I

He who is God incarnate possesses the essence of God, and He who is God incarnate possesses the expression of God. Since God has become flesh, He brings with Him the work He intends to do, and since He's God incarnate, He expresses what He is, and can bring the truth to man, bestow life upon him, and point the way for him. Flesh that does not have the essence of God is decidedly not the incarnate God; of this there is no doubt.

II

If man intends to examine whether it is God's incarnate flesh, then he must determine this from the disposition He expresses and the words He speaks. To determine whether or not it is God's incarnate flesh, and whether or not it is the true way, one must discriminate on the basis of His essence. And so, the key to whether or not it is the flesh of God incarnate lies in His essence (His work, His utterances, His disposition, and many other aspects), rather than external appearance.

III

If man examines only His external appearance, and as a result overlooks His essence, this shows that man is foolish and ignorant. External appearance cannot determine essence; what's more, the work of God can never conform to the notions of man. Did not Jesus' outward appearance run counter to the notions of man? Did not the Pharisees back then oppose Jesus precisely because they merely looked at His external appearance, and did not conscientiously accept the words from His mouth?

IV

It is My hope that each and every brother and sister who seeks God's appearance will not repeat the tragedy of history, and will not become a Pharisee of modern times and nail God to the cross again. You should carefully consider how to welcome the return of God, and you should have a clear mind regarding how to be someone who submits to the truth. This is the responsibility of everyone who is waiting for Jesus to return riding upon a cloud.

from The Word, Vol. 1. The Appearance and Work of God. Preface