02.11. End Notes & Reading
ENDNOTES
CHAPTER TWO
1 Alfred Edersheim, The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah. 1883. (Reprint ed., Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Colossians, 1971), Vol. II, Book IV, p. 379.
W. E. Vine, An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words. 1939. (Reprint ed., Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1968), p. 367, quoting from Notes on Galatians, by Hogg and Vine, pp. 324-325. Used by permission of Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Colin Brown, ed., The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1975), Vol. III, p.832. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. Ibid., Vol. II, p. 480. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. Joseph Bonsirven, Palestinian Judaism in the Time of Jesus Christ, translated from the French by William Wolf. (New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1964), p. 169. Ibid., pp. 229-230. Encyclopedia Judaica (Jerusalem: Keter Publishing House Ltd., 1971), Vol.VI, p. 874. It should be noted that in ancient Judaism the term “the world to come” (olam ha-ba) did not always have a fixed meaning and underwent transition over time. One encyclopedia reference shows that period’s identity with the millennium: The Perso-Babylonian world-year of twelve millenniums, however, was transformed in Jewish eschatology into a world-week of seven millenniums corresponding with the week of Creation, the verse “a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday” (Ps. xc5[A.V.4]) having suggested the idea that the present world of toil (“olam ha-zeh”) is to be followed by a Sabbatical millennium, “the world to come” (“olam ha-ba”): Tamid v11.4 . . . [The Jewish Encyclopedia (New York and London: Funk and Wagnalls Colossians, 1907), Vol. V, pp. 210-211.] Other encyclopedia references show how the term evolved:
Owing to the gradual evolution of eschatological conceptions, the Rabbis used the terms “olam ha-ba” (the world to come), “le-atid la-bo” (in the coming time). and “yemot ha-Mashiah” (the Messianic days) promiscuously or often without clear distinction (see Geiger . . . ) . . . R. Eleazar of Modi’im of the second century (Mek., Beshallah, Wayassa, ed. Weiss, p.59, note) distinguishes between the Messianic time (“malkut bet Dawid”), the “olam ha-ba” (the future world), which is that of the souls, and the time of the Resurrection, which he calls “olam hadash” (the new world, or world of regeneration). [Ibid., p.216]
It was Jesus’ response to the rich ruler, however, in which he defined the future age of reward and blessing, from which we must derive our theology concerning reward according to works. W. E. Vine, p. 19. Used by permission of Thomas Nelson, Inc. See Ray E. Baughman, The Kingdom of God Visualized (Chicago: Moody Press, 1972), pp. 190-191. The eternal Kingdom of Christ begins with Christ’s return to earth to rule (Daniel 2:44-45; Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 25:31-34; Luke 1:31-33). The first stage of His eternal rule begins when He sets up His earthly rule and sits upon “His glorious throne” (Matthew 19:28; Matthew 25:31) located in Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:1-3; Isaiah 24:23; Micah 4:7-8). From this throne He rules the nations with “a rod of iron” (Psalms 2:8-9; Revelation 2:27; Revelation 19:15). His kingship brings in the great regeneration (Matthew 19:28; Acts 3:19-21). This particular earthly reign ends after 1,000 years, the point at which death is abolished (1 Corinthians 15:24-26; Revelation 20:4; Revelation 20:6; Revelation 21:4). However, even though Christ “delivers up the kingdom to the God and Father” at the end of the 1,000 years (1 Corinthians 15:24), He does not cease to reign. From then on, He reigns not upon “His glorious throne” in Jerusalem, but, in continued subjection to the Father (1 Corinthians 15:28), His eternal reign continues in the New Jerusalem on “the throne of God and of the Lamb” (Revelation 22:3). In commenting on 1 Corinthians 15:27-28, Dwight Pentecost says, “The means by which all things are brought under subjection to God, so that He becomes all in all, is that Christ unites the authority that is His as King with the Father’s after He has ‘put down all rule and all authority and power’ (1 Corinthians 15:24). God’s original purpose was to manifest His absolute authority and this purpose is realized when Christ unites the earthly theocracy with the eternal Kingdom of God. Thus, while Christ’s earthly theocratic rule is limited to one thousand years, which is sufficient time to manifest God’s perfect theocracy on the earth, His reign is eternal”. J. Dwight Pentecost, Things to Come (Dunham Publishing Colossians, 1958. Reprint ed., Grand Rapids: Academie Books, Zondervan Publishing House, 1964), pp. 492-493.
CHAPTER THREE
For illumination on this point, the reader should study Chapter Nine in Watchman Nee, The Normal Christian Life. 1957. (American edition, Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, 1977), pp. 151-173. Miles J. Stanford, Principles of Spiritual Growth. (Lincoln: Back to the Bible), p. 7-8. Ibid., p. 69. Ibid., p. 9, quoting James McConkey, no reference cited. Charles G. Trumbull, Victory in Christ (Ft. Washington, Pa: Christian Literature Crusade, 1992) p.51. Used by permission.
CHAPTER FOUR
George Eldon Ladd, Crucial Questions About the Kingdom of God, (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Colossians, 1952), p. 78. Ibid., pp. 80-81.
Ray E. Baughman, The Kingdom of God Visualized, (Chicago: Moody Press, 1972), p. 191.
C. I. Scofield, The New Scofield Reference Bible, (New York: Oxford University Press, 1967), p. 3. One of the most thorough documentations of this view being held by the ancient Jews and the early church is found in George N. H. Peters’ work, The Theocratic Kingdom, Proposition 143, Vol. II, pp. 448-460. He cites the following church fathers as proponents of this sabbatical plan: Papias, Barnabus, Irenaeus, Justin Martyr, Polycarp, Tertullian, Lactantius, Cyprian, Ambrose, Origen, Jerome, and, surprisingly, even Augustine. Since the early church, some of the teachers who have endorsed this view are Bishop Latimer (1552 A. D.), Archbishop Usher (who compiled his famous Bible chronology in 1650 A. D.), Martin Luther, Phillip Melancthon, Joseph A Seiss, Robert Govett, Clarence Larkin, D. M. Panton, Arthur W. Pink, and R. E. Neighbor.
F. W. Grant, The Numerical Structure of Scripture, (Neptune, N. J.: Loizeaux Brothers, 1887), p. 52.
See E. W. Bullinger, Number in Scripture, (Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1894) pp. 167-168.
Scofield, pp. 3-4.
George Eldon Ladd, The Gospel of the Kingdom, (Reprint ed., Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Colossians, 1992), pp. 66-67,72-73.
CHAPTER FIVE
Spiros Zodhiates, ed., The Complete Word Study Dictionary--New Testament (Chattanooga: AMG Publishers, 1992), p. 1353. For a deeper analysis of man’s three parts, see Chapters One and Two of Volume I, Watchman Nee, The Spiritual Man (New York: Christian Fellowship Publishers, 1968). Watchman Nee, The Spiritual Man (New York; Christian Fellowship Publishers, 1968), Vol. I, p. 39.
D. M. Panton, The Judgment Seat of Christ (Hayesville, NC: Schoettle Publishing Co., Inc., 1984), pp. 54-55.
W. E. Vine, An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words. 1939.
(Reprint ed., Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1968), p. 149, partially quoting from Notes on Thessalonians by Hogg and Vine, p. 134. Used by permission of Thomas Nelson, Inc.
John F. Hart, “Does Php 1:6 Guarantee Progressive Sanctification?” Journal of the Grace Evangelical Society (Spring, 1996): 37-58; (Autumn, 1996): 33-60.
See especially Chapters Ten, Fourteen, and Fifteen of Joseph C. Dillow, The Reign of the Servant Kings (Miami Springs: Schoettle Publishing Colossians, 1992).
G. H. Lang, Pictures and Parables (Miami Springs: Conley & Schoettle Publishing Co., Inc., 1985), pp. 301-310.
W. E. Vine, p. 325. Used by permission of Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Zane C. Hodges, The Gospel Under Siege (Dallas: Redencion Viva, 1981), p. 127. Ibid.
CHAPTER SIX
The Old Testament commandments take on a higher meaning and requirement than the scribes and the Pharisees taught (Matthew 5:20-48), but Jesus is not addressing that issue here with the rich young ruler. Philip Mauro, God’s Pilgrims (Reprinted ed., Harrisburg: Christian Publishers, Inc., 1969), p. 176. Spiros Zodhiates, ed., The Complete Word Study Dictionary--New Testament (Chattanooga: AMG Publishers, 1992), p. 1353. Watchman Nee, The Salvation of the Soul (New York: Christian Fellowship Publishers, Inc., 1978), p.5.
Mauro, pp. 177-178.
Nee, p. 7. Nee, pp. 6-7.
Mauro, p. 175.
Witness Lee, The Experience of Life (Anaheim: Living Stream Ministry, 1973), p. 72. Nee, p. 24. Lee, pp. 86-87. Nee, p. 38. Watchman Nee, Love Not the World , 1968. (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1978), pp. 99-100. Used by permission of current publishers: Kingsway Publications, Lottbridge Drove, Eastbourne, England (copyright 1997).
CHAPTER SEVEN
See J. Dwight Pentecost, Things to Come (Grand Rapids: Academic Books, 1964), pp. 220-226. W. E. Vine, An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, 1939. (Reprint ed., Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1968), p.131. Used by permission of Thomas Nelson, Inc. Lewis Sperry Chafer, Systematic Theology (Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, ©1993 by Dallas Theological Seminary), Vol. V, p. 97. Used by permission of the publisher. Ibid., Vol. IV, pp. 211-212. Used by permission of the publisher.
George Eldon Ladd, Crucial Questions About the Kingdom of God (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Colossians, 1952), p. 106.
William F. Arndt and F. Wilbur Gingrich, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Christian Literature (Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1957), p.160.
Watchman Nee, The Gospel of God (Anaheim: Living Stream Ministry, 1990), Vol. iii, p.408.
Watchman Nee, The Gospel of God (Anaheim: Living Stream Ministry, 1990), Vol. III, p. 405.
Watchman Nee, Study on Matthew (from The Collected Works of Watchman Nee) (Anaheim: Living Stream Ministry, 1992), p. 63.
Spiros Zodhiates, ed., The Complete Word Study Dictionary - New Testament (Chattanooga: AMG Publishers, 1992), p. 373.
Robert Govett, Reward According to Works (Hayesville, N. C.: Schoettle Publishing Colossians, 1989), article entitled “Entrance Into the Millennial Kingdom”, p. 35. Spiros Zodhiates, p. 107. G. H. Pember was one of the giants of prophetic teaching in the nineteenth century. He translated Jude 1:7 as “. . . suffering the punishment of an age-long fire.” He then commented on this translation as follows: Now, it may be asked, Why change the usual translation, “eternal” or “everlasting”, into “age-long”? And the answer is, We do so for three reasons:--First, because the Greek word aionios admits the latter rendering quite as readily as the former . . . For the word aionios is an adjective formed from aion, which last, being derived from the Greek for “always”, signifies the whole time during which a person, thing, or state, exists. Hence, if it be used of a person, it expressed his whole life, or life-time; if of a succession of generations, of history, or of the state of a people or the world, an age; if of the universe, or of anything that lasts for ever, eternity. The adjective, of course, follows the meanings of its noun; and may, therefore, be rendered either by “age-long”, or by “everlasting”, according to the indication of the context. G. H. Pember, The Great Prophecies of the Centuries Concerning the Church, (Miami Springs: Conley and Schoettle Publishing Colossians, 1984), pp. 122-123. The parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) has been interpreted in a variety of ways. However, I believe the interpretation that is most in harmony with the rest of Scripture is generally as follows. The parable concerns watchfulness (Matthew 25:13). Only believers are told to “watch” in Scripture; unbelievers do not have the spiritual awareness or capacity to do so. All ten were genuine virgins, which signifies believers in respect to their relationship to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2). All of the virgins had their lamps lit (Matthew 25:7-8), which means they were regenerated and indwelt in their spirits by the Holy Spirit (Proverbs 20:27; John 3:6; Romans 8:16). In ancient times, vessels were separate containers for oil, apart from the lamp itself (Matthew 25:4). The wise believers were pictured as prepared because they had the extra measure of oil in their vessels (Matthew 25:3-4). This pictures the gaining of the Holy Spirit by the believer in his soul, his “vessel”. This concept matches the saving of the soul at Christ’s return through the losing of our soul now (Matthew 16:24-27). By paying the price of self-denial and taking up the cross now, our soul is filled with the Holy Spirit (the oil in the vessel). Verse 9 indicates that this portion of the oil (the Holy Spirit) is not a gift, but must be “bought” by the believer. The foolish virgins are those believers who do not deny themselves now and take up the cross and follow Christ. These unprepared ones will not enter the Kingdom. This parable may indicate God’s dealing with dead believers, since these virgins slept (died) due to Christ’s delay in returning (Matthew 25:5). A thorough exposition of this parable can be found in the following work: Witness Lee, The Kingdom (Anaheim: Living Stream Ministry, 1980), pp. 162-174.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Watchman Nee, The Gospel of God (Anaheim: Living Stream Ministry, 1990), Vol. III, p. 401. D. M. Panton, The Judgment Seat of Christ (Hayesville, N. C.: Schoettle Publishing Colossians, 1993), p. 26. G. H. Lang, Pictures and Parables (Miami Springs: Conley and Schoettle Publishing Colossians, 1985), pp. 306-307.
For one view of the literalness of such judgments, see:
Gary T. Whipple, Shock and Surprise Beyond the Rapture (Hayesville, N. C.: Schoettle Publishing Co. Inc., 1992), pp. 176-177.
Noted below are seven Christian teachers who endorse this truth: Robert Govett, Reward According to Works (Hayesville, NC: Schoettle Publishing Colossians, 1984), article entitled “Will All Believers Enter the Millennial Kingdom?”, pp. 20-21. G. H. Lang, The Epistle to the Hebrews (Miami Springs: Conley & Schoettle Publishing Colossians, 1985), pp. 180-186. Witness Lee, Life-Study of Matthew (Anaheim: Living Stream Ministry, 1985), pp. 230-232. Watchman Nee, The Gospel of God (Anaheim: Living Stream Ministry, 1990), Vol. III, pp. 441-462. D. M. Panton, The Judgment Seat of Christ (Hayesville, NC: Schoettle Publishing Colossians, 1993), pp. 76-77. G. H. Pember, The Great Prophecies of the Centuries Concerning the Church (Miami Springs: Conley and Schoettle Publishing Co. Inc., 1984), pp. 105-116. Gary T. Whipple, Shock and Surprise Beyond the Rapture (Hayesville, NC: Schoettle Publishing Co. Inc., 1992), pp. 145-161, 171-175.
G. H. Pember, The Great Prophecies of the Centuries Concerning the Church (Miami Springs: Conley and Schoettle Publishing Co. Inc., 1984), p. 93.
Whipple, pp. 166-179. Alfred Edersheim, The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah. 1883. (Reprint ed., Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Colossians, 1971), Vol. II, pp. 440; 792-793.
Pember, pp. 97-98.
Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament (Chicago: Moody Press, 1980), Vol. 2, p.672. Used by permission. Ibid., p.673. Used by permission. W. E. Vine, An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, 1939. (Reprint ed., Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1968), p. 250. Used by permission of Thomas Nelson, Inc. Spiros Zodhiates, ed., The Complete Word Study Dictionary--New Testament (Chattanooga: AMG Publishers, 1992), p.1468.Watchman Nee, Love One Another (New York: Christian Fellowship Publishers, Inc., 1975), pp. 1-23. C. H. Mackintosh, The Mackintosh Treasury - Miscellaneous Writings by C. H. Mackintosh (Neptune, N. J.: Loizeaux Brothers, 1976), p. 650. Wendell E. Miller, Forgiveness: The Power and The Puzzles (Warsaw, In.: ClearBrook Publishers, 1994), p.31. W. E. Vine, p. 120. Used by permission of Thomas Nelson, Inc. A most enlightening discussion of confession and cleansing can be found in Watchman Nee’s work The Gospel of God, Volume III, pp. 463-485. His discussion here of the Old Testament type of the water of purification made from the ashes of the red heifer is very thought provoking and deep. Watchman Nee, Love One Another (New York: Christian Fellowship Publishers, Inc., 1975), pp. 7-8. Ibid., p. 6. Miller, pp. 53-54. J. D. Douglas, ed., The New Bible Dictionary (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Colossians, 1962), p.1341. For a short study on the meaning of “the fear of the Lord” see: Bill Gothard, The Overlooked Requirements for Riches, Honor and Life (Oak Brook, Il: Institute in Basic Life Principles). Robert Govett, Reward According to Works (Miami Springs: Schoettle Publishing Co. Inc., 1989), article entitled “Will all Believers Enter the Millennial Kingdom?”, p. 53. D. M. Panton, The Judgment Seat of Christ (Hayesville, NC: Schoettle Publishing Colossians, 1984), p. 35.
CHAPTER NINE
Hebrews is a book altogether dominated by the theme of the coming Kingdom. The great warning passages of Hebrews (Hebrews 2:1-3; Hebrews 4:1; Hebrews 4:9; Hebrews 4:11; Hebrews 6:4-8; Hebrews 10:26-31; Hebrews 10:35-39; Hebrews 12:16-17; Hebrews 12:28-29) all have to do with the potential loss of the Kingdom for the believer and attendant chastisement from God. For the sake of making this book as brief as possible, I have not gone into the details of Hebrews, which is the foremost book on the Kingdom in the Epistles. For an introduction to the Kingdom theme in Hebrews, it is suggested that the reader review: R. E. Neighbor, If By Any Means (Miami Springs: Conley & Schoettle Publishing Colossians, 1985), pp. 84-127. Other works listed under the recommended reading section on Kingdom matters would also address passages in Hebrews (particularly works by Govett, Lang and Chitwood). For reading on the “out-resurrection”, please consult the following works: (1) R. E. Neighbor, If By Any Means (Miami Springs: Conley & Schoettle Publishing Colossians, 1985), pp. Matthew-62, and (2) D. M. Panton, The Judgment Seat of Christ (Hayesville, NC: Schoettle Publishing Co., Inc.), pp. 48-53.
RECOMMENDED READING Concerning the Christian life:
Bill Freeman, The Cross and the Self. (Scottsdale: Ministry Publications, 1994). A detailed look at this subject. Order from Ministry Publications, P. O. Box 12222, Scottsdale, AZ 85267. Phone: 1-800-573-4105. Web site:
Watchman Nee, The Normal Christian Life. 1957 (American Edition, Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, 1977). An excellent overview, both doctrinally and experientially.
Watchman Nee, Love Not the World. 1968 (American Edition, Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, 1978). Helpful for understanding the “world” and the believer’s separation from it.
Watchman Nee, The Life That Wins. (New York: Christian Fellowship Publishers, Inc., 1986) Beneficial insights into the victorious Christian life.
Witness Lee, The Experience of Life. (Anaheim, CA: Living Stream Ministry, 1973). A detailed and deep analysis of the development of the believer’s spiritual life. Available from Living Stream Ministry, P. O. Box 2121, Anaheim, CA 92814.
Miles J. Stanford, Principles of Spritual Growth. (Lincoln: Back to the Bible, 1991). An excellent work drawing on the words of outstanding teachers. Order from Back to the Bible at 1-800-759-2425.
Charles Stanley, The Wonderful Spirit-Filled Life. (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1992). A basic and introductory word on the Holy Spirit’s activity in the believer’s life.
Charles G. Trumball, Victory in Christ. (Fort Washington, PA: Christian Literature Crusade, 1992). Inspiring, enlightening and helpful.
Concerning the Salvation of the Soul:
Watchman Nee, The Salvation of the Soul. (New York: Christian Fellowship Publishers, Inc., 1978).
Concerning the Judgment Seat of Christ:
D. M. Panton, The Judgment Seat of Christ (Hayesville, NC: Schoettle Publishing Co., Inc., 1984). * This work is a masterpiece. It is jam-packed with Scriptural truth.
Concerning Kingdom Matters:
Arlen L. Chitwood, From Egypt to Cannan. (Norman, OK: The Lamp Broadcast, Inc., 1992). Order directly from The Lamp Broadcast, 2629 Wyandotte Way, Norman, OK 73071 Robert Govett, Reward According to Works. (Hayesville, NC: Schoettle Publishing Co., Inc., 1989) * Robert Govett, Kingdom Studies. (Hayesville, NC: Schoettle Publishing Co., Inc., 1989)* Robert Govett, The Kingdom of God Future. (Hayesville, NC: Schoettle Publishing Co., Inc., 1985) * G. H. Lang, Ideals and Realities. (Hayesville, NC: Schoettle Publishing Co., Inc., 1988)*
G. H. Lang, Firstborn Sons, Their Rights and Risks. (Hayesville, NC: Conley & Schoettle Publishing Co., Inc., 1984) *
Watchman Nee, The Gospel of God, Volume III. (Anaheim, CA: Living Stream Ministry, 1990). Available from Living Stream Ministry, P. O. Box 2121, Anaheim, CA 92814.
R. E. Neighbor, D. D., If By Any Means. (Hayesville, NC: Conley & Schoettle Publishing Co., Inc., 1985). *
R. E. Neighbor, D. D., If They Shall Fall Away. (Hayesville, NC: Conley & Schoettle Publishing Co., Inc., 1984). * D. M. Panton, The Judgment Seat of Christ. (Hayesville, NC: Schoettle Publishing Co., Inc., 1984). *
Gary T. Whipple, Shock and Surpise Beyond the Rapture! (Hayesville, NC: Schoettle Publishing Co., Inc., 1992) * Many details of the Christian’s future life are explored here. Because of the minuteness of the details, the reader should be cautioned that some of the author’s conclusions should be viewed as possibilities only and should be weighed in light of actual Scriptural statements and principles of exegesis.
*Note: All works by Conley & Schoettle Publishing Co. or by Schoettle Publishing Co. may be ordered from Schoettle Publishing Co., P. O. Box 1246, Hayesville, NC 28904 [Phone: 706-896-3333. Fax: 706-896-3311] Some books published by Schoettle are out of print now. It is possible, however, that some stock still exists at the retail level. Try Home Life Ministries at