Bible Questions & Discussion PAGE 142

Hello One eighty,

This loss and trauma are terrible even if it has been decades since your brother's passing. I cannot read God's mind on this one as to why He allowed your brother to die so young. He knew that you and your mom would endure much pain and sorrow of this. may He continue to comfort you in the best way.

But I will have to say that I do not know God's reasons and don't wish to speculate on it. I can only encourage you to lean on Jesus. He will comfort you and lead you. You can be assured that God does not do evil. He is wholly good. But in His great surpassing wisdom, He allows sin, evil, sickness, and accidents, and traumas to occur for purposes we may not ever know in this life.

As to the other question concerning our guilt in the death of Jesus. Yes, all have sinned, therefore all humans have a part in His death because, though He chose to die for us out of love, it was our sin that He took to the cross to bear the wrath of the offense of sin for God once and for all. We can accept our part and confess that we our own sinful choices are the reason for the Holy Son of God's death. And then we can also agree with God that Jesus' death accomplished completely the purpose for His coming=to save us from our sins and give us eternal life. Therefore, we can be thankful to God for this immeasurable sacrifice and gift of salvation AND continue in belief in our Lord and in the Father and in the Spirit as the God we worship and no other. We can commit to growing in our knowledge of who God is and how He has worked in the world, history and in our lives. This knowledge will deepen our faith and commitment to serving only Him and no other made-up god that our minds create.

One eighty. Thank you for these questions. I don't think I gave very good answers, but I hope that others will chime in.

I'll leave you this verse:

Ephesians 1:15-17

Hi Rainwalker,

Thank you, I do agree.

God bless,

RLW

Ronald.. 1 cor 9:27, has there ever been a more clearer verse?.. Castaway, same word as reprobate, don't know why they translated it "castaway".. nevertheless.. reprobate.. serious stuff there. The meaning is as "decisive" as it gets.

Jimbob

you have not understood what I wrote. No; I do not agree with your interpretation of these Scriptures. I do agree with your understanding of these modernization of the Scriptures.

It's only God's Spirit that can lead us into the riches of the treasures of God's Wisdom & Understanding for His Name Sake.

This is by Grace / Light 2Cor 4:6,7

This is what Jesus meant in John 12:44-50 John 6:63 Rev 19:10

The Word of God speaking in the heart, that's near us, the Word of Faith that Paul preached.

Who rides a white horse, who is Faithful & True, with a two edged sword coming out of His mouth, & in Rightousness He doth judge & make war against the principalities & powers of darkness in heavenly places within our heart.

And whosoever receive Him in this manner, receive power to become the sons & daughters of God.

and whosoever don't will remain in their sins, no matter how high a profession or form of godliness without the Power.

Blessings GiGi,

A question for you: Why do think God took my brother at age 10, which caused my mother and me to live a life full of sorrow, suffering, and grief; without any real healing? My mother was a devout Christian, and from what I was told, my brother was

a very loving and sweet child. As I mentioned to you before (I think), I was 3 years old, and I'm left with very few memories of him. Sadly, the one that is predominant is witnessing his death and my mother's frantic but futile attempt to revive him. I still cry over her pain.

I realize this is probably a difficult question to answer.

One more question, not directly related to the above: Should a Christian feel responsible and guilty and remain in that mode, for the crucifxion of Jesus? How SHOULD I feel?

Please, please be assured, I am not being contentious with these questions. If anyone else wants to chime in, I welcome that.

Peace be with you

Blessings,

Thank you Bro dan, Hammer 63, Fredscanlan, and Frankie J for your thoughtful replies. I will continue with an open mind to absorb what you have spoken. My prayer is we experience how wide, how long, how high, and how deep is the love of Christ. In Jesus Name. Amen

Concluding thoughts on national sovereignty vs one world order

In the end; he who lives by the sword dies by the sword. ( Matt. 26:52; also see Revelation 13:10). As Christians we are to remain as salt and light to resist the decay that the current world system under Satanic influence is headed toward. Similarly; we should not cede to others things that are inalienable rights that our forefathers fought so hard for and is enacted in our Constitution and other important legal documents as to how a Republic is to be run. We shouldn't; however make that our priority; as His Kingdom is not of this world ( John 18:36). We see ways; for instance with certain bitcoin currencies how we can be in an internationally accepted means of exchange (for now) which is an alternative to the electronic cash and other efforts governments and private banks are attempting to control the narrative and our lives. It is hard to say if we do have a sort of one world government how far it will progress before the Tribulation; peace is taken from the earth at the 2nd Seal; that leaves us to wonder if it is just a type of peace that is in effect since just the first seal or if it has lasted a while.

One world religion again is something that is developing; we are responsible to hold onto the Philadelphian type church and patiently endure as Revelation 3:10 states until the Lord comes back to receive our reward even with little strength. We must avoid any false revival and not expect mass conversions at a time when many are said to fall away if we are indeed in the last days ( 1 Timothy 4:1 and also see Matthew 24:10). If we live in a world system where we have to pay taxes then of course we need wisdom. The plans are clear from the "powers that be" (without having to name the source) that in a few short years we are supposed to be content losing property and any private ownership. So be it; if the Gospel is preached we can let go these temporal things for His Name's sake.

Nations vs One World Government (continued)

One world government needs to be discussed at present. There are alliances as I said before that could be considered part of the divided Roman empire of the last days such as expressed in Daniel 2:40-41. This kingdom will have the strength of iron but be divided and not cling as clay and historically; of course we see Rome as being the western capital; and Constantinople being the eastern capital. Part of this involves the Papal authority and Eastern; Greek and or Russian Orthodox church in charge of the other "leg" so to speak if that is interpreted correctly. This final beast is going to take over the whole world; that is pretty clear from verses in Daniel and Revelation 13. It would seem pitting nations against one another would allow the final 10 nations to rule one hour with Antichrist (see the 3 subdued in Daniel 7:24). This is the final religious; and economic world government under the "Mystery Babylon" rule when the woman rides the Beast ( Rev. 17:13); then later in the second half of the Tribulation ANtichrist destroys the system and its ruling city with fire ( Rev. 17:16). The religious center starting this year in Abu Dhabi and other such concepts has allowed all monotheistic faiths to be at one facility. It seems clear through cooperative efforts today with the Saudi's and even some effort by Turkey in the background that the Temple will be rebuilt with some international agreement on control of the Temple Mount.

For now; we must be aware what is going on but continue to be the salt and light of the world; warning about the conflagration to come. The net that all nations will be led into the seive of destruction is coming. ( Isaiah 30:28). It is a trap coming for the whole world ( Luke 21:24) and we need to remain focused and not be taken aback at His sudden return to take His church home; praying always to be worthy to escape all the things to come and stand before the Son of Man ( Luke 21:36).

Major things to think about prior to His return

National soverignty vs one world government

In my last post; I explained briefly how there is a divide between Eastern and Western nations and their alliances. As to an opinion on the matter; it is easy to be myopic and insist that our country can do no wrong or the opposite as seems politically expedient today; we excoriate all those who until recent years were heralded as honorable forefathers of our nation. This same mindset can skew the big picture; those of the old school think of Russia today as communist when it is in reality a nationalist mindset and has supported the church by and large. In all due respect it is heavily skewed toward the Eastern or Russian Orthodox; and very recently has started showing blowback and persecution to those in the church that do not support the political agenda.

Those we consider "enemies" used to be friends; case in point Russia who was our ally during World War Two (albeit we basically gave them much of Eastern Europe at the end of the war when allowing them to be the first to invade German territory). Japan has gone from being part of the "Axis of Evil" to our best ally in the last 50 years or so. Afghanistan was our ally as well; and we even supported Bin Laden (I believe he was on Newsweek as man of the year or something to that affect; much like Hitler was in the 1930's. Many of us are naive as to history; so of course it repeats itself (or as Ecclesiastes 1:9 says there is nothing new under the sun). Of course there are allies (take India for example) where persecution of Christians is some of the worst in the world; in this case by Hindus; not the Muslims who also are persecuting believers with our allies such as Saudi Arabia; Turkey and many other nations.

In these issues; we need to be careful to honor covenant agreements in the past with sovereign nations and their boundaries. The desire to eliminate ancient boundaries is dangerous ( Prov. 22:28)

Hi Jema,

Thank you, I know we agree on many things and sometimes in the minority. I don't know if I would say I explain it better. I feel many times I come up short.

God bless,

RLW

Some things to consider as we wait for the Lord's arrival.

Major issues: National sovereignty vs one world government. The inexorable pull towards one world government is still being largely played out by Western nations; with the Eastern block having their own economic (BRICS) and military alliances. This issue involves complex alliances and questionable international boundaries hence determining right and wrong may not always be as easy as our media would like us to think in their mantras.

Left vs. Right: We have what is left of Christianity today being demolished by left wing ideology; but this doesn't eliminate the threat from right wing extremists. We have the churches in almost all nations today being monitored by totalitarian regimes; or harassed by increasingly intolerant moves toward acceptance of deviant lifestyles in western nations in particular. The resulting chaos makes it hard to differentiate between the two; with a chameleon affect developing frequently with riots and demonstrations which has influences from both sides so it is hard to find out who is to blame in some cases.

Acceptance of a lawless society. In the name of human freedom and to allow for "sensitivities" our society and much of Europe has succumbed to a mob rule; where death penalties and any serious punishment for crimes has become more the exception than the rule. Everyone is seen as a "victim" and thus a responsible work ethic and stable family unit has been steadily broken down in recent years; especially since the pandemic. We have grown to be a spoiled society who demands instant gratification and dumbed down to a social life dominated by electronic communication in a virtual world; which has blurred the difference between reality and fantasy.

I will attempt to break down each of these topics in detail in future posts. We all need to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves ( Matt. 10:16) and trust He is still in control even as things spin toward chaos.

Hello Ronald

I didn't take your answer as a dedate. I was actually glad that somebody noticed and answered my posts. I did a general statement.

About "Hades". Luke the evangelist and Paul the apostle used that term with full knowledge of what the greeks meant with that and what they thought of it, but still used it. Why, as long as they would definitely know that they would mislead people to a false impression? Or unless they used that term because it resembled to what they believed that Sheol represented.

About Jesus' Kingdom, I agree with you that He will set a literal kingdom on earth during the millenium, but not together with the nation Israel that some claim. The Rev says together with those slained during that last 7 year period and if we take into account the parable of the talents given to the bondservants by their Lord, then all saved people all over the time will rule together with Him and probably the saints of the OT are also included. This is how I understand it brother.

We have many beliefs in common , you are much better at explaining than I am :) . Thank you .

Hey S Spencer,

I understand, years ago I traveled in my work, and it takes a lot to be away from home. I will go over what you have sent, wow you have put in some time, and I know that is special. It will take me a few days I am not a young man anymore.

Have a good and safe week.

God bless,

RLW

Hi Giannis,

My reply was not to debate it was just my understanding, it is just good to see posts like yours that inspire study for truth. I agree that the belief in an afterlife was worldwide but when the Church began the largest influence was Greek. At the time Jesus first came many of the people in Judea, spoke and read Greek. They had the Septuagint and the Greek meaning of some words like Sheol with its main meaning to be the grave became Hades a place of bodiless souls, and the meaning of death that was sleep, became a separation of the soul from the body.

Your question on the kingdom; we may differ on this, my understanding does not include a rapture as taught, the Church being taken to heaven and a 7-year tribulation. Jesus's second coming is a onetime event, not two. When Jesus returns, the first resurrection of the chosen, and faithful. He will set up the kingdom with those chosen and faithful and will reign over this earth from Jerusalem for 1000 years.

When that time is up the last battle with Satan and his army and then the final judgement and all will be made new.

Thank you again, discussion is good if we inspire to study.

God bless,

RLW

Hello Oseas

I haven't forgoten you. I will answer to your post tomorrow. Have a blessed day (or night, depending on where you live).

Blessings.

Romans 16:7

"Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen (relatives), and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me."

So Paul had relatives who were in Christ before him. I believe that they were certainly praying for him. I believe that God answered their prayers and saved Paul.

In Galatians 1:15-16 Paul writes, "15 But when it pleased God, who separated me(Paul) from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen..."

Here Paul claims that God had chosen him from his mother's womb to send him to preach about Christ.

SO which one is true? Was Paul saved because some people were praying for him OR because that was God's plan before Paul was born?

The answer is, both.

Lets examine it. It was Jesus who appeared to Paul on his way to Damascus. Later God called him to go and preach to the gentiles together with Barnabas, and led them to all the places He intented them to go ( Acts 13:2-4).

So one expects that God gave them His grace to complete their ministry, doesn't he?

But lets read Ephessians 6:19, "And (pray) for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel," Somewhere else Paul asks for prayers for him to be freed from his enemies.

So the question is. Why is Paul asking his fellow christians to pray for him to be given words of preaching? Wasn't God who sent him to preach? Wasn't God going to give him words to do what He asked him for?

Yes it was God who sent him BUT God is expecting us to cooperate with Him. God will not do anything unless we cooperate with Him. He asks for our cooperation, whatever that is, prayers, testimonies, preachings, helping others, ...

Lets not expect for God to do all things on His own while we are laying lazely on our couches. HE WILL NOT. He demands our cooperation, the offering of ourselves for His purposes. And prayers are very significant. So... lets go.

Hello Ronald

The reason I posted those posts is that I wanted to share some things I notice when reading the Bible, and bring some considerations to fellow christians about some topics. I don't really like getting into debates. Firstly they tire me, that is why I usually post 1- 2 answers and then stop. Secondly I tend to use a sharp language sometimes and people get offended, not good from my side, is it?

About the "living sacrifice", the way I understand it is that a sacrifice simply means an offering to God here. A living sacrifice is our life which we offer to God. If we wish that God accepts/likes our life as an offering, this has to be "holy", otherwise God will not accept it. "Holy" includes repentance, includes asking for forgiveness, includes a strive to live righteously.

About immortal souls. The belief that a soul is immortal was not introduced by ancient Greeks. Thousands of years before them, the Egyptians, Sumerians, Assyrians etc believed in an afterlife. Even in the primitive age, in the stone age, people were believing in afterlife. Burials of stone age people that have been found contain cooking pottery and clothes and precious stones and metals for them to use as money in the afterlife. That was always the belief of mankind no matter nation or age, which means that the memory of the afterlife was left to all people since the beginning, otherwise it can not be explained how people dispersed all over the world from America to China in an age that there was no transportation and contacts between tribes and nations, they were all believing the same thing, the afterlife.

About the Kingdom of Jesus, if we mean a kingdom where Jesus together with Israel will rule over all the earth, my question is "when is that going to happen?". It will not happen before rapture, neither after when the antichrist will rule, neither in the millenium when all those slained during those 7 years will rule. So When?

Thanks for your answer brother, much appreciated. Blessings

Amen and God bless .

Frankie J thank you for your comment. We have all these modern version bibles that are corrupt, it sounds like you do see that.

If a person believes the Word of God is preserved for ever like God promised us in ( Ps 12:6-7) that person will more than likely say that the KJB translators were moved by the Holy Ghost to bring the prophecy of the scripture to this final generation to preserve His Word. When did this happen according to the Bible? ( 2 Pet 1:19-21) Now if you don't believe the Word of God was preserved for ever then you will say the holy men of God were not the KJB translators.

Does it make sense that God would preserve His Word in the Hebrew and Greek manuscripts that we have absolutely no chance of reading, with zero chance of studying today?

Jesus said in ( Jn 6:63) It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

The words Jesus spoke are spirit and life!

In ( Heb 4:12) "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart".

The word (quick) is 2198; it means to live, (a)-live.

( 2 Tim 3:16) "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness". Inspiration = God breathed.

Jesus said in ( Jn 12:46-50) v48 "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not ((my words)), hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day". (The words that Jesus spoke will be the judge in the last day, do you not think we have those Words to study before the judgment at last day?)

( 2 Tim 2:15) Here we are told to "Study" to shew thyself approved of God, and to rightly divide the word of truth.

Wouldn't we have the word of truth if God wants us to Study it, and rightly divide it?

Blessings to you.

Jema thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement. I will keep posting the Truth, I don't mind not getting much feed back, but what is so disheartening is the feed back I do get, at times, is negative or accusing me of things that are not true.

You are also very much appreciated Jema.

Again, thank you and God Bless you.

Giannis,

Part two,

The teaching of the immortal soul is from Greek philosophy, not the Bible. This confuses the understanding of the living and the dead. We became a living soul and when this body dies, we a no longer a living soul until we are resurrected into our immortal body. The only living is those through faith will receive the gift of eternal life everyone else will perish, be dead forever, everlasting.

Jesus is Lord over those who have died/dead now and the living, those who are now living, and the dead who died in faith who will be living after the resurrection into eternal life with Him, this is our hope. We should not live for self-gratification; we should be like Christ as Christ did not, please Himself in this life we should also not live to please ourselves but for others.

The scriptures from the former days, the Old Testament, have not stopped being valuable to us. The 39 books of the OT are the Words of God, full of truth, wisdom, history, and great encouragement for our walk in the Spirit.

The meaning of words changes, today we see the word Jew and we take the meaning as all who are in Judaism and everyone else are Gentiles/non-Jew. The word nation/nations or people/peoples is a better understanding for the word Gentile. The word Gentile that is used was translated from the Latin Vulgate the word Gentilis in the time of the 1st century would have meant anyone who was not a Roman citizen.

We know what kingdom is coming, we have been told and this kingdom will reign over all nations/peoples on this earth and that is our hope and what we have told to pray for, Matt. 6:9-10. Andronicus and Junia may have been at the gathering at Pentecost when Paul was against the Church by beating, killing, and putting believers in prison, but shortly after, we know how he was converted I am sure Andronicus and Junia were overwhelmed with encouragement and strengthened in faith.

Thank you again for your post.

God bless,

RLW

Hi Giannis,

Thank you,

Part one,

Continue in His goodness or be cut off. For what God has shown in His mercy by the sacrifice of His Son and his promise of eternal life to us, is it unreasonable for us to be a living sacrifice, this cannot refer to a sacrifice that covers or atones for sin. It is true repentance and obedience and service to Him. A choice to do and continue to do or be cut off/perish.

Cain and Abel made an offering, without doubt, they were doing this because God had instructed them, but it does not say what was instructed. Abel was a keeper of sheep and Cain was a tiller of the ground and they both brought of their works. Can we say it was because Abel sacrificed blood he was accepted? No.

Could they be sacrificing for sin when the law had not been given? Noah is the next one who is recorded sacrificing and the law was not yet given. When Cain killed Abel God put a mark on Cain so no one would kill him because the penalty for murder was not given until after the flood, Gen. 8:6.

It was not the offering type or quality that Cain offered, it was his heart, and his offering was not in faith, Genesis 4:6-8. LORD God spoke to Cain and said that if he would do good it would be accepted, but if not, sin would devour him. Same as we are to continue in His goodness or be cut off. This does not mean that we earn God's love or favor; we receive that as a result of salvation through Jesus, our repentance and obedience are the evidence of our faith, Hebrews 11.

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers" unless it would cause you to sin. I agree this has been used by many and is used today with misinterpreted Scriptures for control, power, and wealth over people. We see this in Revelation 2 with the Nicolaitans that exploded in the 4th century even with the punishment of death using the word heresy, the Greek word hairesis meaning, a self-chosen opinion, a religious or philosophical sect.

See part two.

Hi Ryant

Do you see Jesus doing this type of activity? Would this further your growth in His Divine Nature, His image & likeness, walking as He walk? or would it be conforming to this world image & likeness?

Friend,

we been brought with a price 1Cor 6:21

live unto themselves, but to Him 2Cor 5:16

Ryant, the difference between all that are call & the few that are chosen is that they obey from the heart the Truth that had been shown them, & as they prove their faithfulness in the measure of Grace given, God gave the increase, eventually united them with Himself.

John 17:21-24

choose wisely

may His love & grace be with you.

jimbob

You have solid points here, that are contributed by the Scriptures you given.

But in all fairness KJV has discrepancies too,

These translators were men learnt in the letter, it doesn't imply they were obedient to the Grace of God in the working of sanctification of the Spirit, obedience unto righteousness unto holiness to the new creature, but quite the opposite according to Scripture, 2Cor 3:6 could God used them? yes, even as God used Nebuchadnezzar

In the uses of Neb, this reveals to us that God has a secret way of using the wicked for His greater purposes, in this case, punishing Israel for their continuous disobedience to the manifestation of the Grace of God given under the Old Covenant. Hebrews tell us, the Grace of His words did not profit them because of unbelief in the Light. Psalms 19:7,8

This Word of God that is pure, tried in the furnace of the earth 7 times; that you so zealously speak of

Declares 1Cor 2:9-13 --- The Grace of God, the True Light that appears to all mankind, which is the living manifestation of His 2nd coming bringing us salvation, Hebrews 9:28 His spiritual appearances within our hearts, the working out of Matt 11:27

The Spirit alone is the interpreter of what He has inspires.

How much more so now, with the coming of Christ, we have the fullest of Grace & Truth reveal, whose beginning is as a tiny grain of mustard Seed in our hearts, yet; if believe in & obeyed grows by the operations of His Spirit to our profit, by faith in hearing the Word of God in our hearts. This is the sure Word of prophecy that Peter refers too!

And if not obeyed, then we will receive a just recompense of reward as they did...indeed, even more so according to Hebrews 10:29 Hebrew 12:25

Do some research in England during this moment of the reformation, when the KJV was written, their fruits/works declare who servants they are.

a friend

in love & truth.

Studying Scripture is so magnificent. Thousands of generations have received God's faithful Truth!

It presses me deeply within by recognizing the Virtue In Strength seeing language has evolved so many eras, past and even now In our day, so deep meditation and prayer aids me to hear God's message.

A firm foundation is {'knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture came to be of one's own interpretation, for prophecy never came by the desire of man, but men of Elohim spoke, being moved by the Set-apart Spirit. Kpha Bt (2 Peter) 1:20-21 TS2009}

In John 1:1 ( Gen. 1:1; Rev. 3:14 along side being lead back from Isa. 46:9-10) begins to point out the bigger portrait necessary to come to better understand Him.

Before being born regenerate by (and through) Yeshua, I would read and not understand. Now The Scriptures (Genesis to Malachi) bring clear evidence that caused an ahha moment like Mosheh at the Bush that burned which wasn't consumed. ( Ex. 3:2-4). Isa. 46:10 also renews the mindset as written, {I call upon you, therefore, brothers, through the compassion of Elohim, to present your bodies a living offering - set-apart, well-pleasing to Elohim - your reasonable worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you prove what is that good and well-pleasing and perfect desire of Elohim. Romiyim (Romans) 12:1-2 TS2009}

because { Messiah is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

Irim (Hebrews) 13:8 TS2009}

among many others brings understanding to Yeshua meaning by the ancient tongue, means Yehovah saves. Showing they are One. ( said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham came to be, I am."). Yohanan (John) 8:58 TS2009

joining God to be understood as ONE {And Elohim said to Mosheh, "I am that which I am." And He said, "Thus you shall say to the children of Yisra'l, 'I am has sent me to you.' "

Shemoth (Exodus) 3:14 TS2009.}

Dear Jema,

Thank you for your reassuring words and kind insights.

I appreciate this.

This morning I really felt something had changed in a positive way and it seems to stay that way today, for which I am happy!

It gives me the strength to carry on again, so thank you once again and may the good God our Heavenly Father bless you!

With kind regards,

Ronald

cont..

to which they are now dead, instead of being dead to the world by it, may be made partakers of the resurrection that is in Christ Jesus, unto newness of life. Rom 6:4 For they that are truly in Christ, that is, redeemed by, and interested in him, are new creatures. Gal 6:15 They have received a new will; such as does the will of God, not their own. They pray in truth, and do not mock God, when they say, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. They have new affections; such as are set on things above, Col 3:1-3 and make Christ their eternal treasure. New faith; such as overcomes the snares and temptations of the world's spirit in themselves, or as it appears through others: and lastly, new works; not of a superstitious contrivance, or of human invention, but the pure fruits of the Spirit of Christ working in them, as love, joy, peace, meekness, long-suffering, temperance, brotherly-kindness, faith, patience, gentleness, and goodness, against which there is no law; and they that have not the Spirit of Christ, and walk not in it, the apostle Paul has told us, are none of his; Rom8:9 but the wrath of God, and condemnation of the law, will lie upon them. For if there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ; who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit, which is Paul's doctrine; they that walk not according to that Holy Spirit, by his doctrine, are not in Christ: that is, have no interest in him, nor just claim to salvation by him: and consequently there is condemnation to such.

to be cont...

cont...

So that though the unrighteous latitude of their lives be matter of lamentation, as to themselves it is of destruction; yet that common apprehension, that they may be children of God, while in a state of disobedience to his holy commandments; and disciples of Jesus, though they revolt from his cross, and members of his true church, which is without spot or wrinkle, notwithstanding their lives are full of spots and wrinkles; is, of all other deceptions upon themselves, the most pernicious to their eternal condition. For they are at peace in sin, and under a security in their transgression. Their vain hope silences their convictions, and overlays all tender motions to repentance; so that their mistake about their duty to God is as mischievous as their rebellion against him.

Thus they walk on precipices, and flatter themselves, till the grave swallows them up, and the judgments of the great God break their lethargy, and undeceive their poor wretched souls with the anguish of the wicked, as the reward of their work.

VIII. This has been, is, and will be the doom of all worldly Christians: an end so dreadful, that if there were nothing of duty to God, or obligation to men, being a man, and one acquainted with the terrors of the Lord in the way and work of my own salvation, compassion alone were sufficient to excite me to this dissuasive against the world's superstitions and lusts, and to invite the professors of Christianity to the knowledge and obedience of the daily cross of Christ, as the alone way, left by him, and appointed us to blessedness; that they who now do but usurp the name may have the thing; and by the power of the cross,

cont...

cont..

VII. True it is, They that are born of the flesh, hate and persecute them that are born of the spirit, who are the circumcision in heart. It seems they cannot own nor worship God after her inventions, methods, and prescriptions, nor receive for doctrine her vain traditions, any more than they can comply with her corrupt fashions and customs in their conversation. The case being thus, from an apostate she becomes a persecutor. It is not enough that she herself declines from ancient purity, others must do so too. She will give them no rest that will not partake with her in that degeneracy, or receive her mark. Are any wiser than she, than mother church? No, no: nor can any make war with the beast she rides upon, those worldly powers that protect her, and vow their maintenance against the cries of her dissenters. Apostasy and superstition are ever proud and impatient of dissent: all must conform or perish. Therefore the slain witnesses, and blood of the souls under the altar, Rev6:9 are found within the walls of this mystical Babylon, this great city of false Christians, and are charged upon her, by the Holy Ghost in the Revelation. Nor is it strange that she should slay the servants who first crucified the Lord: but strange and barbarous too, that she should kill her husband and murder her Saviour; titles she seems so fond of, and that have been so profitable to her; and that she would recommend herself by, though without all justice. But her children are reduced so entirely under the dominion of darkness, by means of their continued disobedience to the manifestation of the divine light in their souls, that they forget what man once was, or they should now be; and know not true and pure Christianity when they meet it; yet pride themselves upon professing it. Their measures are so carnal and false about salvation, they call good evil, and evil good; they make a devil a Christian, and a saint a devil.

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