESUS WOULD REMAIN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD UNTIL HIS ENEMIES BECAME HIS FOOTSTOOL. IT IS PRACTICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND ANY TEACHING OF A SECRET, ANY-MOMENT, PRE-TRIBULATION RAPTURE BEFORE THAT TIME!
I know not in what watch He comes,
Or at what hour He may appear,
Whether at midnight or at morn,
Or in what season of the year;
I only know that HE IS NEAR!