Articles by Clifford Mclain

Internal Laws of Biblical Interpretation
By Clifford McLain
December 25th, 2009

Miles Coverdale, who gave us our first complete English translation of the Bible, had in the fly-leaf of his Bible the following words concerning the laws of interpretation: "It shall greatly helpe ye to understande Scripture, if thou mark not only what is spoken, or wrytten, but of whom, and to whom, with what words, at what time, where, to what intent, with what circumstance, considering what goeth before, and what followeth". ...Miles Coverdale

Many books have been written attempting to explain how to get at the real meaning of scripture. Theologians call the study of...

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Water Baptism and Salvation
By Clifford McLain
December 4th, 2009

The many divisions and varied opinions about this sub­ject make it appear almost like a hopeless task, particular­ly so for the one who honestly tries to clear the air of all its entanglements. Nevertheless, we must do what we can.

To begin with, the honest workman should realize that God could not be the author of such widespread division and confusion. It naturally follows that the negative course must be the only other alternative; namely, our ancestral enemy, that old devil--Satan. Consequently, we need to discern just how he has accomplished his many-sided views -- “For we are...

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"THE MYSTERY" As An Adjunct to the Dispensation of Grace
By Clifford McLain
December 20th, 1987

"THE MYSTERY As An Adjunct to the Dispensation of Grace

To me, "Grace is the energizing force of God's love toward all who will receive it." Others have said it is "God's love in action." Webster's Dictionary defines grace, in its theological setting, as "the unmerited love and favor of God toward man," etc. Just pick the one you like best!

The fact is that every dispensation of God is an adjunct to Grace; for without Grace, whether it be The Revealed Plan or The Hidden Purpose, (see our papers, "My Gospel" and "The Mystery - As is Now Revealed") they would not - - nor...

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"THE MYSTERY" Its Reality, The Practical Side
By Clifford McLain
November 30th, 1987

"THE MYSTERY" Its Reality, The Practical Side (Ephesians Chapters 4 through 6)

Since The Mvstery is a body of many truths addressed to God's people (Col. 1:26), the practical side would of necessity have to do with the walk. "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him." (Col. 2:6) The instructions in this context are no less forthright: "Work out your own salvation (deliverance) for it is God who is energizing you to His purposes." (Phil. 2:12, 13 and 16).  The walk that is worthy begins in meekness and endeavors to keep (not create) the unity of the...

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"THE MYSTERY" - Its Prophetic Content (I Tim. 4:1-5; II Tim. 3:1-9)
By Clifford McLain
November 24th, 1987

"THE MYSTERY" - Its Prophetic Content (I Tim. 4:1-5; II Tim. 3:1-9)  PART I.  "Now the Spirit in spoken words says that in the latter times (specific) some will depart (apostasize) the faith, attending to seducing (planetary) spirits and teachings of demons, in men of hypocrisy speaking lies having been branded on their own conscience; forbidding to marry, to abstain from foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by them who believe and know the truth. Because every creature is good and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the...

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“God’s Plan of Salvation”
By Clifford McLain
November 20th, 1987

“God’s Plan of Salvation” (II Cor. 5:19-21)

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing theirtrespasses unto them; ...we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

For He hath made HIM (Christ) sin for us, who (Christ) knew no sin; (in order) that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (II Cor. 5:19-21)

"The Faith" - God's gift - a revelation given for the recipient to believe (vs. 19, 21).

"Personal Faith" -The recipient's response - the Affirmative: SINS forgiven. The Negative: otherwise (vs. 20)....

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The Out-From Resurrection (Philippians 3:11)
By Clifford McLain
November 15th, 1987

THE OUT-FROM RESURRECTION Philippians 3:11

 1. CONCERNING OUR LORD - - HIS OUT-FROM RESURRECTION. "Declared the Son of God in power (inherent) according to the Spirit of Holiness out-from a resurrection of the dead." (Rom. 1:4) "...Neither wilt thou suffer shine Holy One to see corruption" (Psa. 16:10)

2. CONCERNING " INTERVENTION" - - THE KEY TO OUT-FROM RESURRECTION. "...the testimony of our Lord...God... hath saved us and called us with a Holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before times...

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"THE MYSTERY" A Corporate Body, i.e., The Body of Christ
By Clifford McLain
November 13th, 1987

"THE MYSTERY" A Corporate Body, i.e., The Body of Christ

This is a body of believers wherein Christ is the head -- the one who is all and in all. [Note in Eph. 4:6b that the Father also is in all, and in Eph. 1:13, so is the Holy Spirit!]

It is a body wherein no nation has any advantage - no religious system has any advantage and no individual, whether bond or free, has any advantage. (Col. 3:11).

This body was created, historically, post-Acts, but elected "Before the foundation (overthrow) of the world." (Eph. 1:4): a paradox - outwardly - chosen from The Revealed...

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"THE MYSTERY" -- To His Saints, Obedience is Better than Sacrifice (I Sam. 15:22)
By Clifford McLain
November 12th, 1987

"THE MYSTERY" -- To His Saints Obedience is Better than Sacrifice (I Sam. 15:22)

"Wherefore my beloved, as ye have always obeyed...work out your own salvation (deliverance) with fear and trembling: For God is the one energizing in you both to will and to energize His goodwill" (Phil. 2:12, 13).

To the "right-divider" of the Mystery, there is a need "for the perfecting (complete adjustment) of the saints..." (Eph. 4:12) concerning the progressive energizing of the Holy Spirit. The words, "complete adjustment," translated "perfecting" is a translation of the Greek word, "...

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"THE MYSTERY" Private Mail for the Saint
By Clifford McLain
November 2nd, 1987

"THE MYSTERY" Private Mail for the Saint (The Initiate) - Eph. 1:4; 3:8,9; Col. 1:25,26

There are other Greek words which also mean "a secret". However, (as will be seen), "the Mystery" meaning "a secret," is not a translation but rather a transliteration of the Greek word, "musterion" which is truly unique, that is, concerning the definition. Thus at the outset, here are a few facts which should be helpful as an overview for a complete understanding about the private mail in this context.

First and foremost, "the Mystery" (a body of many truths) is addressed to His saints...

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