But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
Unlike human life and glory that fade like grass that withers and its flower that falls, the Lord's word lasts forever, and that lasting word is the gospel message preached for salvation. It is imperishable seed that gives new birth, unlike human ideas mixed with teaching, and it cleanses and sanctifies all who receive and obey it. Through the Holy Spirit it convicts of sin and righteousness and judgment, purifies the heart in obedience, washes the church to stand holy without spot, and produces sincere fervent love from a pure heart. It is the only steadfast foundation in a changing world, so faith and hope must rest on what God has said rather than on feeling or human wisdom. God has preserved this written word against destruction so it can be multiplied, studied, obeyed, and proclaimed as present truth to prepare the world for Christ's soon coming.
Enduring Word Explained
The verse sets fading human life and glory against a word that never fades, for all flesh is as grass and all human glory as its flower that withers and falls away, while the word of the Lord endures forever. That enduring word is identified as the very word preached by the gospel to believers. Received and lived out, it produces faith that works through love and purifies the soul. In its context it is incorruptible seed through which people are born again, in contrast to corruptible seed, and obeying the truth through the Spirit purifies the soul and leads to sincere, fervent, unfeigned love for others from a pure heart. Faith and hope are therefore founded not in feeling but in God and in His abiding word. The Holy Spirit operates only through the channel of that truth, convicting of sin and of righteousness and of judgment, sanctifying, purifying the soul in obedience to the truth, and causing the new birth by the word of God which lives and abides forever.
The enduring word preached by the gospel embraces both Old and New Testaments. The chapter calls souls to walk in the light shining upon their pathway and shows the importance and sacredness of the prophecies. The Old Testament Scriptures are not to be cut out, for Christ speaks in the Old Testament as well as the New Testament.
The word lives and abides forever, as long as the eternal throne, standing fast through all time and through all eternity. It reveals God as God and not man, who does not change. It is immutable and eternal truth that opposition or misrepresentation cannot change into falsehood. People may misinterpret or misapply truth, or separate it from their lives, but they cannot turn truth into error or lessen its value or make it different. Its truth and authority come from God and are not made worthless by the unfaithfulness of those who teach it. It stands against falsehood, superstition, and distorted interpretations, remains the standard by which truth is distinguished from error, and exposes human calculations when measured against it, while human opinions and commentaries differ. Its whole truth, not detached portions, is to be received, and its precepts guard believers like a wall of fire.
New Birth and Holiness
The enduring word is incorruptible seed, in contrast to corruptible seed and to flesh that withers like grass with its flower, and by that seed people are born again, for this enduring word is the gospel preached. It lives and abides forever and never withers or falls away like grass and human glory, and it is to be taken personally and individually rather than mixed with human ideas or with attention diverted to human agents. In no other way can followers be cleansed except by receiving and obeying this truth. The Holy Spirit works only through this channel, convicting of sin and of righteousness and of judgment, sanctifying, and purifying the soul in obedience to the truth.
That sanctifying work washes the church with water by the word to present it holy and without spot or blemish. Received and lived out, the word cuts away inherited evil tendencies and wrong traits strengthened by habit. Those born again by it lay aside all malice and guile and hypocrisies and envies and evil speakings, and as newborn babes desire the sincere milk of the word that they may grow thereby, having tasted that the Lord is gracious. Obeying the truth through the Spirit in this way produces faith that works through love and purifies the soul.
That purified obedience leads to sincere, unfeigned, fervent love for one another from a pure heart and unfeigned love of the brethren. Received wholeheartedly and allowed to shape heart, mind, and strength and put into practice, the word is spiritual life to the soul. It is the bread of life people need, and Christ's word as spirit and life, to be worked continually like a mine for hidden treasure, and obeyed it guides into safe and sure paths to life eternal in knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He sent.
By perusal of that enduring word the mind is strengthened, refined, and elevated, and lived out through the grace of Christ it brings regeneration and the daily reformation that produces holiness, forming a character fitted for the future immortal life and complete in Him who is all in all, so that it is life eternal to the receiver and tells the human family how to reach the abodes of eternal happiness and secure the treasures of heaven. It gives life through obedience, so that yielding to Satan's schemes after knowing it is surpassingly strange. The chapter points out the source of strength for sanctified service of soul, body, and spirit, showing that by Christ's sacrifice every provision has been made for believers to receive all things that pertain to life and godliness. Believers can and must reach the standard of Christian perfection, a church without spot or wrinkle, by learning Christ's meekness and lowliness and knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ, which is life eternal, for God calls them to reach the highest standard of glory and virtue, and the perfection of Christ's character makes it possible to gain perfection.
Sure Foundation for Faith
God's word is the only steadfast thing in a changing world and the sure foundation for character and life. Those who receive the words Christ spoke, especially those spoken on the mount, and make them the foundation by practicing them build like a house founded upon rock that wind and flood and tempest beat upon in vain, for though heaven and earth pass away His words will not pass away. Amid worldly turmoil and changing events that word lives and endures forever as a sure, authoritative foundation, and human calculations are exposed when measured against it. Because it lasts forever it must be held as firm as rock and strictly obeyed without losing sight of one word, while remaining meek and lowly and tender-hearted, for His counsel gives eternal life and is never to be set aside for lie or pretense at the loss of eternal life, and straight paths must be made so the lame are not turned aside, with accountability resting on those who exchange His eternal counsel for deception originating with the father of lies.
Faith and hope are founded not in feeling but in God and in His abiding word, which endures forever while all flesh is as grass and all human glory as its flower that withers and falls away, and which is the word preached in the gospel. Faith must rest on what the Lord has said rather than on human wisdom or claims presented as divine truth, and only unwavering faith in that sure, authoritative word will endure the perils of the last days. The Bible is therefore a reliable guide and lasting standard by which truth is distinguished from error. Its truth and authority come from God and are not made worthless by the unfaithfulness of those who teach it, but stand against falsehood, superstition, and distorted interpretations. Its whole truth rather than detached portions is to be received, for it is God's living message enduring as long as the eternal throne, and its precepts guard believers like a wall of fire and enable them to resist Satan's deceptions and temptations by knowing and believing what is written.
Its enduring truth was fulfilled in the disciples' experience, for although their hopes appeared lost the Scriptures were accomplished, strengthening their faith and giving them lasting assurance and hope in Christ through sorrow and trial. Understanding Scripture equips those facing temptation and trial to recall its promises for comfort and stronger faith, and in trial its permanence supports steadfast endurance and hope in contrast with human life and glory that pass away. The chapter gives rich food from the living oracles that comforts the afflicted, aged, and feeble, strengthens and blesses hungry souls who seldom have preaching, bestows God's love in large measure on His chosen, and comforted and encouraged its hearers as the gospel preached to believers. Its instruction directs those afflicted by unconsecrated leaders and others who ought to have helped them not to become exasperated or let feelings of the natural heart control, not to cherish retaliation whatever course others pursue, and not to let go of faith, but to remember that Jesus knows it all, to commit their case wholly to Jesus who died for them, to keep hold of His hand stretched out in pitying tenderness, and to trust His unfailing love and sufficiency in the present hour of trial.
Preserved and Proclaimed Word
The word of the Lord lives and abides forever, never withering or falling away like grass and the flower of grass with all human glory, and this enduring word is the gospel preached, incorruptible seed that gives new birth in contrast to corruptible seed and flesh. God preserved the written word so that Satan and his agents could not destroy it, and near the close of time copies would be multiplied so that anyone who wanted one could know God's revealed will. That word is the weapon of It is written to meet Satan and to resist his deceptions and lying wonders, and obeyed it guides into safe and sure paths to life eternal in knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He sent. It is Christ's word as spirit and life, to be taken personally and individually and worked continually like a mine for hidden treasure, with attention never diverted from it to human agents or revealings.
The verse belongs to Scripture's prophetic message given through the Holy Spirit, in a chapter that calls souls to walk in the light shining upon their pathway. The enduring word preached by the gospel includes both Old and New Testaments, for Christ speaks in the Old Testament as well as the New, and the prophecies are important and sacred and not to be cut out. Unlike human life and glory which fade like grass and flowers, the Lord's word endures forever as a sure foundation and reliable guide, so faith must rest on what the Lord has said rather than on human wisdom or claims presented as divine truth. Its prophecies should be studied and compared with events to understand the times.
God's messengers are to shape their testimony by that lasting word rather than by human opinions, ideas, or personal stories, making it the lasting standard for preaching Christ and calling people to repentance. Those who preach are to commit their souls to the living God rather than to human agency and to serve as humble learners, with the instruction of the chapter open to all and to be studied faithfully with understanding. The word preached through the gospel is the enduring word of God, the bread of life people need, living and abiding forever, and should be the substance of preaching. The instruction in the first and second chapters exhorting believers to a godly life is to be presented to the people now as part of present truth to be proclaimed everywhere with a power not known for years and with a loud voice to prepare the world for the closing work of the third angel's message and the loud cry. It lays responsibility on every recipient to show faith by works and to work intelligently and earnestly for the accomplishment of the work of salvation.
Belief that God's word stands forever should arouse those who profess to be God's people to constant vigilance and earnest, undiminished work. That work is presenting the light on the Sabbath question, warning the world that Christ is soon coming the second time with power and great glory, and carrying the third angel's message to all parts of the world regarding the perpetuity of the law of Jehovah and the importance of obedience to the Sabbath commandment. Workers are to refuse to be less earnest than Satan while he works to deceive, discourage, and destroy the power of God's messages. The verse gives instruction on the manner in which God's workers should labor, showing that the relation between physicians and their brethren should be what the Lord designed. Medical missionary work shall be bound up with the gospel ministry and not made the body, God's chosen people while living in the world are to remain forever separate from the world and free from its contaminating influences, and physicians and other medical missionary workers are to stand on the platform of truth, be molded after the similitude of Christ, respect the pure living principles of the gospel, and labor unitedly with the church and ministers in soul-saving work in harmony with God's purpose.
God's word is truth and lives and endures forever, and it is to be practiced. Its lasting value contrasts with worldly ambition, plans, purposes, and achievements, which fade and perish like grass. Those who are wise and turn many to righteousness have a lasting reward, shining forever.
Obedience in Daily Life
The instruction of the chapter where the enduring word is proclaimed is open to all and belongs in every church to be read and practiced with watchfulness and prayer. It is to be studied faithfully with understanding and with all powers of intelligence, entered into in spirit, and expressed in words and actions. It gives a most precious representation of what Christians may become if they hear and obey. It lifts a high standard to be reached through daily obedience to all the commandments of God and by bringing the law of heaven into everyday experience. It warns those who lift up their souls unto vanity against unsanctified ideas and speech detrimental to healthful piety.
Those who preach from it are to commit their souls to the living God rather than to human agency and to serve as humble learners. Church members are to obey its words in letter and spirit. Its teaching is to be taken seriously enough to change how people speak and the spirit in which they address others. Studied carefully, and followed in willing obedience to the Spirit of truth, it brings spiritual strength.
Received prayerfully, the enduring word is living seed to be cherished and practiced in daily life, growing toward fruitfulness through successive stages. It is to be taken personally and individually and worked continually like a mine for hidden treasure, with attention never diverted from it to human agents. Its whole truth and not detached portions is to be received, and known and believed it enables resistance to deception and temptation, its precepts guarding like a wall of fire. Obeyed, it is the weapon of It is written against Satan and guides into safe and sure paths to eternal life in knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He sent.
That teaching is to be held as firm as a rock and strictly obeyed without losing sight of one word, while remaining meek and lowly and tender-hearted. Straight paths are now to be made for the feet so the lame are not turned out of safe paths. His counsel gives eternal life and is never to be set aside for lie or pretense or deception, and to trust any such instead is at the loss of eternal life. Those who mislead are accountable for exchanging His eternal counsel for works of deception originating with the father of lies.
The truth that endures is exalted in God's law, and Christ showed its character by living that law. The Word of God is life and lasts forever, standing fast through all eternity and revealing God as unchanging God and not man. It presses all to choose God's way instead of Satan's way, because obedience is the only path to Paradise restored. Every calamity, suffering, and death evidences both the power of evil and the truth of that living God.
The word of the living God endures forever and gives life through obedience. Following the Spirit of truth in willing obedience brings spiritual strength. Having known that enduring Word, it is surpassingly strange that man in weakness still yields to Satan's schemes and ingenuity. It is strange that those taught of God should disbelieve known declarations, demonstrate the popularity of sin, and conform in character, words, and spirit to sin rather than to life and immortality brought to light through sanctification of the truth. Unless they change in character, words, and spirit they will be lost, for only those taught of God recognize Christ as His Son and stand on the side of life and immortality.
Unlike human life and glory that fade like grass that withers and its flower that falls, the Lord's word lasts forever, and that lasting word is the gospel message preached for salvation. It is imperishable seed that gives new birth, unlike human ideas mixed with teaching, and it cleanses and sanctifies all who receive and obey it. Through the Holy Spirit it convicts of sin and righteousness and judgment, purifies the heart in obedience, washes the church to stand holy without spot, and produces sincere fervent love from a pure heart. It is the only steadfast foundation in a changing world, so faith and hope must rest on what God has said rather than on feeling or human wisdom. God has preserved this written word against destruction so it can be multiplied, studied, obeyed, and proclaimed as present truth to prepare the world for Christ's soon coming.
Enduring Word Explained
The verse sets fading human life and glory against a word that never fades, for all flesh is as grass and all human glory as its flower that withers and falls away, while the word of the Lord endures forever. That enduring word is identified as the very word preached by the gospel to believers. Received and lived out, it produces faith that works through love and purifies the soul. In its context it is incorruptible seed through which people are born again, in contrast to corruptible seed, and obeying the truth through the Spirit purifies the soul and leads to sincere, fervent, unfeigned love for others from a pure heart. Faith and hope are therefore founded not in feeling but in God and in His abiding word. The Holy Spirit operates only through the channel of that truth, convicting of sin and of righteousness and of judgment, sanctifying, purifying the soul in obedience to the truth, and causing the new birth by the word of God which lives and abides forever.
The enduring word preached by the gospel embraces both Old and New Testaments. The chapter calls souls to walk in the light shining upon their pathway and shows the importance and sacredness of the prophecies. The Old Testament Scriptures are not to be cut out, for Christ speaks in the Old Testament as well as the New Testament.
The word lives and abides forever, as long as the eternal throne, standing fast through all time and through all eternity. It reveals God as God and not man, who does not change. It is immutable and eternal truth that opposition or misrepresentation cannot change into falsehood. People may misinterpret or misapply truth, or separate it from their lives, but they cannot turn truth into error or lessen its value or make it different. Its truth and authority come from God and are not made worthless by the unfaithfulness of those who teach it. It stands against falsehood, superstition, and distorted interpretations, remains the standard by which truth is distinguished from error, and exposes human calculations when measured against it, while human opinions and commentaries differ. Its whole truth, not detached portions, is to be received, and its precepts guard believers like a wall of fire.
New Birth and Holiness
The enduring word is incorruptible seed, in contrast to corruptible seed and to flesh that withers like grass with its flower, and by that seed people are born again, for this enduring word is the gospel preached. It lives and abides forever and never withers or falls away like grass and human glory, and it is to be taken personally and individually rather than mixed with human ideas or with attention diverted to human agents. In no other way can followers be cleansed except by receiving and obeying this truth. The Holy Spirit works only through this channel, convicting of sin and of righteousness and of judgment, sanctifying, and purifying the soul in obedience to the truth.
That sanctifying work washes the church with water by the word to present it holy and without spot or blemish. Received and lived out, the word cuts away inherited evil tendencies and wrong traits strengthened by habit. Those born again by it lay aside all malice and guile and hypocrisies and envies and evil speakings, and as newborn babes desire the sincere milk of the word that they may grow thereby, having tasted that the Lord is gracious. Obeying the truth through the Spirit in this way produces faith that works through love and purifies the soul.
That purified obedience leads to sincere, unfeigned, fervent love for one another from a pure heart and unfeigned love of the brethren. Received wholeheartedly and allowed to shape heart, mind, and strength and put into practice, the word is spiritual life to the soul. It is the bread of life people need, and Christ's word as spirit and life, to be worked continually like a mine for hidden treasure, and obeyed it guides into safe and sure paths to life eternal in knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He sent.
By perusal of that enduring word the mind is strengthened, refined, and elevated, and lived out through the grace of Christ it brings regeneration and the daily reformation that produces holiness, forming a character fitted for the future immortal life and complete in Him who is all in all, so that it is life eternal to the receiver and tells the human family how to reach the abodes of eternal happiness and secure the treasures of heaven. It gives life through obedience, so that yielding to Satan's schemes after knowing it is surpassingly strange. The chapter points out the source of strength for sanctified service of soul, body, and spirit, showing that by Christ's sacrifice every provision has been made for believers to receive all things that pertain to life and godliness. Believers can and must reach the standard of Christian perfection, a church without spot or wrinkle, by learning Christ's meekness and lowliness and knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ, which is life eternal, for God calls them to reach the highest standard of glory and virtue, and the perfection of Christ's character makes it possible to gain perfection.
Sure Foundation for Faith
God's word is the only steadfast thing in a changing world and the sure foundation for character and life. Those who receive the words Christ spoke, especially those spoken on the mount, and make them the foundation by practicing them build like a house founded upon rock that wind and flood and tempest beat upon in vain, for though heaven and earth pass away His words will not pass away. Amid worldly turmoil and changing events that word lives and endures forever as a sure, authoritative foundation, and human calculations are exposed when measured against it. Because it lasts forever it must be held as firm as rock and strictly obeyed without losing sight of one word, while remaining meek and lowly and tender-hearted, for His counsel gives eternal life and is never to be set aside for lie or pretense at the loss of eternal life, and straight paths must be made so the lame are not turned aside, with accountability resting on those who exchange His eternal counsel for deception originating with the father of lies.
Faith and hope are founded not in feeling but in God and in His abiding word, which endures forever while all flesh is as grass and all human glory as its flower that withers and falls away, and which is the word preached in the gospel. Faith must rest on what the Lord has said rather than on human wisdom or claims presented as divine truth, and only unwavering faith in that sure, authoritative word will endure the perils of the last days. The Bible is therefore a reliable guide and lasting standard by which truth is distinguished from error. Its truth and authority come from God and are not made worthless by the unfaithfulness of those who teach it, but stand against falsehood, superstition, and distorted interpretations. Its whole truth rather than detached portions is to be received, for it is God's living message enduring as long as the eternal throne, and its precepts guard believers like a wall of fire and enable them to resist Satan's deceptions and temptations by knowing and believing what is written.
Its enduring truth was fulfilled in the disciples' experience, for although their hopes appeared lost the Scriptures were accomplished, strengthening their faith and giving them lasting assurance and hope in Christ through sorrow and trial. Understanding Scripture equips those facing temptation and trial to recall its promises for comfort and stronger faith, and in trial its permanence supports steadfast endurance and hope in contrast with human life and glory that pass away. The chapter gives rich food from the living oracles that comforts the afflicted, aged, and feeble, strengthens and blesses hungry souls who seldom have preaching, bestows God's love in large measure on His chosen, and comforted and encouraged its hearers as the gospel preached to believers. Its instruction directs those afflicted by unconsecrated leaders and others who ought to have helped them not to become exasperated or let feelings of the natural heart control, not to cherish retaliation whatever course others pursue, and not to let go of faith, but to remember that Jesus knows it all, to commit their case wholly to Jesus who died for them, to keep hold of His hand stretched out in pitying tenderness, and to trust His unfailing love and sufficiency in the present hour of trial.
Preserved and Proclaimed Word
The word of the Lord lives and abides forever, never withering or falling away like grass and the flower of grass with all human glory, and this enduring word is the gospel preached, incorruptible seed that gives new birth in contrast to corruptible seed and flesh. God preserved the written word so that Satan and his agents could not destroy it, and near the close of time copies would be multiplied so that anyone who wanted one could know God's revealed will. That word is the weapon of It is written to meet Satan and to resist his deceptions and lying wonders, and obeyed it guides into safe and sure paths to life eternal in knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He sent. It is Christ's word as spirit and life, to be taken personally and individually and worked continually like a mine for hidden treasure, with attention never diverted from it to human agents or revealings.
The verse belongs to Scripture's prophetic message given through the Holy Spirit, in a chapter that calls souls to walk in the light shining upon their pathway. The enduring word preached by the gospel includes both Old and New Testaments, for Christ speaks in the Old Testament as well as the New, and the prophecies are important and sacred and not to be cut out. Unlike human life and glory which fade like grass and flowers, the Lord's word endures forever as a sure foundation and reliable guide, so faith must rest on what the Lord has said rather than on human wisdom or claims presented as divine truth. Its prophecies should be studied and compared with events to understand the times.
God's messengers are to shape their testimony by that lasting word rather than by human opinions, ideas, or personal stories, making it the lasting standard for preaching Christ and calling people to repentance. Those who preach are to commit their souls to the living God rather than to human agency and to serve as humble learners, with the instruction of the chapter open to all and to be studied faithfully with understanding. The word preached through the gospel is the enduring word of God, the bread of life people need, living and abiding forever, and should be the substance of preaching. The instruction in the first and second chapters exhorting believers to a godly life is to be presented to the people now as part of present truth to be proclaimed everywhere with a power not known for years and with a loud voice to prepare the world for the closing work of the third angel's message and the loud cry. It lays responsibility on every recipient to show faith by works and to work intelligently and earnestly for the accomplishment of the work of salvation.
Belief that God's word stands forever should arouse those who profess to be God's people to constant vigilance and earnest, undiminished work. That work is presenting the light on the Sabbath question, warning the world that Christ is soon coming the second time with power and great glory, and carrying the third angel's message to all parts of the world regarding the perpetuity of the law of Jehovah and the importance of obedience to the Sabbath commandment. Workers are to refuse to be less earnest than Satan while he works to deceive, discourage, and destroy the power of God's messages. The verse gives instruction on the manner in which God's workers should labor, showing that the relation between physicians and their brethren should be what the Lord designed. Medical missionary work shall be bound up with the gospel ministry and not made the body, God's chosen people while living in the world are to remain forever separate from the world and free from its contaminating influences, and physicians and other medical missionary workers are to stand on the platform of truth, be molded after the similitude of Christ, respect the pure living principles of the gospel, and labor unitedly with the church and ministers in soul-saving work in harmony with God's purpose.
God's word is truth and lives and endures forever, and it is to be practiced. Its lasting value contrasts with worldly ambition, plans, purposes, and achievements, which fade and perish like grass. Those who are wise and turn many to righteousness have a lasting reward, shining forever.
Obedience in Daily Life
The instruction of the chapter where the enduring word is proclaimed is open to all and belongs in every church to be read and practiced with watchfulness and prayer. It is to be studied faithfully with understanding and with all powers of intelligence, entered into in spirit, and expressed in words and actions. It gives a most precious representation of what Christians may become if they hear and obey. It lifts a high standard to be reached through daily obedience to all the commandments of God and by bringing the law of heaven into everyday experience. It warns those who lift up their souls unto vanity against unsanctified ideas and speech detrimental to healthful piety.
Those who preach from it are to commit their souls to the living God rather than to human agency and to serve as humble learners. Church members are to obey its words in letter and spirit. Its teaching is to be taken seriously enough to change how people speak and the spirit in which they address others. Studied carefully, and followed in willing obedience to the Spirit of truth, it brings spiritual strength.
Received prayerfully, the enduring word is living seed to be cherished and practiced in daily life, growing toward fruitfulness through successive stages. It is to be taken personally and individually and worked continually like a mine for hidden treasure, with attention never diverted from it to human agents. Its whole truth and not detached portions is to be received, and known and believed it enables resistance to deception and temptation, its precepts guarding like a wall of fire. Obeyed, it is the weapon of It is written against Satan and guides into safe and sure paths to eternal life in knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He sent.
That teaching is to be held as firm as a rock and strictly obeyed without losing sight of one word, while remaining meek and lowly and tender-hearted. Straight paths are now to be made for the feet so the lame are not turned out of safe paths. His counsel gives eternal life and is never to be set aside for lie or pretense or deception, and to trust any such instead is at the loss of eternal life. Those who mislead are accountable for exchanging His eternal counsel for works of deception originating with the father of lies.
The truth that endures is exalted in God's law, and Christ showed its character by living that law. The Word of God is life and lasts forever, standing fast through all eternity and revealing God as unchanging God and not man. It presses all to choose God's way instead of Satan's way, because obedience is the only path to Paradise restored. Every calamity, suffering, and death evidences both the power of evil and the truth of that living God.
The word of the living God endures forever and gives life through obedience. Following the Spirit of truth in willing obedience brings spiritual strength. Having known that enduring Word, it is surpassingly strange that man in weakness still yields to Satan's schemes and ingenuity. It is strange that those taught of God should disbelieve known declarations, demonstrate the popularity of sin, and conform in character, words, and spirit to sin rather than to life and immortality brought to light through sanctification of the truth. Unless they change in character, words, and spirit they will be lost, for only those taught of God recognize Christ as His Son and stand on the side of life and immortality.