Foreword

It would be difficult for any of us to appreciate and esteem highly enough a man of God like Johan Oscar Smith. The significance of his faithfulness to God and the revelations he received precisely because of that great faithfulness are indescribable. Nor is it my task to evaluate such a life.

When we read his articles in Skjulte Skatter, it becomes very evident that Jesus’ words in John 14:21-23 were fulfilled in his life: “‘He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.’ Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, ‘Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.’”

The fullness of the Spirit of revelation, and the Wisdom of God, which were so abundant—and which are expressed particularly in these articles—will be of inestimable value for your spiritual growth and development. Not least, the articles that so clearly reveal through the Scriptures who Christ truly was—that He was manifested in flesh—will be of profound comfort to us who today can come boldly to the throne of grace in order to receive grace to help us in our times of need. Because of his faithfulness to his Lord and Master, brother Smith was able to bring out the width and length and depth and height of the life in Christ that every one of us can experience—a victorious life in sanctification and godliness.

Johan O. Smith’s writings will also be a tremendous help in understanding the body of Christ. This is also one of the mysteries of godliness that must be revealed personally if a person is to receive grace to take part in building the church, so that it can gain the content and fullness which God has intended for His church. This help is absolutely vital in order to build brotherhood and create a fervent, heartfelt fellowship and church-life in the local churches, with all their uniqueness and diversities.

Brother Smith was diligent to share the ever-increasing light he received from God, in his writings and when he spoke. The Word regarding obedience to the faith (Rom. 1:5), that we are to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, do the will of God, and follow Him on the new and living way, was met with zealous opposition from many different religious leaders. In spite of all the opposition he met, he held firmly and faithfully to the light God had given him. His unshakable faith in the Scriptures’ promises of an uplifted, victorious life has given genuine help and liberation to many people. He is one of the few who through his life and preaching have led many to righteousness, and therefore, according to the Scriptures, he will shine like the stars forever and ever. Dan. 12:3.

At a celebration for his 70th birthday, Brother Smith said that the most significant effect of his ministry was that it had drawn the individual members to the Head, Christ. None of what he writes has even the slightest tinge of seeking to be a man-pleaser or trying to win honor from men. Jesus’ words in John 12:26 were enough for him: “If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.” That honor was more than enough for him. He was a grain of wheat that went into the ground in order to provide nourishment and life to many.

Let God be praised for all eternity for such faithful fathers in Christ. If we remain faithful until the end, we will soon be gathered together with him and all the saints on Zion, the Mountain of God.