Introduction

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” 1 Pet. 2:9-10.

“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreign­ers, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted to­gether, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” Eph. 2:19-22.

We realize that the work God intends to do in us is far greater than what people generally believe. To most so-called believers, the thought of such a salvation is something totally foreign. It is no more than a pretty picture—actually, an unat­tainable fairytale. However, the faith that was “once for all delivered to the saints” includes faith that people in flesh and blood can be saved and sanctified so that they partake of such a transformation. The Scriptures of the New Testament speak constantly about the development and growth that takes place after we have been reconciled to Christ and received forgiveness for our sins. “For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” Rom. 5:10.

In other words, we must be saved from the sins for which we have received forgiveness. A life-transforming salvation has been prepared for us. Jesus Himself prays that it will suc­ceed and that He can save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him. Heb. 7:25.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.” Phil. 4:4-5. Obviously, the personal salvation we are called to partake of must be clearly manifested in the circumstances of life, in our home and by our conduct in the church. Children and young people growing up deserve to experience this in their immediate surroundings—with their parents and broth­ers and sisters at home and with other believing children, young people and adults in their home church. In the course of time, they should be able to say as John: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life—the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us.” 1 John 1:1-2.

Unfortunately, experiences of this nature are quite foreign in the daily lives of many. They may have heard many Scrip­tures since their childhood, but if they have not experienced the anointing, blessing and power that are in the Word of life, then they have not received the spiritual inheritance they deserve as children.

Jesus Himself tells us that He was anointed to preach the gospel, and that God had sent Him to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. Luke 4:18-19. The ministry of anointed brothers will have the same effect. It is free from legalistic pressure and condemnation, free from religious superficiality and worldly wisdom. But here we need the Spirit of holy fear. Paul expressed the need that was in his heart on several occasions: “And for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gos­pel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” Eph. 6:19-20. There is a great need for such pure spiritual food today in every home and every church. There must be a vigorous cleansing from all other teaching and preaching. Only then will there be heal­ing and life and the right growing conditions for the life and glory of Christ.

The intention of this book is to give guidance to those who long for a deeper life in Christ, so that both at home and in church life they can live a life that is worthy of the bride of Christ. My longing is to see this healthy, life-giving and vigor­ous development in the individual churches, the individual homes and in the lives of individuals now in the end times.