Bible Questions & Discussion PAGE 383

Predestination part 4.

As I likely posted earlier there are certain limits to understanding God's counsel as stated in Deut. 29:29. There is a point such as with Pharaoh where God Himself hardens a man's heart once he has irrevocably hardened his own heart; that is something in His foreknowledge that God determines for every man who is unsaved. We as believers have been "grafted in" ( Romans 11:11-25). The scripture makes it clear that man has no excuse as we see evidence in the Creation and of the Godhead ( Psalm 19; Romans 1). We are "fearfully and wonderfully made" ( Psalm 139:14) and therefore human life is sacred. Or; as the Declaration of Independence states "we hold these truths to be self-evident".

God is a God of Covenants and as He states "all the souls are mine" ( Ezekiel 18:4). This whole chapter I have found as an excellent rebuttal and witness to the Jewish community who occasionally insists on doing a "Mizpah" when they find out one side of my family is Jewish. It states in the same passage that the "soul who sins will die" thus removing any parental privilege in being of any physical descent as well as making all individuals responsible for their behaviors. We need to see here that someone can turn from wickedness to righteousness; and the opposite is true. Ultimately; I would say that Ephesians 4:30 makes it clear that we don't lose our salvation IF truly saved. There are many tares mixed in with the wheat however. Again; that is part of God's plan; as well as using Satan to refine us through temptations and persecutions. Since God created everyone then we are all to be eternal beings in our spirit.

Also as Jesus pointed out to Thomas "blessed are those who haven't seen and yet believed" ( John 20:29). Just look at the Tribulation where; by the way Revelation 13:8 shows Predestination for all those NOT in the Book of Life. Just as in the time Christ was here the first time seeing ISN'T necessarily belief TO SALVATION. REV6:17

Matthew 18:18, notice Matthew 18:15-22, in context Matthew 18, look closely when reading loosed again Matthew 18:27,

Looking up Matthew 18:18, in word breakdown in Strongs Exhaustive Concordance reference at bottom of page, "bind" translated 'deo' can mean pledge, marriage, or be in bonds, = Luke 13:16, context Luke 13, "loosed" translated 'luo' = break, destroy, dissolve, divorce

both scriptures same words, in Greek.

In the Old Testament, Daniel 3:5, "loose" translated 'shre' = to free, separate, unravel ( Thayer's Greek Lexicon a reference also in site, I use for comparison)

James 1:5,

Hopefully helpful in your study

Predestination: How it fits into ALL scriptures.

The Lord spoke in parables so that the Pharisees would be blinded lest they see the truth at any time and repent (see Mark 4:11 and following verses). The human being is the only species which deliberately blinds themselves to the truth and hardens their heart. This is given to man to whom God has put "eternity in their hearts." ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). There is a way; a door or opening to heaven by which we MUST go through to enter; there is no other way. That; of course is Christ and being Born Again. After all; only the "sick need a physician". ( Mark 2:17). Consider those who most often rejected Christ. These were all those who had heard the message; and mostly the Jews who knew the law and the commandments and the prophecies thus they were without excuse killing the Lord of Glory. That was made clear by Stephen's speech and subsequent martyrdom in Acts 7 and the beginning of Acts 8. Their history was spelled out as to how they sinned and killed the Prophets before them; Christ Himself also brought out these things.

In seeing these things we are reminded with a fair and impartial view of scripture in terms of it's literary composition that men by and large were going on with their personal lives and decisions much of the time. We certainly needn't look at "free will" as something that is diametrically opposed to God's predetermination in our lives as though He is holding us to a standard that we as human beings are paralyzed with our everyday life. He points out to David only when He goes after Bathsheeba that he was given much latitude ( 2 Sam. 12:7-8) and even more wives if he asked; but of course murder and adultery was not to be tolerated. God can't look upon sin; therefore had to turn His back on His own Son. However it is our sin NATURE that is the root of all these things; or the heart ( Jeremiah 17:9; etc.) But after this life ends there is no more freedom for the unregenerate to sin.

Hello, sometimes I have doubts and questions. Would it be possible to ask you when I do?

Right now, for example, I wonder something about Jacob.

I heard pastors say before, that he was a liar and a manipulator. I looked in Genesis from the time he was born, until he got married and cant find anything other than how he (at the request of his mother) deceived Esau by giving him a bowl of soup for his birthright. But nothing else. Does this one action make him someone like what the pastors describe?

Leviticus 18:5

This verse instructs the Israelites that they are to live by the statutes and commands He spells out for them. This is the blessing for obedience, life. Not eternal life, as eternal life is always attained by faith, but that they will live in the land promised them and prosper there. Obedience will cause them to live in the covenantal blessing of God upon them as a people. These laws were temporary provisions given to a sinful people in order for God to dwell in their midst and bless them.

These statutes are not a way of salvation by works of the law. These laws delineate the lifestyle the Israelites are to embrace while living in a land filled with paganism. God is commanding the Israelites to take Him seriously, that He is not a God they can manipulate and define by their own imaginations. The Israelites are to understand that the LORD their God is supreme over all and worthy of obedience, worship, upright living. He is all powerful, therefore is to be feared reverently with the understanding that He will follow through with both the blessings and the curses He pronounces with giving His laws and commandments.

I think it is easy for Christians to become lax in their view of the majesty and supremacy of God which usually leads one to pursue preferred sins, thinking that surely these are just "little sins" and not very serious to God. It is very easy to get into this mindset and soon one finds themselves enslaved to a sinful way of living that they could have rejected if they took God more seriously and believed in His absolute holiness and purity. We should ask ourselves regularly. Does this honor God? Does pursuing these sins bring us closer to Him? Am I failing to view God in His perfection and reality? Am I being presumptuous in my thinking about towards God when I pursue a sinful path?

I think it is wise to examine ourselves when we find ourselves indulging in sin with abandon. Usually we will find that we do not take God or sin seriousy.

Genesis 36:8, Genesis 26:34,35, Exodus 23:20-33, note Exodus 23:32,

Hopefully these help

2Kings 24, 2Kings 25, 2Chronicles 36, Ezra 1:11,

Hopefully these are helpful in your research

You can also search words, phrases, names in this site's 'search bar' after tapping the KJV Standard or KJV 1611 version.

Leviticus Chapter 18:1-5

This chapter opens with YHWH emphasizing that He is the God of the Israelites and therefore, their sovereign ruler. He has the right of ownership of this people and has the supreme right to rule them and to make the rules they are to live by.

YHWH commands them not to follow the laws and lifestyles of the land of Egypt from which they were delivered and also to not follow the laws and lifestyles of the people of the land of Canaan which He will bring them into. The laws and lifestyles of the Israelites, Egyptians, and Canaanite peoples were manmade and reflected man's determination of what is morally correct or corrupt. The Israelites must orient themselves in a new way, not being led by man's reasoning and wisdom concerning civil and religious life, but instead, submitting to YHWH's judgements, commands, and statutes. The people are to understand that YHWH's ways are not man's ways. His ways are higher and more righteous than those of any people. These people are to set themselves apart for the LORD in obedience, willingly taking upon themselves the lifestyle He lays out for them.

It is likely that they had many customs, practices and laws that were peculiar to their own people going back to Jacob's time. Also, they most likely had assimilated to many aspects of the Egyptian lifestyle. (The golden calf is one glaring example.) But now, YHWH is calling them to strip themselves of much of what they thought were acceptable ways of living and worshipping and submit to what God commands them to do. There is no negotiation on these statures and commands. God did not ask them for any input nor offer any sort of recourse for any command or statute to be reconsidered. Straight up obedience is commanded without questioning.

YHWH is demanding strict obedience and submission to Himself. He is requiring them to trust that His ways are absolutely upright and beneficial to them because He loves them so and desires them to be set apart other peoples.

Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:14-29,

Matthew 6,

Hopefully these are also helpful

Hello Murlon. According to the narrative on Laban in Genesis 31, it appears that he did practise idolatry, even as Terah, Abraham & Nachor also did ( Joshua 24:2). They lived in Ur of the Chaldees (now modern Iraq). In spite of their idolatrous ways & ignorance of the true God, God did reveal Himself to Abraham & called him to serve Him alone & be the father of many nations.

As also with Laban, who continued to practise idolatry, but was now accepting of this God who he was hearing about from Abraham's servant (likely Eliezer of Damascus), in his earlier encounter with him concerning Isaac ( Genesis 24:50,51). Whether Laban ultimately rejected his gods for the true God, we cannot say as the Bible doesn't indicate that; but in spite of him using divination ( Genesis 30:27, KJV: "experience" = 'nachash', or signs, divination), he acknowledged that Abraham's God had blessed him. He might have even added an image of God to his other gods, but hopefully in time & by revelation, he would have rejected his false gods.

Syncretism in religion (i.e. merging together of different beliefs & practises), is never an acceptable thing, even as practised today amongst so-called Christians, because God requires a true worship of Him, and Him alone. Abraham, by God's Call & revelation of Himself to him, would have learned to reject any other god or form of worship & to serve the True & Living God. Thus he was greatly blessed.

Predestination: Cautions

In my previous post this AM; I highlighted what I consider an important doctrinal foundation in regard to Predestination (or the Doctrine of Election). Understanding that others have various views on the subject as to where they are on the subject of "free will" on one end of the spectrum and 5 Point Calvanists on the other I am certainly not going to make overly broad generalizations here at least in terms of salvation of an individual based on their viewpoints on this subject. My aim as I hopefully mentioned when doing the Book of John in a chapter by chapter review based on this subject was to show what scripture states on the subject. I can prove my point in the fact that I (sort of) excoriated my fellow brethren (hopefully with a proper zeal) when I challenged them by pointing out that someone can understand ALL the 5 points intellectually of the "TULIP" concept but still not be saved. (Needless to say my response wasn't exactly rosy).

I brought out the point earlier today that those who would state that believers who followed these concepts would have little interest in witnessing to others are largely disproven by the Reformers; and in fact most people I have known in my circle of friends that are actually out there witnessing on a regular basis. We are called to follow the Great Commission; admittedly there are some who take this idea to an extreme at least historically that don't evangelize for precisely that reason that it is a "waste of time" for the non elect. A couple facts here before I move on to other cautions; one the main reason we witness is because we are commanded to do so and it is NOT for conversion but to honor God by proclaiming His truth. We also should consider that it edifies other believers when we are obedient to the call. Paul's imprisonment allowed others to have courage to boldly proclaim the Gospel; surely SOME would do this more if they could just see others doing the same.

Romans 7:8-25, Revelation 3:17, Ezekiel 33:11-20,

2Chronicles 7:14, Romans 6,

1John 1:9, Matthew 6:14,

Hopefully these are also helpful

Hi Folks , I would like to know what the doctrine of the Nicolaitans is and what time it occurred . Regards J G

Hi Donna, I agree with S Spencer's reply in the context of discipline for the purpose of repentance and forgiveness and keeping the sheep in the flock not having to cut off a hand or foot, or pluck out an eye, Matt. 18:8-9.

This is just another view of Matt. 16:19 some say Peter was the only one Jesus gave the keys to but in Matt. 18, we see it was for all the disciples not just Peter. Jesus entrusted them to continue His work, and from them to us, that we see start in Acts 2.

Jesus told Peter He will give him the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Luke 11:52 the key of knowledge, so these keys that were given to the disciples are the knowledge of the gospel of Jesus that will allow them and all who accept the good news, the way of entering the kingdom of heaven/God.

The keys are thus the gospel message, the teaching from Jesus that will be conveyed by the Holy Spirit, which gives us access to the kingdom of God, salvation, and eternal life only by our Lord Jesus Christ and the grace of God. Those who reject the gospel, bound, are forbidden to enter the kingdom (resurrection of damnation) and those who accept the gospel, loosed, are permitted into the kingdom (resurrection of life).

Eph. 2:5-6 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

God bless,

RLW

Where in Bible does it state that some of the Jewish people went from Babylon to Rome with their idols?

Hi Donna.

I've noticed I've left out this info for more clarity in the way I interpret the verse.

The Church is given responsibility or charge to present the Gospel and how it is received will be accounted for in Heaven.

"And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Matthew 16:19.

God bless.

Lol, it's ok! I would still appreciate any input you offer.

Sorry Donna,

I mistakenly referred to Mt. 19:18.

Did Esau worship others gods instead of God?

Thank you

:-)

Thank you Heavenly Father

Amazing Grace

waking us up this morning

We Surrender All Withholding

Nothing

was Laban worshipping idols than God?

Hi Donna.

We also see this mentioned in Matthew 16:18-19. "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

To answer your question.

Let's take it from vs 15 of Matthew 18:15-18 'Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

( If a person wrongs another, and refuses to repent, that person who was wronged should return with one or two others and then take the issue to the church or assembly. If repentance never happens, that person should be treated as an outsider.)

The offender is binded by that offense if he doesn't repent.

If the offender does repent he will be loosed.

This is the keys mentioned in Matthew 16:19 "AND I WILL GIVE UNTO THEE THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN:" and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

To bind and to loose means

to forbid by an indisputable authority and to permit by an indisputable authority.

Bind=forbid.

loose=Permit.

I hope this helps.

God bless.

Predestination: A proper perspective

This brief forum is clearly insufficient to cover any comprehensive study on this subject--at least without hogging this space with an inordinate amount of comments on my part. I will briefly list a couple points of caution as well as the general assurance which a proper dividing of the Word on this subject should give to those of us in the faith.

I will begin with the positive first. There are numerous voluminous studies on the subject which was originally postulated by Calvin and Luther and probably many other Reformers around the same time period. My focus has always been on the Word itself so I would recommend reading the book of John specifically for the words of Christ Himself on those who the Father chooses to be revealed through the Son; for example. God's choosing is by no means isolated to there; or in fact to the New Testament. He chose Jeremiah; for instance before he was born to be a Prophet; and much could be said the same in regard to John the Baptist and of course Christ Himself.

As believers; we can be assured that if we sow the seed of preaching the Word; there will be a harvest. (See Isaiah 55:11 in particular). He who "sows in tears shall reap in joy" ( Psalm 126:5-6). This should keep us from frustration when those who we share with for many years ultimately never respond. We can't perform what is known as "decisional regeneration". (James Adams a Reformer was said to come up with that term). In other words; we are responsible for sounding the trumpet and warning as the Watchman is supposed to do lest blood be on our hands. ( Ezekiel 33:1-5). That is a good segway to the cautionary part of the Doctrine of Election.

Based on the knowledge that we possess we are responsible for decisions made in our personal lives and for being faithful to fulfilling the Great Commission. In my experience normally this isn't the biggest weakness with those who are "Calvinist" in their doctrinal views.

Matthew 18:18

I have never truly understood what this verse means. Can anyone help? I am seeking the Lord about it.

Renee,

Revelation Chapter 1 tells us that the seven Spirits was the sevenfold Spirit of God. Revelation 4:5, along with Revelation 5:6 tells us that the sevenfold Spirit of God represent His eyes, the all- knowing and the all-seeing God.

Also, in Zechariah 4:10, it tells us that the seven Spirits are the seven eyes of God.

He that has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars, from Verses 4 and 16 of Chapter 1.

Psalm 75.

Once again; we see Asaph as he does quite often give a prophetic statement as to the fate of the earth in the end with several cross references of interest.

Verse 2 seems to be a veiled reference to the Rapture; or possibly those who are Jews that believe and survive to the end of the Tribulation in the reference to "when I shall receive the congregation I will judge uprightly. (see 2 Cor. 5:10; Exodus 20:35-38 in the context of Exodus 20:34 as a future event of gathering from the nations).

Verse 3 reminds us of heaven and earth passing away in Revelation 21:1-4 and Matthew 24:35).

Verses 4 through 7 remind us of the "little horn" ( Dan. 7:8) who is Antichrist himself. God allows Satan and his throne in the Tribulation to suit his purposes; ultimately to separate wheat from chaff; and to draw everyone together at Armageddon ( Rev. 19; Psalm 2).

Revelation 14:10 is much like verse 8 referring to the "wine of the wrath of God". That theme is also seen in Jeremiah 25:15-17; and similar themes in Isaiah and without a doubt in other scriptures.

Again the end of this Psalm shows that only praising God is worthwhile (v. 9) and right wins out in the end. That is basically a big theme in all of scripture; the meek shall inherit the earth ( Matt. 5:5).

Assuming your question is how do you KNOW if God is calling you...

Obviously; we have to objectively look at our plans to make sure there isn't an obvious conflict with God's Word and we aren't attempting to "consume it upon our lusts" as James 4:3 states.

When we pray we should ask for doors to open if something is His will; or to close. An example this week was with a brother who I had discussed starting leading a small group with with the stipulation that prayer with him would precede it. There were some mitigating circumstances where he didn't get back to me; and since I kind of went through this process with him before last summer I can see that it isn't God's will at present to pursue this.

I have found from my experience that being around those who aren't messing about but proclaiming the Good News on a regular basis; are "desperate for prayer" (as one of my Pittsburgh brothers was when he started a group early in the morning in the park) and aren't overly distracted by the world (most of my friends in Pittsburgh didn't own TV's or were VERY limited in selection and time spent on these type distractions) are the type of people around which most opportunities to serve God come about. This situation; sadly isn't common in the established church leadership and it's many associated traditions and expected roles. As for a brother of mine who was searching for a wife; we saw an answer within 2 days when he met someone he is now married to. You want to be around people such as another brother in that group I mentioned before who stated that for every hour witnessing he would spend an hour in prayer. I just don't buy what many in church claim when they say that they are "too busy" for such things as my friends have large families and their kids are involved in their Bible studies.

It is good; finally to be around those who sharpen us; and exhort us. Those are people who understand that there is no good in man apart from Christ in us.

I'm in agreement with many of Mishaels comments except her stand on a "rapture". I believe there will be a great "caught up"

At the end of this age as we know it. At the final trump of God when our Lord Jesus returns. Please be careful with posting things that are based on opinion rather than God's Word. May God keep us strong and true to His word.

How do you if God Almighty is Calling you to do something for the lord?