An effective program must be designed in order to achieve the desired goal. The program of salvation has been designed to accomplish God's Kingdom purposes. The nine Kingdom purposes we have listed are all set forth in the Scriptures. None of these purposes is possible of accomplishment apart from our coming to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ and entering union with Christ. Forgiveness alone is not adequate to accomplish any one of the nine.

It is not possible for a sinful, self-centered believer to be a member of the Wife of the Lamb, of the Body of Christ, except as that believer is undergoing the processes of purification (sanctification) and transformation that will make the Bride without spot or wrinkle.

Christ is both Divine and human, and in the image of God. Such a Being cannot enter marriage with untransformed flesh and blood. We have been born of God and are being created on the body and blood of Christ. When we have been brought to perfection we shall be of the Divine Nature, and human, and in the image of God.

None of us is the Word from the beginning. However, we are being created like Him and of Him, of His very body and blood. When He beholds His image in us we then will be ready for the marriage of the Lamb. Forgiveness alone cannot prepare the Wife of the Lamb. Obviously, transformation is required.

It is not possible for a sinful, self-centered believer to be an integral part, a living stone, of the eternal Temple of God. Forgiveness alone is not sufficient. There must be a sovereign work of holiness performed in us. Also, our self-centeredness must be destroyed so God may rest in us in untroubled majesty and peace.

It is not possible for a sinful, self-centered believer to be accepted as God's son. Forgiveness alone is not sufficient. There is an acceptable period of babyhood and childhood. After being born again we must grow to adulthood. It is the overcomer, the conqueror, who finally becomes God's son. Each of God's sons is in the image of the older Brother, the Lord Jesus Christ.

He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. (Revelation 21:7)

It is not possible for a sinful, self-centered believer to be a brother of Christ. Forgiveness alone is not sufficient. How can the Lord have fellowship with a person who loves the present world, who surrenders to the lusts of his flesh, and who is bent on pleasing himself? Will Christ call such an individual "brother"?

For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. (Matthew 12:50)

The careless believer takes little pleasure in Christ's company now. Why would he, by the fact of physical death, suddenly desire to walk in close association with the Lord as a younger brother?

To be continued.