We respond to the dual position we announced in water baptism by believing and hoping that what God has declared to be true will one day actually be true of our experience. We then interpret the events of our life as coming from God and not from Satan. We understand that God will cause to be true of us what He has spoken concerning us, provided we "endure to the end."

When we begin college we may picture ourselves with our diploma in hand. But we understand that several years of diligent effort lie between us and the diploma.

In like manner, we are to picture ourselves as dead with Christ and raised with Christ. However, we must understand that several years of diligent cooperation with the Holy Spirit stand between us and the parousia. As is true in the case of a college education, we will fail if we do not attend to the lessons the teacher sets before us.

God's people of today are running about wildly in every direction, attempting to apply the spiritual principles that the Holy Spirit is revealing. They are falling into the arms of the False Prophet. The believers are perishing for lack of knowledge. Many do not have a true vision of God. In some instances, those who are guiding them are causing them to err.

Much of this aimless thrashing would cease if the believers understood that the Holy Spirit is establishing their crucifixion and their resurrection. The tribulations they are enduring are not the result of their lack of faith, they are the chastening of the Lord, the putting to death of the deeds of their flesh. More tribulations are to come. We are in the days of the latter rain. As a result, judgment has come upon the household of God. Judgment and repentance always must precede revival.

God has called us to crucifixion and resurrection. If we follow the Holy Spirit faithfully He will make our crucifixion and our resurrection accomplished facts. Faithful cooperation with the Holy Spirit requires our complete attention, our sternest obedience, a consistent, intent offering of our body as a living sacrifice to God. Our adversaries are numerous and skillful. If we are not dedicated to the pursuit of the Lord's will there is no possibility we will attain to the parousia.

God has called the saints to the throne of glory:

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us [hath made us alive] together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ: (Ephesians 2:5,6)

This is a powerful statement from the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes the role election and grace play in our salvation. Here is portrayed our being raised in Christ to a position far above every other spiritual ruler or personage.

To be continued.