In this issue:
The Ministry of the Spirit
David Clayton
Two kinds of ministry
In the course of his dealings with the human race, the God of heaven has operated on the basis of two different kinds of ministry. There are many who do not understand this fundamental fact, but the apostle Paul highlights this in second Corinthians 3:6-11. It says,
Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious. (2Cor 3:6-11)
Notice that Paul speaks of two different kinds of ministry. In actual fact he uses the word, ‘ministration’ but it means the same thing; ministry or, administration. He refers to one of these ministries as the, ‘ministration of death, written and engraven in stones,’ and he refers to the other as, ‘the ministration of the spirit,’ which gives life. When he speaks of the ministration of death written and engraven in stones, it is very clear that he is speaking of the ministry of the 10 Commandments which were written on stones by the very finger of God. He mentions the fact that when this ministry or administrative system was introduced, it was accompanied by a glory resting on the face of Moses. But then he speaks of the second kind of administration, the ministry of the spirit and he says that this is accompanied by a far greater glory.
It may be a little difficult for some to understand why Paul refers to the ministry of the 10 Commandments as a ministry of death, but when we compare it to the ministry of the spirit the reason becomes clear. The ministry of the law actually operates by giving instructions and rules which exist outside of a person. The 10 Commandments as we know, were written on tables of stone, there were placed in a golden box called the ark of the covenant and the people were instructed to obey those rules. It was a system of government where the focus was on controlling people from the outside. It was based on the same principle as every system of government which exists in the world. However, it is a ministry of death because it makes demands while it provides no way of carrying out those Commandments. All that it can do is condemn those who are under its administration.
The ministry of the spirit is very different, it is based on a transformation which takes place inside of a person, through the indwelling spirit of God. This transformation enables the person to live a holy life, to experience Christ living his life through the person. It is a system of government, a ministry which operates from the inside. This is a ministry of life because instead of making demands, it creates a different life inside the person which produces the desired effect.
The critical difference
When a person is operating under the ministry of the law, then the power under which that person is operating is the power of himself. The law instructs but it cannot enable, so the person is obligated to find that enabling power within himself! This means that the governing power inside of a person is the power of self. Under the government of the law self is actually king in each person’s life.
Under the government of the spirit it is exactly the opposite; here the governing power inside of a person is the holy spirit, inside of that person Christ rules as king. This is why the government of the law is bound to fail, and why the government of Christ leads to victory in a person’s life.
The fruit of human govt
So the government of external law is always connected to the government of self, and that is why ultimately all human government will climax in the system which the Bible describes as, the system of the beast.
And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. (Rev 13:2)
And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. (Rev 13:16-17)
Notice that it says that the beast is given power and great authority by the Dragon who is Satan himself. In actual fact the book of Revelation tells us that this beast will dominate the entire planet and will bring all humanity under his control, except to those who belong to Christ.
How will the beast be able to do this? How will the entire human race be brought under the control of an evil Satanic power? The beast will be able to do this because human government operates on the system of external law! When men are governed by rules on the outside instead of Christ on the inside, then the greatest power in their lives is the influence of self, and self will always seek the way that is safest of all. Even if professing Christians are listening to another set of rules (such as the 10 commandments) which commands different behavior than the beast is demanding, yet still, they will obey the beast if that is all they have. Rules – even good rules cannot produce good behavior when a person is operating on the basis of self-government. When the beast takes control, that safe way will be to follow the rules of the beast! But those who possess the spirit of Christ, who have Christ living inside of them will not submit to the beast and his demands. The spirit of Christ is King in them, and is greater than all.
God’s government
Long before Jesus Christ arrived on this earth, back in the days of the prophet Isaiah, God had expressed the reality of this revolutionary system of government which would be set up and implemented by his son Jesus Christ. Isaiah wrote,
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isa 9:6)
This is a magnificent prophecy which gives a wonderful description of the identity, the nature of the coming Messiah and of the work which he would do. But we will just take note of the first line where it tells us, ‘the government shall be upon his shoulder.’ A superficial glance might make us think that this is speaking of Christ as a governor, ruling in the traditional way that political leaders might rule. But when we come to understand the living connection that Christ has with every person who is a subject of his kingdom, we understand that the government of Christ involves far more than simply being a political ruler. the kingdom of Christ is of a very different nature than the kingdoms we have been accustomed to in this world. It therefore stands to reason that the government of Christ also is of a very different nature.
It’s nature
Jesus gave us an idea of the nature of his kingdom when he responded to a question asked by the Pharisees. They asked him when the kingdom of God would appear and he responded by saying,
Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:21)
Of course when Jesus said this nobody really understood what he meant, but later, after he went back to heaven his followers understood. They realized that the kingdom of God was something which would be set up, first of all within the hearts of his people. Jesus was to be king in this kingdom, but his government would be carried out from within each individual person. The apostle Paul expressed this truth very clearly when he stated,
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? (1Cor 3:16)
Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (Col 1:26-27)
Of course it was difficult for most people to understand the nature of this kingdom. Even today among some Christians there is confusion about it. You see, there has never been another kingdom of this nature in all the history of this earth. Every government that we have ever known has been governed by a system of administrators, a legal system administered by those in charge and enforced by officers of the law. They have all been governments that operated on the outside of the citizens.
But the religion of Jesus Christ focuses on the kingdom set up within the heart of each individual member of the kingdom. In this system the king lives on the inside, he himself is the administrator and there are no officers of the law to enforce the rules or the principles of this kingdom. Paul again expresses the foundational principle of this kingdom in Colossians 3:11.
Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. (Col 3:11)
Christ is all, and he is in all! Christ himself is the complete government in this extraordinary kingdom! He needs nobody to help, he has no administrative system, and this is what God meant to say in Isaiah 9:6 when he stated, ‘the government shall be upon his shoulder.’
God Does the Work
The principles governing the kingdom of God and the kingdom of self are fundamentally opposed to one another. Jesus made it clear that his kingdom was not of this world, not governed by external laws and institutions but by an internal reality, a divine presence dwelling within each believer. When he declared, “the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21), he was revealing the transformative nature of his government. Unlike earthly governments, which control through external authority and enforced regulations, Christ’s government operates by the reality that he is living within those who receive him. His followers are not ruled by commandments carved in stone but by the living presence of Christ, the hope of glory (Col 1:27).
This operation of God’s government is fundamentally different from any human system because it is God Himself who works within us. Paul expresses this principle clearly when he states,
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure (Phil 2:13).
This is a work that is begun and sustained by God. Our part is to yield to this inner working, allowing God to accomplish His purposes through us. Under Christ’s administration, righteousness is not achieved by human effort but by this divine operation. It is not a matter of struggling to conform to external laws but of Christ himself living his life through us. This essence of God’s government is captured in the statement of Paul:
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me (Gal 2:20).
When we understand this, we can see that this is the fundamental difference between the old covenant and the new. Under the old system, people were commanded to obey but lacked the power to do so. The law made demands, but it could not transform. Under the new system, Christ himself lives inside of his people, and obedience is the natural fruit of his indwelling presence.
From as far back as the time of the prophet Ezekiel, God highlighted this great truth when he stated,
A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them (Ezek 36:26-27).
Notice what it says, God declares that he will ‘cause you to walk . . .’ It is God who will do the work by putting his spirit within his people. This again emphasizes the internal nature of God’s government. It is not about imposing rules from the outside but about transforming the heart and enabling obedience from within. This is why Jesus emphasized one truth above all others, one simple, but great fact which solves all the problems associated with the task of living holy, fulfilled lives. He emphatically states,
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing (John 15:4-5).
The one simple, but absolute necessity is that we abide in Christ. Apart from Him, no true spiritual fruit can be produced. The government of God operates through this vital connection between the believer and Christ.
The Deception
Yet it is tragically true that millions of those who embrace religion can’t seem to understand and take hold of this so-simple reality. Many assume that the lack of holy living stems from a faulty understanding of morality or the absence of proper rules. They believe that a better set of commandments or a clearer standard of righteousness is the solution. But the Bible provides very clear answers if we are willing to listen and we are told,
the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God (Heb 7:19).
The law, though holy and good, cannot transform the heart. It can only reveal sin and condemn the sinner. The true solution is not a revised set of rules but – let it be repeated, – the life of Christ within us.
Too many seek the blessings, power, and attributes of God without seeking God Himself. They desire His gifts but neglect the Giver. This is a tragic deception that leaves them empty and unfulfilled. Some even place their trust in pastors, teachers, or religious leaders, relying on them rather than cultivating a personal relationship with Christ. This misplaced dependence hinders their spiritual growth and leaves them vulnerable to deception.
Others focus on God’s commandments and instructions, believing that adherence to these rules will bring them closer to God. But again we repeat, true freedom is found only in the government of Christ, where the law is no longer an external force but a living reality within the believer. The deception of Satan’s kingdom is that it substitutes religious systems, rules, and self-improvement techniques in place of true transformation. It is a kingdom where people seek God’s attributes instead of God himself, where they pursue his instructions rather than his life. We constantly need to be reminded,
the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life (2 Cor 3:6).
Without the life of Christ, even the best rules lead to death.
The Truth
There is one simple, but deep and profound reality which makes it simple to understand why there can only be one way to holy living. Jesus made it clear when he stated,
There is none good but one, that is, God (Mark 10:18).
This is why nothing else can ever do. It is not that God alone can offer goodness, it is that only God is ever good. So how is it possible to obtain goodness apart from God? How is it possible to ever live in a good way, unless it is the good God himself, living his life within a person? If we are to be good, what we need is not a better set of rules but the life of God within us. Only His presence can produce true righteousness. Paul puts it this way:
But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter (Rom 7:6).
Religion’s Principles
This highlights the great difference between Christianity and all other religions. While the teachings of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and other religions may appear similar to Christianity in their moral codes, the fundamental difference lies in their principles, not so much in the particular rules which each religion promotes. Christianity’s uniqueness is that it teaches that Christ comes to live within us, enabling us to live holy lives through His power. It is the only religion which teaches that our God lives within us, a person on the inside, living his life through us. Other religions give nothing but religious instructions, rules to obey, ideas to internalize. They rely on self-effort and self-improvement, which can never produce true righteousness.
Satan’s Policy
Satan’s ultimate goal is to deceive humanity into believing that true freedom comes from self-determination and that all we need is an understanding of what is morally right or wrong. He has countered God’s truth with a counterfeit system – one that exalts self as the supreme authority. The great deception is that humanity can find its own way, that righteousness can be achieved through diligent efforts made by self. This philosophy is expressed in the defiant words of William Henley:
It matters not how strait the gate
How charged with punishment the scroll,
I am the master of my fate.
I am the captain of my soul.
This poem captures the very essence of Satan’s lie – the lie that serving God is slavery and that true freedom is found in independence from Him. Yet in reality, as Scripture reveals, true slavery exists when a person is bound to oneself, unable to escape the corruption of sin.
Satan’s kingdom operates on the principle of self-enlightenment, self–advancement, and self-government. It is a kingdom where self is god, and individuals are enslaved to their own desires and passions. This is the root of all carnal behavior and the source of humanity’s bondage. It is the ultimate lie, it promotes the illusion of independence while in reality enslaving its adherents to their own sinful nature. Those who follow this principle become bound to their passions, incapable of true freedom, for as Jesus said:
Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. (John 8:34)
Unlike Christ, Satan cannot dwell within a person. His kingdom is built on external control and manipulation, creating the illusion of freedom while binding people to their sinful nature. When Paul lived under the law, governed by this principle of self-help, all he could do was cry out,
O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death? (Rom 7:24).
The answer, of course, was, and always is Christ.
Self Requires Law
In the absence of Christ’s indwelling presence, external law remains necessary as a restraining force. Though law cannot change the heart, it serves to limit the effects of human depravity. Paul acknowledges this function:
“But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient.” (1Tim 1:8-9)
God implemented the law ‘because of transgressions’ (Gal 3:19), to restrain sin until the promised transformation through Christ would be available. But it was never meant to be the final solution. True righteousness comes not through law but through life—the very life of Christ imparted to his people.
The Final Choice
The contrast between these two kingdoms could not be clearer. One is built on the power of self, the illusion of independence, and the futility of external control. The other is established on the indwelling Christ, a kingdom where the King himself is the government. It is not a question of better rules, stricter laws, or improved morality—it is a matter of who lives within. For those who remain under the kingdom of self, law is necessary, but it cannot save. For those who enter Christ’s kingdom, the law becomes obsolete, not because righteousness is disregarded, but because righteousness is fulfilled by Christ living within.
In the final crisis of this world, every person will align with one of these two systems. Those who live under the rule of external law will ultimately bow to the authority of the beast, for their obedience is dictated by fear and self-preservation. But those who belong to Christ, who have surrendered self and received his indwelling life, will stand firm. They are not ruled by external force but by the living reality of God within them.
“For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.” (2Cor 3:11)
The question remains: Which kingdom do you belong to? Will you live under the bondage of self, governed by external law? Or will you enter into the kingdom of life, where Christ himself is King? The choice is before you, and the consequences are eternal.
The government of God is not about external rules or human effort but about the indwelling life of Christ. It is a kingdom where Christ reigns within, transforming hearts and enabling His people to live in obedience and holiness. While the law serves a necessary function in restraining sin, it cannot produce the life of God. Only Christ, living within us, can bring true freedom and victory. Let us, therefore, abandon the kingdom of self and surrender to the government of God, where Christ is all and in all.
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That They All May Be One
Daniel Clayton
I want to start by sharing a little about my immediate family. To me, there is nothing more important in this world than my loved ones and close companions whom I have known from childbirth. When it comes to family, I am fiercely loyal, and in fact, one of my greatest fears as a child was losing a loved one. I’ve always told myself that if I had to choose my family a thousand times over, I would choose the same people, as I love them very deeply.
But here is the thing about my family; every single one of them has flaws, bad habits and dirty ways, and that includes me. None of us is perfect, none of us displays the right behaviour all the time, none of us can say. ‘I am what I should be!’ Yet, despite the obvious flaws in all of them, I still love them unconditionally. If I heard that one of them did something wrong, my first reaction would be to deny it, and even if I saw video evidence, I’d try to rationalize why they probably did it, and try to defend them.
I’m sure many of you can relate to this sentiment, and would express the same passionate emotion of being loyal to your immediate families. But I want to point out that Jesus teaches that there is an entity which we should be even more loyal to! There is a group of people we should prioritize above even our closest relatives, have you ever thought about that?
Greater Loyalty
In Matthew 12:46-50, Jesus makes a profound statement about loyalty. While He was speaking to the people, His mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak with Him. Someone told Him, “Your mother and brothers are outside, wanting to speak with You.” But Jesus responded, “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?” Then He pointed to His disciples and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers. For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.”
In other words, Jesus was saying that our greatest loyalty should be to the body of Christ, which is the church. This might sound radical, but it’s not an idea I’m coming up with of my own volition; it’s Jesus’ own words and teaching. My true family, first and foremost, should be made up of those who do the will of the Father in heaven. If a family member, friend, associate or anyone was to try to get me to turn against the congregation of God, I should reject that individual, (I should hate mother and father, and even my own life for His sake) because my ultimate loyalty should be first and foremost to my spiritual brethren/family.
Interestingly, the body of Christ is not limited to those on Earth, but includes every being in the universe who serves the True God. Many of us do not realize that the universe comprises countless planets and beings beyond Earth. The Bible teaches this In Hebrews 12:22-23, where Paul writes, “You have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven.” They are all a part of our family, and my ultimate affection should be towards God, towards every being associated with Him.
The Law of Christ
When we have the Spirit of Christ, we live by the intrinsic principles of His kingdom, and by extension, the law of Christ. What is that law? (John 13:33) – A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. In other words, the principle of the body of Christ is to love each other completely and unconditionally! Jesus loved to the extent that he was willing to give His life for His friends. I believe that ultimately, this will be the place the church will be brought to, where each man esteems his brother above even his own life.
Many of us, when we become Christians, focus on securing our own salvation and that of our immediate family. We say, “I’m saved, now I’ll stand in my corner and make sure my family is saved too. Whatever happens to the rest is up to them.” But this is not the attitude Jesus or His disciples teach. In Galatians 6:2, Paul says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” A burden is a load, a weight, or a personal problem someone carries. Paul is saying that if we are part of the true church of God, we must help to carry, tolerate, and remedy each other’s flaws and shortcomings.
For example, if I know a brother is sick, I shouldn’t just say, “I’m glad it’s not me.” Instead, I should call him daily, visit him, and help him in any way I can. I put myself in his position, and feel and empathize with him as if I am the one in the situation. I take his problems upon myself as Christ Himself would do, and as Christ wants me to do, and by so doing, I help him to bear it more easily. Unfortunately, many of us neglect to do this. We say, “It’s not my problem,” and walk away. The ultimate fruit and manifestation of the kingdom is to bear each other’s burdens, be they dirty habits, bad behavior or deficiencies of any kind.
It is not easy to be around people who have intolerable ways, who don’t know how to behave properly and who are annoying in some way or another. It is not something a carnal person can do. But the children of light are different, and operate in a different sphere. Jesus demonstrated this theory in principle and in action when He washed His disciples’ feet, even though He knew they would abandon and betray Him. He set an example for us, which is that no matter how flawed our brothers and sisters are, we must be patient with them, be longsuffering with their issues and bear their burdens, because they are our family.
Overcoming Together
In Revelation 12:11, we learn how the church will overcome the final crisis: “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” This is an interesting statement, as it gives us insight into the fact that the people of God will need each other in order to face the great time of testing to come. How will they help one another? According to the passage, they will defeat Satan by testifying to each other! In other words, their words of exhortation and encouragement to one another will be a key element in their eventual and ultimate victory! When the devil bombards them with attacks intended to deter and discourage, they will resist and drive him away with their testimonies of praise and rejoicing, a reaction which will utterly bamboozle and overcome him!
This concept is right in keeping with the principle of the kingdom, which is that when we face trials, the body must pull together to support each other. Our uplifting and motivational words may help a brother or sister who may otherwise have fallen. This is how God designed us to achieve victory and to grow, and this is why we are told that ‘Iron sharpens iron’ (Proverbs 27:17). Only a son of God can sharpen another son of God, and in light of this, the church is in essence the only support group that the people of God have on this planet – they have each other!
Brotherhood of Jesus Christ
God promises that a people will rise up at the end of the world to display His character like never before. The Bible says, “The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” (Habakkuk 2:14). This will be done through a group called the 144,000, and I believe with all my heart that this will happen in our generation, and includes us!
Some might say, “We’ve been studying and attending church meetings for decades, and we haven’t made much progress.” But remember, even Jesus’ closest disciples abandoned Him at His darkest hour. Yet, less than two months later, they were baptized with the Holy Spirit and turned the world upside down. God doesn’t need perfect people to fulfill His purposes; all He needs are true friends who are willing to be used by Him. He will take flawed, degenerate humans, and transform them into the most unified, powerful army of the kingdom of heaven that this world has ever seen! And the hallmark of this church, will be love for one another!
So, none of us should ever think that now that we are saved, we can stand in our own corners and focus only on ourselves and those to whom we are related! A huge part of our calling is to care for the family—the body of Christ! It is to love each and every one of our brethren without measure, and without condition! We are the Brotherhood of Jesus Christ, united in one faith, one church, one God, and one King, and the number one priority of each member is to love the Lord our God first, and our brethren as he has loved us!
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The Seal of the 144,000
The Kingdom of God
In a world filled with confusion and noise, one truth remains unchanged – the message of the Kingdom of God. Jesus made this crystal clear when He said:
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. (Matthew 24:14)
This tells us that before the end comes, the message of the Kingdom will be known throughout the earth. But what is this kingdom? Why is it so important? And how does it connect with the lives of believers today? When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He taught them to say:
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. (Matt 6:10)
God’s kingdom is not just a future hope, but something that God desires to bring into our lives right now—on earth as it is in heaven. It is a prayer for God’s rule, His love, His way of life to take over our world. This gospel of the Kingdom is the good news that through Jesus Christ living within his people, man may truly partake of the divine nature and thus express this love of God fully in our lives.
In the last days, God will make sure that this, His Kingdom is clearly shown to the whole world.
The Kingdom Seal
The book of Revelation reveals that near the end of time, God will do something wonderful – he will seal His people.
And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. (Rev 7:2-3)
This angel instructs the four angels holding back destruction not to harm the earth, sea, or trees until God’s servants are sealed. This shows how important this sealing is – it is a final act of protection, identity, and approval. John tells us that he heard how many of these people were sealed:
And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. (Rev 7:2-4)
Later on in the same book of Revelation, John again sees this same group standing with the Lamb (Jesus) on Mount Zion:
And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. (Rev 14:1)
Notice what it says about them, they have the Father’s (God’s) name in their foreheads. It should be obvious that this is more than just a mark – the name signifies character. The fact that they have the Father’s name in their foreheads shows that they have grown in the development of their characters to a degree that is different from what other Christians in other ages have experienced. It is an expression of what kind of people they are.
These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God. (Rev 14:4-5)
This group reveals that at the end, God’s kingdom is triumphant. In spite of the obstacles and challenges faced by God’s people, at the end the pure fruit of God’s perfect character appears in them. They are loyal, pure in heart, and truthful.
But the question still remains: what does it mean to be sealed? Let’s explore three meanings.
The Seal and the Sealer
There are several different ideas as to what the seal of God is. Some believe it is the observance of the 7th day Sabbath, but most believe that the seal is the holy spirit. This is because the Bible says very clearly,
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, (Eph 1:13)
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. (Eph 4:30)
So clearly, the seal of God is intimately connected to the Holy Spirit. But there is more to it than that. The holy spirit is more than the seal itself, the Holy Spirit is actually the agent of sealing, marking believers as God’s own. The sealing of the Holy Spirit is a guarantee of our inheritance in the Kingdom. It assures us that we belong to God and that nothing can separate us from Him.
Three Concepts of a Seal
However, a seal may have different meanings depending on the context in which the word is used. Let’s look at three of these concepts of a seal:
1. A Binding Element That Guarantees a Transaction.
A seal is like a signature or stamp of approval. It confirms that a deal is real and will be fulfilled. In God’s plan, the seal shows that the person belongs to Him and will be saved when the final day comes. (Ephesians 1:13-14). It is a divine promise that cannot be broken, assuring us of our eternal security in Christ.
2. A Token of Authority
Secondly, a seal gives the bearer the authority of the one who owns it. The seal confers the authority of the King upon His subjects. In this way, those who are sealed carry God’s authority. We are set aside as ambassadors of the kingdom and as such, we bear the King’s seal.
3. A Stamp which signifies Satisfaction with a Finished Product
Thirdly, a craftsman might put a mark or seal on his finished work, showing that it is complete and meets his standards. In a similar way when we write a letter and place it in an envelope we “seal” the envelope, signifying that we are finished with the contents and wish them to be undisturbed. So, God seals His people when they are made ready – when His image is perfectly formed in them.
This leads us to a question: what is this finished product?
A People of Love
The apostle Paul gives us a good idea when he writes,
But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. (1 Corinthians 13:10)
Paul says that when this perfect thing comes, then the partial things such as prophesy, tongues, knowledge and other spiritual gifts will be done away. The “perfect” refers to the full expression of God’s Kingdom, a place and a condition where the ultimate good, the greatest thing of all reigns supreme. Paul teaches that this greatest thing, this perfect thing is love! Love is the essence of the Kingdom and the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:8). Jesus Himself declared that love for God and neighbor is the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-40).
The Holy Spirit is the agency which sheds abroad the love of God in our hearts (Romans 5:5). This love is not of human origin but a divine gift that transforms us from the inside out. It enables us to love as Christ loved, even enabling us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44).
But let us consider that love is not merely an emotion but a selfless commitment to the well-being of others. Jesus says,
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:35)
1 Corinthians 13, Paul describes love as patient, kind, not envious, not boastful, not proud, not rude, not self-seeking, not easily angered, and keeping no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). This love is an expression of the love of Christ, who laid down His life for His friends (John 15:13). Such love is the hallmark of the Kingdom and the evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in the believer’s life (Galatians 5:22).
Paul closes 1 Corinthians 13 with these powerful words:
But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1Cor 13:13)
So the final product, the sealed people, will be a people of love, a people sealed with a character of perfected brotherly love which is a true expression of the love of God.
Understanding Love
So how can we understand this quality of love? There are so many ways in which this word is used, especially in the world today. Everywhere and in all kinds of situations people like to talk about the ideal of love. Of course, it’s easy to say the word “love.” But what does love actually look like?
Perhaps the best understanding of true love is to be found in Paul’s detailed description in his letter to the Corinthians:
And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing. Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, (1Cor 13:3-5 NASB)
If we were to express all this in a short sentence, it would simply be this: Love is selfless, it does not seek for its own benefit, but for the benefit of others. In short, love is the opposite of self-centeredness. This is the kind of love which God has and it is the love which constitutes this final seal of God’s people shown in the book of Revelation.
the Seal is practical
Let us consider that this sealing is not just a spiritual theory—it is meant to be experienced and seen in real life. Jesus said:
This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:12-13)
The seal is the ability to live this kind of love – to give ourselves for others.
This is not to say that love does not also include deep feeling. It is clear that the love which God has for his creatures involves both feeling and action.
Jesus, God’s son felt deep love for others. Mark tells us:
Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. (Mark 10:21)
Notice it says that Jesus loved him when he looked at him; it is clear that this love referred to a feeling of affection which Jesus felt when he encountered this needy soul. This love was not just in words – it was felt in His heart. But notice, this love led Jesus to action, he endeavored to save this man’s soul.
This love of God is always practical. It involves emotions, but it is always practical, it always results in God doing something for those whom He loves:
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (1John 4:9-10)
God’s love moved Him to act for our good, even when we did not love Him back. That is true love.
The Counterfeit – Anti-Love
Where God has a seal, the enemy has a mark. The mark of the beast is the opposite of the seal of God. In contrast to the selfless love of the Kingdom, the world promotes a counterfeit love that is rooted in self-centeredness. If God’s seal is selfless love, then the beast’s mark is self-centered love. This perverted love-message is seen in many ways today:
· The philosophy of “love yourself first.”
· A culture that promotes personal pleasure above all.
· The rise of movements that define love based on feelings, rather than God’s standards.
One of the most visible examples today is the LGBTQ movement. It presents a form of love, but one centered around the self – one’s own feelings, desires, and identity. This is often tied to another belief system: evolutionary atheism, which removes God from the picture and puts man at the center. In this view, love is just a chemical or instinct—not a divine principle.
But this is not the love that seals. Self-centered love is characterized by a focus on personal gratification, often at the expense of others. It is driven by pride, greed, and a desire for control. This counterfeit love is evident in the breakdown of relationships, the rise of individualism, and the erosion of moral values in society. It stands in stark contrast to the selfless love of Christ, who gave Himself for the sake of others.
Can This Love Be Seen?
In a world full of selfishness, is it possible to see this kind of love—God’s love? The answer to this question is a resounding yes. Revelation 12:11 describes a people whose love is not focused on themselves, but on God:
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (Rev 12:11)
These people reflect the Lamb. They give themselves for others. They speak truth. They live love. They are the sealed ones—the finished product of God’s kingdom. They are proof that the gospel of the kingdom is not just words. It is power. It is reality. It is a witness to all nations.
The sealing of the 144,000 reveals that this quality of love will be perfected in God’s people shortly before Jesus returns. The world is to witness a demonstration of the perfected kingdom of God where this quality of selfless, brotherly love will be so strikingly displayed, that the entire world will see it. This is God’s final demonstration of the power of the gospel. All through the ages, it has changed men’s lives, brought salvation to countless millions, but in this final group, the last Christians left alive, the fullness of the power of the gospel will be manifested. The people of the kingdom will shine with the glory of God’s character of love in a way that the world has never seen.
Still the gospel
Jesus told us that the gospel of the kingdom was to be our message from the time that he was here, until the end of the world. From beginning to end, the Bible points us to the Kingdom of God, so let us note that this message of the sealing is still focused on the kingdom of God. It is still the good news of the kingdom. It is what Jesus will do in and through his kingdom in the final days when he brings the kingdom to perfection. Then the perfect fruit of the gospel will appear without dilution, that is, the fruit of true love.
The seal of God is placed on those who reflect this love, those who have been changed by the Spirit of God. They carry the character of Christ. They live as citizens of heaven, even while walking on earth. So we can be sure that one day soon, the prayer will be fully answered:
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10)
May we each be part of this Kingdom—not just in name, but in character. May we be among those who are sealed with God’s love. Because in the end, it’s not about religion, rules, or rituals.
It’s about the Kingdom.
The 144,000
In Revelation’s pages, a number shines bright,
A remnant of saints, steadfast in the light.
One forty-four thousand, sealed and strong,
Chosen to stand, a redeemed throng.
The lamb’s pure blood upon their brow,
They follow the Savior, through trials now.
Untouched by deceit, unmoved by the storm,
Their hearts are set firm, their faith is reborn.
They stand on Mount Zion, a radiant place,
Their voices like thunder, their song full of grace.
No guile on their lips, no blemish in sight,
They walk in the Lamb, adorned in His might.
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The Divine Code
Lenworth Frankson
For thousands of years humanity has pondered the origins of life and the existence of a higher power. While faith and personal experiences often form the cornerstone of religious beliefs, some seek tangible evidence of God’s presence in the natural world. In recent years, the intricate world of human DNA has become a focal point for those seeking scientific validation of their faith. Let’s look at the arguments presented by proponents of intelligent design, who believe that the complex nature of DNA provides compelling evidence for the existence of God.
Imagine a tiny instruction manual, so small it is invisible to the naked eye, yet so powerful it holds the key to everything that makes you, you. This incredible manual is your DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, and it is the fundamental building block of life. It is the blueprint that dictates everything from the color of your eyes to your predisposition to certain diseases. Let us look at the fascinating world of DNA and discover how it shapes our everyday biology.
The Complexity of DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for the development, function, growth and reproduction of all known organisms and many viruses. Often referred to as the “blueprint of life,” DNA contains the complete set of instructions that make each individual unique. The sheer complexity of this molecule is astounding. Human DNA consists of approximately 3 billion base pairs, which form the rungs of the DNA ladder. These base pairs are arranged in a specific sequence that determines an individual’s traits, from eye color to predisposition to certain diseases.
Intelligent Design
Advocaters, like myself, of intelligent design believe and argue that the intricate and highly specific nature of DNA’s structure is evidence of a divine creator. We point to the fact that even the smallest change in the DNA sequence can have significant consequences, suggesting that such a complex and delicate system could not have arisen by chance.
Irreducible Complexity
Another argument used by supporters of intelligent design is the concept of irreducible complexity. This concept states that some biological systems are so complex that they could not have evolved gradually, as the removal of any one component would cause the system to lose its function. If one part of the system is removed, the entire system stops working. This argument is that DNA, with its intricate network of interacting components, is an example of irreducible complexity. This means that all parts of the system must be in place before it can function. The evolutionary processes cannot explain the complexity of some living things. The only other explanation is that the system was designed by an intelligent agent.
Think of your body as an incredibly complex machine, made up of trillions of tiny parts working in perfect harmony. DNA is the architect, the engineer, and the foreman all rolled into one, providing the precise instructions for building and maintaining this intricate machine. It resides inside the nucleus of every cell in your body, coiled into structures called chromosomes.
Genes
DNA is structured like a twisted ladder, known as a double helix. The “rungs” of this ladder are made up of pairs of chemical bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C). These four bases, in varying sequences, form the genetic code. Think of them like letters in an alphabet that combine to create words, sentences, and entire stories. In the case of DNA, these “stories” are genes. Genes are specific sequences of DNA that provide instructions for building proteins. Proteins are the workhorses of the cell, carrying out many functions. They build tissues, transport oxygen, fight infections, and much more. Essentially, everything that happens in your body, from digesting food to thinking thoughts, relies on proteins, and those proteins are built according to the instructions encoded in your genes. The relevant question might be asked. How does this relate to our everyday biology? Well let us look at a simple example: our height. Multiple genes contribute to determining how tall you will be. These genes provide instructions for proteins involved in bone growth, hormone production, and overall development. The specific versions of these genes you inherit from your parents influence the levels of these proteins, ultimately affecting your height. Similarly, your eye color is determined by the genes that control the production of melanin, a pigment. Different versions of these genes lead to different amounts and types of melanin, resulting in a spectrum of eye colors from blue to brown. DNA’s influence goes far beyond physical traits. It also plays a crucial role in our physiological functions. For example, our metabolism, the process by which our body converts food into energy, is influenced by genes that control the enzymes involved in these chemical reactions. Even your susceptibility to certain diseases, like diabetes or heart disease, can be influenced by variations in your DNA.
It is important to understand that while DNA provides the blueprint, it is not the whole story. Our environment, lifestyle, and other factors also play a significant role in how our genes are expressed. This is known as gene expression, and it is the process by which the information encoded in a gene is used to create a functional product, like a protein. Think of it like the architect’s plans being put into action by the construction workers. The environment can influence how those plans are interpreted and executed.
The study of DNA and genetics is a rapidly advancing field, constantly revealing new insights into the complexities of life. Scientists are now able to map entire genomes, (set of chromosomes in a microorganism, or in each cell of a multicellular organism.) identify genes associated with specific traits, and even edit DNA sequences. This opens up incredible possibilities for personalized medicine, disease prevention, and even potentially, cures for genetic disorders.
Understanding the wonders of DNA is not just for scientists. It’s for everyone. By learning about how our bodies work at the most fundamental level, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the miracle of life and make informed decisions about our health and well-being. The more we unravel the mysteries of DNA, the more we understand ourselves, our history, and our potential. It is a journey of discovery that promises to revolutionize medicine, agriculture, and our understanding of what it means to be human.
Is there a more amazing molecule than DNA? It makes each of us who we are. The more scientists understand it, the more we all understand ourselves, one another, and the world around us. For example, did you know that we are all far more alike than we are different? In fact, the DNA from any two people is 99.9% identical, with that shared blueprint guiding our development and forming a common thread across the world. The differing 0.1% contains variations that influence our uniqueness, which when combined with our environmental and social contexts give us our abilities, our health, our behavior. How can one, single molecule contain so much mystery and wonder? We are only beginning to understand the answer to that question, which is what makes the study of DNA so exciting.
The question of whether DNA provides evidence for the existence of God is a complex one that has been debated for many years. While proponents of intelligent design argue that the complexity and information-rich nature of DNA point to a divine creator, evolutionary biologists offer alternative explanations based on the principles of natural selection and gradual evolution. Ultimately, the interpretation of DNA as evidence of God is a matter of one’s faith and personal belief. As for me, the convincing evidence of a master mind in creation is overwhelming. While science can explain the structure and function of DNA, it cannot definitively prove or disprove the existence of a higher power. As with many questions about the origins of life and the universe, the debate over the evidence of God in DNA is likely to continue for many years to come but for me there is overwhelming evidence declaring that I am,
fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
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Calvary and The Cross
Cliff Hunter
The cross was the battlefield where the weight of all sin, past, present, and future, came crashing down upon one man—Jesus Christ. It was not a mere execution but the climax of an unfathomable cosmic war. The forces of evil surged forward with all their malice, aiming to crush the weakened, burdened, and bleeding Messiah. He had already been betrayed, abandoned, falsely accused, and relentlessly beaten. Stripped of dignity, He was spat upon, His body torn by whips designed to flay human flesh, His face marred beyond recognition. And yet, the true agony was not the torture of His body but the immeasurable suffering of His soul. As the crowd roared with one voice, demanding His death and choosing the vilest of murderers over Him, Jesus stood silent. He, the only innocent man to ever walk the earth, bore the weight of every sin committed by every human who had ever lived and who ever would live.
Above, heaven held its breath. The angelic hosts—those mighty warriors who had defeated the enemies of God time and again—stood poised for war, waiting for a single word from their King. At His faintest whisper, legions would have descended upon Calvary, obliterating the executioners and rescuing their beloved Prince. But that word never came. Jesus did not summon them. He did not call upon the limitless power that had calmed storms, healed the sick, and raised the dead. He did not fight back. Instead, He surrendered to the hands of men, allowing the nails to pierce His flesh, His lifeblood dripping onto the very ground He had spoken into existence. He clung to the cross not with nails but with love—love for those who cursed Him, love for those who struck Him, love for those who would never believe in Him, and love for the very ones who nailed Him there.
And then, in the deepest moment of agony, something more terrifying than pain occurred. Jesus, who had always known perfect unity with the Father, suddenly felt an unbearable separation. The sky darkened, and in the midst of that unnatural blackness, He cried out, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” The question rang through the heavens, echoing into eternity. It was not simply a rhetorical cry—it was the moment when the weight of sin severed the perfect communion between Father and Son. The anguish of divine abandonment was far worse than any torment Rome could devise. The Son of God, who had only ever known the Father’s love, now experienced the horror of utter isolation. Yet even then, He did not waver. Even when God seemed distant, even when the comfort of heaven was withheld, He remained faithful. He took that final breath and surrendered, saying, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” With those words, He died.
But His death did not go unnoticed. The very fabric of creation responded violently. The ground trembled beneath the weight of divine grief, the sun refused to shine, and the temple veil—a barrier that had for centuries symbolized humanity’s separation from God—was ripped from top to bottom, as if by the very hand of the Almighty. It was a declaration that the old order had been shattered, that the barrier between God and man had been forever removed. The onlookers, hardened soldiers and mockers alike, were struck with fear. Their jeers died on their lips. A Roman centurion, who had likely overseen countless executions, found himself trembling as he uttered words that would echo through history: “Surely, this was the Son of God.”
The cross stands as the greatest wonder of the universe—not because of the cruelty of men, but because of the unwavering faithfulness of Christ. He remained loyal to the Father when heaven was silent. He trusted when the light of God’s presence was hidden. He loved when hatred surrounded Him. This was not just an execution; it was the ultimate victory. The forces of darkness had done their worst, and yet, in that moment of supposed defeat, the greatest triumph was secured. Jesus, forsaken and alone, still trusted. And because He did, redemption was sealed forever.
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March 2025
Open Face is dedicated to the promotion and the restoration of apostolic Christianity. In particular to the restoration of those truths which have been cast down to the ground and trampled underfoot by the papacy, and adopted by her daughters.
Our purpose is to motivate our readers to commit themselves wholly to the task of personal preparation for the coming of the Lord, and to the taking of the final warning message to every nation, kindred, tongue and people.
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Editor: David Clayton
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