The admonitions found in the Book of Titus, and in all the other epistles of Paul, are necessary for our salvation. As we learn the Scriptures, and through the wisdom and power of the Holy Spirit put them into practice, God esteems us worthy of the Kingdom that He has prepared for those who love Him.

The Lord Jesus gave us many rules of conduct. There is great reward for those who, through the Holy Spirit's help, do what the Lord commanded us. Notice the response of the Godhead to the individual who puts into practice the Words of Jesus.

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. (John 14:23)

Blessed is that man or woman, boy or girl, who meditates constantly in the Word of God and seeks God's help in putting the Word into practice. He or she will be found worthy of eternal life and will experience the indwelling Presence of the Godhead forever.

A third aspect of the works of the believer has to do with his consecration and obedience to God. Numerous believers do not make a success of the Divine program of redemption because they never have laid down their life in the world and presented their body a living sacrifice to the Lord. They do everything except this. Yet if we do not lay down our life, take up our cross, and follow the Lord Jesus we are not worthy of Him. We cannot be His disciple.

It appears there are few genuine Christians in our day. There are multitudes of church members and believers, many of whom have recited the "sinner's prayer."

How many people do you know who actually have laid down their life for the Gospel's sake? These are the true Christians. The remainder cannot participate in the resurrection of the victorious saints.

God never changes. His Word, His standard, never changes. He has commanded us to present our body a living sacrifice, to come out of the world, to live as a pilgrim and a stranger in the strictest obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ.

If no individual on the earth does this, then no individual on the earth will participate in the first resurrection. God does not change. We are so accustomed to bending standards to fit the desires of people it is difficult for us to comprehend the inflexibility of the standard of attainment required for participation in the first resurrection.

Sometimes the believers say they cannot do what God is requiring. They are deceiving themselves. What they mean is, they do not want to do what God is commanding. God's commandments are reasonable, practical, and workable through the assistance of the Holy Spirit. It is we who insist on our own ways, on retaining a certain portion of "Egypt."

To be continued.