Hello Momsage. The 'Once saved Always saved' belief isn't something created, rather found in the God's Word. You have recently alluded to the Work of the Holy Spirit in the translation of the Scriptures (particularly the KJB). And so too, the Work of the Holy Spirit must be commenced, continued, & completed in the life of a person now IN Christ. If this isn't so, then the one claiming & believing to be a Christian is misinformed or deluded.
Your statement that "If a person lives a life of a true believer then they are saved. If a person lives a life of sin then they need to repent and accept Christ as their Savior in order to be saved", is true but simplistic. What it is lacking, is God's Work of salvation, of placing the seal of His Spirit in us, of securing, of adoption, of power, of correction even death. It might be one thing when we can observe a person who shows all the marks of a faithful Christian & we believe & accept that person as part of God's family. But it becomes quite another thing to know what the unseen life of the person actually is and how faithful he will be under temptation, persecution, or death. We may not know the person's state, but God knows & I believe, the 'Christian' himself will know.
The other aspect of this errant belief is that a Christian can be saved, yet step in and out of the faith, at will. Can we ever assume that God can be played with, with His Holy Spirit popping in & out of a person according to one's estrangement from the Lord & subsequent repentance? I don't see this happening anywhere in Scripture, rather that we remain very diligent in the salvation given us ( Philippians 2:12), not for fear of losing it, but to avoid the correction & discipline of the Lord ( Hebrews 12:5-11) when we sin; or even having to lose our lives if correction goes unheeded so that our spirits might yet be saved ( 1 Corinthians 5:1-5).
The Lord's Work is always gracious towards His children - He knows those who are His - He won't let us go.
Necessary doctrines: Fruit vs non fruit bearing activities
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 verse doesn't say that. Paul states his preference in that verse.
But in 1 Corinthians 5:3 Paul says he actually is absent in body, but present in spirit to the Corinthians.
Luke 17:37 says wherever the body is (deceased) that eagles (like vultures) gather.
Someone stating his preference to be with the Lord doesn't automatically invalidate all the other scripture in the Bible that says we will sleep (in death) until Jesus returns. But I know there's a strong incentive to believe it for funerals and because the phrase has been repeated so many times. No one skips judgment day though.
Daniel 12:2, Job 14:12, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Corinthians 15:18-20, Matthew 9:24.
Acts 20:7 makes clear that gathering of the saints occurred on the first day of the week to bolster the collection made according to 1 Corinthians 16:2. The prescident is really from the fact that Christ fulfilled Pentacost which was the 8th day of the week (or Sunday) in the O.T. times was celebrated 50 days after the Passover.
Since we are not to have certain days to be held above others as Romans 14:5-6 indicates; we have no right to dictate either Saturday or Sunday for worship as I see it. Again; the Old Testament command was for Israel specifically as anyone in the land who disrespected the Sabbath was severely punished (see Deuteronomy 5:14). Other laws in the Old Testament such as marriage were clearly upheld even with pagan societies (as we see with the case of John the Baptist when he was imprisoned for contesting with the marriage status of a secular leader married to his brother's wife). Murder was evident with Cain well before the law came out. The fact is that Saturday worship can no longer be as it was without the sacrifices and other ordinances of the O.T. times which have been gone since the temple was destroyed in 70 AD. Christ is our Passover now ( 1 Corinthians 5:7) and the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath ( Matthew 12:8).
We also need to consider what Paul stated to those who were coming from pagan societies. He said in Acts 15:29 to avoid eating blood; or strangled animals (often done in pagan rituals) as well as sexual immorality. If Saturday worship was required you would expect something would be mentioned as all other things in the Commandments which are throughout the New Testament in the Gospels and Epistles.
There are further concerns with Adventist doctrines and Ellen White which I am not going to get into detail here; but this often is an added reason for this and other issues of contention. I agree that the edict of Milan enforcing Sunday worship is wrong also.
He says this above and that not believing his opinion is "extremely dangerous doctrine". Interesting.
What matters is what God says, not one man's opinion, regardless of how loud he shouts it. I'm not aware of any scripture supporting his claim, but know of some saying the opposite.
1 Corinthians 6:19 The Word says our bodies are not our own, implying that it only temporarily hosts us.
1 Corinthians 5:3 - Paul says his spirit is present with them, although his body is absent.
Verses about sleeping awaiting judgment. The body is obviously dead, but the soul obviously is in a state of waiting.
Daniel 12:2, Job 14:12, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
What are we: a body or a soul/spirit? If a hand gets cut off do we really lose part of our soul too, or is it just a physical appendage separate from us?
Many have out of body experiences- well documented in books and videos, where people have hovered over their bodies watching and noticing things they could not have noticed if they were actually confined to their body.
In summary, Biblical evidence and personal testimony evidence does not support that claim above.
Yes, Momsage, man will always have free will & be able to make choices in life (a gift granted by God). What I've tried to show from my comment you referred to, is that when God by His Spirit is indwelling & controlling His child, the child, though having free will & maybe somewhat self-willed, will always be under the Spirit's watchful Ministry - and this can include correction, warning, discipline, even death (so that the "spirit may be saved": 1 Corinthians 5:5).
From what the Word tells me about the Work of the Spirit, is that a truly saved person, though subject to correction will be kept by HIS Power & not ours: 1 Peter 1:3-5 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy HATH begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, TO an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth NOT away, RESERVED in heaven for you, Who are KEPT by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." All of God's Work & according to His Promise; or else, we can be popping in & out of salvation (re-birth) at will, making mockery of God's faultless & unfailing work.
Thank you for the testimony of you & your husband's 'salvation', your departure from the Lord & subsequent joyful return. I think many of us can testify similarly of such an experience - but in each case, we have to rely on God's Work & Word & the knowledge that "the foundation of God standeth sure, having this SEAL, The Lord KNOWETH them that are his. And, Let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity" ( 2 Timothy 2:19). I believe that those whom the Lord seals (& He alone knows them by name), can never be un-sealed. As in your case, or even with me, having at one stage left the Lord & enjoyed the world's offerings, & then returned, it is the Lord's application of His Work in our lives - and this Work usually testifies well through personal testimony. Blessings.
"But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat."
I don't want to go into this like I'm carrying a hammer, and like THOR, here I am, coming to pound you on the head with my judgement. No, instead I come to you as I would want someone to come to me. There are some things that just shouldn't be talked about in front of large audiences, and some would argue "But it says rebuke before all!!". My goodness, if that's the way we were all treated we wouldn't last too long in this now would we? I think it's easier to just do, and not say a word. People will usually get the hint. Most will at least, and those who don't will learn fast that living a double life will eventually reveal itself, and there won't be no hiding it. "But you're going against the word". Am I? The bible says to love one another as I have loved you. To love our neighbor as ourselves. JESUS didn't announce all of your sins did he? No, he didn't. The reason I'm even touching on this subject has to do with my own stinking attitude, and I never really thought about it this way, until now. Isn't that something. God has given me clarity, and he wants you to be free from that sort of dictator like spirit and attitude. It's God's church, and he'll clean house when the time comes for him to do so. We just need to keep truckin! Keep living for Jesus. I'm good with finding another seat, or simply saying to a brother "I'm sorry, but I'm no longer interested". There's just a better way to go about it, than becoming emotionally involved to where it causes us to sink down to a level GOD has not purposed for us to be on. I don't comment on here much, but when I do, I feel like I'm being led of GOD to do so. I hope that this is clear, and hopefully it will help you as it has helped me. May GOD bless you richly!
To avoid them, you have to know who they are. You can't avoid somebody if you don't know who they are. This idea of identifying and avoiding shows up in
1 Corinthians 5:11;
2 Thessalonians 3:6,
2 Thessalonians 3:14;
2 Timothy 3:5;
2 John 1:10.
In other words, Christians, and shepherds in particular, should be discerning and alert to behavior and teaching that dishonors Christ and destroys people - and not treat it in a casual or harmless way.
And then in 1 Timothy 5:19-20, Paul went beyond just "avoid them" to "rebuke them publicly." So, speaking of elders who persist in error, he said, "Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin" - and that can be sin of false doctrine or sin of evil behavior, anyone who does not accept correction - "rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.."
And then Paul went on and actually named destructive false teachers:
"Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me" 2 Timothy 4:10.
You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes" 2 Timothy 1:15.
"By rejecting this [faith and a good conscience], some have made shipwreck of their faith, among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander" 1 Timothy 1:19-20.
"Their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus" ( 2 Timothy 2:17).
Paul names at least six false teachers that the church should watch out for.
So, I infer from Jesus and Paul and Luke and John that false teaching and destructive behavior are present dangers in this fallen world for the church. And all of us - especially shepherds, pastors - should be alert and discerning to identify and, in appropriate ways, expose. In order to protect the flock, we should expose them and minimize the spread of the gangrene (as Paul calls it).
Carleton, When I speak of demonic influence, I mean that literally!! I'm not name calling. Yes, I believe in that and I believe in demons also. There is no Holy kiss for that person!! This Holy kiss of acceptance is to and for the Brothern.
Romans 12:9 says Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Abhor means to detest, or to feel abhorrence of; hate; dislike intensely.
When someone doesn't hold the truth that's one thing, but when someone stands in the way of the preaching of the cross of Christ that's another and it's evil. That's not a brother.
Look at Paul in Philippians 3:2. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
Paul calls them the enemies of the cross of Christ. And he says to MARK them! Philippians 3:17-19.
How do you reconcile these scriptures?
1 Corinthians 5:6-13.
2 Corinthians 6:14-18.
Listen to Paul in Titus 2:15. To rebuke someone is to admonish or convict. convince one of a fault. "This is from brother to Brother. Him you kiss, not an enemy of the cross of Christ.
We have those amongst us that promote a legalistic means of Justification that the scriptures identifies them as "Enemies of the cross of Christ." The scripture doesn't say greet them with an Holy kiss. In fact it says "Mark them which walk so"
However atleast they promote righteous living! They're just not justified before God in their efforts without a rebirth.
This person here in question, for the past three years or so doesn't promote righteous living at all! And they don't promote the acceptance of the work of Christ on the Cross as THE means for salvation! Would you say he's a Brother?
4,5) - "In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
To deliver such an one unto Satan FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF THE FLESH, THAT THE SPIRIT MAY BE SAVED IN THE DAY OF THE LORD JESUS.
I don't believe Paul is talking about condemnation as to one's salvation.
He's not talking about forgiveness of sins. He's talking about excommunicating this person.
The Corinthians was a proud church and continuing on as if there was nothing wrong. Delivering him to Satan for the destruction of the flesh would be his just punishment.
This is chastening not condemning.
( that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.)
This would cause him to repent, I will come to that later.
As we read on in the following verses we see where Paul urges them to not keep company with evil doers of the world.
He is now writing them to not keep company with any man that is called a brother that's an evil doer.
A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. ( 1 Corinthians 5:6-13.
Back to the evil doer in question. I believe here in 2 Corinthians 2:2-11 we have the account where this guy repented from those evil deeds.
Paul was coming down on the whole congregation for this cause.
I believe this account is in
2 Corinthians 7:8-12.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. ( That's Christ. )
We are commissioned to preach Christ. If a person reject Christ, that person shall be bound on earth as he or she is bound in heaven: and if that person receives Christ he or she shall loosed on earth as they are loosed in heaven.
I agree, perhaps others may like to share their thoughts.
I will mention that the remnant was 7000 out of all the Jews at that time. We see that principle with only Joshua and Caleb out of the whole generation making it into the Promised Land; Moses of course was saved but his behavior at one time kept him out.
We see also the principle of some receiving the crown or crowns for specific acts when on earth. Let us face it not everyone runs for the prize; some make it into heaven as through the fire ( 1 Cor. 3:15). Christ Himself turned away some would be disciples who didn't want to count the cost. It is possible of course to amend our ways; Christ purges more to sanctify us. There are certainly variations as to how much fruit we have; 30 fold; 50 fold; 100 fold. We can just look around to see those who are undistracted and have their lives balanced; those who are on fire for Christ we should be discerning to recognize. We all struggle with sin there is no doubt; some who claim to be believers aren't even saved while others are in various levels of maturity.
Again not a point to argue about. God can use death in order to prematurely end a life (see 1 Corinthians 11:30) where MANY sleep because they have taken communion unworthily. There are also verses in Corinthians about the body in 1 Corinthians 5:5 where God allows someone to die or get near it to preserve the soul; in other words perhaps they would have been lost if this hadn't happened because they would go so deep in sin as to be reprobate; that is only a theory.
These verses should help clarify as to where many are; and that not everyone gains the same reward just as the other principle that some suffer more in hell (see Matthew 11:21).
We explained earlier how Satan deceived this whole world ( Rev. 12:9) as confirmed in 2 Cor. 11:13-15 through the Religions of this world with the Mystery Babylon (The Roman Catholic Church) as its head and the Mother of Harlots and Abominations of the Earth (other Religions that followed).
John 3:19. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
In my view,the preaching of the Gospel of GOD's Kingdom was beginning to be announced by JESUS,followed by the Apostles and disciples of the Lord,not to judge,but so that those who believed would be saved by knowing the Way,the Truth,and the Life.
As for"Judge not lest ye be judged",Paul Apostle explains it better than I do: Romans 14:1-12
1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye,but not to doubtful disputations.
2For one believeth that he may eat all things:another,who is weak,eateth herbs.
3Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not;and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth:for God hath received him.
4 Who art thou that judges another man's servant?to his own master he standeth or falleth.Yea, he shall be holden up:for God is able to make him stand.
5 One man esteems one day above another:another esteems every day alike.Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord;and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks;and he that eateth not,to the Lord he eateth not,and giveth God thanks.
7For none of us liveth to himself,and no man dieth to himself.
8For whether we live,we live unto the Lord;and whether we die,we die unto the Lord:whether we live therefore,or die,we are the Lord's.
9For to this end Christ both died,and rose,and revived,that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
10But why dost thou judge thy brother?or why dost thou set at nought thy brother?for we shall all stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ.
11For it is written,As I live,saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,and every tongue shall confess to God
12So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God
But now,in the current time of Apocalypse,Judgment is given to the saints of the most High;the saints will possess the Kingdom( Revelation 11:15-18
Here's the importance of those Perfect Tense verbs in the Greek text:
Jesus is not giving them and the church the authority to go around binding and loosing. We see this in Matthew Chapter 18, and Matthew tells us that it has do with sin.
In 1 John 3:8, the word "loosed" is used for how Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. It is the word loosed.
When a person gets saved, they are loosed from Satan. So the church has authority to either bind someone to their sins or loose them from their sins.
What gives us that authority? It's something that has already been established in heaven!
Thou shalt bind that which has been bound already in heaven. It is a condition. And thou shall loose on earth things that shall have been loosed in heaven already.
So the church is here to declare that which has already been determined in heaven. We are only proclaimers!
What right do I have to tell anybody that they need to receive Christ and His death for them on the cross to be saved?
We (you and I) have the authority to tell people that we've got the key. We have got the key that unlocks the door. His name is Jesus!
If you receive Him, I have the authority to tell you that you have been loosed from your sins. If you refuse Him, I have the authority to tell you that if you continue to reject Him throughout your whole life, you'll be bound to your sins and you will die in your sins.
That is pretty authoritative! But I didn't make that up. That is the authority God has given to the church, you and I.
Never feel hypocritical for telling someone what has already been established in heaven and for something God has given you the authority to say!
I find that getting into arguments with those who don't want to listen is a waste of time. Yes, we should share the gospel message of salvation as the Lord leads, but what we have (Christ) is precious, and if someone refuses to listen, we simply walk away and not cast our pearls before the swine.
Now, is it wrong for us to "tell them that unrepentant sinners will go to hell?" No!
You say that you also feel somewhat hypocritical because it's not up to you to decide who goes to hell and who doesn't.
That is true. It is not up to us to decide. But, you should not feel hypocritical for telling someone that.
Please allow me to share this with you:
In Matthew 16:19, it says, "and I will give unto you the keys of the kingdom of heaven:" Here it is singular. But in Chapter 18 it is plural. So it is not just Peter, it is all of them!
Now, "keys" is a Hebrew symbol of authority. A person that had the keys was in charge. You can go back to some of the earlier documents in the Old Testament and see that the person that had the keys was in charge.
And some of the kings would get a little frustrated because whoever had the keys was in charge, and if you can't find him, of course you make the king mad, and they would have a new key bearer pretty soon!
He says I'll give you the keys. I'll give you the authority. We know that keys unlock things for entrance.
It says, and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Let me share with you what it is literally saying from the Greek:
Whatsoever thou shall bind on earth, shall (have been) bound in heaven."
Please know that this is very important to understand, and I'll give it to you again. It reads "And whatsoever thou shall bind on earth shall (have been) bound in heaven, and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, shall (have been) loosed in heaven."
Thank You Jesse. I am constantly getting in arguments with a lot of the reprobates out there, telling them to repent and seek God and Jesus. I tell them that unrepentant sinners will go to hell. They don't want to listen and I also feel somewhat hypocritical because it's not up to me to decide who goes to hell and who doesn't
Thinking about these things gives me a headache. :(
You asked: How does Satan deceive this whole world? Rev.12:9
Revelation was written in the first century of Christian Era, at that time the Devil had already deceived mankind for around 4000 years, even JESUS was tempted by the Devil I suppose in Neguev, but Satan still had not 7 heads; The 7 heads was still in the embryo.
But now, in this current time of Apocalypse, around 2000 years AC, the body of the Devil will be completed with 7 heads, and 10 horns, and 7 crowns upon his 7 heads.His new name now is red Dragon-Rev.12:9-,and his TAIL drew (shall cast down)the third part of the STARS of heaven to the earth.(STARS? who are the STARS? Job 38:4&7 combined with Daniel 12:3).
When the red Dragon-Rev.13:11-gives his POWER,and his Throne in Jerusalem,and great Authority to the Beast of sea, upon which rides de great whore-the Roman Catholic Church-then the holy city will be trodden by the Gentiles- Luke 21:24 combined with Rev.11:2, and he will join Catholicism and Judaism(iron and clay- Daniel 2), then the body of Satan/the Dragon will grow exceedingly, but it will grow even more with the adhesion of evangelical churches whose angels are fallen or spiritually dead, these will form or constitute the TAIL of the Dragon, these will believe in the false messiah, the Beast that will rise from the earth(Israel, the clay, the dry land), a false lamb, a false messiah- John 5:43-47 combined from Revelation 13:11, then the Red Dragon's body will be complete with his 7 heads, 10 horns and a TAIL. By the way, the origin of the false messiah is of the 10 tribs of Israel,especifically of the trib of Dan- Genesis 49:17.
He will exercise all the power of the first Beast before him,will cause the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first Beast(of sea)whose deadly wound was healed.
And he will do great wonders,so that will make fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,and will deceive them that dwell on the earth by the means of...
What does the Word of GOD say for this current time, the seventh and last Day, the Lord's Day, or seventh and last millennium? The Word is GOD, self-executable, understand?
Romans 6:2-3
2 Do ye not know that the saints shall Judge the WORLD? and if the WORLD shall be Judged by you(we), are ye(we) unworthy to Judge the smallest matters?
3 Know ye not that we shall Judge angels (ANGELS of the Churches: Revelation 2:2; and 2:9; and 2:14-17; and 2:20; and 3:1-3; and 3:7-8; and 3:14-18)? How much more things that pertain to this life?
Daniel 7:22
22 ... and Judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the Kingdom.
Revelation 11:15-18
15 ... The kingdoms OF THIS WORLD are become the Kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
18 And the nations were (WILL BE) angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
Get ready
1 Peter 4:17 - 17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
John 2:28 - And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.
it wasn't a light things in Paul's day to be a Christian, one could experience the things that Saul did to Christians, before he became Paul.
you stated:
We are to judge those who are inside. Why? Because those inside the church who are involved in sin, they must be dealt with in order that they might repent."detailing a person who has not yet repented"
Paul's speaking about being a member of the body of Christ here, how can one be in the church, & has not yet repented?
a quote from William Penn
Sin is of one nature the world over. For though a liar is not a drunkard,
nor a swearer a whoremonger, nor either properly a murderer, yet they are
all of one church; all branches of the one wicked root, all of kin. They have
but one father, the devil, as Christ said to the professing Jews, the visible
church of that age. He slighted their claims to Abraham and Moses, and
plainly told them that "everyone who sins is a slave to sin" ( John 8:34).
The Jewish religious leaders did the devil's work, and therefore were the
devil's children. The argument will always hold upon the same reasons, for
as Paul said: you are slaves to the one whom you obey, ( Rom 6:16); and
said John to the church of old, "Let no man deceive you; he that commits
sin is of the devil" ( 1 John 3:7-8). Was Judas ever the better Christian for
crying, "Hail, Master," and kissing Christ? By no means; they were the
signal of his treachery; the signs given so the bloody Jews could identify
Him and arrest Him. Judas called Him Master, but betrayed Him;
he kissed, but sold Him to be killed; the same is the result of the
false Christian's religion.
how many who would call themselve Christian's today, members of His Body, fall underneath this judgment & be put away because of their continuing in sin?
society today is a direct reflection of the state of this false church of Rev 17 preaching you can be a Christian & yet continue in sin. Mark 7:7Titus 1:11
Thanks for returning and participating in our conversations.
Jesse answered you well. We are to take disciplinary measures to those within the church and we let the civil laws take care of those without the church.
Even so, like John the Baptist did to Herod and the Jewish leaders and also Jesus did to the Jewish leaders, we are to speak up for what is right and godly and call what is wicked sinful and against God who made us. We should call those outside the church to repent of their sinful lives and believe the gospel of Jesus. We are to also work in our communities and our civil rights to improve the culture of our neighborhood, city, and country. We are to work to alleviate want and suffering of others around us and stand up for those who are oppressed and mistreated. We are to speak against the things that lead to moral decay and protect our children from bad influences. We are to use our time wisely to fight against the evil of this world as the Spirit lead us to do. We can warn others about the reality of eternity in hell if they remain disobedient and in unbelief and certainly herald the freedom we have in Christ due to the redemptive work He has done for us knowing that our eternity will be spent with Jesus in perfect peace, love, harmony and goodness.
But final judgment of any person is up to the Lord. We can judge actions as being good or evil, righteous or sinful, God pleasing or offensive to Him. There is nothing said in Scriptures against doing such things for the benefit of others. But our motives and attitudes need to be holy in all things we say and do in regards to the sin in others.
In 1 Corinthians 5:12, as far as evaluation goes, Paul says for what have I to do to judge them also that are outside? Do not you judge them that are within?
1 Corinthians 5:13 is important. This is the evaluation. God judges those who are outside of the church. We are to judge those who are inside. Why? Because those inside the church who are involved in sin, they must be dealt with in order that they might repent.
And Paul says therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person, detailing a person who has not yet repented.
1 Corinthians 5:9 indicates that there was a letter prior to 1 Corinthians. Some believe there were actually four letters. But only two were found. 2 Corinthians was written after Titus returned with the news of the church in Corinth. Paul was in Ephesus when the house of Chloe came across over to Ephesus and told Paul what was going on.
So, Paul sent back what we have as 1 Corinthians back to Corinth. But then Paul waited to hear back from them about the response. Well, none of the group, Chloe or anyone came back. So, Paul traveled up, and we read about Troas, which is just north of Ephesus. And he's going to tell them that the Lord gave him an open door to minister there.
And he was waiting for Titus to return. He sent Titus to say I haven't heard anything, what's going on? Paul said you go over there and find out what's going on. And I'm going to go to Troas and minister, and I'll be there, and you come and bring me word.
Well, while he was in Troas, Titus never showed up. So, Paul comes back across and he's going to be frantically making his way down looking for Titus. And Titus meets up with him and tells him what's going on and about the false teachers that had come in.
And that's what prompted Paul to write 1 Corinthians. So, he hears from Titus, he hears what's going on, and he sends this letter to them about false teachers and false teaching.
It was written around 56 A.D. So, it's about a year after what we know was the first letter. And it was written from somewhere in Macedonia. We don't know exactly where. Tradition says it might be Philippi, but it's somewhere in Macedonia where Paul is traveling.
Now you should know that we have what is known as 1st and 2nd Corinthians because we only have two letters. We know that there were at least three. According to 1 Corinthians 5:9, Paul makes reference to another letter that he had sent to them, which apparently is lost.
Some even believe that right before Paul wrote what we call 2 Corinthians that there was a third letter written, taken by Titus, and that Paul was waiting for him, and when Titus came back and gave Paul word that the people were scoffing at some of Paul's teachings, then he wrote what we call 2 Corinthians.
But we only have two of the letters. Whether there were three or four, or more, we only have two.
III: WHY IT WAS WRITTEN:
First of all, about Corinth itself, Paul evangelized Corinth during his second missionary journey in Acts 18:1-18. He was there for about a year and a half. Paul wrote 1 Corinthians after being visited by some of the house of Chloe. Paul was in Ephesus.
1 Corinthians was a letter of correction. Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to address the corruption in the church.
The city of Corinth was so corrupt that any immoral person within the Roman Empire was called a Corinthianized person. 2 Corinthians was written about a year later than 1 Corinthians. It was written to counter false teachers that had come into Corinth.
So not only was Paul battling with the believers of their disobedience to the truth, and their rebellion against his authority, but now false teachers had come into Corinth, and they too were attacking Paul's teaching. Paul calls them "super apostles" in Chapter 11.
1 Corinthians is the longest letter written by Paul. The believers in the church in Corinth were mostly Gentiles. The style of 1 Corinthians mostly addresses the Gentiles about their corruption. There are very few Hebraisms in 1 Corinthians.
V: HOW IT WAS PREPARED:
Paul wrote it. This delegation that came to Paul that told him of all the problems, they went back to Corinth and they delivered the manuscript back. But this delegation that came up, they reported the problems and they also delivered some questions that the church had for Paul.
And those are the two main sections in 1 Corinthians that I'll show you in a moment. One addresses the problems, and one addresses the questions. 1 Corinthians 5:9 indicates that Paul wrote a letter prior to 1 Corinthians. But that is a lost letter. We do not have that one. And some actually believe that there are two lost letters that Paul wrote to Corinth. So, if Paul wrote four, we only have two!
I know I shouldn't be upset. All the wickedness going on in the world is making me crazy. We know that Jesus is right at the door, and as Matthew 24:13 says, "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."
Christians take a lot of flack for simply trying to give The Lost the information they need to be saved. They don't want to hear it. It's very frustrating.
What does 1 Corinthians 5:11-13 mean? We should shun phony Christians and not fret over the unsaved????
1Corinthians 5:
11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
In a given time and space; there are those who show true fruits of repentance; but believe in some errant tenets. Perhaps therefore with good conscience we can consider them brothers or sisters in Christ; even if we can't fellowship at their place of worship. This can evolve into a situation where you can't have someone be involved in your local worship either; at least in terms of membership consideration. As to small groups; the consideration is if a person has a teachable spirit or they are trying to force a belief system that is contradicting the Bible. Some may not want them around easily impressionable people or newcomers to the faith if false ideas could lead others astray.
We don't want to automatically assume that someone who goes to a church that isn't scripturally sound can't be saved. What we should expect; however is that they will be open to testing themselves to see if they are in the faith; as well as trusting the Spirit will work on them if indeed they are His children to break off ties elsewhere and join a Biblically sound fellowhip. Psalm 27:10 can be helpful when it comes to those that have family ties that are difficult to break. Seeing those who come from other religions entirely and make that sacrifice is a help tho those who are in churches that either have always been errant; or become so in recent years.
The same can be said for those who are rather "worldly" in their lives. A young Christian may through ignorance continue for a time to be involved in outright sin; or continue to associate with the ungodly in an unhealthy lifestyle. Sometimes if there is more than one issue; things can't be all tackled at once. We; of course must live out our faith and be longsuffering. Nonetheless verses such as 1 Corinthians 5:11 need to be emphasized and habitual lifestyles of sin must be severed. This is evidence of true salvation; but first we must be sure the Gospel is clearly recieved
Your statement that "If a person lives a life of a true believer then they are saved. If a person lives a life of sin then they need to repent and accept Christ as their Savior in order to be saved", is true but simplistic. What it is lacking, is God's Work of salvation, of placing the seal of His Spirit in us, of securing, of adoption, of power, of correction even death. It might be one thing when we can observe a person who shows all the marks of a faithful Christian & we believe & accept that person as part of God's family. But it becomes quite another thing to know what the unseen life of the person actually is and how faithful he will be under temptation, persecution, or death. We may not know the person's state, but God knows & I believe, the 'Christian' himself will know.
The other aspect of this errant belief is that a Christian can be saved, yet step in and out of the faith, at will. Can we ever assume that God can be played with, with His Holy Spirit popping in & out of a person according to one's estrangement from the Lord & subsequent repentance? I don't see this happening anywhere in Scripture, rather that we remain very diligent in the salvation given us ( Philippians 2:12), not for fear of losing it, but to avoid the correction & discipline of the Lord ( Hebrews 12:5-11) when we sin; or even having to lose our lives if correction goes unheeded so that our spirits might yet be saved ( 1 Corinthians 5:1-5).
The Lord's Work is always gracious towards His children - He knows those who are His - He won't let us go.
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 verse doesn't say that. Paul states his preference in that verse.
But in 1 Corinthians 5:3 Paul says he actually is absent in body, but present in spirit to the Corinthians.
Luke 17:37 says wherever the body is (deceased) that eagles (like vultures) gather.
Someone stating his preference to be with the Lord doesn't automatically invalidate all the other scripture in the Bible that says we will sleep (in death) until Jesus returns. But I know there's a strong incentive to believe it for funerals and because the phrase has been repeated so many times. No one skips judgment day though.
Daniel 12:2, Job 14:12, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Corinthians 15:18-20, Matthew 9:24.
Acts 20:7 makes clear that gathering of the saints occurred on the first day of the week to bolster the collection made according to 1 Corinthians 16:2. The prescident is really from the fact that Christ fulfilled Pentacost which was the 8th day of the week (or Sunday) in the O.T. times was celebrated 50 days after the Passover.
Since we are not to have certain days to be held above others as Romans 14:5-6 indicates; we have no right to dictate either Saturday or Sunday for worship as I see it. Again; the Old Testament command was for Israel specifically as anyone in the land who disrespected the Sabbath was severely punished (see Deuteronomy 5:14). Other laws in the Old Testament such as marriage were clearly upheld even with pagan societies (as we see with the case of John the Baptist when he was imprisoned for contesting with the marriage status of a secular leader married to his brother's wife). Murder was evident with Cain well before the law came out. The fact is that Saturday worship can no longer be as it was without the sacrifices and other ordinances of the O.T. times which have been gone since the temple was destroyed in 70 AD. Christ is our Passover now ( 1 Corinthians 5:7) and the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath ( Matthew 12:8).
We also need to consider what Paul stated to those who were coming from pagan societies. He said in Acts 15:29 to avoid eating blood; or strangled animals (often done in pagan rituals) as well as sexual immorality. If Saturday worship was required you would expect something would be mentioned as all other things in the Commandments which are throughout the New Testament in the Gospels and Epistles.
There are further concerns with Adventist doctrines and Ellen White which I am not going to get into detail here; but this often is an added reason for this and other issues of contention. I agree that the edict of Milan enforcing Sunday worship is wrong also.
He says this above and that not believing his opinion is "extremely dangerous doctrine". Interesting.
What matters is what God says, not one man's opinion, regardless of how loud he shouts it. I'm not aware of any scripture supporting his claim, but know of some saying the opposite.
1 Corinthians 6:19 The Word says our bodies are not our own, implying that it only temporarily hosts us.
1 Corinthians 5:3 - Paul says his spirit is present with them, although his body is absent.
Verses about sleeping awaiting judgment. The body is obviously dead, but the soul obviously is in a state of waiting.
Daniel 12:2, Job 14:12, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
What are we: a body or a soul/spirit? If a hand gets cut off do we really lose part of our soul too, or is it just a physical appendage separate from us?
Many have out of body experiences- well documented in books and videos, where people have hovered over their bodies watching and noticing things they could not have noticed if they were actually confined to their body.
In summary, Biblical evidence and personal testimony evidence does not support that claim above.
From what the Word tells me about the Work of the Spirit, is that a truly saved person, though subject to correction will be kept by HIS Power & not ours: 1 Peter 1:3-5 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy HATH begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, TO an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth NOT away, RESERVED in heaven for you, Who are KEPT by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." All of God's Work & according to His Promise; or else, we can be popping in & out of salvation (re-birth) at will, making mockery of God's faultless & unfailing work.
Thank you for the testimony of you & your husband's 'salvation', your departure from the Lord & subsequent joyful return. I think many of us can testify similarly of such an experience - but in each case, we have to rely on God's Work & Word & the knowledge that "the foundation of God standeth sure, having this SEAL, The Lord KNOWETH them that are his. And, Let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity" ( 2 Timothy 2:19). I believe that those whom the Lord seals (& He alone knows them by name), can never be un-sealed. As in your case, or even with me, having at one stage left the Lord & enjoyed the world's offerings, & then returned, it is the Lord's application of His Work in our lives - and this Work usually testifies well through personal testimony. Blessings.
1 Corinthians 5:11
"But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat."
I don't want to go into this like I'm carrying a hammer, and like THOR, here I am, coming to pound you on the head with my judgement. No, instead I come to you as I would want someone to come to me. There are some things that just shouldn't be talked about in front of large audiences, and some would argue "But it says rebuke before all!!". My goodness, if that's the way we were all treated we wouldn't last too long in this now would we? I think it's easier to just do, and not say a word. People will usually get the hint. Most will at least, and those who don't will learn fast that living a double life will eventually reveal itself, and there won't be no hiding it. "But you're going against the word". Am I? The bible says to love one another as I have loved you. To love our neighbor as ourselves. JESUS didn't announce all of your sins did he? No, he didn't. The reason I'm even touching on this subject has to do with my own stinking attitude, and I never really thought about it this way, until now. Isn't that something. God has given me clarity, and he wants you to be free from that sort of dictator like spirit and attitude. It's God's church, and he'll clean house when the time comes for him to do so. We just need to keep truckin! Keep living for Jesus. I'm good with finding another seat, or simply saying to a brother "I'm sorry, but I'm no longer interested". There's just a better way to go about it, than becoming emotionally involved to where it causes us to sink down to a level GOD has not purposed for us to be on. I don't comment on here much, but when I do, I feel like I'm being led of GOD to do so. I hope that this is clear, and hopefully it will help you as it has helped me. May GOD bless you richly!
To avoid them, you have to know who they are. You can't avoid somebody if you don't know who they are. This idea of identifying and avoiding shows up in
1 Corinthians 5:11;
2 Thessalonians 3:6,
2 Thessalonians 3:14;
2 Timothy 3:5;
2 John 1:10.
In other words, Christians, and shepherds in particular, should be discerning and alert to behavior and teaching that dishonors Christ and destroys people - and not treat it in a casual or harmless way.
And then in 1 Timothy 5:19-20, Paul went beyond just "avoid them" to "rebuke them publicly." So, speaking of elders who persist in error, he said, "Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin" - and that can be sin of false doctrine or sin of evil behavior, anyone who does not accept correction - "rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.."
And then Paul went on and actually named destructive false teachers:
"Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me" 2 Timothy 4:10.
You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes" 2 Timothy 1:15.
"By rejecting this [faith and a good conscience], some have made shipwreck of their faith, among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander" 1 Timothy 1:19-20.
"Their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus" ( 2 Timothy 2:17).
Paul names at least six false teachers that the church should watch out for.
So, I infer from Jesus and Paul and Luke and John that false teaching and destructive behavior are present dangers in this fallen world for the church. And all of us - especially shepherds, pastors - should be alert and discerning to identify and, in appropriate ways, expose. In order to protect the flock, we should expose them and minimize the spread of the gangrene (as Paul calls it).
AVOID, REBUKE, AND CALL OUT.
God bless
Part 3.
Carleton, When I speak of demonic influence, I mean that literally!! I'm not name calling. Yes, I believe in that and I believe in demons also. There is no Holy kiss for that person!! This Holy kiss of acceptance is to and for the Brothern.
Romans 12:9 says Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Abhor means to detest, or to feel abhorrence of; hate; dislike intensely.
When someone doesn't hold the truth that's one thing, but when someone stands in the way of the preaching of the cross of Christ that's another and it's evil. That's not a brother.
Look at Paul in Philippians 3:2. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
Paul calls them the enemies of the cross of Christ. And he says to MARK them! Philippians 3:17-19.
How do you reconcile these scriptures?
1 Corinthians 5:6-13.
2 Corinthians 6:14-18.
Listen to Paul in Titus 2:15. To rebuke someone is to admonish or convict. convince one of a fault. "This is from brother to Brother. Him you kiss, not an enemy of the cross of Christ.
We have those amongst us that promote a legalistic means of Justification that the scriptures identifies them as "Enemies of the cross of Christ." The scripture doesn't say greet them with an Holy kiss. In fact it says "Mark them which walk so"
However atleast they promote righteous living! They're just not justified before God in their efforts without a rebirth.
This person here in question, for the past three years or so doesn't promote righteous living at all! And they don't promote the acceptance of the work of Christ on the Cross as THE means for salvation! Would you say he's a Brother?
See Part 4.
1 Corinthians 5:4-5 is the account
Here is how I understand what we are discussing.
4,5) - "In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
To deliver such an one unto Satan FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF THE FLESH, THAT THE SPIRIT MAY BE SAVED IN THE DAY OF THE LORD JESUS.
I don't believe Paul is talking about condemnation as to one's salvation.
He's not talking about forgiveness of sins. He's talking about excommunicating this person.
The Corinthians was a proud church and continuing on as if there was nothing wrong. Delivering him to Satan for the destruction of the flesh would be his just punishment.
This is chastening not condemning.
( that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.)
This would cause him to repent, I will come to that later.
As we read on in the following verses we see where Paul urges them to not keep company with evil doers of the world.
He is now writing them to not keep company with any man that is called a brother that's an evil doer.
A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. ( 1 Corinthians 5:6-13.
Back to the evil doer in question. I believe here in 2 Corinthians 2:2-11 we have the account where this guy repented from those evil deeds.
Paul was coming down on the whole congregation for this cause.
I believe this account is in
2 Corinthians 7:8-12.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. ( That's Christ. )
We are commissioned to preach Christ. If a person reject Christ, that person shall be bound on earth as he or she is bound in heaven: and if that person receives Christ he or she shall loosed on earth as they are loosed in heaven.
I agree, perhaps others may like to share their thoughts.
Thanks and God bless
We see also the principle of some receiving the crown or crowns for specific acts when on earth. Let us face it not everyone runs for the prize; some make it into heaven as through the fire ( 1 Cor. 3:15). Christ Himself turned away some would be disciples who didn't want to count the cost. It is possible of course to amend our ways; Christ purges more to sanctify us. There are certainly variations as to how much fruit we have; 30 fold; 50 fold; 100 fold. We can just look around to see those who are undistracted and have their lives balanced; those who are on fire for Christ we should be discerning to recognize. We all struggle with sin there is no doubt; some who claim to be believers aren't even saved while others are in various levels of maturity.
Again not a point to argue about. God can use death in order to prematurely end a life (see 1 Corinthians 11:30) where MANY sleep because they have taken communion unworthily. There are also verses in Corinthians about the body in 1 Corinthians 5:5 where God allows someone to die or get near it to preserve the soul; in other words perhaps they would have been lost if this hadn't happened because they would go so deep in sin as to be reprobate; that is only a theory.
These verses should help clarify as to where many are; and that not everyone gains the same reward just as the other principle that some suffer more in hell (see Matthew 11:21).
Agape; Rich P
John 3:19. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
About your question:Matt.7:1-2 and Luke 6:36-37
In my view,the preaching of the Gospel of GOD's Kingdom was beginning to be announced by JESUS,followed by the Apostles and disciples of the Lord,not to judge,but so that those who believed would be saved by knowing the Way,the Truth,and the Life.
As for"Judge not lest ye be judged",Paul Apostle explains it better than I do: Romans 14:1-12
1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye,but not to doubtful disputations.
2For one believeth that he may eat all things:another,who is weak,eateth herbs.
3Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not;and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth:for God hath received him.
4 Who art thou that judges another man's servant?to his own master he standeth or falleth.Yea, he shall be holden up:for God is able to make him stand.
5 One man esteems one day above another:another esteems every day alike.Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord;and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks;and he that eateth not,to the Lord he eateth not,and giveth God thanks.
7For none of us liveth to himself,and no man dieth to himself.
8For whether we live,we live unto the Lord;and whether we die,we die unto the Lord:whether we live therefore,or die,we are the Lord's.
9For to this end Christ both died,and rose,and revived,that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
10But why dost thou judge thy brother?or why dost thou set at nought thy brother?for we shall all stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ.
11For it is written,As I live,saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,and every tongue shall confess to God
12So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God
But now,in the current time of Apocalypse,Judgment is given to the saints of the most High;the saints will possess the Kingdom( Revelation 11:15-18
(Part 2):
Here's the importance of those Perfect Tense verbs in the Greek text:
Jesus is not giving them and the church the authority to go around binding and loosing. We see this in Matthew Chapter 18, and Matthew tells us that it has do with sin.
In 1 John 3:8, the word "loosed" is used for how Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. It is the word loosed.
When a person gets saved, they are loosed from Satan. So the church has authority to either bind someone to their sins or loose them from their sins.
What gives us that authority? It's something that has already been established in heaven!
Thou shalt bind that which has been bound already in heaven. It is a condition. And thou shall loose on earth things that shall have been loosed in heaven already.
So the church is here to declare that which has already been determined in heaven. We are only proclaimers!
What right do I have to tell anybody that they need to receive Christ and His death for them on the cross to be saved?
We (you and I) have the authority to tell people that we've got the key. We have got the key that unlocks the door. His name is Jesus!
If you receive Him, I have the authority to tell you that you have been loosed from your sins. If you refuse Him, I have the authority to tell you that if you continue to reject Him throughout your whole life, you'll be bound to your sins and you will die in your sins.
That is pretty authoritative! But I didn't make that up. That is the authority God has given to the church, you and I.
Never feel hypocritical for telling someone what has already been established in heaven and for something God has given you the authority to say!
God Bless!!!
I find that getting into arguments with those who don't want to listen is a waste of time. Yes, we should share the gospel message of salvation as the Lord leads, but what we have (Christ) is precious, and if someone refuses to listen, we simply walk away and not cast our pearls before the swine.
Now, is it wrong for us to "tell them that unrepentant sinners will go to hell?" No!
You say that you also feel somewhat hypocritical because it's not up to you to decide who goes to hell and who doesn't.
That is true. It is not up to us to decide. But, you should not feel hypocritical for telling someone that.
Please allow me to share this with you:
In Matthew 16:19, it says, "and I will give unto you the keys of the kingdom of heaven:" Here it is singular. But in Chapter 18 it is plural. So it is not just Peter, it is all of them!
Now, "keys" is a Hebrew symbol of authority. A person that had the keys was in charge. You can go back to some of the earlier documents in the Old Testament and see that the person that had the keys was in charge.
And some of the kings would get a little frustrated because whoever had the keys was in charge, and if you can't find him, of course you make the king mad, and they would have a new key bearer pretty soon!
He says I'll give you the keys. I'll give you the authority. We know that keys unlock things for entrance.
It says, and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Let me share with you what it is literally saying from the Greek:
Whatsoever thou shall bind on earth, shall (have been) bound in heaven."
Please know that this is very important to understand, and I'll give it to you again. It reads "And whatsoever thou shall bind on earth shall (have been) bound in heaven, and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, shall (have been) loosed in heaven."
I am out of space so I need to send a part 2
Thinking about these things gives me a headache. :(
But, where does "Judge not lest ye be judged" fit in???
You asked: How does Satan deceive this whole world? Rev.12:9
Revelation was written in the first century of Christian Era, at that time the Devil had already deceived mankind for around 4000 years, even JESUS was tempted by the Devil I suppose in Neguev, but Satan still had not 7 heads; The 7 heads was still in the embryo.
But now, in this current time of Apocalypse, around 2000 years AC, the body of the Devil will be completed with 7 heads, and 10 horns, and 7 crowns upon his 7 heads.His new name now is red Dragon-Rev.12:9-,and his TAIL drew (shall cast down)the third part of the STARS of heaven to the earth.(STARS? who are the STARS? Job 38:4&7 combined with Daniel 12:3).
When the red Dragon-Rev.13:11-gives his POWER,and his Throne in Jerusalem,and great Authority to the Beast of sea, upon which rides de great whore-the Roman Catholic Church-then the holy city will be trodden by the Gentiles- Luke 21:24 combined with Rev.11:2, and he will join Catholicism and Judaism(iron and clay- Daniel 2), then the body of Satan/the Dragon will grow exceedingly, but it will grow even more with the adhesion of evangelical churches whose angels are fallen or spiritually dead, these will form or constitute the TAIL of the Dragon, these will believe in the false messiah, the Beast that will rise from the earth(Israel, the clay, the dry land), a false lamb, a false messiah- John 5:43-47 combined from Revelation 13:11, then the Red Dragon's body will be complete with his 7 heads, 10 horns and a TAIL. By the way, the origin of the false messiah is of the 10 tribs of Israel,especifically of the trib of Dan- Genesis 49:17.
He will exercise all the power of the first Beast before him,will cause the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first Beast(of sea)whose deadly wound was healed.
And he will do great wonders,so that will make fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,and will deceive them that dwell on the earth by the means of...
Many will ask the question; How does Satan deceive this whole world?
As a master deceiver he transformed himself into a false apostle and into an apostle of Christ through the Religions of this world ( 2 Cor. 11:13-15).
Seek, and ye shall find ( Matthew 7:7).
Praise GOD
What does the Word of GOD say for this current time, the seventh and last Day, the Lord's Day, or seventh and last millennium? The Word is GOD, self-executable, understand?
Romans 6:2-3
2 Do ye not know that the saints shall Judge the WORLD? and if the WORLD shall be Judged by you(we), are ye(we) unworthy to Judge the smallest matters?
3 Know ye not that we shall Judge angels (ANGELS of the Churches: Revelation 2:2; and 2:9; and 2:14-17; and 2:20; and 3:1-3; and 3:7-8; and 3:14-18)? How much more things that pertain to this life?
Daniel 7:22
22 ... and Judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the Kingdom.
Revelation 11:15-18
15 ... The kingdoms OF THIS WORLD are become the Kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
18 And the nations were (WILL BE) angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
Get ready
1 Peter 4:17 - 17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
John 2:28 - And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.
Again,
t wasn't a light things in Paul's day to be a Christian, one could experience the things that Saul did to Christians, before he became Paul.
The persecution separated the chaff, from the wheat.,
the Way became to straight & narrow for most. Matt 7:14
it wasn't a light things in Paul's day to be a Christian, one could experience the things that Saul did to Christians, before he became Paul.
you stated:
We are to judge those who are inside. Why? Because those inside the church who are involved in sin, they must be dealt with in order that they might repent."detailing a person who has not yet repented"
Paul's speaking about being a member of the body of Christ here, how can one be in the church, & has not yet repented?
a quote from William Penn
Sin is of one nature the world over. For though a liar is not a drunkard,
nor a swearer a whoremonger, nor either properly a murderer, yet they are
all of one church; all branches of the one wicked root, all of kin. They have
but one father, the devil, as Christ said to the professing Jews, the visible
church of that age. He slighted their claims to Abraham and Moses, and
plainly told them that "everyone who sins is a slave to sin" ( John 8:34).
The Jewish religious leaders did the devil's work, and therefore were the
devil's children. The argument will always hold upon the same reasons, for
as Paul said: you are slaves to the one whom you obey, ( Rom 6:16); and
said John to the church of old, "Let no man deceive you; he that commits
sin is of the devil" ( 1 John 3:7-8). Was Judas ever the better Christian for
crying, "Hail, Master," and kissing Christ? By no means; they were the
signal of his treachery; the signs given so the bloody Jews could identify
Him and arrest Him. Judas called Him Master, but betrayed Him;
he kissed, but sold Him to be killed; the same is the result of the
false Christian's religion.
how many who would call themselve Christian's today, members of His Body, fall underneath this judgment & be put away because of their continuing in sin?
society today is a direct reflection of the state of this false church of Rev 17 preaching you can be a Christian & yet continue in sin. Mark 7:7 Titus 1:11
in love & truth Rev 18:4
Good to hear from you once again.
Thanks for returning and participating in our conversations.
Jesse answered you well. We are to take disciplinary measures to those within the church and we let the civil laws take care of those without the church.
Even so, like John the Baptist did to Herod and the Jewish leaders and also Jesus did to the Jewish leaders, we are to speak up for what is right and godly and call what is wicked sinful and against God who made us. We should call those outside the church to repent of their sinful lives and believe the gospel of Jesus. We are to also work in our communities and our civil rights to improve the culture of our neighborhood, city, and country. We are to work to alleviate want and suffering of others around us and stand up for those who are oppressed and mistreated. We are to speak against the things that lead to moral decay and protect our children from bad influences. We are to use our time wisely to fight against the evil of this world as the Spirit lead us to do. We can warn others about the reality of eternity in hell if they remain disobedient and in unbelief and certainly herald the freedom we have in Christ due to the redemptive work He has done for us knowing that our eternity will be spent with Jesus in perfect peace, love, harmony and goodness.
But final judgment of any person is up to the Lord. We can judge actions as being good or evil, righteous or sinful, God pleasing or offensive to Him. There is nothing said in Scriptures against doing such things for the benefit of others. But our motives and attitudes need to be holy in all things we say and do in regards to the sin in others.
In 1 Corinthians 5:12, as far as evaluation goes, Paul says for what have I to do to judge them also that are outside? Do not you judge them that are within?
1 Corinthians 5:13 is important. This is the evaluation. God judges those who are outside of the church. We are to judge those who are inside. Why? Because those inside the church who are involved in sin, they must be dealt with in order that they might repent.
And Paul says therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person, detailing a person who has not yet repented.
Hope this helps?
12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
Does this mean that Christians should judge Christians and not waste their breath on the infidels???
IV: HOW IT WAS PREPARED:
1 Corinthians 5:9 indicates that there was a letter prior to 1 Corinthians. Some believe there were actually four letters. But only two were found. 2 Corinthians was written after Titus returned with the news of the church in Corinth. Paul was in Ephesus when the house of Chloe came across over to Ephesus and told Paul what was going on.
So, Paul sent back what we have as 1 Corinthians back to Corinth. But then Paul waited to hear back from them about the response. Well, none of the group, Chloe or anyone came back. So, Paul traveled up, and we read about Troas, which is just north of Ephesus. And he's going to tell them that the Lord gave him an open door to minister there.
And he was waiting for Titus to return. He sent Titus to say I haven't heard anything, what's going on? Paul said you go over there and find out what's going on. And I'm going to go to Troas and minister, and I'll be there, and you come and bring me word.
Well, while he was in Troas, Titus never showed up. So, Paul comes back across and he's going to be frantically making his way down looking for Titus. And Titus meets up with him and tells him what's going on and about the false teachers that had come in.
And that's what prompted Paul to write 1 Corinthians. So, he hears from Titus, he hears what's going on, and he sends this letter to them about false teachers and false teaching.
II: WHEN IT WAS WRITTEN:
It was written around 56 A.D. So, it's about a year after what we know was the first letter. And it was written from somewhere in Macedonia. We don't know exactly where. Tradition says it might be Philippi, but it's somewhere in Macedonia where Paul is traveling.
Now you should know that we have what is known as 1st and 2nd Corinthians because we only have two letters. We know that there were at least three. According to 1 Corinthians 5:9, Paul makes reference to another letter that he had sent to them, which apparently is lost.
Some even believe that right before Paul wrote what we call 2 Corinthians that there was a third letter written, taken by Titus, and that Paul was waiting for him, and when Titus came back and gave Paul word that the people were scoffing at some of Paul's teachings, then he wrote what we call 2 Corinthians.
But we only have two of the letters. Whether there were three or four, or more, we only have two.
III: WHY IT WAS WRITTEN:
First of all, about Corinth itself, Paul evangelized Corinth during his second missionary journey in Acts 18:1-18. He was there for about a year and a half. Paul wrote 1 Corinthians after being visited by some of the house of Chloe. Paul was in Ephesus.
1 Corinthians was a letter of correction. Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to address the corruption in the church.
The city of Corinth was so corrupt that any immoral person within the Roman Empire was called a Corinthianized person. 2 Corinthians was written about a year later than 1 Corinthians. It was written to counter false teachers that had come into Corinth.
So not only was Paul battling with the believers of their disobedience to the truth, and their rebellion against his authority, but now false teachers had come into Corinth, and they too were attacking Paul's teaching. Paul calls them "super apostles" in Chapter 11.
IV: HOW IT WAS WRITTEN:
1 Corinthians is the longest letter written by Paul. The believers in the church in Corinth were mostly Gentiles. The style of 1 Corinthians mostly addresses the Gentiles about their corruption. There are very few Hebraisms in 1 Corinthians.
V: HOW IT WAS PREPARED:
Paul wrote it. This delegation that came to Paul that told him of all the problems, they went back to Corinth and they delivered the manuscript back. But this delegation that came up, they reported the problems and they also delivered some questions that the church had for Paul.
And those are the two main sections in 1 Corinthians that I'll show you in a moment. One addresses the problems, and one addresses the questions. 1 Corinthians 5:9 indicates that Paul wrote a letter prior to 1 Corinthians. But that is a lost letter. We do not have that one. And some actually believe that there are two lost letters that Paul wrote to Corinth. So, if Paul wrote four, we only have two!
I know I shouldn't be upset. All the wickedness going on in the world is making me crazy. We know that Jesus is right at the door, and as Matthew 24:13 says, "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."
Christians take a lot of flack for simply trying to give The Lost the information they need to be saved. They don't want to hear it. It's very frustrating.
What does 1 Corinthians 5:11-13 mean? We should shun phony Christians and not fret over the unsaved????
1Corinthians 5:
11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
What are your thoughts??
In a given time and space; there are those who show true fruits of repentance; but believe in some errant tenets. Perhaps therefore with good conscience we can consider them brothers or sisters in Christ; even if we can't fellowship at their place of worship. This can evolve into a situation where you can't have someone be involved in your local worship either; at least in terms of membership consideration. As to small groups; the consideration is if a person has a teachable spirit or they are trying to force a belief system that is contradicting the Bible. Some may not want them around easily impressionable people or newcomers to the faith if false ideas could lead others astray.
We don't want to automatically assume that someone who goes to a church that isn't scripturally sound can't be saved. What we should expect; however is that they will be open to testing themselves to see if they are in the faith; as well as trusting the Spirit will work on them if indeed they are His children to break off ties elsewhere and join a Biblically sound fellowhip. Psalm 27:10 can be helpful when it comes to those that have family ties that are difficult to break. Seeing those who come from other religions entirely and make that sacrifice is a help tho those who are in churches that either have always been errant; or become so in recent years.
The same can be said for those who are rather "worldly" in their lives. A young Christian may through ignorance continue for a time to be involved in outright sin; or continue to associate with the ungodly in an unhealthy lifestyle. Sometimes if there is more than one issue; things can't be all tackled at once. We; of course must live out our faith and be longsuffering. Nonetheless verses such as 1 Corinthians 5:11 need to be emphasized and habitual lifestyles of sin must be severed. This is evidence of true salvation; but first we must be sure the Gospel is clearly recieved