God is gracious in helping men that are called for the enlargement of His kingdom. The moment they accept His call He leads them in the path that makes them messengers of the Kingdom. He not only works in them for steadfastness in faith, but also to apply that faith in a manner that brings Him glory. As they fulfill the work of His messenger, He inescapably receives glory; for it becomes evident. He leads them to make efforts that they influence the unsaved for salvation. One thing is certain: God made salvation equally available to all through Christ. With this in mind it is only conclusive to say that He works equally for all His messengers to save those who hear them. His equality is seen from the following. “(For He who effectually worked for Peter in his apostleship to the circumcised effectually worked for me also to the Gentiles)” (Gal. 2:8).
God is the master at making profits. He is the master builder of His kingdom. He offered His Son for the sanctification of the far and the near and determined in Himself to work efficiently in His messengers. When we consider Peter and Paul, their life styles, backgrounds, disciplines, stature and reputation as people, they stand on the opposite ends of the spectrum. Their calling too was very different. One was called by the Christ in the flesh and the other by the Christ in the Spirit. Yet, both were equally transformed into the amazing messengers of God. Such is the power in His calling. He makes His messengers suit His plans. If proclaiming His kingdom is in the power of man, the ministries of Peter and Paul would be highly varied. But, whatever Peter was given to perform for the Jews to add them to Christ, Paul too was given to do among the gentiles. The result: God did not suffer loss. Gospel proved to be the power for salvation to those who believed and condemnation to those who did not.
To work for the Kingdom does not come from within a man. It is born of God. He is the one who puts zeal in His messengers. He crowns them with His power. It is He who gives them work. He called them for a purpose and He makes it known to them. So, if He called you to His service, it is He who takes the responsibility to effectually work for you. You do not have to wander. Or, He does not let you go frivolously to enlarge His kingdom. But, with His power will supply all you need. It means you possess the imperishable and the unconquerable riches of God. They produce from you a work that is fully effective and is worthy of reward. So, “The Holy Spirit is signifying this, that the way into the holy place has not yet been disclosed while the outer tabernacle is still standing” (Heb. 9:8).
The consequence of being a messenger of God is having the way to the holy place. For this reason, both Peter and Paul obtained similarly from Him. They forsook their outer tabernacle at the calling of Christ. Though they were from the opposite ends of the spectrum, the one thing they had in common that really mattered was not allowing their flesh to dictate their calling. This allowed God to make them equals. No one can serve Him until that which is of their flesh still stands. Their thoughts and works must disappear to find the way into His presence. (Being saved by grace alone makes this possible). It is in His presence that His messengers find wisdom, teaching, strength and solace. It is from His presence that power enters them and His kingdom is enlarged. Yet, many are the churches being led without the way to the holy place. They made it easy for themselves to serve God with what they presume as true and right. The result is that many are in the churches, but not by the effectual work of God. Their outer tabernacle is still standing while Christ says, “(Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and men will not see his shame)” (Rev. 16:15).
Of course, He is speaking in figurative speech. And, there is an intense message in it. It is to both the messengers and the churches, and is self explanatory. But, unless someone takes it to heart it cannot be made to see. He or she must then come to God setting aside their outer tabernacle; He will work for them efficiently. Through His work many will see the wisdom of staying awake and keeping their clothes, i.e. to be alert at all times. As you have come to the knowledge of God’s effectual work for His messengers, you could be that person who takes serious note of His word. It is only superfluous to be reminded of the varieties of ministries of God. And He has the power to keep us in whatever ministry He appoints for us. By appointing us as His ministers He essentially wants us to lead men away from condemnation. He wants them to honor His grace. This is indicative of His wish – “She said, ‘No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said, ‘I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more’” (John 8:11).
All have sinned, no doubt. Yet, no one has the authority to condemn another, except the Lord. To this end He came in the flesh. If He has chosen to save those who appear before Him, they are excepted from death. What does it mean? That they are saved and that they should not commit sin leading to death. In order that this message reaches people that are without His way, God calls men. He wants them to proclaim the news that gives life to people. It is the news that removes all insecurities and fears. When Christ does not condemn men, He provides them clothing. It is His righteousness and men will not see their shame. Their life for God will be full of honorable works; their speech with grace resulting in vocalizing His kindnesses. They stand firm in the teaching of Christ that says, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men” (Matt. 5:13).
Sin brought men without salt into the churches. They are representing the body of Christ through the outer tabernacle. The result: many are joining their hypocrisy in calling themselves the children of God. They are least bothered to consider that through them the name of God is being maligned. On the contrary, they should be the salt of the earth. And the only way for it is through you, the messenger of God. In you God delights to work effectually to the enlargement of His kingdom. You have been clothed by Christ through faith and men incessantly see your covering. The way into the holy place will be disclosed to you. He will give you honorable works. Through you many enter God’s righteousness, since the blood of Jesus overcomes the sin that leads them to death. You will know it by the manner God works for you. And so Paul boldly said, “So, King Agrippa, I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision” (Acts 26:19).
To such boldness God will bring you. When He leads you for the increase of His kingdom, you never prove yourself disobedient to His call. God made it prudent for Paul to make such a remark of him, because He worked for him just as He did for Peter. God sent His Son that through impartially working for His messengers He impartially provides salvation to all. Do not doubt your calling of God to minister Him. For when you doubt, you will give every opportunity to Satan to shun the glory that is due God and the reward due you. Whatever ministry it is, believe in it and He will give it to you as righteousness. It will amount to the words of Christ. “And saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel’” (Mark 1:15).