RICHES

CHAPTER III

HOW TO BECOME RICH

JEHOVAH is the source of all riches, and Christ Jesus is Jehovah's dispenser of such riches. "The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand." (John 3:35) Only those who come to a knowledge of Jehovah and who then obey will receive the riches which the Lord dispenses. For this reason Jesus said: "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." — John 17: 3.

Many persons having a desire for the blessings of life but who have been misled and greatly confused are heard to say something like this: "I believe that if I do what I can see to be right I will be saved." Such conclusion or belief is entirely erroneous. There are not many ways, but only one way, by which man can obtain the blessings of riches, and that one way God has appointed. How may man find that one and right way?

In the Scriptures these words are written for the benefit of man who is searching to find the right way, to wit: "Without faith it is impossible to please [God]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." — Hebrews 11: 6.

Properly, and therefore Scripturally defined, "faith" means: To have a knowledge of Jehovah's purpose as expressed in his Word, the Scriptures, and

then to confidently rely upon the Word of God. Faith must be based upon what is known to be true, and we have absolute assurance that the Word of God is true. Concerning the Scriptures, the Word of God, Jesus said: "Thy word is truth." The Scriptures define faith in harmony with the foregoing in these words: "But faith is a basis of things hoped for, a conviction of things unseen." (Hebrews 11:1, Diaglott) "Now faith is a well-grounded assurance of that for which we hope, and a conviction of the reality of things which we do not see." — Hebrews 11:1, Weymouth.

A man cannot have confident assurance of anything which is based merely upon his mental conception, and that without any proof emanating from the truthful source. Anything not based upon absolute truth is merely a guess. No sane person would want to let his eternal welfare rest merely upon a guess.

Your desire is to receive the blessing of the Lord that makes rich and with which there is no sorrow added. In order to have hope of receiving such blessing there must be a good reason to expect that blessing, and that good reason must be based upon competent evidence or proof that comes from an absolutely reliable source. The basis or ground upon which that hope rests is faith. Before one can "believe", within the meaning of the Scriptures, or have faith, he must receive some knowledge; therefore it is written in the Scriptures: "So then faith cometh by hearing [the message of truth], and hearing [the message of truth] by the word of God [which is the truth]." (Romans 10:17) Knowing that the message in God's Word is true, you can confidently rely upon that message,

which furnishes the true and convincing evidence of the things for which you hope. Such is the reason for your having hope of obtaining the blessings that God has in store for those who love and serve him.

Faith cannot be based upon the information coming from man, because all men are imperfect and you cannot be certain that any man is speaking the exact truth. Regardless of the honesty of the man, his opinion is valueless unless that opinion is supported by the Word of God. If you rely upon what an imperfect man says, that is credulity and not faith. Any hope based upon credulity is certain to be dashed to pieces. In order to have faith you must hear the truth, know that it is the truth, and then confidently rely upon that message of truth. If then that message of truth is faithfully obeyed, you can never fail. To rely upon what you hear from God's Word of truth is to believe on Jehovah and his purposes as disclosed in the Scriptures. Note the argument set forth in the Scriptures upon this point: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher [one who proclaims God's Word of truth as written in the Scriptures]? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" — Romans 10:13-15.

A man who harangues the people and states his conclusions or the conclusions or opinions of other men is not a "preacher" within the meaning of the Scrip-

tures. A more appropriate name for him would be "windjammer". The man who appeals to the emotions or passions of others is not preaching the truth, because one can receive the truth only by reasoning calmly and soberly; therefore God says to the man who is seeking truth: "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18) To reason with the Lord means to soberly, prayerfully and studiously consider his Word.

For this reason the Lord sends forth his witnesses to inform other persons of his purpose; and these witnesses proclaim not their ideas, but call attention to the message of truth as found in the Scriptures. The one receiving that information from the Scriptures has the privilege of believing on the Lord God and the Lord Jesus Christ, and if he does believe he will prove his faith by acting in harmony therewith. To rely upon the Word of God, which constitutes one element of faith, one must deport himself in harmony with the Word of God.

Men form an organization which is called "a church", and they put forth doctrines or opinions and call them "creeds", and the people are urged to believe such doctrines or teachings and to follow the formalism of that creed. To believe in the doctrines of men or that which is promulgated by the organization of men does not constitute faith at all. Jehovah God and Christ Jesus are the Teachers, and the true teachings or doctrines are set forth in the Scriptures; and the Scriptures are given as a perfect guide for man who desires to learn of and

pursue a course of righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:1.6,17) It follows, then, that you cannot please God by believing and relying upon what you conceive in your own mind, nor can you please God by believing or relying upon what is conceived in another man's mind and taught by him. You can please God only by knowing his Word and relying upon and obeying his Word.

For that reason some knowledge of the Scriptures is absolutely essential to faith. The first essential is to 'believe that God is', that is to say, that he exists, and that he is the one from whom all blessings proceed. (Hebrews 11:6) God is the Eternal One, who created the heavens and the earth and all the things that are therein. As the Scriptures declare, he is the great "I AM", which means that he is not merely the one that was, that came into existence, and is now; but the "I AM" means that he has existed eternally. (Exodus 3:14) "LORD, thou hast been our dwelling-place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God." (Psalm 90:1, 2) In the prophecy of the Scriptures it is written: "Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein."  — Isaiah 42: 5.

By and through his Word, the Bible or Holy Scriptures, God reveals himself to his creatures and discloses thereby his purposes concerning his creatures. The meanings of his names or titles are very significant. His name The God means The Mighty One,

the Creator of all things. His name Jehovah means his purpose toward his creatures. His name The Almighty God signifies that his power is without limitation. His name The Most High means that he is the Supreme One and there is none before him. His name Father means that he is the Life-giver. He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, because Christ Jesus, the Son, was Jehovah's 'beginning of creation' and from Jehovah he received life. (Revelation 3:14) He has appointed his beloved Son, Christ Jesus, to be his Chief Executive Officer and the Savior of mankind.

Having received some knowledge of Jehovah God and his beloved Son Christ Jesus, you desire to come to Him and to learn his purpose. Hereinbefore are set out the scriptures referring to those who are taken out of the world as a people for Jehovah's name. The same scriptures up to a certain point apply to all who will ever get life. Because these scriptures apply to men of good will, otherwise called "Jonadabs", attention is here again called to them. Jesus, Jehovah's spokesman, authoritatively states: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6) This knowledge a man must have before he can have faith, and then he must rely upon that knowledge. God has provided for salvation and blessings of humankind by and through Christ Jesus, and there is no other possible way for man to obtain such blessings. "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12) Then Jesus says: "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him." (John 6:44) It is essen-

tial for you to understand how one can come into harmony with Jehovah God. The Scriptures answer, that God draws man to Christ Jesus by affording that man the opportunity to learn of and to know that Jesus is God's provided way for salvation and blessing of man and that there is no other way. When one learns that there is no other way of obtaining life and attending blessings save through Christ Jesus, then the sane person would be drawn to him. No blessing could be lasting unless a man lives for ever, and this blessing comes from Jehovah through Christ Jesus; as it is written: 'Life is the gift of God [to man] through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.' (Romans 6:23) For that reason Jesus said: 'This is life eternal, to know God and Christ.' — John 17:3.

Have you reached the point now that you believe that Jehovah is the true and almighty God, and that Christ Jesus is his beloved Son; that by the will of God Jesus died upon the tree and thereby provided the redemptive or ransom price for you, and that therefore Jesus Christ is the Savior of man and that only by and through him can man have everlasting life? Are you convinced that these truths set forth in the Bible are entirely reliable, and that you can with certainty and confidence rely upon them? If you answer Yes, you will prove that you do so believe by taking the course which the Scriptures point out that one must take in order to be in line to receive the blessings of riches which Jehovah has provided for humankind. What, then, is the next step in order?

CONSECRATION

You are a person of good will toward God and therefore it is your honest and sincere desire to do the will of God. Having full confidence in Jehovah God, you know his will concerning you is right. The perfect man Jesus said: "Lo, I come ... to do thy will, 0 God." (Hebrews 10:7) "I delight to do thy will, 0 my God; yea, thy law is within my heart." (Psalm 40:7, 8) These words mean that Jesus fully relied upon Jehovah God and gladly agreed to do the will of God, his Father. Such agreement to do God's will constitutes consecration. Every person who desires to receive God's favor must take exactly that same course. He must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as his Redeemer and Savior, and thus relying upon God and Christ Jesus that person must covenant or agree to do the will of God. What is God's will toward that person is set forth in the Scriptures; therefore it becomes necessary for such person to study the Scriptures and find out the will of God concerning him.

It is necessary to give some evidence that you have agreed to do the will of God, and by such proof produced by you others may know that you have taken your stand on the side of God and Christ Jesus. Relating to this it is written in the Scriptures: "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and .shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." — Romans 10:9,10.

An outward or public declaration or confession that you have covenanted or agreed to do the will of God is essential on your part to show that you really have, and that you are exercising, faith in God and his provisions for you. Many persons claim to be Christians, as distinguished from heathen, but almost all of them are ashamed to confess the name of God and Christ Jesus, and that shame is of itself proof that such have not agreed to do the will of God. "For the scripture saith, Whosoever bclieveth on him shall not be ashamed." (Romans 10:11) Why should one be ashamed to confess openly before others the name of the only one by whom all his blessings must be received?

BAPTISM

Is it necessary for one who today professes to be a Jonadab or person of good will toward God to be baptized or immersed in water? Such is proper and a necessary act of obedience on the part of one who has consecrated himself, that is, agreed or covenanted with God to do the will of God. It is an outward confession that the one being baptized in water has agreed to do God's will. Baptism or immersion in water does not wash away or cleanse one from sin that resulted to man by reason of Adam's disobedience. It is the sacrifice or lifeblood of Jesus that cleanses from sin. (1 John 1:7-9) There is no means of cleansing from sin or the remission of sin except by the shedding of the blood of Christ Jesus. (Hebrews 9: 22) It is only those who have and exercise faith in the shed blood of Christ Jesus that have their sins remitted. Baptism in water is an outward evidence that the one so

baptized has entered into a covenant with God to do his will, and this is evidence of faith in the shed blood of Christ Jesus. Submitting to be immersed in water is an act of obedience illustrating how one has fully put himself in the hands of the Lord, and therefore baptism is necessary and proper to be performed by all who have agreed to do the will of God.

The perfect man Jesus presented himself before John at the river Jordan and requested to be baptized in the river. John declined to baptize him because John knew that Jesus was not a sinful man and manifestly John understood that water baptism was solely for the benefit of those who were sinful. Jesus did not explain to John the reason, but to John's objection he replied: "Suffer [permit] it to be so now; for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness." (Matthew 3:15) Jesus was there perfect, pure, holy and without sin. His water baptism or immersion was a testimony before others that he had fully agreed to do the will of his Father, Jehovah.

It is written that immediately following the baptism of Jesus in the water those standing by heard a voice of approval from on high: "And, lo, a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17) Thus God manifested his pleasure in the obedient act of his beloved Son and at the same time acknowledged Christ Jesus as his Son. Every man who takes his firm stand on the side of God and Christ Jesus will want other persons to know that fact, that they too may see the importance of serving Jehovah; therefore it is proper that he testify to that fact by publicly submitting to immersion or baptism in water. Permitting himself

to be put down under the water, in symbol he thereby says: "My selfish will is dead, and henceforth I shall delight to do the will of Jehovah God."

Such water immersion is proper for all persons who consecrate themselves to God to do his will. Those who partake of the heavenly blessings and become members of the royal house must undergo another baptism, not in water, but of far deeper significance. Concerning the baptism of those who will be of the heavenly organization the Scriptures say: "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." — Romans 6: 3-6.

These words concerning baptism do not relate to water immersion, but do relate to baptism into the death of Jesus Christ. That means that his true and faithful followers must die as Christ Jesus died, namely, a death of sacrifice, in order that they may be raised up in the likeness of the Lord Jesus at the resurrection. Those persons of good will designated as Jonadabs do not have any part in the baptism into Jesus' death. Their hope of life is entirely earthly. All who receive life everlasting, whether in heaven or on earth, must covenant to do the will of God, and the baptism in water symbolizes that such covenant has been made;

but only those who undertake to follow and who do follow in the footsteps of Jesus, with the hope of becoming members of his royal house, must be baptized into the death of Jesus Christ.

LOVE

The question was propounded to Jesus Christ: "Master, which is the great commandment in the law?" (Matthew 22:36) Have in mind that God's law never changes; and therefore the answer of Jesus to this question relates to every creature of the human race who will get life everlasting, whether in heaven or on earth. "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment." (Matthew 22:37,38) The words of Jesus here show that the foregoing is God's commandment of first importance and is the greatest commandment given, first in time and first that must be observed in order to please Jehovah God. What, then, is meant by "love"?'

Surely it could not mean sentimentality. According to the Scriptures love means an unselfish devotion to Jehovah. Love is the very opposite of selfishness. It is written, "God is love," because with him all things are unselfishly performed. Since God is the One who gives life to the creature, it is absolutely necessary for that creature to be in harmony with and therefore unselfishly devoted to God. With him God must be first in everything. There is no such thing as degrees in love. The one who loves God must be wholly devoted to him. The "heart" symbolically stands for the seat of affections, as well as the mo-

tive, and therefore the affections of the creature must be set upon the Creator and there can be no division of affections between the Creator and some creature. If any question arises that would tend to divide the affections between the Creator and the creature, then the man who pleases God must instantly decide in favor of Jehovah God. Heart devotion must be to God above all. The "soul" is the living creature, that is, the creature that breathes, moves and has an existence (Genesis 2:7); and the commandment is that the creature must love with all his soul, meaning his entire life must be devoted to Jehovah God.

The commandment is that 'thou shalt love God with all thy mind'. The "mind" is that faculty of the creature with which one searches out and ascertains what is the will of God; and this part of the commandment means that one's mind must be set upon ascertaining God's will and gladly doing it. The supreme command, therefore, is that the creature must love Jehovah, meaning to have an unselfish desire to do God's will, and then to put forth his very best endeavors to do the will of God. This commandment is given to the creature for the benefit of the creature. God's law provides that only those who love him shall receive his blessing of riches; therefore for the benefit of the creature God requires the creature to love him. That brings no profit to Jehovah, but it is the only means by which the creature can be the recipient of God's rich blessings.

How can one prove to himself or to others that he does love God and his Word? That question is answered in the Scriptures: 'This proves our love of God, that we keep his commandments and that we

do so gladly.' (1 John 5:3) Jesus and his Father are always in exact harmony or unity, and therefore he that loves Jehovah God loves Christ Jesus, because such is the commandment of God. (Hebrews 1:6; John 5: 23) To those who have agreed to do his will Jesus says: "If ye love me, keep my commandments. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." (John 14:15,21) Jesus Christ is the Executive Officer of Jehovah, and whatsoever commandments are given by the Lord Jesus are the commandments of Jehovah, the Father; and hence the one who loves God and Christ will faithfully endeavor to obey the commandments of God and Christ. — John 14: 24.

Jehovah has not provided for man's salvation for any selfish reason or because that would bring any profit to Him. His provision for man to live is wholly unselfish, therefore an expression of love. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) Clearly these words mean that Jehovah has provided that mankind may receive his blessings provided the man believes in Christ Jesus and obeys him. To believe does not mean merely a mental conception, but it means that one has knowledge that Christ Jesus is his Savior and that Jehovah is the Life-giver, and that he confidently relies upon these truths, and that he honestly and sincerely endeavors to do God's will.

Jehovah does not force his blessings upon any creature. All who receive the riches of his blessings must

voluntarily comply with the rules which Jehovah has given for man's guidance. In answer to the question Jesus named the second commandment. His words are: "And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (Matthew 22: 39,40) No man would wish to do himself an injury. If he loves his neighbor or his fellow creature as himself, then he will have no desire nor will he make any effort to do injury to his brother. He will treat his fellow creature justly.

Jesus in another place states the rule: "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise." (Luke 6:31) In another place the Lord states the law that governs creatures pleasing to him in this wise: "And what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" (Micah 6:8) He who keeps these two commandments of Jehovah, and here restated by the Lord Jesus, will be pursuing the right course, which will gain for him the approval of the Most High. In doing what he believes is right man cannot be guided merely by his conscience. If his conscience condemns him, this is evidence that he is wrong. But he may be doing conscientiously that which is wrong. The conscience of man is not a safe guide unless that conscience is directed exactly in harmony with the Word of God.

Let no man deceive himself or be deceived by thinking that if he does that which is conscientiously correct he can gain life everlasting. All men came under condemnation because of sin, and the sentence of Adam and the condemnation of all others is entirely just.

Jehovah God, in the exercise of love and mercy, has provided the way for mankind to be relieved of the disability resulting from sin, and only those who follow that way can be relieved of that disability. In order for man to receive God's blessing he must do his part as the Lord has commanded. It is written in the Scriptures: "Therefore, as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous." — Romans 5:18,19.

It was the offense of Adam that resulted in his condemnation to death. The judgment was entered against Adam and therefore he was the one sentenced to death. The effect or result of that judgment of condemnation comes upon all men, for the reason that all are the descendants of the man Adam, and that since the judgment or sentence was entered against Adam. Before any of Adam's children were born he was under the sentence of death and dying, and consequently he could not transmit to his offspring perfect life and the right to life. Such is the reason why all are born in sin and "shapen in iniquity". All imperfect creatures stand condemned by reason of this imperfection, and God cannot approve an imperfect thing. All men being born in sin, ultimately all must die unless some provision is made for them to have life. God has made that very provision by and through his beloved Son, who suffered death that men might have an opportunity to live. This is God's appointed way, and there is no other. By the disobedience of Adam many were

made sinners, and by the obedience of Christ Jesus unto death many, that is to say, as many as believe on him and obey God's commandments, are made righteous, and it is only such that are in line to ever receive at the hands of Jehovah his riches.

Let all bear this in mind, that the blessings of God are not for those who fail or refuse to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and to obey God and Christ. Faith and obedience are conditions precedent to receiving the blessings of God that make the creature rich. All were born under condemnation, and there is only one way to get out from under condemnation. Concerning this it is written: "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." (John 3: 36) The wrath of God here means the condemnation resting upon all who are sinners and who are alienated from God by reason of sin. The only possible way for anyone to get out from under that wrath or condemnation is by faith in the blood of Christ Jesus and obedience; and the plain words above are that those who fail or refuse to believe, after having an opportunity, shall not see life, but that such continue under the wrath or condemnation of God. This is conclusive proof that the ransom sacrifice does not inure to the benefit of all creatures automatically, but results beneficially only to those who exercise faith in God and in Christ Jesus and who obey God's Word. This is not at all out of harmony with the statement made at 1 Timothy 2:5,6, to wit: "The man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all." The ransom sacrifice here refers to

all those who believe, and not to all men regardless of belief.

Let no man be deceived or be induced by others into believing that he can ignore God's appointed way for salvation and at the same time receive God's blessing. To follow the teachings of imperfect men and rely thereupon is certain to lead one to disaster. For one to say that he can do what he pleases or considers to be right, and that he will be saved, is worse than foolishness and is certain to result in his destruction. Upon this point the scripture is very emphatic, to wit: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3: 5, 6) This shows that a man cannot lean to his own selfish reasoning or understanding, but must be guided by the Word of God, and if in all his ways he acknowledges Jehovah and Christ Jesus he is certain to be directed in the right way. To acknowledge God in his ways means that the man will diligently search the Scriptures to find out God's ways and then obey him and will give God the honor and credit for all things that he possesses.

Nor can one with safety say that he believes on the Lord Jesus Christ and then fail to inform himself of the will of God. He must know the will of God concerning him in order to do it. No one can trust in and do the will of God unless he is informed as to God's will, and for that reason the Lord has put in the way of men who are searching for truth the Bible and its explanation, and this furnishes a complete guide to the man of righteousness. He must therefore gain a knowledge of the purpose and will

of Jehovah by applying his mind to the study of God's Word. For this reason the man of God says: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105) The Lord makes clear the pathway of those who are diligent to do his will, and by the light shed upon the pathway of such he may walk in the way that is pleasing to the Lord.

It is written, in Psalm 24:1: "The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein." That means that all riches are Jehovah's. He made the earth as a place for obedient man to live upon. "I have made the earth, and created man upon it; I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded. For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain; he formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord; and there is none else." (Isaiah 45:12,18) God did not make the earth in vain. The earth will abide for ever, and it is the purpose of Jehovah that obedient men shall live on the earth. — Ecclesiastes 1:4.

Only those who know God and Christ Jesus as the Savior of mankind, and who obey, are in line for the great riches that God has provided for mankind. All disobedient ones will go into everlasting destruction. Those now on the earth who are known as persona of good will, and who were foreshadowed by Jonadab, are in line to be made for ever free from poverty and to enter into everlasting riches. It is therefore of vital importance to all sincere persona to gain a knowledge of God's appointed way which he has set forth in the Scriptures. Why is there so

much poverty now in the earth? This men should know and then learn what is God's true and certain remedy to remove all poverty and in the place thereof to fill the earth with prosperity, everlasting peace and happiness.