After the Apostles died, less-inspired men took over their work and office, as God knew they would. No doubt many of the Church fathers were devout, godly men. No doubt some of them knew the will of God.

It cannot be denied, however, that many of the early builders were spiritually blind. They guessed at God's will and proceeded to build organizations of believers. There was, and continues to be, much hatred and strife as the various organizations fight one another.

A survey of the history of the Christian religion gives the impression of babylonish confusion of doctrine and practice. In addition, there has been much torture and murder as one group attempted to force another group to conform to its beliefs. In many instances the Christians have not been one in the Father and the Son nor have they loved one another. (There have been notable exceptions.)

Knowing God's will.

The difference between Babylon and the true saint is simply that the true saint knows God's will and is performing it.

Notice carefully the following passage:

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; (Hebrews 1:1,2)

True Judaism and true Christianity have never been characterized by men working for God, but by God speaking to men. It is true that whoever seeks God with a sincere heart will find Him. But when we find Him, then we are to search for His will each day, proving His will by presenting our body a living sacrifice.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:1,2)

There is no shortcut to finding God's will. We have to work it out by years of cross-carrying obedience, patiently seeking the Lord each day of our pilgrimage.

The Scriptures are clear about God's foreknowledge concerning predestination, and the fact that it is Christ alone who builds His Church.

Jesus loved us before we loved Him. He accomplished His perfect work of atonement on the cross of Calvary before we were aware that we are sinners. God chose His elect before the creation of the world, and then revealed His salvation to them at some point after their physical birth.

We did not choose Him, He chose us.

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. (John 15:16)

To be continued.