470. New Year’s Conference in Oslo 1934/35

This was one of the best conferences we have ever experienced in Oslo. There was a deep seriousness over everyone. It was as if everyone was conscious of his own responsibility. The great revival which had gone over the friends gathered at the Easter conference, Pentecost conference, and the conference at Nesbyen had left its mark on everyone. We understood that God has done a great work among us. A large number of young people, many of whom were newly converted, were present. Brother Løken came from Hallingdal with many friends, and others came from Fredrikstad, Sarpsborg, Horten, Drøbak, and Hønefoss, in addition to all the friends from Oslo.

We all heartily agreed on one point: that we are now going to pray to God that He will open the doors for us so these blessed words of truth about salvation by Christ’s life can also be revealed for those who only know about reconciliation through His death. Rom. 5:10. We need revival outwardly, just as we have received it within the church. We are now asking the friends everywhere to begin praying for open doors and salvation for His people and for sinners. Many upright souls are bound in religious parties and are well guarded so they cannot get out. God has never created parties; they are the work of the devil. There will be one Shepherd and one flock. By one and the same Spirit we have access to the Father, whether Jew or Greek. God answers our prayers, and we must pray. We must start praying in earnest.

We spoke about zeal; for our God is a zealous God. We also spoke about going forth to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. Hebrews 13. Jesus Christ was dishonored in the days of His flesh. It was said about Him, “Behold the Man!” There, outside the camp, was where all the unclean people were. See Deuteronomy 23:10-13. We are to follow Him out there because He was numbered with the transgressors, even though He was more pure than everyone who was inside the camp. But that has a deeper spiritual meaning which cannot be discussed here. We pray that God will open doors for His people who are inside the camps so that they can go out to Him because it is so blessed to be out there. That is where we have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. Heb. 13:10. We have freedom by the blood of Jesus to go from there into the sanctuary. We go from reproach into the sanctuary. But there is no reproach for those who are within any of the parties inside the camp. Neither is there any access into the sanctuary from there—without first going out to Him outside the camp. The altar from which we eat His flesh and blood is outside the camp. There is no such altar within the camp. There, within the camp, you find all those who point the finger, speak evil, and think they do God a service by killing all those who go to Him outside the camp. Within the camp religious businesses are run and those who can speak well make a good living. Godliness is not so important. If anyone becomes too God-fearing in their estimation, he is cast out of the synagogues. They want it to be cozy within the camp. Feasting must continue undisturbed by anyone speaking too much of the truth.

Therefore we agree with the Scriptures which say that parties and dissensions are works of the flesh. They are on the same level as fornication, uncleanness, idolatry, envy, murders, and drunkenness. Gal. 5:19-21 [Norw.]. Those who practice such things (create parties) shall not inherit the kingdom of God. They may earn a living, but they will never gain God’s kingdom. That is why they earnestly warn people against going to Him outside the camp, because that is bad for their business. “Do whatever you like,” they say. “Just don’t go outside the camp.”

But the Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Come to Him outside the camp and bear His reproach. Then you will be glorified with Him.

Conferences outside the camp are indescribably wonderful. A banquet is laid there from the sacrifices made on the altar. Where in the Bible is it written about the Catholic church, Lutheran church, Methodist church, Baptist church, the Pentecostals, etc.? They are established by people who encroach on God’s people—people who tax those who are won by Christ’s blood and make a living by serving them as shepherds. They are paid shepherds who defend the party system.

Let us pray for anointed eyes.