Charity the Hidden Gospel
Jesus taught the complete message of God in parable form many times throughout His ministry. He said He would open His mouth in parables and reveal information that has been hidden from man since the foundation of the world (Matt. 13:35). He spoke in mysteries because salvation was not being granted to everyone, only to those who were chosen and called by the Father (John 15:16; 13:18; Rev. 17:14). It was only granted to those given ears to hear, and eyes to see and understand the simple message of salvation (John 6:44, 65; 3:9-12).
One mysterious parable about the kingdom that describes how to be made anew through conversion to God is found in Luke, chapter 11. Jesus said to a Pharisee, “Give that which is within as charity, and then all things are clean for you” (Luke 11:41). God’s word says that one who has perfect love does no harm to another person, but only good. The word charity is used often in God’s word, but it has been replaced by the word love. By substituting the word charity for love, we may better understand what Jesus said to the Pharisee in parable form (Prov. 10:12).
When you use your mouth as an instrument of unrighteousness by swearing, cursing or talking foolishly, you are not walking charitably with your neighbor or fellow man. When you help a widow or orphan in need, you are practicing charity before God (James 1:27). When all areas of your life are charitable toward others, you have been perfected in love. You have overcome the evil one (1 John 2:13-14). You have become spiritually perfect or mature (Matt. 5:48).
Jesus told the Pharisee the message of how to overcome in parable form so he would not understand it. However, He privately explained the parables He used to His own disciples (Mark 4:33-34). The parable revealed how to repent, how to be a new creature, and how to be obedient to God. The phrase, “then all things will be clean for you,” means that all areas of your life will be in harmony with God’s Will when you have been perfected in charity. You will be clean, with sins forgiven (1 Peter 4:8).
God the Father has been calling a few people from every age to be His followers. They imitate Him and keep His Ways (Eph. 5:1; 1 Cor. 11:1). In Elijah’s day, there were 7,000 (1 Kings 19:14-18). In Noah’s day, there was just one (Gen. 7:1).
During the last days, which we have now entered, there will be the great final harvest. Many will be called to a life of holiness, but few will heed the call. Many are called but few are chosen (Matt. 22:14). Out of all who heed the call to holiness through overcoming, only those who endure to the end will be saved (Rev. 2:26; Matt. 24:13; 10:22; 2 Tim. 2:12). So by all means, continually give that which is within to charity by continuing to perform good works of love toward all others until you have Jesus Christ’s new nature formed within you (Gal. 4:19). As you continually practice righteousness for God, you will enter the kingdom within, which is true godly conversion (1 John 2:29; Matt. 5:20; Luke 17:21).