| Christian Life and Doctrine | March 1967 |
The Voice of God
“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.” —Hebrews 1:1
MILLIONS throughout the earth believe in the existence of a Supreme, Intelligent Creator. With the majority it is a vague belief, based largely on the evidences of his existence which are to be found in his marvelous works of creation. Not many today, nor in the past, have felt that the great Creator in whom they believe has ever spoken to them; and indeed he has not, except through the works of nature. David wrote that “the heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth his handiwork.”—Ps. 19:1
However, the works of nature do not reveal a knowledge of the Creator’s purposes toward his human creation, and it is this information which is conveyed to his servants here on earth by means of those whom he has used for this purpose. Our text explains that in the ages preceding our Lord’s first advent God spoke to “the fathers” through the prophets, and that now, since Jesus came, he has spoken through his Son. The voice of God speaking through Jesus reveals that his message was to be carried forward by his apostles, which means that the voice of God spoke also through them in an authoritative manner.
Thus, in the Lord’s providence, his message of truth concerning his plans and purposes has been manifested to us in the books of the Old and New Testament, which we call the Scriptures, or the Bible. We also often refer to this compilation of sacred books as the Word of God. It is the Word of God spoken by his “voice” through the prophets, our Lord Jesus, and the apostles. Those who hear and understand the message of this Word can be said to have heard the voice of God.
Through Moses
That great servant and prophet of the Lord, Moses, in recording for us the first book of the Bible, indicates the first time that God’s voice was heard by his human creatures, and the nature of the message it conveyed to them. After creating our first parents in his own image, God said to them, “Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish [fill] the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living creature that moveth upon the earth.”—Gen. 1:28
Here we have the voice of God explaining that his purpose in the creation of man was that he might fill the earth with his offspring, and have dominion over the earth. This is a simple lesson which those who have heard the voice of God readily understand and appreciate. Some believe that man’s stay on earth is only temporary, and that he will be taken away from the earth into heaven, hell, or purgatory; but this view is not supported in the Word of God.
God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and in this garden were the trees of life, and also the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God’s voice was heard by Adam with respect to this tree. He was warned against partaking of it and informed by God’s voice that if he did partake he would surely die. (Gen 2:17) Here again the voice of God is heard to speak definitely and understandably. It revealed that the penalty for disobeying God would be death. Thousands of years later the voice of God spoke through the Apostle Paul, saying, “The wages of sin is death.”—Rom. 6:23
But another voice was heard in Eden, the voice of “that old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan,” and this voice said to mother Eve, “Ye shall not surely die.” (Rev. 20:2; Gen. 3:4) Throughout the centuries since, the vast majority of mankind of all religious faiths have preferred to believe that death is not a reality. Even today the expression is often heard, “There is no death.”
When our first parents did transgress the divine law, the voice of God was heard again, saying to Adam, “Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” (Gen. 3:19) This confirms the warning that death would be the penalty for sin. The thought has been suggested that the expression, “Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return,” does not refer to the soul, but merely to the body. However, there can be no soul without a body, and when the human body returns to the dust, it means that the being, the soul, has died.—Gen. 2:7; Ezek. 18:4
Not in Vain
But the transgression of our first parents did not thwart the Creator’s purpose concerning his human creatures. Thousands of years later the Prophet Isaiah wrote, “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.” (Isa. 45:18) Man’s rebellion against divine law did not, according to this statement, defeat God’s purpose, for, as we read in verses 22 and 23 of this chapter, man is to be saved through reconciliation to God. We quote: “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.”
In Philippians 2:8-11, in a reference to Jesus and his part in the divine plan, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” It is clear that in using this language Paul had in mind God’s language in Isaiah 45:23, quoted above, and is showing that the reconciliation of the world and the salvation of the people come through Christ and his redemptive work.
The voice of God thus reveals that death came into the world through Adam, and that a restoration from death is to come through Christ. Paul stated it clearly when he wrote, “As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (I Cor. 15:21,22) Many, of course, quote these texts concerning Jesus and his work of redemption, but the understanding of them is the important consideration. Can we say that, amidst all the confusion of religion and all the contradictory interpretations of the Word of God, we have truly heard the voice of God?
Abraham Heard God’s Voice
An answer to this question can be found in the’ fact of God’s unchangeableness. God spoke to Abraham and told him that it was his purpose to bless all the families of the earth. (Gen.12:3; 18:18; 22:15-18) Have we heard and appreciated this message? Has God revealed to us that he intends to bless all the families of the earth through the seed of Abraham? If so, then we have heard the voice of God speaking to us, even as Abraham did.
More than two thousand years later, Jesus was born. Paul identifies Jesus as the “Seed” of Abraham, and his birth was hailed as being good tidings of great joy which shall be unto all people. (Gal. 3:16; Luke 2:10) From the time God made the promise to Abraham until Jesus was born, the divine plan had not narrowed. The word “all” was the dominant word in the message to Abraham and to the shepherds. All the families of the earth were to be blessed, and the good tidings were to be unto all people.
Two Advents
In the promises and prophecies of God relative to the coming of Jesus, the Messiah, to bless all mankind, two advents are outlined. He came the first time to redeem the world by his own death on Calvary’s cross; it is during his second visit that he bestows the long-promised blessings upon the people. Peter refers to this in Acts 3:19-21, where he describes the work of Christ during his second presence as the “restitution” of all things. To this he adds that this glorious consummation of the divine plan had been spoken by the mouth of all God’s holy prophets since the world began.
The restoration of all that was lost through the transgression of our first parents was, then, a dominant part of the message proclaimed by God’s holy prophets—those prophets through whom God spoke to the fathers in Israel. Do we know about this great truth of restitution, or has the voice of God proclaiming it fallen on deaf ears as far as we are concerned? Jesus certainly knew about it. In one of his parables he explained that he had come “to seek and to save that which was lost.”—Matt. 18:11-14
In his Parable of the Sheep and the Goats, Jesus said of the sheep class—those who would qualify for life during the times of restitution—that they would receive the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world. (Matt. 25:34) The apostles also knew about the glorious prospect of restitution for the world of mankind. Paul explained that it would be during the reign of Christ that death would be destroyed. (I Cor. 15:25,26) The Apostle John saw a vision of the blessed time coming for mankind, and he said that there would be no more death, and that tears would be wiped away.—Rev. 21:4
Through the Son
Our text declares that God has spoken to us through his Son. Jesus explained that the words which he spoke were not his, but the Father’s. (John 8:28; 12:49; 17:8) What particular message did Jesus have for us? What was taught by the voice of God speaking through him? We have in mind Jesus’ reply to the young rich man who asked what he must do to inherit eternal life. After learning from this young man that he was doing the best he could to keep the Jewish Law, Jesus said to him, “Go and sell that thou hest, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.” Mark’s account reads, “take up the cross, and follow me.”—Matt. 19:21; Mark 10:21
This was the voice of God, speaking through Jesus, explaining that those at this time who desire eternal life must sacrifice all their earthly possessions, and take up their cross and follow Jesus. This means following him into death. Paul explained this point further when he wrote, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Rom. 12:1) Other texts of Scripture reveal that our imperfect bodies are acceptable to God in that the offering is made on the basis of faith, trusting in the merit of Christ’s righteousness as a covering for our imperfections.
Treasures in Heaven
Jesus explained that those who took this step of full devotion to the Lord and were faithful in following in his footsteps would have treasure in heaven. Here was a new thought to Jesus’ apostles. God’s voice through the holy prophets spoke mainly of marvelous earthly blessings or treasures. It was not until Jesus came that a heavenly hope was made known to God’s people.
The apostles, who had been listening to the conversation between Jesus and the rich young man, seemed somewhat concerned. Through Peter they reminded Jesus that they had left all and followed him, even as he had invited this young man to do, and now Peter asked, “What shall we have therefore?” (Matt. 19:27) It is apparent that the idea of treasure in heaven was new to them. They wanted a further explanation, and this Jesus graciously furnished.
In the next verse we find Jesus replying, “Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Here Jesus is explaining that their heavenly treasures would consist of being highly exalted to reign and judge with him. Many are the statements of God’s Word bearing on this point. The Word testifies that those who suffer and die with Jesus will live and reign with him. These are also to be co-judges with Jesus during the world’s future judgment day, which will be “the times of restitution of all things.” Jesus had not forgotten this feature of the divine plan.—I Cor. 6:2
And for the faithful followers of Jesus there will be a personal association with him in the kingdom. As he was exalted to the divine nature when raised from the dead, so will be his faithful followers. While he was with his disciples Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you. And … I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:3) What a truly blessed association this will be, and we are assured of its reality by the voice of God speaking through his beloved Son.
Drawn by God
The question arises as to who has the privilege of aspiring to such a high position in the plan of God. Is this great prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus available to all? In many instances the Scriptures refer to those who have been favored by hearing the voice of God as being “called.” Peter speaks of “the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus.” (I Pet. 5:10) Peter admonishes us to make our “calling and election sure.”—II Pet. 1:10
It is evident from the many uses of the words “called” and “calling” that not all are invited to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Indeed, in God’s providence, the apostles and the Early Church were directed by the Lord to carry the message of the Gospel toward the west and north, rather than toward the east, so that little has been known of the Gospel in the Asian countries. But Jesus reveals that the matter of God’s calling has been even more selective than this. He said, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him.”—John 6:44
This is a very revealing statement. It means that if we have been drawn to Christ and to a desire to follow in his footsteps, God has had a direct hand in it. We believe that the truth of the Gospel of Christ is the drawing agency, for the Gospel of Christ “is the power of God unto salvation.” (Rom. 1:16) When this truth of the Gospel is proclaimed, some of the “seed,” as Jesus explained in the Parable of the Sower, falls by the wayside, some on stony ground, some among the thorns, while some falls on good ground, where it grows and brings forth fruit.—Matt. 13:3-8
Without doubt the Lord overrules in the experiences of those represented by the good ground to prepare their hearts and minds to receive the message. Only the Lord knows what is needed to prepare one to receive his truth when it is presented. And, as Jesus explained, without divine supervision in this matter, no one can come to Jesus in an understanding manner and receive of the grace of God which has been provided through him.
And this coming to Jesus must be with a genuine desire to know and do God’s will. Jesus said, “My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me [it is the voice of God]. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God or whether I speak of myself.” (John 7:16,17) God’s teachings as expressed through Jesus are very explicit concerning the position Jesus occupies in the divine plan. The Logos became a man in order that he might give his flesh, his humanity, for the life of the world. Those drawn by God will know this, and they will rejoice in the wonderful provision of the ransom which has been made for them and for the world through God’s gift of his beloved Son.
The Apostle John, who recorded these statements by Jesus, later wrote, “Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God.” (I John 4:2) Shortly after the death of the apostles there came a great falling away from the true faith of the Gospel. Gradually the trinitarian theory was developed. According to this theory, Jesus was in reality God. This theory completely nullifies the doctrine of the ransom as taught in the Word of God. But those whom the Heavenly Father has drawn to Christ know that Jesus came in the flesh, and that he gave his flesh for the life of the world. They know that through his death Jesus became a propitiation for their sins, and not for their sins only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (I John 2:2) Yes, these according to Jesus’ own promise, “know the doctrine” pertaining to him.
Heard Throughout the Age
In every generation throughout the Christian era there were the few who, as well as they could under the circumstances with which they were surrounded, held to the truths spoken by the voice of God through his holy Word of truth. One difficulty of that unhappy time known as the Dark Ages was, however, that very few possessed the Bible. It was hidden from the people in a dead language. But, as Jesus taught in the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares, there was some wheat which grew together with the tares, although unrecognized and well-nigh choked out by error, confusion, and persecution.—Matt. 13:24-30,37,43
Now that we have reached the end of the age with its great increase of knowledge, the Lord’s people are specially blessed by having the Bible in many translations, as well as concordances and other helps, especially “Studies in the Scriptures,” so that the voice of the Lord through his Word is sounding forth clearly and with great certainty. Not only has that voice revealed the divine plan of salvation for both the church and the world, but it has also made clear the will of God for those who now, under his drawing power, are brought to a knowledge of him and a desire to devote their lives to his service.
Through Jesus these hear the divine commission to proclaim the Gospel far and wide. They know also that they are to suffer and to die with their Master. They have heard the admonition to add to their faith the various attributes of a godlike character, and thus to make their calling and election sure, that they might receive an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of the Lord, to be kings and priests with Jesus.
These hear God’s voice through Jesus saying, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” (Rev. 2:10) They also hear, “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” (Rev. 3:21) And again, “He that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.”—Rev. 2:26,27
And how we rejoice to know, even as God’s voice has proclaimed, that all the families of the earth are to be blessed during that kingdom in which, if faithful, we will live and reign with Christ! How wonderful that the plan of God is to be carried out so completely! Even death does not stand in the way, for we are assured of a resurrection from the dead for both the church and the world.
May the knowledge of these precious truths inspire us to faithfulness, and as we continue to hear God’s voice, may we always be on the alert to follow its leadings, regardless of what the cost may be. And it will be costly, for eventually that voice will lead us into death, following in the footsteps of Jesus. But we are glad for this, for only thus may we hope to be with him as kings and priests in the long-promised messianic kingdom.