Acts
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Argument #4 Holiness. Touching on this subject in the last post; we see this as an expected behavior after repentance; and full immersion baptism. Since the issue of baptism isn't unique to those of oneness persuasion as a necessity for salvation; I will not get into it here except to say that Acts 2:38 could be interpreted differently if we say REPENT and be baptised FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS. This would place the emphasis of the remission on the repentance. As to holiness I would say that it MUST occur at some point in a believer's life as evidence of spiritual FRUIT. But as I believe I stated earlier (if it wasn't wiped out) is that holiness is a result of a changed heart ( Exodus 36:26). If we are holy we should show love; longsuffering and other evidences of saving faith; not have a prideful or boastful attitude because we are (or think we are) saved. I would argue that there is a good point about the churches in general being very lax in dress and other worldly behaviors being allowed so that they are often indistinguishable from the world. As to the behavior of marriage and divorce that Mr. Jennings has I actually agree with that; although in many other congregations of Pentecostals and certainly charismatics it seems there is much illegitimate divorce and remarriage when a spouse is still alive. Another issue I won't elaborate on further is the speaking in tongues which is considered NECESSARY for salvation despite scriptures to the contrary such as 1 Corinthians 12:30 which I probably referenced already.
For now I feel I have given a sufficient overview of this subject. I certainly am not lauding Calvin's approach to martyring Silvanius for being a modalist (or non Trinitarian); I can't say matter of factly someone is not a true believer in this camp but have serious concerns on these and other issues. We can't understand much even with scripture on these mysteries of God.
Let us be Bereans.
Agape. Rich P
Good to hear from you, very good question. First, the Roman Church elevated Mary to the queen of heaven the same title as Tammuz's mother we see Israel worshiping. They say she ascended to heaven and much more. If we look at Acts we see Paul said that David is still in his tomb and has not ascended to heaven, Acts 2:29 and Acts 2:34. Many believe after Jesus was resurrected saints were also resurrected and are in heaven and many pray to them. My understanding is no one has been resurrected all are in the grave asleep in death.
When God through His Spirit the Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead He placed Jesus above all that is in heaven, on earth, and under the earth, Philippians 2:9-11. God placed Jesus on His right hand on the throne of God, therefore giving Jesus the power of the throne.
John 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. Jesus also said John 16:23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
God the Father and Jesus will dwell in us by the Spirit, not in temples made by hands like Jesus said in John 4:21-23 and we see in 1 Corinthians 3:16. We see in 1 John 4:12-16 it is by the Spirit that Jesus who is sitting on the right side of God on the throne of God as the only mediator between us and God has been given the power of the throne until all enemies are under His feet, 1 Corinthians 15:27-28.
My humble understanding it is by the Spirit of God/Holy Spirit that Jesus can see and hear all. Jesus is the only begotten Son of God and His God is our God the Father as Jesus said to Mary John 20:17.
God bless,
RLW
I am glad to hear you had a great time over the holidays, I hope you were able to rest your heels of travel. Yes, it is the circumcision of the heart that the reformation begins, and the Holy Spirit inspires true worship. Worship is our response to what the Spirit reveals to us about God.
Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
We do this with our renewed minds led by the Spirit not with our wisdom and emotions, they can be deceived. Being deceived is to be easily caught up or carried away or taken out of the way, the favorite tool of Satan, like prey taken in the mouth of a lion.
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: If we are deceived, we are devoured. We must be vigilant daily to be conformed to the image of the Son of God, Jesus. Daily, as the Apostles did in the beginning, preaching the Gospel of Jesus every day, Acts 2:46-47 Acts 5:42 Acts 16:5.
God bless,
RLW
Nothing in these verses below tells us to replace the Sabbath with the beautiful rest of Jesus. We are steadfastly in His rest as long as we are true believers.
Matthew 11:28-29 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
Acts 2:26 "Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope."
Thessalonians 1:6-7 "And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels."
1 Corinthians 16:2 "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come." (Paul is just asking the church to gather donations on the first day of each week for when he comes, it doesn't in any way point to them having to be in church to do this.)
Romans 14:5 "And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight."(Question? Does your church only meet on Sunday to fellowship and hear preaching and teaching? This verse is just speaking of believers gathering on a Sunday to fellowship and listen to Paul preach because he had to leave the next day. It doesn't interpret as abolishing their regular worshiping on the Sabbath.)
As well, in this last comment from you, you write, "Repentance and Belief of someone whom God has saved or plans to savedoes NOT contribute in any way whatsoever TOWARDS their salvation. These are good works that we do because God has saved us or in the process of drawing us to salvation". So even here it seems that Repentance and Belief, though non-contributing to salvation (and I agree to this part), but are evidences post-Salvation or during Salvation. Maybe your thought of Repentance is the continual attitude of the believer in his day-to-day life/warfare, and not of an initial repentance required for salvation; or even, if someone is the Elect of God, he must be saved from the beginning even as a sinner, but only has to repent & believe when he realizes his state. So, I too remain perplexed for I too don't believe that Repentance & Belief can be added to God's Gift of Salvation or else they would be considered as Works; YET I know that Repentance & Belief are necessary to grant Salvation ( Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; Acts 8:22; Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9).
(Part 2 of 2):
Romans 6:23 says "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Here, we see a gift of God being given, and that gift is eternal life. Since God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are eternal, and I receive the gift of the Holy Spirit as it says in Acts 2:38, I believe I can say I have received eternal life. I can say that I have the eternal one living in me, and He has promised to never leave me.
Eternal life for me began the day that I was born of God's Spirit, the day I received Christ. Now if Christ is not eternal, then I cannot say I have eternal life. But if Christ is eternal, and He lives in me, then I can say with confidence that I currently have eternal life. Jesus said that He would never leave me nor forsake me. So, the question I must ask is when I physically die, does Jesus also remain in the grave with me and sleep?
Ronald, my apologies if this was too long. I do thank you for sharing what you believe. We both know that we will not always agree with each other on everything, but you have shared many things that I do agree with you on, and I hope that I have done the same.
God bless you also, my brother in Christ!
Acts 2:16] But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
[17] And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God,I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
[18] And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
[19] And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
[20] The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
[21] And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
David, Samuel, Isaiah etc. had the Holy spirit like Elijiah, however, it was very limited in the old testament.
Psalm 51:11] Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
1st Samuel 9:9] (Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.)
In my post I did not claim to be chosen of God due to education or certificate, so that comment does not apply to me.
Jesus said that His words are spirit and Life, so yes, the Scriptures bring us knowledge of Christ without Him appearing to us. We hear from those He inspired who WERE eyewitnesses of Him when He lived on earth (Paul being the exception having seen the risen and glorified Jesus).
Gerhardus, one thing I think every believer has is the Holy Spirit because Peter said that the Spirit is given to all who come to faith in Jesus Acts 2:38-39. When you ask those on this forum if we have received the Holy Ghost, it seems like you are posing a challenge to others as to the genuineness of their faith, which you cannot determine. And when you denigrate those who seek to learn from Scripture, you are showing a prejudice towards people who use their minds as well as their hearts to come to know our Lord and the Father.
We are to love the Lord with all of our hearts, soul, MINDS, and strength. We are to us our mind to access what God says in HIS Scriptures. It is with our minds that we hear the Scriptures spoken or with our minds that we read and understand what we read. This is as God has designed it to be.
Scriptures do not tell us to expect a "visit" from Jesus to be taught of Him, as you seem to state. He gave us Scriptures as a sure and stable revelation of Himself and how He saves us from our sin. How we are to live inn a godly way for His glory and how we are to treat one another with love, especially those who also believe.
Gerhardus, I am glad to have read your posts. I hope our conversations will be gracious and reflect the truth of God revealed in Scripture. I will be praying for you. I hope you will also lift me up in prayer. Thanks.
There are a few places in Acts that speak of the whole household being baptized. it doesn't explicitly exclude babies and children. For those who adhere to infant baptism, it is seen as entering into a covenant with God an His community of faith-filled believers. Infant baptism is seen as bringing upon an infant the saving work of God in Christ as parents obey the command of Jesus to baptize ALL nations and instruct these who are baptized in the life of faith in Jesus. Those who practice infant baptism recognized that all are born dead to God and need to be made alive in Christ, which they believe happens through baptism of infants and children because their parents' consent to obey this command of Christ. These believe that the Holy Spirit implants faith in the infant or child in baptism, whereas before they had not faith to believe. They believe in such baptism all the work is done by God in the infant or child. He gives the faith, He gives the forgiveness of sins with the washing of His Word (the gospel) spoken over the child. Denominations that practice infant baptism besides Catholicism are Orthodox, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Episcopalian/Anglican, and perhaps others.
Others, who do not embrace infant baptism, allow for children to be baptized upon an open confession of faith in Christ by the child. Some have an age limit, others do not because Jesus said that we are not to hinder children from coming unto him.
Mark 10:14; Luke 18:16; Acts 2:3; , Acts 16:15; Acts 16:33 Acts 22:16
Others only allow what is called "believer's baptism" where one must believe the gospel in order to be baptized. Jesus says in Mark 16:16 to believe and be baptized. See also: Acts 2:41; Acts 16:18:8
I think that there is Biblical merit to all of these teachings about Baptism. Each person must pray for the Holy Spirit to lead them as to whether or not their children should be baptized when very young.
Great question! How do you interpret something you don't understand? You can't. It is impossible to interpret something without first understanding what is being spoken.
Something that might help in understanding 1 Corinthians 14:13 is that the word interpret means explain. It does not mean translate. There are three point-blank facts the bible teaches on speaking in tongues.
Number 1: It is a known language. Not necessarily known to the person speaking, but it is a human language.
Number 2: It is a sign.
Number 3: It is to unbelievers, not believers.
The only example given to us is in Acts 2:1-13. Those who were speaking in tongues were speaking in known languages. There was no need for anyone to interpret or translate the tongues being spoken. In fact, in Acts 2:8, it says "And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?"
You see, they were not looking for someone to interpret or translate what was being said. Those who were speaking in tongues were speaking in known languages and it was understood by those who were hearing them speak. Acts 2:9-11 gives us a list of the languages from which they were speaking. And then Acts 2:12 says that "they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?"
So, they were all amazed, and they were in doubt, saying one to another, what does this mean? Again, they weren't asking for anyone to interpret what they heard. They were needing an explanation. They're not asking what they were saying when they asked, "what does this mean?" They said we can hear them in our own languages, but what does this mean? They admit that it's a miracle, but they really don't know what's going on.
It's sad that what many call "speaking in tongues" today is not the tongues the bible teaches. The tongues in the bible were actual known human languages, not a bunch of babbling gibberish sounds that no one, not even the person speaking can understand.
Hope this helps!
The overriding scriptural message is asking us to Repent. I question whether many Christians today really understand what repent means.
Acts 2:38 "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
Romans 8:8 "So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God."
Romans 8:9 "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his."
Meaning of the word Repent.
Verb:
1: to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life
2: to feel regret or contrition
b: to change one's mind
transitive verb
1: to cause to feel regret or contrition
2: to feel sorrow, regret, or contrition for
I continue to hear Christians on this site, and elsewhere telling themselves and everyone else that they will always sin. They have accepted that as long as they live, they will always be sinners. This thinking/mindset comes directly from satan, who else would encourage you to think this way, which is totally against scripture.
Romans 6:6 "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin."
1 John 3:6 "Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him."
Living in sin - does not meet the expectation of God for us to REPENT!
Living in sin yourself is one thing, telling others that they can never stop sinning is another. Thinking like this and speaking like this is not very encouraging to yourself, or others. Something to think about.
Happy Sabbath Day
Very few BELIEVE what they were given by the death and resurrection of Christ.
One will never understand that gift, unless they believe what the spirit of truth is saying to them.
ALL CREATION DIED on the cross of Christ, each INDIVIDUAL DIED on the cross of Christ, ALL creation was MADE ALIVE by the RESURRECTION of Christ.
ONLY Christ was raised from the DEAD.
Men's carnal mind WILL NOT BELIEVE that.
1 Timothy 6:16 Christ ONLY hath IMMORTALITY (eternal life) dwelling in the light.
The gift of God is ETERNAL LIFE.
1 Corinthians 15:53 ... this mortal MUST put on IMMORTALITY (truth and life, Christ) ......
Acts 2:38 .... be BAPTISED everyone of you in the NAME of JESUS ......
WE are JOIN-HEIRS of Christ and his resurrection, we were MADE ONE, by his resurrection, ONLY Christ arose, we were BAPTISED into HIS NAME, a wife always bears the NAME of her husband.
1 John 3:8 ..... He that committeth sin is of the (seed of the) devil .......
1 John 3:9 ...he who is born of God (truth) doeth not commit sin, because HIS SEED remaineth in him, and he CANNOT SIN .....
If your sinning you have not yet DIED of the cross of Christ, DEAD men CANNOT SIN, they no longer exist, only Christ exist.
I am the beginning and the end, the first and the last, no beginning and no end.
God BLESS YOU!
Part 4.
PENTECOST.
This is the beginning of the Christ church, and the Gospel first went out to the Jews, Peter was talking to the local crowd. "ALL Jews" Acts 2:5 "And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Also Acts 2:22 and Acts 2:36.
They were celebrating Shavuot-the Feast of Weeks-also known as Hag Ha Katzir, the Feast of Harvest, and known to most of us as the Feast of Pentecost. It is worthy to note that this feast was also one of three which was important for every able-bodied male to attend in Jerusalem.
Peter was letting them know that they crucified their king and Messiah.
Then in Acts 2:37 it's important to notice their reaction and what they asked; (Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, WHAT SHALL WE DO?)
In verse 38 Peter answers them; Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
This repentance was to turn from Judaism and be Identified with Christ.
They were pricked in their hearts shows a stone lifted that they stumbled over. Their baptism was their profession of faith. They were baptized by the Holyspirit during this process.
John 10:7-10 you see the Lord is calling the Jews out of Judaism.
In John 15:1 Jesus says I am the TRUE vine or "Genuine" vine. This is contrary to Israel being the degenerate vine seen in Jeremiah 2:21. John the Baptist came to Prepare the way for Lord, John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. This transition period went on throughout the early church.
They were to turn from Judaism and believe on Christ as mentioned in John 6:29.
Peter and the rest of the disciples was told to go Jerusalem to wait on power from on high. When they received that power, they begun to do the work of God.
See Part 5.
Answer. When we call on the name of ((the Lord)) we shall be saved.
( Acts 2:21) also ( Rom 10:13)
Now we look at (Lu 23:42) in the KJB. "And he said unto Jesus, ((Lord)), remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom".
The thief called on the name of the "Lord" (Lu 23:43) "And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise".
Here's a number of modern version bibles that remove the "Lord" from that verse.
The Nasb, the Niv, the Esv, the Rsv, the Nrsv, the Nlt, the Asv, the Amp, the Hcsb, and the Isv.
Are these modern versions that remove the name "Lord" Inspired by God?
The answer to this question would have to be, NO, they are not Inspired by God.
The Body of Christ must "Grow daily" in understanding and accepting the Truth in the Word of God, we are running out of time!
((Every)) word of God is pure ( Prov 30:5-6) ( Ps 12:6-7) especially the word "Lord"!!
Blessings to all who seek His Truth.
Part one.
Thank you, brother, we will continue in love and respect that we both will grow.
This is not an easy subject, and we must not let it divide. The one thing that concerns me is some can take this subject to mean they can never lose their salvation regardless. Some say that if a person reverts to sin again, they were never saved to begin with. I am saddened that I may not clearly explain my understanding of this.
Salvation is a process beginning with justification then sanctification and ending with glorification when we are resurrected and we shall be like Him 1 John 3:2, this is our hope.
It is not a percentage of the sins we commit; it is all our sins that will be blotted out. My understanding is salvation is a gift from God's grace, Eph. 2:8, We cannot earn this gift, but we must receive it according to God's terms.
Acts 2:37-41 is this works? No, we acknowledge our faith that Jesus was sacrificed, and His blood was shed for the remission of our sins, and we choose to be obedient in repenting of our sins. It is the same obedience as Abraham when God told him to pick up and leave his country Abraham departed and Abraham was asked to do more and he did in faith and belief in God, Rom. 4:3.
When we obey and repent of our sins we are justified, justification made righteous through the blood of Jesus 2 Cor. 5:21 Rom. 5:1-2. We move into sanctification through the Spirit of God when we are growing in the Lord. The ongoing work of God through the Spirit in our lives into the image of His Son Jesus Christ. Heb. 10:14 We are being made perfect daily by faith we strive to overcome our imperfections.
See part two.
Well said brother, likewise reckon, we should think or consider and live a life as if we are dead to sin. Some take it as it is a one-time deal, and they are good to go. But is it conditional? If we are conditionally accepted there is something on our part, we must do to be accepted. Our faith, like Abraham, is that God is the only true God and He can and will reward us. We must choose to come to Him on His terms or continue in the ways of the world and if we do we will receive the gift of faith from God, His calling.
What must we do? We are all sinners in need of God's mercy, or our sins will remain, not forgiven, blotted out, or paid for unless we come to repentance as we are commanded to, Acts 17:30. If we obey we will enter His mercy, and our sins will be blotted out, Prov.28:13 Is. 55:7 1 John 1:9 Acts 3:19. Our past sins that separated us from God, Is. 59:1-2.
With repentance and confession, we are no longer separated from God, no longer under condemnation we enter justification, made right with God we enter the presence of the Lord, Acts 3:19. Baptized into Christ we begin a relationship through the Holy Spirit to all who obey and repent, Acts 2:38.
To remain in justification, we must continue to follow the lead He provides through the Holy Spirit, Rom. 8:1 Rom 8:12-14. While we remain in Justification and repentance Jesus continues to cover by His blood the penalty for sins we commit, 1 John 1:7.
Paul, we know was chosen by Jesus and he was filled with the Holy Spirit, but he said even he could be a castaway, 1 Cor. 9:25-27. Even with the seal of the earnest of the Holy Spirit, a downpayment is for what we are at that time, if we fall back, it can be forfeited if we are not willing to remain repentant. If we choose to walk by the flesh and not after the Spirit we return to condemnation and we will perish, John 15:6 the word IF, we will have to pay the penalty for sin ourselves, Rev. 21:8.
Just my understanding.
God bless,
RLW
Verse 1 states:
Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain; so the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.
There are those who look at the latter rain described in Joel 2:23-27 we see what is similar text (along with the early rain). The final revival of the world likely will fulfill other promises in Joel such as in Joel 2:28 also mentioned at least partially fulfilled in Acts 2:17. We also can't ignore how God has blessed Israel even today with more rainfall then surrounding nations; and no doubt the earth in the Millennium will be fruitful more than ever for the final fulfillment with literal rainy seasons of predictable nature (except for those who don't come to worship God as we see later on in Zechariah).
Verse 2 describes that there were those as if there was no shepherd; apparently struggling into part of verse 3. This reminds us of Christ's statement in Matthew 9:36-38.
Verses 3 and 5 show indications of later verses in Zechariah of Judah fighting against the enemy armies in campaigns related to Armageddon; specifically after the taking of half of the city of Jerusalem. Basically the rest of this chapter shows the unity of Judah and Ephriam and gives glory to Christ as the victor over the enemies. Verses 9 and 10 show an ingathering from Egypt and other places.
The pride of Assyria in verse 11 could be partially fulfilled in the past but Antichrist himself is known as the "Assyrian" in Ezekiel 31:3. Egypt is mentioned too; although it's national prominence will never be what it was ( Ezekiel 29:15) but it will cry out in the last days ( Isaiah 19:20) and of course it is mentioned in Zechariah 14:17 they will still exist and need to worship God every year.
Verse one states:
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
This verse shows much like Matthew 24:36 that some things apparently are still appropriated by the Father; at least in regard to the timing of events in the future and the day and hour they begin. Admittedly; this is a mystery as Christ is fully God and fully man but we can learn the Godhead and how the Son does nothing apart from the Father here at the very least ( John 5:19). Indeed that verse says the Son can do NOTHING of Himself; which could have been particularly true during His earthly ministry.
Nonetheless we see that death could not overcome Him ( Acts 2:24). God exalted Him as High Priest and King and gave Him all authority in heaven and earth positionally ( Matt. 28:18); restoring the position which He no doubt had since He was the One who created all things ( Colossians 1:16).
verse 3 states Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. It reminds us of the verse in Revelation 22:12 where He states that He comes quickly; and the delay of the church age can be seen in the verse Habakkuk 2:3 where it says although it tarries wait for it and the original language shows that it will surely come in its time and not delay. There is a crown; in fact for those who patiently wait for it; we are warned against losing our crown in Revelation 3:10. See also 2 Timothy 4:8 and Malachi 3:16.
The subsequent chapters show what happens when one casts aside their first love (with the Ephesian church); and other churches as to false doctrines. Since only God knows when the Rapture and subsequent Tribulation begins; any attempt for Satan to bring it forth sooner will fail so many will not believe it when it truly comes.
Hope your weekend went well brother, if I may give my understanding of Ephesians 4:8-10. As He Ascended up on High, Acts 1:9 He led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men.
He led captivity captive; we see this also in Judges 5:12 which has a meaning to take captive your captors. When Jesus rose from the grave, he took power over what held Him captive. Death and the grave were what held Him, but because He was without sin, they could not hold Him Acts 2:24. Since the garden, Satan had the power of death and the grave, and when Jesus rose from the grave, He took that power which are the keys, Revelation 1:18.
Gifts unto men, we see this in Psalms 68:18. These gifts are also for the rebellious. These gifts are for all people in Acts 1:8 Jesus gave the commission to the Apostles just before He ascended to heaven. The gifts are in Ephesians 4:11-12 He gave apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; all for the ministry for the perfecting of the saints. For the work of the ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ for all people. It is the gift to mankind for their salvation, no better gift can be given to man.
He that descended, when Jesus died, He was dead for three days. Jesus descended into death, and the grave, and because He had no sin, they had no power over Him. The first Adam through his disobedience brought sin and death to mankind, Jesus the second Adam through His obedience brought life.
If there were those whom Jesus brought with Him when He resurrected, I would think it would be David but in Acts 2:29 and Acts 2:34 David is dead and buried and has not ascended to heaven. This earth is our home and our reward we do not go to heaven. We are heirs according to the promise, Galatians 3:26-29, Genesis 12:7, Genesis 13:5 it is forever, and Romans 4:13 the whole earth.
Rev. 5:10 Psalms 37:9,22,34 This earth is where we will be not heaven.
God bless you, brother,
RLW
"For Thou will not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt Thou suffer Thy Holy One to see decay."
This prophecy was about Jesus not David, as Peter declares in Acts 2:27 and through to vs. 36.
This prophecy of God through David says that the Holy One (Jesus-as Peter identifies the Holy One) was put in the grave bodily, but His soul went into hell. But, Praise God!, was not left in hell to suffer corruption or decay, but was raised up from the dead in body and soul, and was seen and touched by the disciples as Peter and John affirm to being eyewitnesses.
So, this verse in Ps. does say that souls went to hell when their body dies, and, unlike Jesus', our bodies decay. But since we were raised with Christ, our souls were raised up and are seated with Christ in heaven until the resurrection of our bodies on the last day.
This verse is so strong in revealing that souls live on after the body dies and reside either in the presence of God or in hell until the resurrection. I don't think that believer's souls go to hell as Jesus' did. He needed to have His soul in hell, alive and conscious so as to have completed the work of being condemned for our sins and to preach to those souls in hell whose bodies were long decayed into dust since the flood. What He preached I do not know, but His message is always to humans.
Jesus was also in hell in His soul in order to bring captives in His train as He rose from the dead ( Eph. 4:8) Also see Isaiah:61:1.
I also believe that Jesus bound Satan when His soul was in hell, gaining victory over Him. Since this binding, the gospel has been of great effect throughout the world-despite the presence of other evil beings that are not bound in hell as Satan is. But this is a study for another day.
Jema, hope this helps.
The soul and spirit are separated at death!
The spirit is what goes to be with God, the soul goes to the grave.
Heb 4:12 Tells us "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the ((dividing)) asunder ((of soul and spirit)), and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart".
The word (dividing) is #3311; it means a separation, to part, to disunite, differ, difference between.
This clearly tells us the soul and spirit will be separated, disunited, there is difference between them.
The spirit goes to be with God who gave it (Eccle 12:7) ( 2 Cor 5:8) This spirit is what Christ brings back with Him in ( 1 Thess 4:14)
The soul goes to the grave ( Ps 44:25) ( Ps 49:15) ( Ps 89:48) and in ( Acts 2:27) The word (hell) in this verse is #86; it means the place or state of departed souls.
The soul will rise from the grave at the return of Christ to meet the Lord in the air ( Jn 5:28-29) ( 1 Thess 4:13-17) and be reunited with the spirit that returns with Christ.
This is not my opinion David but it is the truth from Scripture.
If this is not Biblically correct then please show where it is not correct. If it is correct then please accept it as it is the Truth.
We should all see truth when presented with truth, IF we are being led by the Holy Spirit, Right?
I do not mean to offend anyone, but we are very quickly running out of time.
The Truth matters!
Blessings to you and all who seek His Truth!
Luke 24:47,48 Mark 16:16,17 I received the Holy Ghost Acts 5:32 Acts 2:4. 1 Corinthians 14: 2,22,39
John 3:1-6 Acts 19:1-6. 1 Peter 3:21 Proverbs 11:30. John 21:15 it is essential for Salvation to be baptized in Jesus name Acts 4:12 and be filled with His Holy Ghost power speaking in a brand new tongue Acts 2:4 , and live a holy life loving Jesus and loving others !
Luke 24:47,48 Jesus said!
Mark 16:16,17 Jesus said!
Acts 2:38,39 Peter preached what Jesus said!
Acts 4:12 No other name!
John 3:1-6 Must be born again of the water & Spirit!
1 Peter 3:21 Baptism saves us!
Acts 10:44-48 Can't be good enough without Jesus!
Acts 8:1-6 Ethiopian Eunic gets baptized in Jesus name and starts a 2000 plus year revival still going on today !
Acts 19:1-6 have you received the Holy Ghost since you been a believer?
Acts 5:32 gotta obey Him!
1 Corinthians 14:2,22,39 tongues are for a sign!
Acts 2:4 The Spirit gives the utterance!
Acts 1:8 Receive power !
John 21:15 Jesus loves you dearly!!!!!!!
-in conclusion
Certain things in and testament we can not do but are important in reading and retaining them into out hearts and the Lord God He is a teacher if you search with all ( Jeremiah 29:30 and Matthew 22:37-40) your heart and mind and everything within you. He will teach you about his commandments statues and Law, all that we are required to do before Our God.
it is written in Deuteronimy 28:1
1.And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: 2and all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.
Brethren I beseech thee in our Life, Let us all take Heed according to This BOOK of Life The Scriptures which can not be broken and which makes a simple man wise.
it is written in Joshua 1:8
8.This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
-Please read Your BIBLE, Pray and ask The Lord Jesus Christ to help you understand and God id faithful if you ask Amen
it is written in Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost
We have to read the rest of Peter's commentary regarding Psalm 16 and David's words. David was talking about Christ and Christ's payment for the sins of His Elect in descending into "hades" (hell or the grave) not David himself. This is not talking about David or OT Believers going to a place called "hades" to await the efficacy of Christ's Atonement nor is Ephesians 4:8-10.
Acts 2:29-36 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool.Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
So, again, neither of these passages is teaching what you suggest about OT Believers.
And incidentally, it is also a commentary on the Gospel that "was preached to them, as well as onto us" Heb 4.
As well, Acts 2:25-27 (Peter's message at Pentecost), clearly referred to David's Psalm 16:10, when David believed that his soul would not remain forever in hell (sheol; the Hebrew equivalent of Hades in the NT). David, as righteous & accepted as he was before God, would also go to the underworld to await deliverance.
When Peter referred this Psalm to Christ, indeed it was true, for at His Death, Christ did descend into Hades ("the lower parts of the Earth") for a time, to lead "captivity captive and gave gifts unto men" ( Ephesians 4:8-10). Jesus not only released the shackles of sin & death over those held in that interim/transitional place, but also took those in such captivity & made them captive to Himself.
His Sacrifice not only made the full sin payment for them (unlike the sacrifices of old), but also secured their position now IN Christ before the God & Father whom they served under the Law & sacrificial orders. That Law now perfectly fulfilled in Jesus & abrogated, ushered in the New Covenant which is in His Blood alone. The OT faithful had to wait for Calvary - there could be no salvation for them without it, no matter how well they stood before God behind their offerings.
David0921, Hades was a very real place for the OT faithful, & it could only take Jesus' Sacrifice & Victory over death & hades, to release them forever (what they longed for - to find that perfect REST).
Here are some Scriptures for you that speak about Hell (Hades, as opposed to Gehenna or Tartarus): Matthew 11:23, Matthew 16:18; Luke 10:15, Luke 16:23; Acts 2:27,31; Revelation 1:18, Revelation 6:8, Revelation 20:13,14. Yes, Hades is a very real place where the dead pre-Cross went, both the righteous & unrighteous. And they had to go there when they died, for the Work of the Cross was not completed & their salvation was not secured. Only the shed Blood of Jesus could save them & us - they had to wait for it & their release from Hades.
The picture of mankind in Romans 3 (of Jew & Gentile) tells us that all are sinners & that circumcision or the Law gave no profit to the Jew. Only the "faith of Jesus Christ" & by His Redemptive Work can a sinner be justified by faith. I see nothing in this chapter about the "Salvation of OT Believers" - only of 'faith vs the law', for instruction to the Church in Rome, and by extension, believers beyond them in space & time.
And so, it is interesting that Rome at this time was just a very loose fellowship. It really wasn't known to be under any leadership and gathering together as a church at this time. The fellowship in Rome was established by pilgrims that had attended the Feast of Pentecost which is recorded in Acts 2:10.
Some proselytes had come in from Rome to attend Pentecost, and that's the time when the Holy Spirit was poured out. That's the time when Peter preached, and several thousand souls were saved. Some of these people went back to Rome and shared the news there and people were saved, as well as others that Paul had ministered to along the road.
In Paul's travels, they eventually went to Rome. We know that Pricilla and Aquila, by the time Paul writes this letter, they are back in Rome, but they were kicked out of Rome for a while. So, we know that Pricilla and Aquila were there, and they were ministering to the saints there, but there wasn't anything established as far as anything organized or much leadership there. The believers were mostly Gentiles with a minority of Jewish believers in with them.