Principles of the Doctrine of Christ: Eternal Judgement (Part 1)

Beloved, I feel inspired to write on a new subject in our “Principles of the Doctrine of Christ” series, entitled, “Eternal Judgment.” If you remember, when we wrote to you on the subject entitled “The Resurrection from the Dead,” we shared with you that there was to be a resurrection of the unjust as well as the just. Remember, we studied the judgment of the just and found that they were to “ever be with the Lord” (I Thessalonians 4:17). Well, in this lesson, we will study the final “judgment” of the nations that are not included in the first resurrection. It must always be remembered that the saints passed from their “eternal judgment” when they appeared at the Judgment Seat of Christ. This is why Paul tells us not to judge one another (as children of God). He writes, “Why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ” (Romans 14:10). Understand, Beloved, that we will not receive a “judgment” of punishment, as those who failed to serve Him before the “Rapture.” This is why Jesus tells us that we, the disciples and the saints, shall “be blessed…for [we shall] be recompensed [rewarded] at the resurrection of the just” (Luke 14:14).

Precious Ones, Jesus even sheds light on the Christians’ emotional state during the period of “eternal judgment.” He shares with me that during that time, I will not even remember Lady McCoy as my wife – there will be none of the emotional ties that exist now. As Jesus teaches, “…in the resurrection, whose wife is she? The children of this world [now] marry, and are given in marriage: But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world [the world of eternal life], and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage [in other words, there will be no husbands or wives in heaven]: Neither can they die any more: for they [will be] equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the [first] resurrection” (Luke 20:33-36). This teaches us, Beloved, that God deals with the righteous and the wicked right here and now! God’s mercy and grace will only be accessed now! The moment we enter into the “Eternal Judgment” dispensation, everything will change, including the fact that there will be no mercy and grace from God.

I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, know this,

I love you all so very much,
In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy

Principles of the Doctrine of Christ: The Doctrine of Baptism (conclusion)

Beloved, in conclusion of our series of letters from the “Principles of the Doctrine of Christ,” we end the topic of “The Doctrine of Baptisms.” Paul is very specific when commenting on one receiving “water baptism” or the washing of regeneration (see Titus 3:5). He states to the church at Corinth, “And such were some of you [you were fornicators, adulterers, thieves and drunkards]: but [you are now] washed, [you] are sanctified, [and you] are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (I Corinthians 6:11). This teaches us that baptism in Jesus’ Name is, without question, essential to the “sanctification” and the “justification” of salvation, and can in no way be ignored.

Chosen Ones, we become identified with Jesus in death by baptism. If there is no act or sign of baptism in God’s eyes and in His Word, there is no act or sign of belief that he died and rose again. Paul, in his day, had to deal with certain Christians who were baptizing for the wrong reasons. In his letter to the Corinthian Church, Paul rebukes the concept of baptizing for the dead, instead of baptizing as a sign of Jesus’ death and resurrection. He states, “what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all?” (I Corinthians 15:29). In other words, a dead man cannot be affected by baptism. The dead do not know what has been done to them after death! So, Paul continues by asking, “why are they then baptized for the dead?” (I Corinthians 15:29) This is why, Beloved, we who are living must show God and the world that we believe in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection through baptism in water. Now, I know that some may say, “That is not necessary, and as long as I believe in my heart that Christ was raised – I don’t have to get wet!” But, I implore you to revisit the scriptures concerning this matter. First of all, James says that “faith without works is dead” (James 2:20). Secondly, Paul states that “we are buried with him by baptism into death…our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed” (Romans 6:3-6).

Precious Ones, all of this information tells us that after our estrangement from God brought on by our sins, we as Christians are only restored or reconciled to favor through baptism. Now, we are told how to put off the body of sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ. Paul says that the “circumcision of Christ [means being] buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God” (Colossians 2:11-13).

Children of God, in my conclusion of this subject – yes, there must be faith in the heart of a candidate for salvation in order for “baptism” to operate. You must take God at His Word, and obey the concept of baptism by immersion in water in the Name of Jesus. I leave you with these final scriptures. Read them during your daily meditation on the subject; Colossians 3:16-17, Mark 16:16, John 7:38-39, Acts 2:38, Acts 16:15, and Acts 19:1-6.

I love you all so very much.
In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy

Principles of the Doctrine of Christ: The Doctrine of Baptism (continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme from the “Principles of the Doctrine of Christ” series, entitled “The Doctrine of Baptisms” – the Spirit is the witness of our salvation, and no one should ever feel that they were saved without it. When you have time, read John 15:26, I John 5:6-13, Romans 8:16, and Galatians 4:6. Beloved, we are complete in Him (Jesus) only as the work of the resurrection is wrought in our hearts. Again, read Colossians 2:12, II Corinthians 1:21-22, and I Corinthians 6:11.

Precious Ones, “baptism” is so important that Paul uses its metaphor when expounding on the importance of having a diet of God’s Word. Paul says that Jesus gave Himself for the church “that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word” (Ephesians 5:26). If the church is ever to be cleansed it must be according to the Word. Some don’t agree with the virtue of water “baptism,” but this doesn’t mean that the virtue isn’t there when used as directed. When water “baptism” is administered in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, with faith in a pure heart, it causes an operation of God that purifies. Peter puts it this way – “Baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (I Peter 3:21). In other words, “baptism” does not rid you of the desires of the flesh, but it does symbolize that your soul (conscience) is cleansed by the association between the act of resurrection performed by Jesus Christ and your act of “baptism” by faith!

Chosen Ones, this same apostle knew the importance of baptism – he was commanded by Jesus Christ to receive the Holy Ghost in the Name of the Lord (Acts 10:44-48). Remember, Ananias told Saul (before his name change), “Arise, and be baptized, and wash away [your] sins” (Acts 22:16). Again, Beloved, this shows that baptism was used to wash away sins. So, we can understand why the apostle taught this as one of the “principles of the Doctrine of Christ.” In the Book of Titus, he called it “the washing of [the] regeneration” (Titus 3:5).

Children of God, I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, Happy Father’s Day. Men, you deserve this celebration. To all of you,

I love you all SO very much.
In His (the Father’s) Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy

Principles of the Doctrine of Christ: The Doctrine of Baptism (continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme from our “Principles of the Doctrine of Christ” series entitled, “The Doctrine of Baptism” – it’s time to teach about the second baptism highlighted in scripture, and that is the doctrine of the “Baptism of the Spirit.” Precious Ones, the scriptures teach us, “by one spirit are we all baptized into one body” (I Corinthians 12:13). Don’t be confused, Beloved, to be “born of the spirit” (John 3:5) is the same as being “baptized in the spirit.” According to the Book of Acts, Peter and John came to the Samaritans and “baptized them with water,” then “laid…hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost” (Acts 8:14-17). In addition, the Gospel according to John (see John 3:22) teaches that Jesus baptized his twelve disciples with water and they received the indwelling gift of the Holy Ghost after the resurrection. According to the 19th chapter of Acts, Paul baptized the Ephesians, then he “laid hands on them” and they “received the Holy Ghost.”

Chosen Ones, the way to put on Christ is to be baptized into Him by the Spirit (study Romans 13:14 and Galatians 3:27 together). Again, baptism is explained as something that must not only be done of water, but of the Spirit, “in the heart” and “not in the letter” of the law (Romans 2:29). Beloved, the spiritual birth is just as necessary as the water birth because of its significance. As Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of his fatherly (godly) deity, so even we (in this generation) also should walk in the newness of life, since we are saved by “his life” and not by (our) works (Romans 6:4; 5:10). Beloved, Jesus’ greatest achievement in “His life” was being raised by the Spirit and in the Spirit! Remember, after resurrection, he walked through doors (John 20:26). In the same way, we can, through the Spirit, walk through any door that our enemies shut in our faces. But remember, you must have the baptism of His Spirit to do what He did!!

I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, know this – I truly appreciate each and every one of you. None of you can ever be replaced in my eyes.

I love you all so very much.
In His love,

Pastor William L. McCoy

Principles of the Doctrine of Christ: The Doctrine of Baptism (continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme from the “Principles of the Doctrine of Christ” series, entitled The Doctrine of Baptisms, I would like to start where we left off last week by writing on the subject, The Baptism of Water. In the beginning of the Gospel, John preached “the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins” (Luke 3:3, Acts 13:24). Jesus told His disciples that “repentance and remission of sins should be preached in [my] name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47). Peter did this on the Day of Pentecost (see Acts 2). Thus, baptism for the remission (removal) of sin should be preached in every nation under the heaven, to this day.

Precious Ones, Philip (the deacon) went to Samaria, and “when [people] believed [the] preaching [of] the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized...” (Acts 8:12); not with the Holy Spirit only, but in water in the Name of the Lord Jesus. It is shown in the events of this chapter that water baptism was not only a sign of inward purity and proof that an individual’s sins were remitted, but also that baptism was only efficacious when practiced in faith with a repentant heart.

Chosen Ones, I told you last week that I want to highlight two baptisms – (1) the Baptism of Water and (2) the Baptism of the Spirit. I will write about the second baptism next week.

I love you all SO very much.
In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy