Bible Questions & Discussion PAGE 58

Justification. Sanctification and Glorification.

Part 7. J Vernon Mcgee. (Paul and James View Works)

When it comes to the word works, surely Paul and James must mean the same thing, do they not? No, they absolutely do not. When Paul speaks of works, he speaks of the works of the Law. I wonder if you have ever noticed that? Will you listen to him,

Therefore, by the deeds [or works] of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for by the law is the knowledge of sin. ( Romans 3:20)

So, it is clear that when Paul is talking about works, he is talking about the works of the Law. Then turn to Galatians 2:16 where we read, "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." Here again Paul is talking about the works of the Law.

But James talks about the works of faith. Could he be any more explicit than when he says,

But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith [not the works of the Law, but that which faith produces] without works is dead? ( James 2:20)

Therefore, if man's faith does not produce works, that man's faith is dead. Here we find that the two men have two extremely different sources of works in mind. James, that of faith; Paul, that of the Law.

Paul and James Use Abraham to Illustrate.

At this point, let's bring the teaching of these two men to bear upon the life of God's great servant, Abraham, in the question of justification, for we find both Paul and James using Abraham as an example. This is of keen interest as we see that Paul lets us look at Abraham when God made His first appearance to him, and James goes to the end of his life when God made His seventh and last appearance to Abraham. Paul goes back to the birth of Isaac and the time when God called Abraham - at which time this man had no works and had very feeble faith, but nonetheless a faith sufficient to move out with God. And when he moved out with God, he was justified by faith.-

What would Jesus do?

Romans 8:7 states:

"For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die."

The next verse describes how we were yet sinners; or what Colossians 1:21 states in even harsher terms as "enemies of God."

Next time you hear someone talking about how loving we all should be ask them if they would be willing to die for their enemies who hate them. We hear a lot of talk these days about the love of God; usually reduced to some mushy sentimentality and hardly differentiated from human passions. First off; it is only a half truth to go around talking about God's love only when it happens to coincide with pleasant or pleasurable circumstances for people on earth. Yes God loved us when we were yet sinners but provided provision through the Son as His ONLY method to reconcile the enmity between us and Him due to indwelling sin. God cannot look upon sinful man and love Him in the state he is in but DESPITE the fact that he is in a lost state with a heart that is; according to Jeremiah 17:9 "desperately wicked". God's METHOD is by having the Son; for we either have the Son and therefore know God or we know neither (see 1 John 23:24). This involves the Father and Son coming to "dwell within us" ( John 14:23 which also implies the Holy Spirit sealing us until the day of redemption ( Eph. 4:30).

Those who would view Jesus as someone that is primarily promoting some sort of sentimental affection either is Biblically illiterate or willfully deceived. He talked about being a sword to divide families ( Matthew 10:34-36); rebuked the Pharisees harshly a number of times; destroyed the Temple moneychanger market at least twice; and challenged those who would feign to be His disciples but whose heart wasn't in it. He even rebuked His own disciples. This is demonstrating that true love in His own life was obeying God; and we are called to do the same for Christ ( John 14:23).

Justification. Sanctification and Glorification.

Part 6. J Vernon Mcgee. (Paul and James View Faith.)

One of the greatest dangers for preachers of the gospel is that we like to see people converted, and we are willing to accept a brazen and flippant yes from some individual who says, "Yes, I'll trust Jesus." However, it might be just an impertinent, impudent, and insolent nod of the head; it is so easy today to be as phony as a three-dollar bill. James says, "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone" ( James 2:17). Therefore, even though he uses the word faith, James means faithfulness - a faith that makes you faithful before men.

A minister once asked a man who professed conversion, "Have you united with the church?"

"No, I haven't," the man replied. "The dying thief never united with the church, and he went to heaven."

The minister asked, "Have you ever sat at the Lord's table?"

"No, the dying thief never did, and he was accepted," was the man's answer.

The minister asked, "Have you been baptized?"

"No," he said, "the dying thief was never baptized, and he went to heaven."

"Have you given to missions?"

"No, the dying thief did not give to missions, and he was not judged for it," was the reply.

Then this disgusted minister said to the man, "Well, my friend, the difference between you two seems to be that he was a dying thief and you are a living thief."

See Part 7 (Paul and James View Works)

Justification. Sanctification and Glorification.

Part 5. J Vernon Mcgee. (Paul and James View Justification.)

Therefore, we see that when Paul uses the term justification he is talking about a man's relationship with God; when James uses the same term, he is talking about a man's relationship with the world. One is perpendicular, and the other is horizontal.

Paul and James View Faith.

The same procedure runs true in their use of the term faith. Again, they mean something different. When Paul talks of faith he is talking about that which is toward God. Paul says that saving faith - a faith that is genuine and real - will transform a person's life. Paul said of himself,

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. ( Philippians 3:7)

A real revolution took place in his life when he came to Christ. Looking again at Galatians 3:6, we read that "as Abraham believed Godit was accounted to him for righteousness." And then in Romans:

But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. ( Romans 4:5)

Paul is speaking here of that which we bring to God. The only thing that a sinner can bring to God is faith in Jesus Christ. When James writes about this, he is not talking about faith toward God but about the works of faith. So Paul is talking about the root of faith, and James is talking about the fruit of faith, but they are both defending the citadel of faith.

Here in James 2:14.

James is not talking about the works of the Law. The faith that James is talking about here is professing faith, that which is phony and counterfeit. Paul refers to the same idea when he says in 1 Corinthians 15:2, "unless ye have believed in vain." Paul also wrote, "Examine yourselves, whether you are in the faith" ( 2 Corinthians 13:5). James simply says that the faith which saves you will produce works-"works of faith.

See Part 6. Paul and James View Faith.

Christ's ultimate sacrifice: Primary purpose was to do God's will.

In studying Christ's death on the cross and the resulting salvation of our souls it is no small thing to focus attention and time on such a matter on a regular basis. At least from our perspective the meaning to us personally must be considered with all due reverence for how He took us from death to life. John 17:6-8 makes clear that God was the one who gave Christ all the ones who were to be saved. The following verses ask for unity among them all; and to be in the world but not of it (in general). These verses prayed during His agony in Gethsemane are the summation of much of the earlier chapters in John clearly showing that God was the one who predetermined (predestined) all those who would be saved and hear His voice as His sheep.

However you slice it; there are some who will and will not come to Christ. Also God knows ahead of time who these people are so therefore certainly could have designated ahead of time who would be sheep and who would be a goat; who would be wheat and who a tare; etc. In other words; it wasn't up to Christ to give out any information that could lead someone to the truth in a merely intellectual manner and therefore much of His ministry was spent teaching in parables. Compare Mark 4:12 with Luke 8:12. The lack of insight given so that people can be saved is clear from the first passage; but Satan is used as the agent to blind men's hearts in the second example in Luke of the seed by the wayside.

There are as Deuteronomy 29:29 states some things in the Divine counsel which men are not privy to. Certain things can be searched out; however ( Proverbs 25:2). John 3:16 states that God so loved the world and sent His Son. We should keep in mind here that Christ came first and foremost to do the Father's will. All those called and chosen would be saved EXCEPT for the prophesied son of perdition (see Psalm 69:25; Psalm 41:9; Psalm 109).

Justification. Sanctification and Glorification.

Part 4.

J Vernon Mcgee. (Paul vs. James in the Use of Words)

Examining the context.

Therefore, the confusion rests in a misunderstanding of their use of the three words: justify, faith, and works. If we understand what each means in his use of these three words, we shall find out that Paul and James are not in conflict.

Paul and James View Justification.

In the interest of clarity, let us find out what Paul and James really meant when they used these three terms.

The first term to come before us is justified or justification. When Paul uses this term it always means justified in God's sight. He speaks of how the sinner down here is made right with God. He is never justified by works before God, but he is justified by faith in Jesus Christ. That is the only thing that God accepts. In fact, Paul makes it very clear:

For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath something of which to glory, but not before God. ( Romans 4:2)

So we see that when Paul uses the word justification he is thinking of the sinner's position in connection with and before God.

Now when James uses the term justification he is not thinking of it as being before God at all. Rather, he is thinking of justification before men - how a Christian is justified before men - and he makes that clear:

Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works; show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. ( James 2:18)

In other words, James says, "I am talking here about justification for people who don't believe it until they see it. I am talking about justification before men." Then he makes that perfectly clear again, for a little later he writes,

Ye see [not God sees, but ye see], then, that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. ( James 2:24)

See Part 5. J Vernon Mcgee. (Paul and James View Justification.)

God's apparent contradictions: Examining Psalm 107 compared to Proverbs 1:26-28 and like passages

We see in the first example God's patience when people were about to head to destruction; either physical or spiritual death or both how throughout several earlier Biblical events God's people were delivered and rescued when at wits end and they called upon His name. The second passage and others such as we find in Jeremiah and Micah to name just two show where God will not hear; and in the case of this section of Proverbs mocks them in their calamity.

One can generalize of how God chastises all those He loves such as we see in Proverbs 3:12 (just a couple chapters later) and Hebrews 12:6. These techniques were primarily for the nation of Israel in the Old Testament and His church today. Exceptions exist; however such as those who offered profane fire before the Lord in Numbers 16 who deliberately rebelled against God's chosen prophet (Moses) and suffered immediate judgment. Moses surely wasn't the only one either who was saved but couldn't enter the Promised Land (only Caleb and Joshua could from the original generation along with their children).

In the case of Pagan nations; such as in Psalm 2 and examples of wholesale slaughter in the Old Testament of the nations around Israel were a result of their vile abominations; with child sacrifice being a top thing causing wrath no doubt. Psalm 2 is a parallel to Revelation 19 where those having taken the Mark of the Beast are led by the 3 frog like spirits coming out of Satan's evil "trinity" to be led to Armageddon to fight Christ (although there may be some trickery at first to convince them that they are fighting the last battle for control over the earth by destroying the armies coming against Antichrist.)

This gives us assurance that those who are His elect will be saved; even if chastisement shortens their earthly existence ( 1 Cor. 11:30). This is the difference between those He hears or not.

Justification. Sanctification and Glorification.

Part 3

ABRAHAM.

Genesis 22:1-18.

Vs 14-18. And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh, as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen. And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time, And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD; for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son; That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the seashore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because thou hast obeyed my voice.

Was Abraham justified by works? Yes.

Scripture says that he was justified by works. ( James 2:21-24)

Do we have here a contradiction to the apostle Paul? Did not Paul say that Abraham was justified by faith - not by works? Paul makes a very specific statement in Romans:

"For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath something of which to glory, but not before God. ( Romans 4:2)

Then over in Galatians 3:6 we read, "Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."

Is Paul and James writings in conflict on this point? NO!

Here is an article by J Vernon Mcgee explaining this Paradox.

Paul vs. James in the Use of Words.

May I hasten to state that Paul and James do not conflict at all. They are in entire agreement. As someone has said, "Paul and James do not stand face to face, fighting against each other, but they stand back to back fighting opposite foes." The whole problem lies in the fact that they use the same words, but with a different meaning altogether. They are discussing the same subject from different viewpoints. This you will find upon examining the context.

See Part 4.

J Vernon Mcgee. (Paul vs. James in the Use of Words)

Greetings in Christ JESUS

GiGi

I thanks fully of your prayers in the name of the Lord JESUS

You know that the Lord's Church is living in perilous times- 1Timothy 4:1-2- , I also pray to the Lord asking Him to help us and keep us under His powerful hands- Acts 11:21- , and He bless His people in whole Earth; giving them victories in struggles, in difficulties, and supplying the needs of each one, and healing illnesses and warding off the evils and the sickness in the among His people. And above all in giving Wisdom and understanding of His Word to all, lifting up the fallen, strengthening the weak and downcast by the Power of His Word. Amen. Matthew 28:18.

Our Lord JESUS promised: Unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance... Matthew 25:29. Amen.

May our Lord GOD bless us, and keep us, and give us His protection

Amen

Chris

I work with the Word of GOD, and I have already answered your questions several times.

I work with the Word of GOD, the Word is GOD Himself, don't you understand? Two thousand years ago the Word Himself was made flesh by the NAME of JESUS, yes, by the NAME of JESUS, as He promised to His people through the prophets- Hebrews 1:1-3, as I have said in answering your questions. But you are masked by a pretense, and you pretend have not seen, your lack of interest in the Word of GOD reveals who really dominates your life.

I reapeat. I work with the Word of GOD, the Word is GOD Himself, don't you understand? Why do you not understand my speech? It's because you are unable to hear the true and pure Word of Truth. Your lack of interest in the Word of GOD reveals who dominates you your life.

I repeat. I work with the Word of GOD, and I have already answered your questions several times, but not according your evil and disguised spirit, for the Word of GOD -the Word is GOD Himself- recommends saying: Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like unto him-Prov.26:4. And the Word states that "when the fool speaks pleasantly, believe him not / don't trust him: for there are SEVEN abominations in his heart. And my Lord JESUS clearly revealed, saying: Luke 11:23-24 and 26:

23 He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.

24 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.

26 Then goeth he, and taketh to him SEVEN other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.

Furthemore, my Lord JESUS left very clear, saying: John 12:47-48:

If any man hear my words, and believe not, I Judge him not: for I came not to Judge the world, but to save the world. But already hath one that Judgeth him:...

Get ready

John10:11-13 "Wolf is coming, wolf is coming"

Before we examine the middle section of this discourse, we have had the sheepfold covering both worlds of the Spirit and of the body.It was set as a parable.'This parable spake Jesus unto them'(v.6)

Here we have Jesus as "I am the life" and he presents life abundant, "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." In the previous post "Not by the door" the conflict of the shepherd with the thieves robbers owe to the war in heaven so St Paul warns,"And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light../Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." (2 Co.11:14-15)Gnosticism was already at work along with Judaizers in the early church and the message to the church of Philadelphia carried warnings. "I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth." (Re.3:10). According to Min-Max mode of narrating the Spirit sets the hour of temptation, coming from Imperial Rome.It also overarches to the great tribulation of latter days. When Jesus was taken in he told his captors, "but this is your hour, and the power of darkness." ( Luke 22:53)

It is to this hour we are coming. The wolves were about. "But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep."(10:12) Historically the open door that Jesus set for the church did not drew the sheep to Jesus Christ but to embrace the pagan Rome entirely. The hireling come under many labels, let the sheep scatter. So when Constantine I called the council of Nicea he organized the Council along the lines of the Roman Senate. His foremost concern was to keep his empire from splitting than the correct doctrine.

John 10:1-4 "Not by the door" (2 of 2)

Pride of Satan will not allow him to be one among many." I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High." He would usurp the place of the Son himself. God made angels spirit so technically a son of God. The angelic revolt in heaven to create an alternate narrative to the Salvation Plan as we may surmise from this verse, "That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose."(Ge.6:2) Without the simplicity of obedience how ludicrous was their plan to create a 'holy' family?. This also throws some light on the separation of light from the darkness. (Ge.1:4)

"Shall go in and out" When Jesus Christ is the door sheep may go in and out. "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." Going in and out can be understood at two levels. God gave the revelation of his Son "and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John.". The angel belongs to the sheepfold in the world of the Spirit. Similarly "And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel."(1 Chr.21:1) Hence this warning from St Paul,(Gal.1:8)

Our struggle is with spiritual wickedness in high places, refers to the world of the Spirit, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Full armor of God refers the one sheepfold in which we have rested from our own labors and are hid in Christ. So our battles are fought in the world of the Spirit. This also explains why Jesus instructed his disciples, "and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one".( Luke 22:36). "Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me" speaks for one world. The sword is badge of an overcomer in the world of the Spirit.

John 10:1-4 "Not by the door" (1 of 2)

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber."

Jesus emphasizes here and he refers to the devil explicitly. How did he beguile Eve but through subtility and through the serpent? 2 Co.11:3. In the passage Jesus refers to the sheepfold which has only one door. This discourse is with reference to the world of the Spirit so a natural pastoral setting is also giving its spiritual underpinning. So God has called whosoever shall be adopted into the fellowship of God with Man, and collectively they make up one sheepfold which can be called witnesses. Cloud of witnesses and sheepfold in short refers to the divine Will of God. So Jesus as the Word become flesh refers to them as the sheep entrusted them with him. "My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.:(10:29)

From Re.12:4 the red dragon, "And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth." . So when Jesus says "Many are called, but few are chosen we may get an idea as to how subtle the devil is in upsetting the Salvation Plan of God. (Matt.22:14) St Paul's fear was for the saints who were called and given an example in the Son,"so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ," is in particular about the doctrinal purity the church is able to uphold. In their failure it has serious effect upon the world of the Spirit. This is how we ought to view Christian Living.

Conversely we have an event, building of the tower of Babel, which for instance is the replay of the angelic revolt in heaven. "For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God:"(Is.14:13-15) Purity or simplicity that is in Christ said,"Lo I come to do thy will," On the other hand Satan challenges,"I will."

Dear Bibleman72

Glad to see you back here. I will be so happy to pray for your knee and well-being. Thanks for letting us know your prayer need.

Patricia, That was such a short time between her diagnosis and her passing. How sad for all of you. Thankful Monique knows Jesus and that you will meet up with her once again and it will last forever. Praise the Lord for the gift of salvation to Monique, you, me and all who have been called by His grace. Hope you have a restful night and wake up refreshed and lifted up by the Lord, who is always with you.

Good evening Oseas,

Jesus did tell us to be watchful and ready for Him. That is my aim-to be ready to be with Him forever.

I have kept you in my prayers lately, as you have been laid on my heart to do so. May you be encouraged.

Ps.23:4 "Shadow of Death" (2 of 2)

Force of the everlasting covenant is the Law of the Spirit so everlasting gospel to destroy the works of the devil who sins from the beginning. Everlasting gospel is to be understood as part of the works Jesus is entrusted to finish. In John 4:34-38 we have two groups one who soweth and the other reapeth. "I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours." (4:38) Who is the Sower? In the Parable of the Tares we have the answer.

"He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;/The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;/The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels."(Matt.13:37-39) We cannot handle the word of God arbitrarily but give equal weight to them as essential for Christian Living. We are in the presence of enemies, from both worlds.

We can equally speak of our witnesses in the World of the Spirit to which Jesus referred, "Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?"(Matt.26:53) They mirror in tandem with events on earth. Jacob at Mahanaim is a clear example. Angels met him before God would bless him."And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day." (Ge.32:24) As the heir of promise came to a fateful encounter with his estranged brother it was God's way of bucking him. "And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God's host."Similarly God reveals his power and glory to the heirs of promise. It is same what we read in Re.3:20. " Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."

"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over."

Ps.23:3 "Shadow of death" (1 of 2)

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death"

'Yea' or Amen we speak while the Good Shepherd leads us in the paths of righteousness and it requires some explanation. These paths cover both heaven and the earth."Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: But God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever."(Ps.73:25-26) 'My portion for ever' speaks of our inheritance in Jesus Christ, who promises,"I go to prepare a place for you"( John 14:2). The valley speaks of the only way which is set before us. So when Jesus tell the seven churches we are shown a door connecting another. Re.3:20 In the following chapter, we read,"After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven."(Re.4:1). Our heart is a spiritual space and we under the shadow of the Almighty whether we knew it or not. But the Word of God stands sure,"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."(Ps.91:1)

On this basis what death are we referring to? "The slain Lamb before the foundation of the world" is the emblem to declare the everlasting covenant so what we see in the Abstract set down in' seven days' gives us how we have been blessed in the Son. In the divine Will we have been called and blessed and from His standpoint the cloud of witnesses belong to the world of the Spirit. For God is a Spirit. Thus God wills a separation in Ge.1:3-4 and it was so. "And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness." This separation must be explained in the light of the covenant, is it not?

'There was war in heaven' and consequences spill over to the earth as well.(Re.12:7-8)

Before we take up v.5 "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies" we need a little room to discuss the two contrary laws which have given rise to the presence of 'mine enemies'.

Hello Anna;

I will pray for Chris tonight.

Dear Heavenly Father, we come to You tonight in the name of Jesus, whose we are. We ask of You that Chris' need will be met by You quickly. you know him thorough and through and his needs, even those he does know are what he really needs in certain circumstances. You are so great and loving and we can trust You to hear our prayers and answer int he best ways. Help Chris to live for You and live by faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. May Chris grow in his knowledge of You and Jesus through study of Your holy words of revelation to all believers. May he fill up his heart with Scripture, gaining right understanding, soundness of doctrine, and the power to live in obedience to You. Thank you, Father, for the way You care for each of us and that You have chosen us to be Your own children and a people for the praise of Your glory, majesty, and power. Amen.

The last decade - countdown

february 11-2024 is the 1136th day of the last decade of the devil's world.

the begining of the last week - daniel 9:27 - is within of this current last decade.

be careful and get ready

Hi Momsage.

I was not meaning that you have sinned in the ways I mentioned.

I do not think of myself as one who is defeated by sin and the sinful nature that still exists in me. I know that the Holy Spirit in me helps me to say no to sin when it tempts me. But I cannot say that I am 100% sinless as you seem to think that you are. This does not mean that I take sin lightly or give in readily. I don't to either of these. I believe we are being sanctified in an ongoing way, yet, like Paul does say, that we are in a fight against the sinful nature in us. (He calls it the "flesh"). Romans 7 shows us how Paul, as a believer, fights against the grip of sin-in his heart and soul, he desires to obey God, yet in his sinful nature (the "flesh")- not speaking of our actual cellular, material flesh, but the sin nature-causes him to do what he ought not do. And in 1 Corinthians 9 he speaks of fighting on so that he may not be cast away in the end.

I know we differ in this doctrine, You believe in complete sanctification (holiness, sinlessness) as taught by Wesley and holiness groups. I do not believe we reach this state in this life. The more obedient we are to God and the more we desire to live for Him in godly ways, the more aware we are of how we miss the mark of complete holiness that Jesus had in His human nature. For me, to say that one has reached complete sinless perfection is to say that one is completely holy like Jesus. That is a pretty audacious way to view oneself. I can honestly say that I do not always love as I ought to in every aspects of my life and relationships. I cannot speak for you. It is between you and the God we serve whether we are perfect as God is perfect in this life. We do have the righteousness of Christ imputed to us that justifies us before God, but from what I read in the Word, we still need Jesus to mediate between us and the Father as long as we are alive in this life.

It appears Oseas, that you are not prepared to answer my questions but feel moved to continue with your repetitive rant. I guess you have your agenda. So consider this discussion ended, from me anyway, unless you wish to provide me those answers, instead of beliefs from anti-scriptural sources. Thank you for your time.

Steps to salvation.

1. Payment of the redemption; illustrated with the "Kinsman-Redeemer" situation between Boaz and Ruth in the book of Ruth. This is the first visible action from the Lord only when one comes to salvation; it was predetermined in the counsel of God before the foundation of the world ( Eph. 1:4; 1 Peter 1:20).

2. Repentance being granted. This is also mentioned in Acts 11:18 and 2 Timothy 2:25.

3. Confession by the mouth as a result of believing in the heart ( Romans 10:9-13). This is an action of response to God's saving grace.

There is no other way or method to salvation but by God's prescribed measure of believing on the Son ( Matt. 11:27)

Amen and well stated Richard.

God bless.

Psalm 23:4 "Christian Living" (2 of 2)

Mount Zion founded in Zion is a fortress. The sorrows of death compassed the Psalmist yet he could say "The Lord is my rock, and my fortress" and what is our certainty? Is it not that he conquered death and he is the author and finisher of our faith. He refers to the valley of the shadow of death. Before us we have a cloud of witnesses, many martyrs ahead of us,"being destitute, afflicted, tormented;/(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth/ And these all, having obtained a good report through faith,"(He.11:37-40) The earth is a vale of tears for those who have no hope beyond this world of shadows. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me." It is thus we look at the two worlds of the Spirit and of this body.

" My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:/ And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand./My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand."( John 10:27-29)

Christian Living is walking by faith having no confidence in flesh but in our Savior who opened the way for us to follow. "Thy follow me" is his trust. So Living is in capital to distinguish from those Christians who walk after the earthly things.

Psalm 23:4 "Christian Living" (1 of 2)

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me."

Testimony of Jesus shows how we should view "the emptying process" (kenosis). "And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him."( John 8:29). God sent his only begotten Son to the world. God cannot deny himself. Holiness of God is the Law so when the Word become flesh he showed he was faithful and true witness as his Father did."I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me."(v.18). This ought to explain whu the Holy Spirit has used 'only begotten' Son instead of 'created'. As Son his position as a witness can stand alone for 'I and my Father are one' is true.(John10:30). Secondly as 'the Word was with God' the sign given by Isaiah validates Word becoming flesh is validated by the Power of God. The Word has both sound (the voice of the Lord and also a sign or symbol. In giving the sign of Jonah he validates his birth being according to scriptures. He took baptism under John in order to witness that he pleased his Father. "and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:/And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Matt.3:16-17)

"For thou art with me" is the confession of a believer who has emptied himself off the advantages of the flesh so he falls upon the many promises of the Father which in the Son is yea. St Paul gives his confession,"Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,"(Ph.3:8) He that has the Son has the Father as well.

Mount Zion is part of the World of the Spirit (Is.28:16). It cast its long shadow.

Bennymkje

The Holy Spirit-the God of the earth-Re.11:4-take a look,he does not confound himself with what He Himself speaks and writes, with the things the spirit that is in man also speaks and writes, according the spirit of man that is in him,it means, in the mind or heart of man.Heb.4:12-13 reveal how he discerns thoughts and intents of the heart(of man). What does the Word of GOD say? John 3:31-34:

31 He that come from above is above all(the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth sent by JESUS who proceede from the Father- John 15:26 combined with John 16:12-15.Take a look):he that is of the earth is earthly,and speaks of the earth.He that comes from heaven is above all.

32And what he has seen and heard,that(only that)he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.

33He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that GOD is true.

34For he whom GOD has sent speaks the words of GOD:for GOD gives not the Spirit by measure unto him.

That said,who will believe in the messenger sent here by JESUS from the part of the Father-Joo 15:26-, to announce the everlasting gospel,unto them that dwell on the earth,and to every nation,and kindred,and tongue,and people?(Re.14:6 combined with Re.11:15-18,and 1Thes.4:16,and Daniel 12:1-3,and Luke 18:8, and 21:24,and Re.11:2.Take a look)

What is the message of the everlasting Gospel?The angel MUST walks in the midst of heaven(heaven?Eph.1:3-8),having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation,and kindred,and tongue,and people,SAYING: Re.14:7, with a loud voice,Fear GOD,and give glory to Him;for the hour of His Judgment is come(the righteous Judgment of GOD, the Judgment Seat of of Christ):and saying:worship Him that made heaven(next heaven, the 3rd- Luke 20:35-36),and earth(Israel-the true Israelites saved and sealed-Re.7:1-8:),and the sea(Gentile nations-peoples,and nations,and multitudes of all tongues)and the fountains of waters(the Holy Scriptures- John 7:38.Take a look.

Chris

It seems you have the Bible only in your hands,but have not the Word of GOD in heart.This explain why you believe in esoteric,and kabbalistic,and spiritists,AND FICTITIOUS names of God, which Satan stealthy introduced in the OT, in Torah,Jewish Scriptures-Tanack,as if were names of the true GOD,but are fictitious NAMES from your heart are JEHOVAH,YAHWEH,YHWH,ADONAI,EL SHADAI,HaSHEM.Terrible.

The words that proceede from your heart is from a human perspective,a stumblingblock-Genesis3:1-not from GOD's perspective- Matthew 16:23.Your testimony of GOD's Word signifies nothing and is good for nothing.In fact,what I reply here is because of the readers, not you.What matters and prevails is the Word of GOD,the Word is GOD Himself- John 1:1 combined with 1John 5:7,and around 2000 years ago He,even GOD Himself, was made flesh and introduced Himself among men by the NAME of JESUS- Matthew 1:21-understand?Isaiah had prophesied, saying:"The Lord Himself shall give you a sign;Behold,a VIRGIN shall conceive,and bear a SON,and shall call His name Immanuel-Is.7:14-(it means: GOD with us).

These Truth torment your esoteric,and kabbalistic, and spiritist spirit,GOD CURSED the Devil,the tree of good and evil,the figtree. JESUS,In His Ministry,said to the Devil:Man shall not live by bread alone, but by EVERY Word that proceedeth out of the MOUTH of GOD- Matthew 4:4. The Word is GOD, the Word is GOD Himself, and the Word of the MOUTH of GOD is LITERALLY written in 66 books, KING JAMES VERSION is an edition of the book of the Lord, it is called Bible.

Oh no, my Lord JESUS never accused anyone, as you said, also my Lord JESUS NEVER USED the NAMES of Satan you have listed here, these are more false testimonies of you of JESUS's Person, it's the spirit of you is acusing JESUS,he is the Accuser, he has blinded your eyes,your own devilish words leave clear you know not my Lord JESUS.

If the supposed"glorious name Yahweh,as you say"is in your heart, it means the Devil is in your heart.

Heaven or hell?

A wise deacon in our church has stated that we are in enemy territory currently on earth. Our state prior to salvation was an enemy of God as we were blinded by the god of this world to do his bidding ( 2 Cor. 4:4). Despite what may be assumed by some; there are numerous descriptions of hell in the Old Testament. There are also references to heaven and the Millennial reign of saints ( Psalm 61 seems to be a veiled reference to David in that capacity; for instance). We see also in the famous passage in Job 19:27 which alludes to a bodily resurrection where he will see God. Psalm 63:9 is another reference to hell; in sending enemies to the "lowest parts of the earth." As much as we may not comprehend these eternal truths; Proverbs 8:36 states that "all who hate me love death." (see also John 3:19-21 and 1 John 2:11).

Jesus makes it clear that He is the only way to salvation in John 10:9 and many other passages state the same thing; often in parables. Those who are not enlightened to this truth often have some scripture knowledge, but they can only see general statements about living a righteous life or see descriptions of God and only see God from afar; much as the Israelites did when wandering through the wilderness. Somehow man's myopic perspective focuses on characters in the Bible and considers those who were a prophet; or a "good teacher" and not understanding who is truly good; that is God alone ( Mark 10:18). This is why the man called Christ good in that passage; he was only seeing Him through human lenses rather than His true position as God in the flesh which only God Himself can reveal to someone ( Matt. 16:17).

These truths explain why man underplays his spiritual condition; he sees outer works and judges himself on them; and that based on his own set of scales weighing in his heart the "good vs. the bad"; ignoring God's perfect Holy standard. Worse still; he is blind to his sin NATURE which can only be changed God's way

Ps.23:3-4 "Abiding in Christ" (2 of 2)

Fulness of Christ does not restrict his glory to one aspect of human existence. "Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him."(Ro.6:9)Both worlds of the Spirit and of the body consist of this completeness."And by him all things consist."(Col.1:16-17) So writer to the Hebrews refer to where the Good Shepherd is leading us to. "Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:/Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they."(He.1:3-4)

Those who deny the works that Jesus Christ from the right hand of the Majesty on high are leaving for the false shepherds license to muddle the still waters of Shiloah, which is very much how the enemy would want it to be understood.

"he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." Holding truth in unrighteousness, those who have begun well have shown to be liars. "Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?"(Gal.3:3) Another place we read, "For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things."(Ph.3:18-19). Look at all the culture wars who stoke them but Satan?

"But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption."

Psalm 23 as with Ps.2 are to be studied from both worlds holding together in his Son. Here we see him as the Good Shepher while Psalm 2 Jesus Christ as the king of kings.