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The superscription is the Latin phrase for the Savior of the World and while we study the last supper let us keep this aspect of the Son in our mind. Each gospel has something to tell us about the significance of it.
"And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;/ For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."(26:27-28) Luke also treats the same. He does it after he blesses the cup. which is by offering it to his Father. "And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves." Divide it among yourselves is similar to the act of the Sower in the Parable. "Behold, a sower went forth to sow;" The field is the world where the heart is not alike. In vv.4-6 we read how the seed come to nought or produced very little. the fault lay entirely with the heart of man. "but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."( 1 John 1:7-9). Blood of Jesus is not at fault but the heart of man is. Out of it comes heresies since it is not entirely good. Like the proverbial curates egg it is half half. So some of the time man runs with his brethren and claims."I have seen the light Hallelujiah" and at other time he is chasing with politicians to do their bidding. Limited salvation as some sects claim is a case in point. If they stumble at this what else is there for them? "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all."(Jas.2:10)
Notice it is "after supper" that he said " Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you." As with the bread they have had partaken the bread during the Last supper "this do in remembrance of me."( Luke 22:19-20). If one makes 'this cup' to mean his blood, what are we to assume? Man's reason is at fault.
Heart of a man who neglects his heart can be a treacherous place. He is a sluggard and void of understanding who quenches the Holy Spirit freely given from above. Instead of a well watered garden,"And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down."(Pr.24:31)
Jesus in his passion told his disciples to watch with him. "And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy./ Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me."(26:36-39). We see the same conflict of the flesh with the spirit. "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." The pain principle makes the flesh cry out,"Spare me from this pain" but the Spirit of Christ ever watchful to the Word and its fulfillment would want to submit. It was a crisis to which the disciples were not not well tuned to. In lab tests if an electrode is introduced an amoeba want to avoid pain. Flesh and spirit of man similarly seeks pleasure and takes the line of least resistance. It is thus the way to hell is paved.
"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:/Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."(7:13-14)
"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." The spirit that Jesus speaks here is of the spirit of man which St Paul finds as an essential tool, and he asks,"For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God."(1 Co.2:11) St Peter's flash of brilliance by fits and starts brought Jesus to commend him on one occasion, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God./And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven."(16:16-17). When God breathed into the nostrils of man he made him a living soul and thereby he opened a way for the Spirit to work with Him. The Spirit of Christ for instance moved holy men of old to seek the path of righteousness. Jesus refers to it as 'dry places' so when an unclean spirit prompted Peter to speak a little later on it raised his master's ire. "Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee./But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men."(16:22-23). Peter was capable of savouring things that be of man' equally as that of God. Jesus spoke a Parable, let me quote, "When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places,"(12:43-45) is where the prince of the power of the air can move about. But the heart of a child of God is qualified as Isaiah says,"And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not."(Is.58:11)
"And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives./ Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad."
The chief priests covenanted with Judas to pay thirty pieces of silver. Their conspiracy to kill Jesus was born out of their human failings which however connected with the Word that underpins the everlasting covenant. Who shall betray him was a question that cropped up when Jesus foretold it. "And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me./ The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born."(vv.23-24). Jesus knew all along what role his disciple would play and as the Word become flesh he did not refuse him but his deity demanded grace must be shown and it is what he did. John gives us that account. Peter professed his faith, saying, "And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God./ Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?/ He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve. "( John 6:69-71).
vv.14-16 It was purely Judas' free will to judge the event in the house of Bethany that tilted his decision to betray his master. He did not have to wait too long because the word sent forth before the worlds began was in control of every events ever since he sent it, and Judas chose to do the bidding of Satan,- and Jesus equates the son of perdition as the devil himself. "Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?
Ze.13:7 was about to be fulfilled. In the following passages we shall see how the little ones fared after smiting the shepherd.
"This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead."( John 21:14)
Now we shall go back to the key text:
"And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body." Jesus speaks of bread as my body.' He is referring to the act of breaking,- and his spiritual body is never to be broken, and the sacrament was to be done in memory of him. "this do in remembrance of me."(1 Co.11:24)
Similarly the wine refers to his blood. "For this is my blood of the new testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins."(v.28) From v.29 the Spirit clues us in what sense we are to interpret the bread and wine. The bread and wine they drink foreshadowing the everlasting covenant shall continue in the day of regeneration as well. The newness of heaven and the earth refers to their regeneration. Same testament but their spiritual bodies shall make it all new. "But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."(v.29) until I drink it 'new' ought to make it clear the testament is not the subject but the creation. That day is the day of regeneration. Alpha and Omega aspect both hinge on the day decreed as the covenant. Unto this day and that day refers to the Son.
"Take, eat; this is my body."(v.26) "For this is my blood of the new testament,"
All gospels save that of John narrate the last supper before his passion. It occurred in the evening.
John instead gives us the first supper in the day of regeneration. This we shall examine before we consider 'my body' for bread and "new testament"
The disciples according to the Gospel of John did not recognize their master. He was there in his risen body, naturally."but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus." ( John 21:4). Significance is in the morning, "But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore." The Spirit uses the morning to indicate that their repast shall be breaking the fast. He was evidently in his spiritual body and for forty days he was seen of them since he was risen. At the mount before his passion he carried both physical and spiritual bodies and transfiguration was merely a foretaste of what was to come. Death had no more hold on the risen Christ so while he stood on the other shore he was in his spiritual body.
He asks the disciples present there, "Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No." (v.5). But soon they shall find a miraculous draught of fish and also bread. "As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread."(v.9). The catch was apart from the fish. Their labour and the catch brought ashore was their testament. While what was the testament of the spiritual body? Is it not the fish laid thereon a fire of live coals and the bread? Thus there are to aspects to what we mean by the body.
"A body hast thou prepared me" (He.10:5-7; Ps.40:7) is Word based so it points to the covenant between the Father and the Son. "Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,/I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart."
The fish and bread witness the spiritual body of the risen Christ.
"Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,/ And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver."
This covenant is between men. Now Judas well knew what the box of alabaster with its contents cost. "Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?" The Spirit in setting this event is aligning it in terms of the everlasting covenant. The number Three whether counted in terms of value of the ointment or price of the betrayal referred the Word become flesh. The word 'covenant' is used with reference to the everlasting covenant. "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ."(2 Co.5:10)
The Spirit has organized the entire salvation program where it pleased the Father that in his Son should all fulness dwell so there is only one covenant which is everlasting that is between God and Man(the Son). The everlasting refers the holiness of God. His calling and gifts are irrevocable.
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, to day and forever. In order to show the fulness of Jesus Christ we have the Gospel of John as a testimony. "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."( John 1:1-2,14) Secondly we have the Law, "For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven."(Ps.119:89)
Without following the signposts set up by the Holy Ghost the Covenant theology to mean five or seven covenants are heresy.
When God has by a decree given a day to the Son how can man interpret seven days as stated in the opening chapters of the Book of Genesis as separate days?. The covenant between Judas and the Jews point to the everlasting covenant between God and the Son so judgment on them must be accordingly. Je.32:40 mentions the same everlasting covenant.
Jesus provided an answer to that question in Matthew 6:5-15.
Matthew 7:21 - not everyone who claims to follow Jesus will be saved.
The Gospel of St Matthew sets the episode of breaking the alabaster box in between the conspiracy of the Jews. "The chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,/And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty." Death of Jesus was on their agenda. Little did they realize it was already set in motion before they had any inkling. So the spirit gives us clues so the Scriptures might be fulfilled. Jesus told his disciples, "Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified."(v.2).He announces the feast as three days from hence. Compare how John approaches the same event giving us a seven day period between. The command Number Three is the tag for the Son and similarly the number Seven refers to his Alpha aspect.
Such numbers are set in the frame of reference to the day decreed for the Son. " I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee." this day of salvation as well as the day of regeneration are hinged on the Alpha Omega aspect of the Son. In short his authority over hell and death are alike complete. Seven signifies it. " I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death."(Re.1:18)
The high priests were totally in dark over the truth and they made much of the Psalms which was no different than what the modern churches make of the Bible. Without following the lead of the Spirit they still speak of Sabbath and God's covenant with Israel. Like these foolish shepherds the council of Jewish leaders would not lay hands on Jesus because they were afraid of the people. Hypocrites! they claim they serve God but they hunger in fact for praise of men!
"But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people."(v.5)
Jesus in the house Bethany is a private world of the larger world to which God sent his Son. He loved the world so he sent him as only begotten meaning the word was literally in the house. It is in this sense Jesus accosted Zachaeus," This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham."( Luke 19:9). Simon the leper is of the same weight as Zachaeus in that God made man a living soul equally. Truth makes every man born of woman in need of salvation.
Jesus commended the woman "for she hath wrought a good work upon me.". Those who had no business to criticize did for no good reason. She brought the alabaster box and broke it in order to wrought a good work upon him. Jesus understood her service was spot on. This explain the Parable in the preceding chapter.
Jesus was there in his humanity, which St Luke emphasizes in his version. His host is Simon and a Pharisee. So the short colloquy in vv.40-47 establishes this human interaction between the host and him. John's Gospel gives us a clue to his deity instead. "Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany" The event and Passover is thus established. The Gospel of Mark sets his version closely similar to that of Matthew. " She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying./Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her."( Mark 14:8-9). The importance of service a believer does to another is tantamount to serving the Lord directly. All four gospels include this event. How do we erect memorials in heaven?
"Let brotherly love continue./Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares./Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body." (He.13:1-3)
"What does the throne of glory signify? The white throne judgment is not about color but holiness of God so when he judges it is good, with no fear or favor. God is the Father of lights and all judgment is under the authority of his Son who is the true Light. So the glory of his throne is the Law and truth. "Thy word is truth" gives sovereignty of the Word binds every soul to him."Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do."(He.4:13).
Before the white throne all things are naked and open to him. "And the sea gave up the dead which were in it."(Re.20:13-15) names not found in the book of life are those earmarked for the lake of fire. Men may cheat death in the court of law but they shall not escape the second death where their souls are on the dock. Outer darkness spells where the presence of God shut them out so no memory of them shall taint the Land of the living.
What does 'one of the least of these my brethren' say Emmet Till or MLK represent? They shall be avenged for certain. The lame shall take the prey, the word of God has set down in the book of life which applies to all from the beginning of the world.
"for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well./My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth./Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them."(Ps.139:14-16)
Those who judge by appearances are certainly deceived. "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."(Jas.4:4) Knowing the right people to go high despising the poor is to despise his Maker
Thanks for sharing that encouraging update!
Tell your husband we will be praying for him also.
God bless you.
"For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial."
Faith with works in the case of Jesus was perfect."And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." Col.1 19-20) "Reconciling all things unto himself" is explained in the episode in the house of Bethany. In him is the fulness so the king in the Parable rewarded " Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."(25:40)
"Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker." Pr.17:5. In our times so much anger and ill-will that has spawned a whole lot of platforms where those who espouse their grievances converge. Domestic terrorism is bred on social platforms so who spreads as well as listens are equally to blame. "A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue." It is thus nations have advanced with good seed and the tares intermingled. There shall be a day of judgment where the separation shall be strictly between the goats and the sheep. Many are called but few are chosen.
This being the case there are no sheep or goats preserved by geographical borders or by doctrine of men. Every man shall give account of himself.
Needless to say, Satan has deceived the man who believes in his country above others. He may call the migrants as 'vermin' because his color is not right, neither is his culture. He is wicked no less. "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all."(Jas.2:10). When he invokes from a position of authority, as the pope of yore who invoked people of faith to crusade he is guilty. "Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven:"(Matt.5:19)
The Parable clearly lays out total sanctification for those who are called to be kings and priests. " For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;/And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself."(Col.1:17-20). Receiving a prophet "in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward." But kingdom of God lays out the preceding verse as the rule: "He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me."(10:40). Consequently without 'Christ in me' by faith, charity is merely lip service.(1 Co.13). Laws of nations create a system and those who know it escape from justice reserved for lawbreakers. Sheep on the right speaks of the nation of light. They are those who saw the light in the true light. (Ps.36:9)
As kings our judgment must be fair. "A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes."(Pr.20:8) abiding in Christ we ought to train ourselves which explains faith with works. So one cannot serve mammon as well as serve God. As priests "Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity."(He.5:2). Having a beam in the eye one need to be circumspect before he wants to remove the mote in someone else's eye.
"And by him all things consist," Priestly garments of righteousness are of God we put on in our daily walks. We bear the burden of others which denote the breastplate and judgment, evokes the urim and thummim. Hearts can be very treacherous if let so by the light of the word we conduct our lives in all humility so grace may have perfect working in us. "Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits."(Ro.12:16,1-2) Our bodies are living sacrifices, "holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service."
Just a quick update. My husband Steve, tested positive for covid this morning. He began Paxlovid just as I did. I expect he will have similar results as I have had. I am nearly recovered now, with just a slight cough. I guess the CDC changed the isolation rules for covid March 1 and as long as one is improving and without a fever, one no longer needs to isolate but care should be taken when around vulnerable people.
So, I think I am good to go now. Great!
I am one who believes in the hard sayings in particular that those who are living in adultery we should warn of their fate and also that taking communion should not involve those who are living in fornication and adultery or any other unrepentant sin involving a lifestyle of sin in particular. In my mind that involves second or later marriages of those whose first spouse is still living which is an issue I am currently dealing with in my church. I am not here going to debate on this particular posting the meaning of the "exception clause" due to "fornication" in Matthew 5 and 19 which is NOT present in parallel passages in Luke and Mark; and further bolstered by passages in Romans and Corinthians.
My concluding concept here is that ALL doctrines according to 2 Timothy 3:16 are important for teaching; edification; etc.
There are always some things debated; and no church has a perfect understanding or is sinless. Nonetheless the things that are clearly taught should be obeyed whether we like it or not to maintain a place where the Spirit is welcome and we aren't in danger of the "candlestick" going out as we see with the Ephesian church in Revelation who abandoned their "first love." This doesn't leave any room for partiality or pride whether it be for our leadership or church members; traditions; etc. It is God's church; not our own. The Lord disciplines His own; and we are being tested to see if we will be faithful until the end. If the enemy comes into the camp; through our own wickedness or the invasion of others then we are negligent in our duties if we don't try to stop it. We do what we can; God may indeed have determined to let a local church fail to fulfill greater purposes; but we need to be jealous for the truth as long as some truth prevails; at least until God opens a door for us to move on; or we are thrown out. The ten thousand dollar question is whether the Spirit is welcomed or locked out.
There is only one time that I am aware of where a literal heaven was spoken against; in this case a book on Postmillenialism. I don't have the book with me at present (it may be buried in a box somewhere). I should note that one good point was in that book; namely that many of the PreMil camp tend to state or act as though the gates of hell are too powerful; rather than holding out to the promises that they will not prevail until the end ( Matthew 16:18). In the proper context (as opposed to a Dominioninsm mentality) this is a valid criticism of many who are hiding out waiting for the Rapture and not occupying until He comes ( Luke 19:13).
In regard to hell; however of course there are many more professing believers who have convinced themselves that it is merely a symbolic statement. Such often tend to hold on to a cessation mentality; that is of a human soul before the final Resurrection presumably at the end of the Millennium or at least the Rapture. They think that someone will simply wake up thinking it was just a moment before that they died at the Resurrection; thus making the suffering of the lost delayed into the future to assuage their conscience (often if not for their own fate for that of their loved ones at present who have died). Of course; in light of verses such as 2 Corinthians 5:8; and Hebrews 9:27 among others this seems like a ridiculous concept. I would argue this point of a belief in literal hell is important enough that we cannot consider fellowship with other believers who don't agree at least in our own place of corporate worship. Again; we can try to witness to them the truth. This is needed doctrine because we need to explain the grave state of the lost; and that there is NO peace for the wicked. ( Isaiah 48:22 and many other passages). Hell not being literal is due to a misunderstanding of the meaning for the grave and sheol (the land of the dead).
When we get into practical things; for instance the last few chapters of Romans after the lengthy dissertation on the depravity of man (no one is rightous); and the "Gospel of Grace" related to covenants and the like; there could be a tendancy to discount our behaviors as being as important as these doctrinal truths. The fact is they are both important and we can't live bearing good fruit without following the truth and showing obedient love for Christ with our lifestyles. We only need to look at Luke 6:46 to see the importance of doing what He says; and John 14:15 which shows that if we love Him we will obey His commandments. The basic command to love one another is seen in both the Gospel of John and first John as a necessary mandate for a true brother in Christ. This should be a basic litmus test to draw out those who are Judas Iscariot's in our midst. These issues make things difficult when we follow such commandments as 1 Corinthians 5:11 where we are told not to even eat with one who is living in immorality or other sins as a LIFESTYLE or continuing pattern who calls themself a "Christian". This should eliminate many prosperity Gospel folks who are "swindlers"; and those practicing idolatry where a false Christ is worshipped at least in the midst of a given true fellowship of saints. There are times when we can witness to others who are in error if we are not worshipping where they are if we can have some control on the meeting situation. In short; producing good fruit is mentioned in numerous scriptures and thus only occurs with a true believer as the Parable of the Sower indicates. This is essential doctrine which is evidenced by those who are drowning in perdition due to the cares of this world overtaking them ( 1 Timothy 6:9; see also Matthew 13:23). The attitude toward authority covered in Romans 13:1-2; we are called whenever it doesn't contradict scripture to obey authorities.
The question that arises is this; since we are "grafted in" hence Jews and Gentiles are part of God's elect in this age as we see illlustrated in Romans 11. If we continue to verse 23; however we see that even Jews are grafted in once they believe in the truth about Jesus. ( Romans 11:25). We also see this principle in Luke 21:24 as well as various Old Testament scriptures about the Resurrection of all saints ( Daniel 12:13) and King David himself ruling with Christ ( Daniel 7:27 and other passages). There are those who stubbornly only consider these promises to be fulfilled in the church and say God is done with Israel. This helps to discount a millennium as something which is symbolic of the church (even though that has lasted almost 2000 years now since Pentecost). I would say that we need to draw the line if there is a display of antisemitism; for instance with a superiority complex developing because of these theories. Admittedly there is much evil among all; including those Jews who are living in unbelief when we see; for instance Tel Aviv and the abominations of those living out a lifestyle like Sodom ( Revelation 13:16-17). We also need to seek out individuals whether Jew or Gentile to preach the Good News; without partiality to anyone. Finally; there is difficulty with some in regard to sacrifices actually occurring in the Millennium; deeming them an abomination as Christ has already fulfilled all things necessary. That would depend on the purpose of these; as to commemorating God and having a ceremonial purification; for instance. Such activity would help to bring all to worship in Israel; fulfilling prophecies such as Isaiah 56:7 and Zechariah 14:17. Despite all this; I wouldn't consider this essential doctrine to break fellowship but important nonetheless to get a correct grip on the rest of scriptures to avoid what could be bigger error of essential truths.
The subject of prophecy never seems to be an issue in one regard among those who generally hold to proper scriptural interpretation in one sense; that is of PAST fulfillment. A Reformed church and many other traditional denominational assemblies hold onto belief that the Prophets accurately predicted specific events; in particular relating to the first coming of Christ. When it comes to future prophecies related to the nation of Israel and the Millennium there is often confusion as to what is taken literally and what is meant figuratively. Thus; again sometimes it is claimed that we can't understand certain things; or perhaps more insidious that because of an isolated doctrinal stance we can't pigeonhole something being literally fulfilled because it threatens that doctrine. Needless to say if our doctrines are truly Biblical and we take scripture literally unless clearly indicated as figurative we can make a lot more sense of things.
We need to remind ourselves that when Christ came the first time He was; by and large not received by His own ( John 1:11). We also need to realize that no matter how much prophecy we read if we are not written in the Book of life we are ultimately going to be deceived to the point that ALL who aren't there will worship the Antichrist (Beast) mentioned in Revelation 13:8.
As I have commented numerous times in the past few years at this site; by the sixth seal it is clear there are no more Atheists; nonetheless many will continue to live in open rebellion and follow Satan to their doom at Armageddon after damning themselves and taking the Mark of the Beast. Despite these factors; there are some who have reservations as to the Eschatology of a Millennium period; for example who I still fellowship with despite disagreeing with their interpretations.
A bigger issue is those who think God is done with Israel; a common verse used is Romans 9:6 as well as Galatians 3:7.
I will discuss this further.
Whether in the "Arminian" or "Calvinistic" camps; God's sovereignty and man's inability to save himself apart from His grace is fairly universally accepted. The issue comes in as to whether mans' "free will" acts to make a decision whether to follow or not follow Christ and "accept" Him into their hearts. Both camps will hold to Romans 10:9 related to a verbal and heartfelt confession accompanying saving faith. I would contend that it is not as some like to call it "decisional regeneration" that occurs as a result of something we say; but that what we say is a reflection of God already moving one towards repentance as scripture states it is a gift of God ( 2 Tim. 2:25 and also stated in the Book of Acts). We are truly saved "apart from the law" ( Romans 3:21) by grace; but of course Paul makes it clear that we aren't granted a "license to sin" once we have escaped from the wrath of God. Nothing we can do will earn us grace; and more importantly there is no desire in unregenerate man to follow God; at best man can try to avoid the consequences of sin which of course makes us all as Judas Iscariot who betrayed Christ yet realized he had betrayed an innocent man and thus hung himself. (see 2 Corinthians 7:10). It should be obvious how essential the doctrine of grace is; as all other eligions and even Christian cults will offer a combination of faith in Christ and works as needed to be saved; or it is asceticism such as Eastern religions offer that seem to bring a utopia for someone after doing good works after a lengthy cycle of death and rebirth (reincarnation) which of course fundamentally is opposed by Hebrews 9:27. Often it is another Christ; whether presented as as sage or great prophet which is expounded that we should follow rather than the true Jesus who was the Son of God. John 8:24 makes it clear that we must believe that "I am" truly meaning that He is the Christ. ( Matt. 16:13-20). ONLY CHRIST CAN REVEAL THE TRUTH TO A MAN.
In Matthew 25; starting in verse 14 we see the Parable of the talents. The first two individuals are rewarded with eternal rewards far greater than invested in this life but in accordance to their faithfulness now. The last servant of course lost it all including apparently his soul. There is a slightly different viewpoint in the parallel Parable in Luke 19 where reward is lost; but it would appear hell would be for those who wouldn't have Christ rule over them which is mentioned after the example of this servant at the end of the Parable. Either way; Jesus made it clear that we are commanded to go out and spread the Good News of the Gospel. A true believer therefore is in danger of losing rewards in heaven; making it in through the "skin of their teeth" ( 1 Cor. 3:15); while a professing Christian may not even be saved if they are not recognized by Christ as a true believer as we see in the Parable of the 5 unwise virgins. We see a similar pattern in the admonition that anyone who teaches others to break one of the "least commandments" ( Matthew 5:19) will be the least in heaven (i.e. loss of rewards). This makes one consider what happens for a greater commandment and how that is defined. This would be of course a "damnable heresy" ( 2 Peter 2:1) and clearly indicates damnation for such individuals in hell.
The great difficulty we have here is if we try to define what is necessary doctrine or unnecessary is that all of scripture is connected so that we are in danger of "cherry picking" what we want to follow rather than what is needed. We also have to look at the attitude of the heart. In the tale of Ananias and Sapphira; it is often overlooked that the problem was not that only a portion of what was sold was brought to the church offering; but that they had lied about their commitment or vow that was made to give all. The other issue is what people say is hard to understand. More to come..
My last post (if it gets uploaded) gets into the basic doctrines needed to be understood for salvation. I would better state that as necessary doctrines that accompany a correct proclamation of our salvation which need to come from a truly regenerated heart to have any real effect. In terms of the law; we no longer need to continue to uphold all the hundreds of laws in the Torah. This is due to some being only for those who were in National Israel; and some which were ceremonial. Following the law never resulted in anyone being saved due to a state of perfection; and in the same logic adhering to the "doctrines of grace" or any and all correct ones doesn't guarantee anything either. The true essence of the law was explained by our Lord when He discussed the attitudes of the heart in Matthew 5 (in the case of verse 28 how looking after a woman lustfully means adultery in the heart).
I would contend that there are universal laws which involve the dignity of human life related to murder; marriage; etc. which are incumbent on all men to follow and which were established from the time of Adam and his immediate offspring as we see with the murder of Abel by Cain the firstborn male of our common ancestory. Even in the Ten Commandments there are certain things such as coveting in the Tenth Commandment that may not have punishment that is as extreme as a death penalty; and clearly we all break God's law in commission; omission or thought on a regular basis. The main concept here is that we are not to be lawless (as we are about to see the coming of the "lawless one" ( 2 Thess. 2:8). We are also not to be legalists by attempting to follow scripture but with a cold heart; or in the sense of creating new rules not in scripture (don't dance; don't smoke; don't drink; etc) which may be fine in their own right; but can't be pushed as a direct scriptural commandment.
Thus I would contend rules about our conduct also as essential.
To know Christ and to make Him known is the theme of the Navigators ministry and correlates with 1 John and other passages.
This is a good summary of understanding the personal meaning of Christ's sacrifice on the cross for atonement as well as our duties fulfilling our part in the Great Commission.
I imagine most here know the necessary doctrines of believing Christ is a member of the Godhead and thus Divinity Himself who was the only one who could atone for sins (as the sinless spotless Lamb of God) by becoming a man as we are without sin and remaining so throughout His earthly ministry; then dying on the cross and resurrecting from the dead 3 days later. Finally; He is to return once again physically to rule and reign on the earth.
2 Timothy 2:8 and 2 Thessalonians 2:2 show we should avoid the error of stating that the resurrection has already occurred or the day of the Lord is at hand. Matthew 24:26 states that the Lord hasn't come yet for those who say He is hiding somewhere and also states the likeness of His arrival as lightning in the very next verse. This should be enough to disclaim what Preterists state that the Lord has already come. Therefore I would contend that full Preterists that state this are far enough off in doctrine that we should avoid fellowship with them.
Assuming we have the essentials of salvation straightened out; there are many other warnings and admonitions in scripture such as testing ourselves to see if we are in the faith would involve ( 2 Corinthians 13:5). We need to accept that doctrines aren't just what is required to be saved; but also what is necessary to prove that we are bringing fruits worthy of repentance ( Matthew 3:8 and many other similar verses). We are not subject to the law in some sense IF we are truly dead to sin ( Romans 6:11) in one sense; because we have a new nature; but in the same token we DESIRE to obey Christ and love and serve Him as Lord; Master and Savior.
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels."
Now we may identify what does right and left hand of the most High indicate. We covered the throne of the Lamb in terms of the Throne of God. (Re.22:1). The Son of man who sits on his throne of glory has holy angels in his attendance. Separation of light from darkness according to the everlasting covenant now is set. Holy angels signify everlasting life while the devil and his angels are earmarked for everlasting fire. This fire we came across first in the night vision of Daniel which is needless to say denotes the Alpha aspect where the same Father figure is repeated in the inaugural vision of St John. "And his voice as the sound of many waters." (Re.1:15)
Waters in the Omega aspect of his voice is the Word sent forth before the beginning.(Is.55:11). The throne of God upon the floods inform us who is in control. "The voice of the Lord divideth the flames of fire." (Ps.29:7,10)
Separation of Water and of fire is pendent on this verse. "the judgment was set, and the books were opened." Daniel describes the throne, "his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire." Similar device as a water wheel so it sends fire streaming, " A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him."(Dan.7:9-10)
Ge.1:7 gives us separation of waters. One signifies the Father of all mercies while the waters below becomes a byword for wicked nations. (Is.57:20) Sin has muddied the mercies of God that speaks of the earth. Meanwhile waters above heaven ,runs along and we see it coursing through the middle of the Throne of God and of the Lamb. (Re.22:1-3). This stream marks time. Fire everlasting likewise from the throne covers a period of time. The lake of fire is an indication of God's judgment. "These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone."(Re.19:20)
"And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?"And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee." Evangelist Matthew reports after he cleansed the temple Jesus introduces himself as " My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves." (v.13) Compare how John treats the same cleansing of the temple, " And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise."(John2:17). John places the emphasis on "My Father's house." It is in this gospel we have this citation, "I and my Father are one."( John 10:30). In the Gospel of Matthew the book introduced Jesus as the son of Abraham and son of David. (Matt.1:1) St John having presented the logos aspect of Jesus Christ gives us a concrete example in this cleansing. My house is as valid as My Father's house. John continues the Alpha aspect of Jesus by the next verse, "And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up."(v.17)
This just shows each Gospel has its inner logic and what drives them as one is the Alpha Omega aspect of the Son hitched to the word.
John 2:18-23
Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?/Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up./Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?/But he spake of the temple of his body."
"Temple of the body" how marvelously the Spirit gives us a concrete image of the Word become flesh? We are made kings and priests into Jesus Christ and the church as his body must witness this aspect of our Savior Lord. (Re.1:6)
Levitical priesthood was set for the Israelites as befitting their bootcamp, while Order of Melchizadec is forever.
Earlier we quoted,"Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people"(He.2:17)" This glory sets Jesus Christ as the Apostle as well as the high priest of our profession. Alpha aspect gives us the decree. "The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek." (110:4). The Spirit gives us a clue how he has organized the Bible narrative in the encounter between Abraham and Melchizedek. The High Priest of the Most High is meeting Abraham from whom the lineage of Jesus Christ springs from according to his humanity. He.7:9 annotates the Alpha and Omega in the encounter. "And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth." (Ge.14:19). Earlier God blessed Abraham which sets all families in the earth which is confirmed by Melchizedek. (Ge.12:3). The bread and wine symbolizes the spiritual significance of our glory. "Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,/And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever." (Re.1:5-6). Every believer is called to be kings and priests, nothing less.
Coming back to the key verse the right hand indicates holy angels with him include us. "on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world."