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The Christ, Ratu Adil & Satria Piningit--revealed?! Part 2

The Mystical Christ and the Anti-Christ

Christ may be interpreted mythically, historically, or mystically. In metaphysics we come to realize that there is a distinction between Jesus the man, and Christ the Saviour. From a mystical viewpoint Christ represents a certain occult principle within the microcosm. It is actually what is called the "Higher Self," "Christ Consciousness," or in psychology, the "superconsciousness." Certain esoteric teachings know Christ to be the Spiritual Triad within man's microcosmic being. Concisely, Christ is a part of the spirit within us. The full consciousness or attainment of the awareness of the superconscious mind is the "second-coming," esoterically interpreted. Did not St. Paul declare that we had to develop the "mind" that was in Christ (Jesus)? And that scriptures say that Christ, the higher mind, knocks at the door of our consciousness and waits for its entry? Those who are unaware of this esoteric precept await for the physical appearance of Christ (the Master Jesus, or Lord Maitreya).

However, from a spiritual viewpoint, it is the Christ that awaits our appearance in the higher levels of consciousness where "he" functions. The spiritual attainment of Christhood is facilitated by certain forms of meditation, spiritual disciplines, service to humanity, and metaphysical study. It has naught to do with the unfoldment of psychic or paranormal powers. We mention this for we have seen how many people, especially those who profess to be paranormals deceive themselves into thinking that they are being spiritual and being of great assistance to humanity when in fact they are causing people to go astray with their many misleading "services" and "wares" that do not trigger the evolutionary impulse within the psyche of their patients or clients but simply prolong their state of mortality and spiritual ignorance. Their work offers only temporal relief, nothing more. Like orthodox allopathic medicine, they deal with symptoms but do not go to the heart of the matter. It is the case of the blind leading the blind. We have often been warned of false prophets in scriptures.

According to prophecies, before the advent of the second-coming of Christ, the Anti-Christ would first make his appearance. However, this too should not be taken at face value. That Christ is a spiritual principle to be found within man is also true of his adversary, however, in saying this we do not repudiate the possibility of any individual leader embodying the attributes and spirit of the Anti-Christ. We know that there are many fallen-angels that are presently on earth and are set on corrupting and destroying humanity.

In Islam, the Anti-Christ is referred to as Dajjal. He is the deceiver, the liar, the corrupter. Certain people believe that Dajjal is generally, some person that would shortly make his appearance in world affairs; others interpret the beings navigating UFOs as the cursed Dajjal. As Christ is to be found within man, so is Dajjal, the Anti-Christ to be found within. Dajjal is actually the human ego, or the false ego, the lower self, the beast whose number is 666. This mysterious number that has puzzled Christians for centuries actually has its roots in Kabbalism. In the Arabic alphabet, for instance, every letter has its numerical value. This is called the "Neptu Huruf Hijaiyah" by Islamic occultists in Indonesia. The Greek and Hebrew alphabets likewise have similar numbering systems whereby each letter also represents a value. Certain words in the Greek language meaning or referring to "ego," have letters of which when added-up numerically, give the sum of 666. The beast, or the Anti-Christ, or Dajjal, therefore, is purely symbolic. It represents the human ego in its negative expression. We believe our readers understand the implication of this; hence, we will not dwell on this further, except to inquire: Are we expressing the qualities and nature of Dajjal or Christ in our everyday lives?

From the above illustration regarding the advent of Jesus, the Christ, we can see how important it is to keep an open-mind. It is probably wiser to expect the unexpected rather than to expect something that has no existence aside from being in our own fantasies and beliefs. Even our own interpretations, we admit, are controversial and are susceptible to discussion or debate. We may be wrong in details but not in essence--we know what we speakof.

There is nothing absolute in mortal experience. Even the holy ones may change their approach of assistance to humanity in the solving of karmic problems. Their ways are not wholly predictable, just as the ways of humanity may not totally conform to one's prognostications. There is always the element of free choice that even any individual might not be absolutely certain as to the path he would take when faced with a certain situation where he has to make a decision.

The World-Teacher and Spiritual Directors

It is not known to most people that in the background of the external governments of the world lies a single spiritual government that directs the affairs of planetary evolution. In esoteric teachings, this is the Spiritual Hierarchy of Terra within God's vast kingdom. We may be skeptical as to the existence of this spiritual government/hierarchy, its purpose, and even of the members composing it; nevertheless, many students of the occult have verified their existence through personal experience.

At the head of this Spiritual Hierarchy is the planetary deity, Sanat Kumara. Directly serving under this deity or King of this planet is the Planetary Buddha, presently held by Gautama; and under this officer, the Cosmic Christ. The latter is the director overseeing the three main departments in the Hierarchy: the "Department of Manu," the "Department of the World-Teachers," and the "Department of Civilization," or the office of the Mahachohan. The three departments in turn direct the activities of the guardians of planetary evolution, the Seven Lords of the Rays. The present World-Teachers are Masters Jesus and Kuthumi. It should be understood that the above titles and offices are not always held by the same entities, and that these beings who hold those offices are often well-known historical saints, prophets, avatars, and saviours.

In association with the Spiritual Hierarchy is the Karmic Board, the members and directors of which are called "Lords of Karma." The Karmic Lords regulate and dispense karma to every individual, group and nation on this planet. The Spiritual Hierarchy works in cooperation with the Lords of Karma in their many activities. It should be known that the purpose of the Spiritual Hierarchy and the Karmic Board is to assist humanity and all sentient beings to evolve to a higher state of being. What is relevant to our discussion here is that the Cosmic Christ who formerly held the office of World Teacher is the Great Being and Saviour that humanity is waiting for. All of the world's religions have their source in the department of the World-Teacher, and that divine being who presently holds the post of Cosmic Christ. This entity is the Messiah, Imam Mahdi, Christ, Kalki Avatar, and the Buddha Maitreya expected by religious devotees all over the world. He is generally known as Lord Maitreya, however, this in turn is but a title. His real name is not generally known; some say he goes by the name of "Harjas." Regarding his identity, Virochana Khalsa in his book, "Tantra of the Beloved," believes the present holder of the title Lord Maitreya to be none other than the Great Deathless Avatar, Babaji, alias Nagaraj.

Babaji was born some time in the third century AD. As a physical-immortal, he is said to be alive to this very day. One of his gurus is the Rishi Agastya, also said to be deathless, or an immortal. According to history, this Great Seer once visited the Indonesian archipelago. This is the theme of Poerbatjaraka's book "Agastya di Nusantara ("Agastya in the Indonesian Archipelago)." One of the former theosophical leaders here in Indonesia, R. S. Suyatno, already deceased, believed the real identity of Semar, the "dhanyang," "Manu," or guardian of Indonesia to be none other than Rishi Agastya.

Babaji was the one who sent Paramahansa Yogananda to the Occident, earlier this century, to spread the teachings of Kriya Yoga--a yogic science based on certain esoteric teachings to be found in the Bhagavad Gita. This yogic science accelerates soul-evolution by leaps and bounds.

We should mention here that this planet is host to many cosmic visitors of lofty spiritual development. Sathya Sai Baba who resides in India is just one of the many beings who have descended on earth to assist the evolution of humanity. He is one of the Cosmic Avatars and is considered as an incarnation of Vishnu, or even Shiva.

Then what about Ratu Adil and Satria Piningit? They too are members of the Spiritual Hierarchy and the Karmic Board as these appellations suggests. However, let us first deal with the Christ, Lord Maitreya. We should add before continuing that these beings may or may not possess physical bodies. Most of them work from spiritual levels. These beings are spiritually immortal, meaning basically that they possess a continuity of consciousness encompassing the lowest realms of life to the very Throne of God. Wherever they may be they maintain awareness of their identity, their function, and purpose without ever lapsing into the state of unconsciousness, even should they shift planes or dimensions. They work in many ways and in ancient times, these beings were called, "gods."

Andrew Tomas in his book, "Shamballa: Oasis of Light" narrates of his journey to Tibet and his discussions with certain Lamas. In reply to one of his questions regarding world affairs, one of the senior Lama says: "Maitreya will show the way but it will be up to mankind to tread the road." Tomas then inquired, "How about the advent of Maitreya?" The Lama solemnly replied: "In the last quarter of the twentieth century mankind must prepare for the coming of the Arhats (Saints), even Maitreya himself, at this crucial period of the world's history."

Physically, Maitreya is said to be of Western origin--or at least brought-up in the western culture. Statues depict him sitting as a westerner, in a western pose, with both feet on the floor, instead of the usual "lotus" asana assumed by the many buddhas and bodhisattvas.

Maitreya Buddha, the World Saviour, is associated with the "mythical" land of Shamballa. There are many legends known in Tibet, China, Russia, Ceylon, Burma and many other countries regarding Shamballa. To some Shamballa might represent a city, valley, palace, temple, monastery, or a state of consciousness. James Hilton modeled Shangri-La in his book, "Lost Horizon," after the legend of Shamballa. Many great souls, warriors or knights of the spirit have their training in this mystical place.

According to the Ageless Wisdom Shamballa is the spiritual retreat of the Lord of the World, or the planetary deity, Sanat Kumara, known by Tibetans as Rigden Jyepo. Occult teachings refer to him as the "Youth of Sixteen Summers." Shamballa was established 18 million years ago by Sanat Kumara when he came from Venus with other cosmic beings to take charge of earth's spiritual unfoldment. Shamballa is said to lie over the Gobi desert in the etheric plane; others believe that Shamballa lies physically somewhere in the heart of the Himalayas. Doreal, a student of esotericism, says in his work, "Maitreya, Lord of the World" that Shamballa is believed to cover a vast area, and that it is divided into a Northern and a Southern portion:

"It is divided into two parts. In Southern Shamballa there dwell those beings called masters, adepts, or great Gurus. In Northern Shamballa there dwells the Avatar or new World-Teacher who is to come into the world and that there he has gathered together all of the warriors of Shamballa. That is, all those souls who in past incarnations, have evolved to the place where they are worthy to be the light bearers in the Age (the Aquarian Age) that is to come . . ."

The warriors and knights of Shamballa come armed not with physical swords or armaments, not with physical force; they come with spiritual power in order to conquer the dark forces of the world. Maitreya is said to lead them into Armageddon, the great "Jihad" or spiritual war, riding on his symbolic white steed. The following is a Tibetan prophecy made in 1915:

"It is predicted that the manifestation of Maitreya shall come after the wars. but the final war shall be for the cause of the true teachings (spirituality, in contradistinction to religious dogmas). But each one rising up against Shamballa shall be stricken in all his works. And the waves shall wash away his dwellings. And even a dog shall not answer to his call. Not clouds but lightning shall he see on the final night. And the fiery messenger shall rise up on pillars of Light. Each warrior of Shamballa shall be named the Invincible. The Lord Himself hastens, and his banner is already above the mountains."

The Historical Christ and His Modern Appearance

Several centuries before the appearance of the Master Jesus and his associate, John, the Baptist--who was the prophet Elijah in a past incarnation--preparations were already underway for the coming of the Cosmic Christ. The Essenes, a mystical brotherhood existing on the western shore of the Dead Sea area during the time of the early Roman empire, was established for the purpose of preparing candidates that would be the earthly parents of the "vehicle" or child that the Christ would overshadow, or function through; and also to prepare the child himself for the vital part that he would play in forming a perfect instrument or channel that would be used by the Christ. The Essenes was a mystical branch of the Great White Brotherhood and they were well known as the "brothers in white," indicating that they were perhaps, the forerunners of Islamic Sufism. The historians Pliney, Josephus, and Philo mentioned them in their writings, and the famed "Dead Sea Scrolls" have gained the contemporary public's attention of their former existence. However, it is notable that this mystical sect was not mentioned in the New Testament, except for the various references regarding the men in white who appeared in Jesus' tomb, and at the time of his Ascension. It is also quite odd that they are not mentioned in Rabbinical literature or in the Talmud.

Being the spiritual guardians and teachers of Jesus (not his original name), the Essenes had a strong influence upon the lad and during his ministry in later years, Jesus taught many of the precepts and tenets of the Essenes. One such teaching is that of angelology or perhaps what Islamic occultists here in Indonesia call "Ilmu Khodam."

Through certain mystical means and signs that even the Magi recognized, the council of the Essenes chose a young virgin to be the Mother and an aged carpenter to be the Father. It is related in the gospels how the mother was informed of her coming pregnancy by Angel Gabriel. Some occult students believe this Gabriel to be one of the senior brothers of the Essenes, or at least the channel for the lofty being. Angel, from the Greek "angelos" simply means "messenger." At this time, however, we will not discuss the problem of the "Immaculate Conception" that has so vexed scholars and laymen alike.

Jesus was born to be the vehicle of the Cosmic Christ, or Lord Maitreya, and to assist in the initiating of a spiritual awakening in the inception of the Age of Pisces. The Master Jesus and Lord Maitreya, or the entity that presently holds the title of Cosmic Christ are two different beings. The latter was and still is the Guru of the former.

When the Master Jesus commenced his ministry, Lord Maitreya often took over the body of Jesus to establish physical contact with humanity. This mode of operation was also chosen for the second-coming that would have occurred in the early decades of the 20th century, but somehow failed.

In the early years of the last century, the leaders of the Theosophical Society, Annie Besant, and C.W. Leadbeater were on the lookout for candidates among the young, who would be the vehicle for Lord Maitreya's second-coming--just as Tibetan Lamas would search for their "tulkus," or incarnations of Dalai Lamas and other spiritual dignitaries. They discovered one exceptional child of Indian origin: Krishnamurti. They eventually took him and his brother under their wing, educated them and trained the young Krishnamurti for the tasks that he would have to face ahead. Almost every night Leadbeater took him by means of astral travel to his personal Master, and to do certain work in the astral planes. Krishnamurti's love for his Master and his teachings were immeasurable. It seemed that Krishnamurti's spiritual preparation was progressing smoothly and only the day was waited in which Lord Maitreya would overshadow Krishnamurti's body. Then an unfortunate incident occurred. Krishnamurti's brother became gravely ill. Krishnamurti sought help from his Master and other members of the Spiritual Hierarchy but without a seeming response. His brother eventually passed away and this had a traumatic effect upon his youthful mind. He eventually rejected anything to do with Theosophy, the Masters, and their teachings. He even rejected his role as the vehicle of the Christ and dissolved the Order that was established for the purpose of presenting Lord Maitreya to the world. Although he eventually became a world-teacher in his own right, the holy ones were ever sadden by Krishnamurti's attitude and actions. They said that Krishnamurti's teachings presents a lofty goal to people, but at the same time he takes away the ladder through which the goal could be reached.

According to further communications from the Hierarchy, though, Krishnamurti's refusal to play his part in Maitreya's emergence had a positive effect. Lord Maitreya decided to appear personally on earth without overshadowing or operating through any single individual.

Ruth Montgomery once wrote an article in the Reader's Digest, and in it she quotes a prediction made by Jeane Dixon concerning a world-saviour who was supposed to have been born on Feb 5, 1962. Dixon says that:

"Mankind will begin to feel the great force of this man about 1980, and his power will grow mightily until 1999, at which time there will be peace on earth to all men of goodwill."

Judging by appearances, it seems that this prediction has not been fulfilled. And a 10-year span seems too short for peace to be established worldwide--knowing human-nature. No person is able to establish peace in the world single-handedly. It takes the collective effort and cooperation of humanity.

Perhaps we should consider the phrasing of this prediction for Dixon may have emphasized that peace will descend on earth only to "all men of goodwill." If the latter is the case then the meaning is clear: that peace in one's heart is only established when one has a goodwill-attitude. This indicates that there are many who are experiencing peace at this very moment--these are those with goodwill.

As can be reasoned, the Peace-bringer would focus more on the masses than those few who are already living in bliss--only the sick need healing. But could this person that Dixon predicted be the Lord Maitreya, the Imam Mahdi? People could do nothing but wait in lively anticipation in the ensuing years.

[Note: This paper contains images which may be seen as originally published at our website]

Copyright © 2006 Luxamore

About the Author

Leonard Lee aka Luxamore
Metaphysical teacher, counseler, healer and merchant of occult/magickal items of Indonesia.
Magickal Items from Indonesia: talismans, mustika pearls, kerises, etc.
Magickal Bezoar Mustika Pearls from Indonesia.

Jesus is the head of the church. Any "church" where Christ is not the head, is not His church. Is the Pope...

the head of the Roman Catholic Church?

If even one pope contradicted Christ, he would not be the "vicar" of Christ, and the Catholic church would be nothing more than a religious organization, not the church of Jesus Christ.

Many Papal decrees have contradicted the truth of the Bible and even Jesus Christ specifically.

Is the Catholic church, therefore, part of the true church of Jesus Christ?

Or not?
.

There are many reasons why the Catholic Church is not the church that Christ founded. I'll list a few, you can also read the articles listed in the source for more info.

With one billion members, the Roman Catholic Church is the largest denomination in the world. Since the Bible teaches that Jesus built only one church, we must learn if the Roman Catholic Church is the one mentioned in the Bible (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 5:22-33; Colossians 1:18).

Organization

The organization of the Lord’s church is described in the Bible (Philippians 1:1). It is made up of saints {Christians}. Christian men who meet God’s qualifications serve as bishops (also called elders and pastors). Deacons are servants who work under the elders (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9). Elders are to be appointed in each church (Acts 14:23). The Bible always speaks of a local assembly having two or more bishops (Acts 14:23). These bishops (elders) have the rule over the church (Hebrews 13:17). Their rule is limited to the church where they are members (1 Peter 5:1-3).

The Roman Catholic Church is a body with two heads! It claims Jesus is its head in Heaven and the Pope is its head on earth. The “college of cardinals” elects the Pope to office. Under the cardinals are the archbishops, bishops, priests, monks, nuns, and finally “the laity” (ordinary members). Clearly, the organization of the Roman Catholic Church proves it is not the church of the Bible.

Salvation

The Bible teaches all are born sinless and pure (Matthew 18:1-5; 19:13-15). When we sin, we separate ourselves from God (Isaiah 59:1,2). The result of sin is spiritual death (Ezekiel 18:20; Romans 6:23). Salvation from sin is by the grace of God (Titus 2:11-14). This does not mean all will be saved. Christ “became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:9). Jesus is the Sacrifice for our sins (Hebrews 9:24-28; 1 Peter 1:17-19). We receive His free gift of salvation by hearing His Word (Romans 10:17), believing in Him (John 8:24), repenting of our sins (Acts 17:30,31), confessing His name (Matthew 10:32,33), and being baptized in water for the remission of sins (Romans 6:1-4; Acts 2:38). When we show our faith in this way, God adds us to His church (Acts 2:47; 1 Corinthians 12:13).

In order to go to Heaven, we must serve God faithfully until death (Revelation 2:10; 2 Timothy 4;4-8). When one sins after becoming a Christian, he can be forgiven. He must confess his sins, repent, and pray for forgiveness (James 5:16; Acts 8:13-24).

When a child is twelve years old, he must be confirmed, according to Roman Catholic teaching. The priest makes the sign of the cross on the child’s forehead. This is supposed to give him the Holy Spirit.

When a Catholic sins, he must confess to a priest. The priest decides what act of penance the sinner must do. When this is done, the priest grants forgiveness. God’s law of pardon for erring Christians is ignored. Priests who are weak, sinful men, like we are, are given the power to forgive sins by the Roman Catholic Church. The Bible teaches that only God has the power to forgive sins (Mark 2:5-12). It is blasphemy for a man to claim to do this. It is clear the Roman Catholic Church is not the church of the Bible because it does not practice what the Bible teaches concerning salvation!

What Happens When We Die?

Luke 16:19-31 tells us that one’s soul goes to Hades when he dies. Hades has a place of comfort for the righteous and a place of torment for the wicked. There is a great gulf between the two. One cannot cross from one to the other. Souls remain in Paradise until the Last Day. Then our bodies will be raised from the grave and changed into spiritual bodies (John 5:28,29; 1 Corinthians 15:35-44). Each person will then stand before the Lord to be judged (2 Corinthians 5:10).

However, the Roman Catholic Church does not teach this. They believe souls go to a place called Purgatory. They are punished in order to be purified. How long one has to spend in Purgatory will depend upon how bad he was on earth, how much money he gave to the Roman Catholic Church to buy indulgences, and how much money his family and friends give to the Church on his behalf. The doctrine of Purgatory does not come from God. It was made an official doctrine of the Roman Church by the Council of Florence in 1439. The Roman Catholic Church is not the church of the Bible!

Moral Issues

The Bible teaches it is wrong to lie (Colossians 3:9; Revelation 21:8). It also teaches it is wrong to steal (Romans 2:21; 13:9,10; Ephesians 4:28). The Roman Catholic Church, however, teaches the doctrine of “mental reservation.” This doctrine says that one can lie on certain occasions and not be guilty of sin. The Roman Church also teaches that in some cases one can steal and not be guilty of sin. This type of behaviour is not taught in the Word of God. It clearly shows that the Roman Catholic Church is not the one, true church we read about in the Bible.

Much more could be said. These examples are enough to show us that the Roman Catholic Church, even though very large, is not the Lord’s church! Please study the Scriptures for yourself. Do not become a member of any church which is not found in the Word of God!

The Bible clearly sets forth the one, true church which was built by Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:18,19). It was built long before the Roman Catholic Church began.

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Like Christ (Andrew Murray Christian Classics) (Andrew Murray Christian Classics) $13.48 CHAPTERS - LIKE CHRIST: BECAUSE WE ABIDE IN HIM - LIKE CHRIST: HE HIMSELF CALLS US TO IT - LIKE CHRIST: AS ONE THAT SERVETH - LIKE CHRIST: OUR HEAD - LIKE CHRIST: IN SUFFERING WRONG - LIKE CHRIST: CRUCIFIED WITH HIM - LIKE CHRIST: IN HIS SELF-DENIAL - LIKE CHRIST: IN HIS SELF-SACRIFICE - LIKE CHRIST: NOT OF THE WORLD - LIKE CHRIST: IN HIS HEAVENLY MISSION - LIKE CHRIST: AS THE ELECT OF GOD - LIKE CHRIST: IN DOING GOD'S WILL - LIKE CHRIST: IN HIS COMPASSION - LIKE CHRIST: IN HIS ONENESS WITH THE FATHER - LIKE CHRIST: IN HIS DEPENDENCE ON THE FATHER - LIKE CHRIST: IN HIS LOVE - LIKE CHRIST: IN HIS PRAYING - LIKE CHRIST: IN HIS USE OF SCRIPTURE - LIKE CHRIST: IN FORGIVING - LIKE CHRIST: IN BEHOLDING HIM - LIKE CHRIST: IN HIS HUMILITY - LIKE CHRIST: IN THE LIKENESS OF HIS DEATH - LIKE CHRIST: IN THE LIKENESS OF HIS RESURRECTION - LIKE CHRIST: BEING MADE CONFORMABLE TO HIS DEATH - LIKE CHRIST: GIVING HIS LIFE FOR MEN - LIKE CHRIST: IN HIS MEEKNESS - LIKE CHRIST: ABIDING IN THE LOVE OF GOD - LIKE CHRIST: LED BY THE SPIRIT - LIKE CHRIST: IN HIS LIFE THROUGH THE FATHER - LIKE CHRIST: IN GLORIFYING THE FATHER - LIKE CHRIST: IN HIS GLORY - ON PREACHING CHRIST OUR EXAMPLE

Christ In Art (1899) $20.98 Text extracted from opening pages of book: JOSEPH LEWIS FRENCH L. C. & f BOSTON* PUBLISHERS Copyright, 1899 BY L. C. PAGE & COMPANY ( INCORPORATED) All rights reserved Made in U. S. A. LEONARDO DA VINCI. HEAD OF CHRIST. ( A Study foi the Las> t Supper.) . Erera Gallery Milan. Iff GRATEFUL REMEMBRANCE FOREWORD. OUT of religion, which may be broadly defined as the stronger elements of the human soul, concentrating first in fear, then in superstition, and finally in faith, has mainly sprung not only such art as the world knows to-day, but much that is lost for ever. It is but the natural law of progression the law that set the stars in their courses that the fear of ages ago, which first implanted a god in the breast of primeval man, should have passed through the fiery furnace of superstition finally to triumph as the faith which is the corner-stone of the Christian religion. The subject of the Christ is thus un-5 6 FOREWORD. doubtedly the greatest that has ever en tered into the domain of Art. As proof of its importance, and of the high service to religion of its handmaiden, Art, in the Christian cycles, there has never been, and never can be, a greatest picture of the Sa viour, one on which the verdict of all Time will be united, but a series of them. Those representations which have best satisfied the ideal of their time belong in this cate gory. The present brochure is simply a brief effort to set down in order some of the attempts that have been made, under varying degrees of inspiration and influ ence, to picture the Saviour and His life work. JOSEPH LEWIS FRENCH. CONTENTS. CHAPTER PAGB FOREWORD . . . . . . 5 I. INTRODUCTION 13 II. THE CHRIST - CHILD 35 III. CHRIST AS TEACHER AND HEALER . . 69 IV. CHRIST AS MARTYR . . . . . 137 V, CHRIST DEAD AND ARISEN . . . 221 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. PAGE LEONARDO DA VINCI. Head of Christ. ( A study for the Last Supper.) Frontispiece Brera Gallery, Milan, GHIRLANDAJO. Christ Calling St. Peter and St. Andrew 21 Sistine Chafel, Rome. TITIAN. The Redeemer 25 Pitti Gallery, Florence. LE ROLLE. Arrival of the Shepherds 39 CORREGGIO. Repose in Egypt 49 Ujfizi Gallery, Florence. LUINI. Christ in the Temple 55 National Gallery, London. GUIDO RENI. Christ and St. John 59 National Gallery, London. MTTRILLO. Christ-child. ( From the Holy Family.) . 63 National Gallery , London. VEROCCHIO. Baptism of Christ ( detail) ..*... 73 A cademy, Florence. ARY SCHEFFER. The Temptation of Christ .... 81 VERONESE. Marriage at Cana ( detail) 85 Louvre, Paris. HOLMAN HUNT. The Light of the World .... 99 BAROCCIO. The Saviour 105 Pitti Gallery, Florence. RAPHAEL. Transfiguration 3 Vatican Gallery t Rome.

Christ, Baptism and the Lord's Supper $16.48 Winner of a Christianity Today 2005 Book Award!Baptism. The Lord's Supper. We recognize these church practices. But do we really grasp their meaning and place in Christian worship? Is our neglect of them hindering our communion with Christ? Are we missing the real drama of our salvation?Often the object of debate, the sacraments are likewise neglected and superficially understood. Leonard Vander Zee makes a compelling case that these problems can be overcome when we see the connection between Baptism and the Lord's Supper and the continuing ministry of Jesus Christ, the incarnate Word of God. Founding his discussion in biblical teaching reaching back to the creation narrative and forward to the teaching of Jesus and the apostle Paul, Vander Zee sees the Christ-centered celebration of these sacraments as essential to the renewal of the church. A reappropriation of Baptism and the Eucharist, especially in the evangelical church, holds great promise for healing the rift between the natural and the spiritual, the personal and social, the head and the heart, and between the body of believers and our Lord Jesus Christ who died for us and now lives to make intercessions for us. In Christ, Baptism and the Lord's Supper,Vander Zee not only opens up a Christ-centered approach to the sacraments but also provides guidance on the practical matters that face pastors and parishioners in the pursuit of a renewed and authentic Christian worship.