Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
( Psalm 37:4).
I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
( Luke 18:8).
The issue of our heart relates to our affections and the ownership of such. When we are crucified with Christ ( Galatians 2:20) His life takes over and our vessel (body) becomes His tabernacle where the Spirit dwells. Since the Lord is eternal; along with the spirit in which God has created us we perceive these things ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). Whether in the body or out of it we are part of Christ's Body and we shall stand in His presence; we are already "seated in heavenly places" ( Ephesians 2:6).
Such affections draw us close to our brothers and sisters in the faith; and indeed we are COMMANDED to love one another; both from the Gospels and later quotes from John ( John 15:12; 1 John 3:23). This should be a springboard for time; money and effort to be poured out for the ministries and missions of the church and unity among the brethren. Agape love is the only love which can love anyone unconditionally; and therefore it also extends to the lost who we are commissioned to reach.
Often people complicate things when it comes to relationships; prayer certainly is helpful as I have seen personally a brother finding his wife to be 2 days after praying to find someone; along with another missionary friend of mine from many years ago when overseas. Still; there are some things which may not come to fruition until the Lord returns (primarily finding justice on the earth in places which have for a long time now featured persecution). Since we have a NEW heart; however we can find joy in seeing others being blessed; and seeing people come to faith even during times when we are struggling in our lives.
We often look at Christ's death as the ultimate love; but let us not forget His whole ministry especially toward His Disciples.
Ecclesiastes 7:29 KJV: Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.
We see similar references to God's creation of man such as in Psalm 139 and it seems clear that there is nothing wrong with God's design at least in how it was originally intended. Therefore even with the fallen nature due to Adam's sin that we all inherit even unregenerate man is responsible for his actions which are contrary to a nature in which "God has set eternity in their hearts." ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). Man originally was made in the image of God; now it may be argued that we bear some resemblance to what we were originally but now we are also in the image of man; that is of the physical appearance of our parents.
Another thing we must consider is how the great prophets all responded in the presence of God. We can examine Isaiah 6:5 as well as the Prophet Ezekiel and Daniel and John in Revelation 1. Even John recognized he wasn't worthy to open the seals and wept ( Revelation 5:4). Keep in mind that this was the Disciple closest to our Lord when He was physically on earth but he realized that only Christ was worthy. We therefore have value because of Him; it is His righteousness that gives us that.
That is why I prefer to view His righteousness as coming from the inside out; not as some cloak over us. There is indeed His perfection in a believer but also the vesiges of who we were even if in actuality not who we still are in light of the promised glorification. Again; only a TRUE believer can claim these promises; or more accurately can have Christ claim to be His own.
I get the sense that some who claim never to sin again think that they can be in God's presence without being flat on their faces. Going boldly into His presence still involves humility and is expressed by an intimate communication and fellowship between BOTH parties.
I am sure to start a fire on this one; praying these conversations can be edifying.
Concluding statements on the "emotions" of God related to His covenants
It has been said that the book of Revelation is the "Grand Central Station" of scripture. Here we see His righteous 144,000 and their entourage of countless multitudes which overcome; and the return of Christ where He rules and reigns from Jerusalem (as stated in Revelation 19-21) and finally the last chapter which goes to the eternal state. The struggle of Israel at that time is brought forth in Revelation 12 with the woman and the other signs of the sun and moon and stars.
When considering the extent of God's wrath we understand it is eternal (and conversely also for all the saved saints enjoying bliss in heaven). Man was made with eternity in their hearts ( Ecclesiastes 3:11) as God Himself is eternal who is their Creator. The seemingly volatile and unhinged behavior that many outside the faith blame the God of the Bible of having is in reality evidence of His longsuffering; we see a preview of hell for the first time literally in the book of Numbers 16:22-35. This was due to the sons of Korah attempting to be part of the priesthood and to usurp the authority of Moses. We see evidences of the people attempting to intercede to stop more widespread destruction in verses 22 to 24 with some success; also in verses 45 through 48 Moses didn't have to ask what to do after God promised widespread judgment; he was allowed to intercede standing in front of the Lord between the dead and living (v. 48). These chapters are interesting and warrant further study as to things that are purified and made holy and in light of the present observations more I'm sure could be deduced.
These and other passages show that the Lord offers a way out from His wrath in His prescribed methodology only. The rebellion the day after people literally were swallowed up and sent to hell because of being annoyed with Moses for God being angry and following through on His threats serves as a warning to us all.
Jeremiah 17:8 along with Psalm 1 bring out the benefits of a tree whose roots are planted near the water. This steadfast faith in the Lord is contrasted in the next verse which describes the vicissitudes of the heart of unregenerate man. These vital concepts describe the state of a soul; who needs to be vigilant to bearing fruit and testing themselves to see if they are in the faith is a necessary prerequisite ( 2 Cor. 13:5). Those who do not bear fruit are cut off and burned; a figurative statement describing a very real state of the lost at Judgment Day (see John 15:2).
Surely all flesh is as grass ( 1 Peter 1:24) and like a vapor this life soon passes away ( James 4:14). Eternity is in men's hearts showing that indeed the nature of man is for their spirit to live forever after the body and soul perish ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). This means their legacy is either eternal glory and recognition of those things done while living for the Lord; or eternal damnation for the lack thereof. (see Matthew 25:34 and associated verses).
There is some hope for us who still are producing works of wood; hay and stubble ( 2 Tim. 2:21-23) to change to better works if we have a foundation in Christ ( 1 Cor. 3:11). This results in varying degrees or levels in the harvest and subsequent reward for those who are saved (see also Mark 4:20).
Those in the flesh and not Born Again can only interpret what they see around them in the world (the actions of others who serve as their peers and interpreted through their own understanding). God alone as I see it through predestination determines who will be saved. On our end it takes a fair evaluation of who we really are as compared to a righteous God which then leads to godly sorrow and repentance (which is indeed a gift from God as about half a dozen scriptures indicate). John 16:8 must enlighten us to our desperate plight that SHOULD be aided by proper evangelism appealing for individuals to repent.
35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth(JESUS sowed) and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth(JESUS was the sower of the Gospel of GOD's Kingdom), and ANOTHER reapeth.
Matthew 13:27 and 30:
27 ... Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
30 Let both grow together until the harvest(said JESUS around 2000 years ago): and in the time of harvest (the time arrived) I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together FIRST the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life ETERNAL: that both he that soweth(JESUS sowed) and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 combined with Revelation 14:14-20
Again, dealing with your recent comments to me, now in one post, Shabbat Keeper. Firstly, Adam has written very well to Jema, so I won't bring up the matter of the definition of "eternal/eternity", which should alone convince us that physical death is not the end for anyone (believer or unbeliever).
If I'm correct from your first post to me, "what an icky thought it is, to stop existing", you believe in the total annihilation of the body at death (for the unbeliever). So, when the Bible speaks of man, his existence & his death, we are first reminded that man is a tripartite being (i.e. one whose composition is of body, soul & spirit: 1 Thessalonians 5:23). When the body dies, it decomposes back to the Earth, but those parts of man that cannot be killed ( Matthew 10:28) can never be destroyed. Unlike animals, man's spirit, given by God, returns to Him ( Ecclesiastes 3:21), whereas animals cease to exist - forever. Therefore, if man, made by God to reflect His Image & traits, is accountable to God, will never cease to exist (his spirit & soul cannot be destroyed, whether by death, fire, or whatever), & he will stand in judgement before God. For this reason, the Gospel is so vital for all to hear, to alert all people that death is not final - there remains an accountability & their final judgement will be based on what they have done with Jesus Who came for them.
You wrote, "Hell fire is the same thing as destruction" & you gave the example of a house on fire. A house is physical/material, a spirit is not - it can never be destroyed. The real Shabbat Keeper or myself are found in our spirits/souls - the body is simply the house in which we need to live in. So yes, this house is corrupt & temporal, but we who have Christ's Spirit in us, look to be clothed (endowed) with that "house which is from heaven" ( 2 Corinthians 5:1-6). Likewise, hell (not the grave), is the dwelling place of those who have spurned God's Love - spirits they are & in torment.
Psalm 51:10 states "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." Christ states that man must be born of water and the Spirit ( John 3:5) which refers either to physical birth first then spiritual; or the baptism associated with God granting repentance and someone being "born again."
The Lord created man in the image of God; both male and female according to Genesis 1:27. Man was given all he needed to live a blissful existence as long as he remained in communion with God; he was given authority over all creation and asked to tend the garden. God's love; however already looked to the needed redemption of man foreseeing his fall; and thus Christ's sacrifice was planned before time began to bring this plan to effect and destroy Satan's temporary usurping of rulership on earth ( Gen. 3:15).
Therefore; Jesus became as the second Adam. (see 1 Cor. 15:47-49 for further details). To put to death the old man expresses the ultimate love; for it is the natural state of the unredeemed soul that can never escape itself in eternal hell. The world and its lusts are temporary; but He has put eternity in the hearts of man. ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). He has promised that He will never leave nor forsake us ( Deut. 31:6; Heb. 13:5). He acts as high priest ever interceding for us ( Rom. 8:34; Heb. 14:15-16; etal).
Along with eternal salvation; God accomplishes His will in our lives; and shows His love by chastising all those He loves. ( Heb. 12:6-7 and other verses). The Lord will lose none of His sheep or His elect as they will hear His voice ( John 10:1-4). Thus the work has been done on our behalf; we can do nothing to add to it or merit any favor. Thus our response should be to love Him accordingly and not to focus on what He can do for us in this life; but to seek that His will is done on earth as in heaven.
The process of sanctification and glorification will be reviewed in future posts.
2 Timothy 2:21 shows that we can clean ourselves so that we are not just vessels of clay but can be vessels of honor. Jesus tells us that he purges branches to produce more fruit ( John 15:2). We thus face that the lost are nothing but dead branches or profane vessels but we can through sanctification work towards purification and honor. We can perhaps see this also with the parable of the sower where some have the thorns of worldly cares snuff them out. ( Mark 4:18-19). A truly saved individual will pass the test of the trials which God places to test His own (see 1 Peter 1:7).
To succeed we need to be hidden in Christ ( Colossians 3:3) and truly be dead in Christ. Our old nature is impossible to put to death otherwise and will forever try to resurrect itself. God has put eternity into the hearts of men ( Ecclesiastes 3:11); yet that verse shows we cannot see to understand God who is basically beyond time and ourselves. Perhaps self preservation is a reflection that we are an eternal soul; thankfully God has the upper hand for those He has called and predestined will make it to glorification; and that for eternity ( Romans 8:30).
The concept of redemption or Kinsman redeemer is seen with the story of Ruth. Christ redeemed us from among men through His atoning sacrifice ( Galatians 3:13). He purchased us with His blood. He has removed our sins as far as the east is from the west ( Psalm 103:12 also read verses 13 to 14). We have passed from death to life ( John 5:24). His Spirit bears witness with our spirit as to our salvation ( Romans 8:16).
These and many other promises are things to meditate on and give comfort. We can only undestand such things if we are spiritually discerned; however and one of His children. ( 1 Cor. 2:14-15). Let us test ourselves to see if we are in the faith therefore ( 2 Cor. 13:5-6).
Thanks Gasman for your reply; I'm glad that my answer to you might have been a little helpful. However, your question as to when does a human (whether still in embryonic form or after release from the womb) is equipped with a soul & spirit, can't really be answered irrefutably, simply because the Word is silent on it & very likely the medical profession will never admit it. Though some Scriptures might help us, such as Ecclesiastes 3:19-21; Ecclesiastes 12:7; Luke 23:46; Acts 7:59; James 2:26; and maybe others which seem to show both the importance & destination of the human spirit when the body dies. Then again, the word 'soul' is also used similarly: Matthew 10:28; Matthew 16:26; Revelation 6:9, which seems to further confuse this matter of distinction between soul & spirit. However, as man is made in his Creator's Image, I believe that he needs to be fully equipped with & reflect this fully formed creative work; hence the need for this three-fold aspect of his humanness.
Yet, as you wrote, "Our core values we know for sure but secondary issues we don't", which is what we need to emphasize & build up one another on, rather than on matters we know little or nothing about. Yet, it's always an interesting exercise to ponder even over such things. Blessings.
All the dead are said to rise at the Great White Throne Judgment. There is one obscure verse Ecclesiastes 3:21 shows how the soul of an animal goes down; while a man goes upward at death (where acording to Heb. 9:27 we are immediately judged).
That could likely be when we see animals rise again.
The Millennial Kingdom is likely the creatures that survive the Tribulation. It is unclear what percent of them die in that time; although one of the vial judgments kills ALL the life in the sea (hence there IS no more sea in the new earth). As with the replenishing of the Dead Sea (see end of Ezekiel); I would surmise that there is a fresh water stock of fish that multiply; although God could do something else (it appears fresh water and some fish already are entering underground in that area but only in certain sections; scripture shows how the reeds along the edge remain salt water areas).
It also appears that horses at be present at the Second Coming; as they will come down with the saints and with Christ Himself; if that is to be taken literally. It is conceivable that Resurrected bodies of humans will be able to jump into the earth's gravity and not be destroyed; these creatures therefore would have to be either horses that live in heaven or perhaps resurrected for that event which is just speculative.
Of course there are the extinct prehistoric dinosaurs and other creatures as well as many living under the sea and in the earth we are probably not familiar with today. There are also angelic beings that look like creatures (Cherubim) but are spirit beings.
I would surmise also that whatever the original ancestors looked like will be seen as well; it would be likely that reproduction as with resurrected men would halt after animals are Resurrected. I would also hazard a guess that the animals would be in their original role as well as being docile enough for us to hang around; like an outdoor pet.
Not a subject to nix fellowship over differing views...
Daniel 4:35 ...and he doeth according to HIS WILL in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth, and NONE can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
Isaiah 55:8 .... your ways are not my ways ......
Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, a TIME to every PURPOSE under heaven .....
We don't know why God does what he does, what we do know is when he has put ALL THINGS under Christ:
He doesn't cause everyone to believe at the same time.
Paul didn't believe until God caused him to believe.
Everything has an APPOINTED TIME; it the works of God, his timetable.
He chose Jacob; and not Esau, before they were ever conceived.
Hebrews 11:20 By faith (by the spirit of Christ) Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, concerning THINGS TO COME.
Jacob; the last, was given dominion over the first.
Genesis 27:37
The first born of flesh is not always the first born of spirit.
Matthew 19:30 ... The first shall be last and the last first ....
After the second resurrection, when Esau stands in his former estate, his flesh, he will be caused to believe and the yoke will be broken from his neck.
Genesis 27:40
All things were maded new by Christ resurrection, but all things have an appoint time to come to TRUTH.
Romans 9:21 Hath not the potter POWER over the clay, of the same lump, to make one a vessel of HONOUR, and the other a vessel of DISHONOUR?
Daniel 4:35 And all the inhabitants of the world are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth, and NONE can stay his hand, or say unto him, what doest thou?
Jeremiah 18:4 And the vessel he made of clay was MARRED in the potter's hand, so he MADE it again ....
Psalms 104:30 Thou sendest forth thy spirit (when he chooses to do so), they are CREATED and thou renewest the face of the earth.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven
Psalms 123:2 ...so our eyes wait upon the lord, UNTIL he have mercy upon us ....
NOT YET are ALL THINGS put under him; BUT, when they are, God will be ALL IN ALL.
The eternal nature of God is more or less comprehended by the souls of men ( Ecclesiastes 3:1). This is further bolstered by passages in Romans 1 about the Godhead revealed as well as a Creator of the universe (see also Psalm 19). God in the beginning established man in the environment of His choosing with the authority over all living creatures and with the assignment to till the ground. He also made Eve to be a suitable companion and as long as man remained obedient under the condition of not eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil they would have lived forever in a state of innocence. Of course we know what happened; man broke the one rule and hence the warnings came to pass with the death of the soul (immediate) and the body (over time). Such terms could be said to be part of a covenant; or agreement.
I believe it is helpful to look at our Christian lives this way as well. John 6:37 and a plethora of other verses make it clear that before time God chose some to come to faith and for the Son to be revealed to them. This was part of a covenant; in some sense with the Godhead where the Son was obedient to the Father's plan for redemption. Again; this is an unwritten sort of understanding; perhaps this mystery involves some of the unrevealed things in Deut. 29:29 in the secret councils of heaven.
Scripture appears to have a number of records; a book of all the living ( Psalm 69:28) as all souls are His ( Ezekiel 18:4). There is also the Book of Life as mentioned in Revelation several times as well as a book of remembrance in Malachi 3:16 for a remnant or subsection of believers meeting these conditions. As far as the term covenant is concerned; we see that promise on God's end with the rainbow after the flood where He promises no more worldwide flood. Up until this point these were things that affected all of mankind but later things were for the set apart who would eventually make up national Israel.
Remember to pray for wisdom: James 1:5, 2Timothy 2:15
1Samuel 31:11-13 note 1Samuel 31:9-11, 2Samuel 2:5-6, 2Samuel 2:4-7, there is no contradiction here notice the difference Amos 2:1, 2Samuel 21:12, 'stolen' translated word 'ganab' meaning= to theive, take away, get by stealth, ) they took, 1Samuel 31:12, I think it is to emphasise cover of darkness 1Samuel 31:12, dangerous 'valiant men" stole 2Samuel 21:12 because it was in the possession of they enemy as spoils of war. 1Samuel 31:7-10, Ecclesiastes 3:1-3,
1Kings 15:5, 1Samuel 24:21-22, 1Samuel 18:19, 1Samuel 21, = Matthew 12:3-12, Jesus words. 2Samuel 21, notice David honored his oath 2Samuel 21:17, No contradiction, notice : 1Samuel 18:21, 1Samuel 19:17 Saul, his own daughter, same daughter Saul didn't value her life? Adultery was also punishable by death, stoning! You pointed out Saul gave David's wife same woman to another blatantly adultery, I was more surprised by David's mercy by restoring her position, sparing her life from death penalty & also sparing the lovers life. 2Samuel 3:14-16,
Remember Saul's 1st daughter? She was promised to David, before the people, again this too could be considered adultery, treacherous, etc. 1Samuel 17:25-27, 1Samuel 18:17-19,25,
1Samuel 17:25-54, weird but again we see 'spoils of war' also, 1Thessalonians 4:8,
2Samuel 24:1, GOD moved him, Job 12:16, 2Samuel 2:16, 2Samuel 2, why wasn't she there, rejoicing in the LORD? 2Samuel 2:19,
The Lord spoke in parables so that the Pharisees would be blinded lest they see the truth at any time and repent (see Mark 4:11 and following verses). The human being is the only species which deliberately blinds themselves to the truth and hardens their heart. This is given to man to whom God has put "eternity in their hearts." ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). There is a way; a door or opening to heaven by which we MUST go through to enter; there is no other way. That; of course is Christ and being Born Again. After all; only the "sick need a physician". ( Mark 2:17). Consider those who most often rejected Christ. These were all those who had heard the message; and mostly the Jews who knew the law and the commandments and the prophecies thus they were without excuse killing the Lord of Glory. That was made clear by Stephen's speech and subsequent martyrdom in Acts 7 and the beginning of Acts 8. Their history was spelled out as to how they sinned and killed the Prophets before them; Christ Himself also brought out these things.
In seeing these things we are reminded with a fair and impartial view of scripture in terms of it's literary composition that men by and large were going on with their personal lives and decisions much of the time. We certainly needn't look at "free will" as something that is diametrically opposed to God's predetermination in our lives as though He is holding us to a standard that we as human beings are paralyzed with our everyday life. He points out to David only when He goes after Bathsheeba that he was given much latitude ( 2 Sam. 12:7-8) and even more wives if he asked; but of course murder and adultery was not to be tolerated. God can't look upon sin; therefore had to turn His back on His own Son. However it is our sin NATURE that is the root of all these things; or the heart ( Jeremiah 17:9; etc.) But after this life ends there is no more freedom for the unregenerate to sin.
SO, THE QUESTION IS.What is it that those, who believe in the natural immortality of the soul, do not understand?
AN ANSWER.They do not understand, how God created man, a living soul, it they did there would be no problem understanding what returned to God, at death.
A common view of the meaning of the spirit that goes back to God, says that it refers to the breath of life. That would agree with King Solomon's statement in Ecclesiastes 3:21 where he said, "the breath of man ascends upward" at death. It is important to know that the Hebrew word that is translated as "breath" in Ecclesiastes 3:21 is the same Hebrew word that is translated as "spirit" in Ecclesiastes 12:7. So, this Hebrew word ruach can be translated as "breath" or "spirit."
It is important to know that Genesis 2:7 translates ruach as "breath." So it says, "breath of life."
The word "ruach" can be translated as "breath" or "spirit." It is translated in the "Old testament," (90) times as "wind" and (28) times "breath"
Praise god repentance is bliss bible pray for the wages of sin is death hell is hot and eternal jesus christ is lord and coming back again just like jesus christ said that god will please get your house in biblical order asap before it is to late blessings hallelujah glory be to god amen
Wes gave a wise answer on Christmas. Exodus 23:8, Deuteronomy 16:19, Ecclesiastes 7:7, may The HOLY Spirit teach us. John 14:26
I love to celebrate Christmas, I really enjoy the lights, the focus on our Savior. The generosity in the season. Christmas is a time of year, people remember more their fellow man, needs & wants of others. Christmas time reminds us of the joys of giving & putting smiles on others faces, teaching by love & kindnesses. Surprising a person with anonymous unexpected gifts, giving hope to people in desperation, food, clothing, volunteering, etc. warms their hearts, body & soul & sometimes gives them hope for a better ' tomorrow '. Christmas is the time of year people are more willing to receive from a Christian.....
We as Believers have an open door at Christmas unlike any other time of the year, to show the World who Jesus is, who the Church is.
When we remember those most "forgotten by others" showing them, they are not forgotten by GOD, it's amazing how even those around them are affected.
This Christmas season we really have a moment to help comfort, our nations with love, giving hope through the WORD, to poor in spirit & helping heal wounds. There is much we can give this year, for those in need. I pray GOD lead us even now, to start the giving season early. Romans 6:23, 2Corinthians 1:4, Proverbs 15:23,
The rest of the book discusses the return of Christ with His saints; and the capture of the Beast; False Prophet and Satan (without stating who places them in their respective places of punishment although the next chapters show an angel has sealed the bottomless pit).
There is a feast prepared for the birds of the air (v. 17-18; v. 21). God has in Isaiah 34:11 and other verses clearly considered the unclean beasts and provided for them richly (despite being unfit for man's consumption). Those who are animal lovers may not appreciate the fact that they will either be present at the wedding feast of the Lamb or themselves be part of the supper of wild beasts. No doubt these creatures will be starving themselves by this time and God isn't going to let a good meal go to waste. We should ponder this; those who are evolutionists and realize that in light of Ecclesiastes 3:19 that unregenerate men are no better than animals as to our fate. The soul of animals may go down into the earth (see verse 21 two verses later); but man is the only creature subject to eternal damnation and suffering as we see again in the same chapter; verse 11 where "eternity is put in their hearts."
The last verse in this chapter; verse 21 shows the rest of man in the battle slain with the sword (see Malachi 4:1; Psalm 2; etal). They will be placed in Sheol; the "holding place" for the damned until their turn for the lake of fire. Undoubtably their involvement in this battle and enticement by demons means that they have taken the mark of the Beast. If for some reason someone is missing arms and or has a head injury and can't take the mark the image will be worshipped which basically amounts to the same punishment.
In God's Providence He shortens the days or no flesh would survive (or be saved); see Matthew 24:22. There are interesting studies as to the mention of horses (verse 18) which also are seen in Ezekiel 38. I prefer to take that literally.
Scripture doesn't mention the word cremation per se, one must become familiar with burials, and why we bury embalmed bodies.
Everyone resurrects upon death, meaning our soul's immediately return to the Father that gave it, and the flesh body returns to dust from whence it came.
Ecclesiastes 3:20 mentions this more specifically on how all are from the dust, and all return to the dust, but back up a few verses to (15) so to get the gust of how we all began the same way, and return to the same place, also how we breath the same air...
So no matter how we are buried, we are not in the flesh body anymore, we have gone back to the Father.
Full burials are for the Living, IMO.
We buried embalmed bodies believing not in resurrection.
Dear "Fannie Cross-Sullivan", in peace. We learn it because we must have hope. Our hope is that Jesus Christ, who conquered death, we will also go there. Where Jesus are. We shall not see death.
If you imagine a person who is sick, for example, and is about to die. As we say here on earth. This person belive in Jesus Christ and has repented from a destructive life, to faith in Jesus Christ. If Iinow immediately give you a different picture of death, but then without God. Can you see the difference here? We humans are a detriment to ourselves, we have been from the very beginning. Now it has become worse.
So God the Father Himself had to change everything when He make Heaven and earth, because of man. Remember He repented of it. Genesis 6:6
The day you are referring to will be a terrible day, everyone should know what a fire can do.
This is how it is that we believe in God the Father and in His Son Jesus Christ, then our life will be filled with hope for Life itself. We shall live even if we lay down our mortal body. Matthew 24:35 The best example is found in John 20:1-10 and the story of Lazarus when Jesus raises Him from the dead after he had lain dead for several days. John 11
The day that will come when the firmament and the mountains will crumble. When God will put everything in order again, this time there will be no regrets, but Perfection. That is what Christ Jesus did. But as we know, everything takes time.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Jesus does not wish us harm, He loved us with divine love. believe in Him for your own sake. Fear is cast out when you are with Jesus Christ. Only love will keep you alive that day. God's Word and faith in Jesus. Hebrew 4:12-13 But we stick to Jesus. He fills us with peace, so that we all survive the day. I belive that from the bottom of my heart.
Hope this help u, remember to always go to Jesus if u have a problem, He will sort everything out for u in His time, Amen. Jesus loves u i love u in Christ
1 Thessalonians 4:14 to the end of the chapter and 1 Thessalonians 5:10 make it clear; along with other verses that when the body sleeps; the spirit lives on. The question is; of course if His Spirit "testifies with our spirit ( Romans 8:16) that we are God's children." If not; then truly we are spiritually "dead" as it were; which means absent from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and hence forever trapped in our sinful nature. He has put "eternity in the hearts of men" ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). Hebrews 9:27 also makes it pretty clear that we face judgment after death. That will determine where we spend the interim period through the Millennial reign and make the "first resurrection" ( Rev. 20:6) or remains until the Great White Throne judgment. There are; apparently phases to the firstfruits which Christ Himself initiated; then some who came out of their graves AFTER the Resurrection; then those alive at His coming when the saints are Resurrected and finally the Resurrection of those who were martyred in the Tribulation. I will leave this detailed eschatology to other posts.
I already stated elsewhere where the word "qeber" is referring to the bodily state of "sleep" or death in the grave; and when "sheol" the land of the souls of all in the O.T. (now only just for the wicked) exists. Now; to be "absent from the body is present with the Lord ( 2 Cor. 5:6). The bigger question is WHY people want to hold to this "soul sleep" or nonexistence mentality. Part of it can be not dividing the Word properly ( 1 Tim. 2:15); or 2 Peter 3:16 where unstable people twist scripture to their own destruction. If someone knows they are in sin; and remains unrepentant in their hearts it is easy to follow this mindset so that there can be space before judgment. ( Ecclesiastes 8:11; Psalm 73:17). He is not the God of the dead but the living ( Mark 12:27). Hence; we are already "seated in heavenly places" ( Ephesians 2:6).
9. What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?
10. I have seen the travail which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised therewith.
11. He hath made everything beautiful in its time: also he hath set eternity in their hearts, yet so that man cannot find out the work that God hath done from beginning even to the end.
12. I know that there is nothing better for them, than to rejoice, and to do good so long as they live.
13. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy good in all his labor, is the gift of God.
14. I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor anything taken from it; and God hath done it, that man should fear before him. That which is hath been long ago; and that which is be hath long ago been: and God seeketh again that which is passed away.
The BODY is only a vessel that holds THE LIFE OF GOD.
When the body DIES (the wages of sin is death: Romans 6:23) it returns to the dust from whence it came.
Ecclesiastes 3:20 ALL go unto one place; for all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.
Job 34:15 ALL FLESH shall perish together and man shall turn again into dust.
Ecclesiastes 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit (LIFE) shall return unto God who gave it.
Ephesians 4:4 ONE SPIRIT .....one LIFE
1 Corinthians 15:38 For God giveth it (the new creation, YOU, Christ resurrected) a body as it hath pleased him, and to every SEED his (Christ's) own BODY.
Ephesians 4:4 ONE BODY ....
HELL (Hades) is the grave, where men, the dust of the earth go.
The NEW MAN goes to the presence of God, the Father. as the BODY of Christ resurrected.
Ephesians 4:6 ONE GOD and FATHER OF ALL .......
Revelation 20:6 Blesses and HOLY is he (the new creation) who hath part in the FIRST RESURRECTION.
Matthew 16:24 .....DENY YOURSELF ......
Colossians 1:27 .....this mystery ......CHRIST IN YOU ..... you the body (of Christ).
John 17:21 That they (new creation) may be ONE, as thou Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they (new creation) may be ONE IN US ....
Revelation 12:2 And SHE (the church, Christ's bride) being with child (the new man) cried, travailing in BIRTH, and pained to BE DELIVERED.
Whosoever BELIEVES SHALL (at the death of this body of flesh) BE SAVED ....... DELIVERED.
According to Christ; "His sheep hear His voice." ( John 10:27). 2 Tim. 2:24-26 indicate that repentance indeed is a gift from God.
The basic premise is that we are all "children of wrath" by nature under condemnation apart from Christ. ( Eph. 2:3). If we cannot understand that man's heart is estranged from God; and that at best we try to avoid the consequences of sin rather than have any true remorse for offending a Holy; righteous and just God then we simply are living out a works based theology. Titus 1:15 shows further how our best actions are contaminated and defiled.
Human love only shows true affection for those who love us ( Matthew 5:46-48). To love those who "despitefully use us" ( Matthew 5:44) takes a change of heart; a Divine intervention and infusion of the Holy Spirit again which is given by God ( Ezekiel 36:26).
From OUR perspective we see ourselves drawn to the one from all eternity who created all things. ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). This verse shows again how even THIS is instigated in man's conscience by God. We need to realize that there is a process involved; as the parable of the seed and the sowers indicates. The seed from God (again planted on His initiative) is introduced; and ultimately must progress until "fruit is produced" (see also Matthew 3:8). TRUE repentance will overcome temptations that the Lord uses to prune us; as He "chastises all those He loves" ( Heb. 12:6; etc). God therefore initiates salvation; and the whole sanctification process ultimately leading to glorification ( Romans 8:17).
When we are saved; we have new desires to serve God and rejoice in the thought of service to Him now and in eternity. We begin a process of mortification of the deeds of the flesh ( Romans 8:13). From our perspective; we need to accept the truth about ourselves and our utter hopelessness apart from Christ in our own strength. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom ) Proverbs 9; Psalm 111; etc). Jeremiah 32:40 shows God gives that
1 Cor 15:50. The dead will be raised when Christ comes the Second time. Not everone will go to heaven at the second coming John 5:29. Compare the two verses you will see they are the same. Ecclesiastes 3: 20 tells us all return to the dust. Verse 21 says the SPIRIT GOES TO THE GOD ( Eccles 12:7 Also). Now note : Gen 2 :7 says man became a living being after the breath of life is given by God, so when the breath departs as you read in Eccles then man is dead waiting for the second coming. Read John 11 :23 and 24 for confirmation of 1 Cor 15 and John 5:29
( Psalm 37:4).
I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
( Luke 18:8).
The issue of our heart relates to our affections and the ownership of such. When we are crucified with Christ ( Galatians 2:20) His life takes over and our vessel (body) becomes His tabernacle where the Spirit dwells. Since the Lord is eternal; along with the spirit in which God has created us we perceive these things ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). Whether in the body or out of it we are part of Christ's Body and we shall stand in His presence; we are already "seated in heavenly places" ( Ephesians 2:6).
Such affections draw us close to our brothers and sisters in the faith; and indeed we are COMMANDED to love one another; both from the Gospels and later quotes from John ( John 15:12; 1 John 3:23). This should be a springboard for time; money and effort to be poured out for the ministries and missions of the church and unity among the brethren. Agape love is the only love which can love anyone unconditionally; and therefore it also extends to the lost who we are commissioned to reach.
Often people complicate things when it comes to relationships; prayer certainly is helpful as I have seen personally a brother finding his wife to be 2 days after praying to find someone; along with another missionary friend of mine from many years ago when overseas. Still; there are some things which may not come to fruition until the Lord returns (primarily finding justice on the earth in places which have for a long time now featured persecution). Since we have a NEW heart; however we can find joy in seeing others being blessed; and seeing people come to faith even during times when we are struggling in our lives.
We often look at Christ's death as the ultimate love; but let us not forget His whole ministry especially toward His Disciples.
We see similar references to God's creation of man such as in Psalm 139 and it seems clear that there is nothing wrong with God's design at least in how it was originally intended. Therefore even with the fallen nature due to Adam's sin that we all inherit even unregenerate man is responsible for his actions which are contrary to a nature in which "God has set eternity in their hearts." ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). Man originally was made in the image of God; now it may be argued that we bear some resemblance to what we were originally but now we are also in the image of man; that is of the physical appearance of our parents.
Another thing we must consider is how the great prophets all responded in the presence of God. We can examine Isaiah 6:5 as well as the Prophet Ezekiel and Daniel and John in Revelation 1. Even John recognized he wasn't worthy to open the seals and wept ( Revelation 5:4). Keep in mind that this was the Disciple closest to our Lord when He was physically on earth but he realized that only Christ was worthy. We therefore have value because of Him; it is His righteousness that gives us that.
That is why I prefer to view His righteousness as coming from the inside out; not as some cloak over us. There is indeed His perfection in a believer but also the vesiges of who we were even if in actuality not who we still are in light of the promised glorification. Again; only a TRUE believer can claim these promises; or more accurately can have Christ claim to be His own.
I get the sense that some who claim never to sin again think that they can be in God's presence without being flat on their faces. Going boldly into His presence still involves humility and is expressed by an intimate communication and fellowship between BOTH parties.
I am sure to start a fire on this one; praying these conversations can be edifying.
It has been said that the book of Revelation is the "Grand Central Station" of scripture. Here we see His righteous 144,000 and their entourage of countless multitudes which overcome; and the return of Christ where He rules and reigns from Jerusalem (as stated in Revelation 19-21) and finally the last chapter which goes to the eternal state. The struggle of Israel at that time is brought forth in Revelation 12 with the woman and the other signs of the sun and moon and stars.
When considering the extent of God's wrath we understand it is eternal (and conversely also for all the saved saints enjoying bliss in heaven). Man was made with eternity in their hearts ( Ecclesiastes 3:11) as God Himself is eternal who is their Creator. The seemingly volatile and unhinged behavior that many outside the faith blame the God of the Bible of having is in reality evidence of His longsuffering; we see a preview of hell for the first time literally in the book of Numbers 16:22-35. This was due to the sons of Korah attempting to be part of the priesthood and to usurp the authority of Moses. We see evidences of the people attempting to intercede to stop more widespread destruction in verses 22 to 24 with some success; also in verses 45 through 48 Moses didn't have to ask what to do after God promised widespread judgment; he was allowed to intercede standing in front of the Lord between the dead and living (v. 48). These chapters are interesting and warrant further study as to things that are purified and made holy and in light of the present observations more I'm sure could be deduced.
These and other passages show that the Lord offers a way out from His wrath in His prescribed methodology only. The rebellion the day after people literally were swallowed up and sent to hell because of being annoyed with Moses for God being angry and following through on His threats serves as a warning to us all.
Jeremiah 17:8 along with Psalm 1 bring out the benefits of a tree whose roots are planted near the water. This steadfast faith in the Lord is contrasted in the next verse which describes the vicissitudes of the heart of unregenerate man. These vital concepts describe the state of a soul; who needs to be vigilant to bearing fruit and testing themselves to see if they are in the faith is a necessary prerequisite ( 2 Cor. 13:5). Those who do not bear fruit are cut off and burned; a figurative statement describing a very real state of the lost at Judgment Day (see John 15:2).
Surely all flesh is as grass ( 1 Peter 1:24) and like a vapor this life soon passes away ( James 4:14). Eternity is in men's hearts showing that indeed the nature of man is for their spirit to live forever after the body and soul perish ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). This means their legacy is either eternal glory and recognition of those things done while living for the Lord; or eternal damnation for the lack thereof. (see Matthew 25:34 and associated verses).
There is some hope for us who still are producing works of wood; hay and stubble ( 2 Tim. 2:21-23) to change to better works if we have a foundation in Christ ( 1 Cor. 3:11). This results in varying degrees or levels in the harvest and subsequent reward for those who are saved (see also Mark 4:20).
Those in the flesh and not Born Again can only interpret what they see around them in the world (the actions of others who serve as their peers and interpreted through their own understanding). God alone as I see it through predestination determines who will be saved. On our end it takes a fair evaluation of who we really are as compared to a righteous God which then leads to godly sorrow and repentance (which is indeed a gift from God as about half a dozen scriptures indicate). John 16:8 must enlighten us to our desperate plight that SHOULD be aided by proper evangelism appealing for individuals to repent.
John 4:35-37 - JESUS said:
35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth(JESUS sowed) and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth(JESUS was the sower of the Gospel of GOD's Kingdom), and ANOTHER reapeth.
Matthew 13:27 and 30:
27 ... Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
30 Let both grow together until the harvest(said JESUS around 2000 years ago): and in the time of harvest (the time arrived) I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together FIRST the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life ETERNAL: that both he that soweth(JESUS sowed) and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 combined with Revelation 14:14-20
GOD bless
Again, dealing with your recent comments to me, now in one post, Shabbat Keeper. Firstly, Adam has written very well to Jema, so I won't bring up the matter of the definition of "eternal/eternity", which should alone convince us that physical death is not the end for anyone (believer or unbeliever).
If I'm correct from your first post to me, "what an icky thought it is, to stop existing", you believe in the total annihilation of the body at death (for the unbeliever). So, when the Bible speaks of man, his existence & his death, we are first reminded that man is a tripartite being (i.e. one whose composition is of body, soul & spirit: 1 Thessalonians 5:23). When the body dies, it decomposes back to the Earth, but those parts of man that cannot be killed ( Matthew 10:28) can never be destroyed. Unlike animals, man's spirit, given by God, returns to Him ( Ecclesiastes 3:21), whereas animals cease to exist - forever. Therefore, if man, made by God to reflect His Image & traits, is accountable to God, will never cease to exist (his spirit & soul cannot be destroyed, whether by death, fire, or whatever), & he will stand in judgement before God. For this reason, the Gospel is so vital for all to hear, to alert all people that death is not final - there remains an accountability & their final judgement will be based on what they have done with Jesus Who came for them.
You wrote, "Hell fire is the same thing as destruction" & you gave the example of a house on fire. A house is physical/material, a spirit is not - it can never be destroyed. The real Shabbat Keeper or myself are found in our spirits/souls - the body is simply the house in which we need to live in. So yes, this house is corrupt & temporal, but we who have Christ's Spirit in us, look to be clothed (endowed) with that "house which is from heaven" ( 2 Corinthians 5:1-6). Likewise, hell (not the grave), is the dwelling place of those who have spurned God's Love - spirits they are & in torment.
Psalm 51:10 states "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." Christ states that man must be born of water and the Spirit ( John 3:5) which refers either to physical birth first then spiritual; or the baptism associated with God granting repentance and someone being "born again."
The Lord created man in the image of God; both male and female according to Genesis 1:27. Man was given all he needed to live a blissful existence as long as he remained in communion with God; he was given authority over all creation and asked to tend the garden. God's love; however already looked to the needed redemption of man foreseeing his fall; and thus Christ's sacrifice was planned before time began to bring this plan to effect and destroy Satan's temporary usurping of rulership on earth ( Gen. 3:15).
Therefore; Jesus became as the second Adam. (see 1 Cor. 15:47-49 for further details). To put to death the old man expresses the ultimate love; for it is the natural state of the unredeemed soul that can never escape itself in eternal hell. The world and its lusts are temporary; but He has put eternity in the hearts of man. ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). He has promised that He will never leave nor forsake us ( Deut. 31:6; Heb. 13:5). He acts as high priest ever interceding for us ( Rom. 8:34; Heb. 14:15-16; etal).
Along with eternal salvation; God accomplishes His will in our lives; and shows His love by chastising all those He loves. ( Heb. 12:6-7 and other verses). The Lord will lose none of His sheep or His elect as they will hear His voice ( John 10:1-4). Thus the work has been done on our behalf; we can do nothing to add to it or merit any favor. Thus our response should be to love Him accordingly and not to focus on what He can do for us in this life; but to seek that His will is done on earth as in heaven.
The process of sanctification and glorification will be reviewed in future posts.
2 Timothy 2:21 shows that we can clean ourselves so that we are not just vessels of clay but can be vessels of honor. Jesus tells us that he purges branches to produce more fruit ( John 15:2). We thus face that the lost are nothing but dead branches or profane vessels but we can through sanctification work towards purification and honor. We can perhaps see this also with the parable of the sower where some have the thorns of worldly cares snuff them out. ( Mark 4:18-19). A truly saved individual will pass the test of the trials which God places to test His own (see 1 Peter 1:7).
To succeed we need to be hidden in Christ ( Colossians 3:3) and truly be dead in Christ. Our old nature is impossible to put to death otherwise and will forever try to resurrect itself. God has put eternity into the hearts of men ( Ecclesiastes 3:11); yet that verse shows we cannot see to understand God who is basically beyond time and ourselves. Perhaps self preservation is a reflection that we are an eternal soul; thankfully God has the upper hand for those He has called and predestined will make it to glorification; and that for eternity ( Romans 8:30).
The concept of redemption or Kinsman redeemer is seen with the story of Ruth. Christ redeemed us from among men through His atoning sacrifice ( Galatians 3:13). He purchased us with His blood. He has removed our sins as far as the east is from the west ( Psalm 103:12 also read verses 13 to 14). We have passed from death to life ( John 5:24). His Spirit bears witness with our spirit as to our salvation ( Romans 8:16).
These and many other promises are things to meditate on and give comfort. We can only undestand such things if we are spiritually discerned; however and one of His children. ( 1 Cor. 2:14-15). Let us test ourselves to see if we are in the faith therefore ( 2 Cor. 13:5-6).
Agape.
Yet, as you wrote, "Our core values we know for sure but secondary issues we don't", which is what we need to emphasize & build up one another on, rather than on matters we know little or nothing about. Yet, it's always an interesting exercise to ponder even over such things. Blessings.
That could likely be when we see animals rise again.
The Millennial Kingdom is likely the creatures that survive the Tribulation. It is unclear what percent of them die in that time; although one of the vial judgments kills ALL the life in the sea (hence there IS no more sea in the new earth). As with the replenishing of the Dead Sea (see end of Ezekiel); I would surmise that there is a fresh water stock of fish that multiply; although God could do something else (it appears fresh water and some fish already are entering underground in that area but only in certain sections; scripture shows how the reeds along the edge remain salt water areas).
It also appears that horses at be present at the Second Coming; as they will come down with the saints and with Christ Himself; if that is to be taken literally. It is conceivable that Resurrected bodies of humans will be able to jump into the earth's gravity and not be destroyed; these creatures therefore would have to be either horses that live in heaven or perhaps resurrected for that event which is just speculative.
Of course there are the extinct prehistoric dinosaurs and other creatures as well as many living under the sea and in the earth we are probably not familiar with today. There are also angelic beings that look like creatures (Cherubim) but are spirit beings.
I would surmise also that whatever the original ancestors looked like will be seen as well; it would be likely that reproduction as with resurrected men would halt after animals are Resurrected. I would also hazard a guess that the animals would be in their original role as well as being docile enough for us to hang around; like an outdoor pet.
Not a subject to nix fellowship over differing views...
Daniel 4:35 ...and he doeth according to HIS WILL in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth, and NONE can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
Isaiah 55:8 .... your ways are not my ways ......
Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, a TIME to every PURPOSE under heaven .....
We don't know why God does what he does, what we do know is when he has put ALL THINGS under Christ:
God will be ALL in ALL ..... 1 Corinthians 15:28
I quoted you scripture.
You believe: because God CAUSES you to believe.
His WORKS.
He doesn't cause everyone to believe at the same time.
Paul didn't believe until God caused him to believe.
Everything has an APPOINTED TIME; it the works of God, his timetable.
He chose Jacob; and not Esau, before they were ever conceived.
Hebrews 11:20 By faith (by the spirit of Christ) Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, concerning THINGS TO COME.
Jacob; the last, was given dominion over the first.
Genesis 27:37
The first born of flesh is not always the first born of spirit.
Matthew 19:30 ... The first shall be last and the last first ....
After the second resurrection, when Esau stands in his former estate, his flesh, he will be caused to believe and the yoke will be broken from his neck.
Genesis 27:40
All things were maded new by Christ resurrection, but all things have an appoint time to come to TRUTH.
Romans 9:21 Hath not the potter POWER over the clay, of the same lump, to make one a vessel of HONOUR, and the other a vessel of DISHONOUR?
Daniel 4:35 And all the inhabitants of the world are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth, and NONE can stay his hand, or say unto him, what doest thou?
Jeremiah 18:4 And the vessel he made of clay was MARRED in the potter's hand, so he MADE it again ....
Psalms 104:30 Thou sendest forth thy spirit (when he chooses to do so), they are CREATED and thou renewest the face of the earth.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven
Psalms 123:2 ...so our eyes wait upon the lord, UNTIL he have mercy upon us ....
NOT YET are ALL THINGS put under him; BUT, when they are, God will be ALL IN ALL.
God Bless you, my brother in Christ.
The eternal nature of God is more or less comprehended by the souls of men ( Ecclesiastes 3:1). This is further bolstered by passages in Romans 1 about the Godhead revealed as well as a Creator of the universe (see also Psalm 19). God in the beginning established man in the environment of His choosing with the authority over all living creatures and with the assignment to till the ground. He also made Eve to be a suitable companion and as long as man remained obedient under the condition of not eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil they would have lived forever in a state of innocence. Of course we know what happened; man broke the one rule and hence the warnings came to pass with the death of the soul (immediate) and the body (over time). Such terms could be said to be part of a covenant; or agreement.
I believe it is helpful to look at our Christian lives this way as well. John 6:37 and a plethora of other verses make it clear that before time God chose some to come to faith and for the Son to be revealed to them. This was part of a covenant; in some sense with the Godhead where the Son was obedient to the Father's plan for redemption. Again; this is an unwritten sort of understanding; perhaps this mystery involves some of the unrevealed things in Deut. 29:29 in the secret councils of heaven.
Scripture appears to have a number of records; a book of all the living ( Psalm 69:28) as all souls are His ( Ezekiel 18:4). There is also the Book of Life as mentioned in Revelation several times as well as a book of remembrance in Malachi 3:16 for a remnant or subsection of believers meeting these conditions. As far as the term covenant is concerned; we see that promise on God's end with the rainbow after the flood where He promises no more worldwide flood. Up until this point these were things that affected all of mankind but later things were for the set apart who would eventually make up national Israel.
1Samuel 31:11-13 note 1Samuel 31:9-11, 2Samuel 2:5-6, 2Samuel 2:4-7, there is no contradiction here notice the difference Amos 2:1, 2Samuel 21:12, 'stolen' translated word 'ganab' meaning= to theive, take away, get by stealth, ) they took, 1Samuel 31:12, I think it is to emphasise cover of darkness 1Samuel 31:12, dangerous 'valiant men" stole 2Samuel 21:12 because it was in the possession of they enemy as spoils of war. 1Samuel 31:7-10, Ecclesiastes 3:1-3,
1Kings 15:5, 1Samuel 24:21-22, 1Samuel 18:19, 1Samuel 21, = Matthew 12:3-12, Jesus words. 2Samuel 21, notice David honored his oath 2Samuel 21:17, No contradiction, notice : 1Samuel 18:21, 1Samuel 19:17 Saul, his own daughter, same daughter Saul didn't value her life? Adultery was also punishable by death, stoning! You pointed out Saul gave David's wife same woman to another blatantly adultery, I was more surprised by David's mercy by restoring her position, sparing her life from death penalty & also sparing the lovers life. 2Samuel 3:14-16,
Remember Saul's 1st daughter? She was promised to David, before the people, again this too could be considered adultery, treacherous, etc. 1Samuel 17:25-27, 1Samuel 18:17-19,25,
1Samuel 17:25-54, weird but again we see 'spoils of war' also, 1Thessalonians 4:8,
2Samuel 24:1, GOD moved him, Job 12:16, 2Samuel 2:16, 2Samuel 2, why wasn't she there, rejoicing in the LORD? 2Samuel 2:19,
Again pray for wisdom, hopefully helpful
The Lord spoke in parables so that the Pharisees would be blinded lest they see the truth at any time and repent (see Mark 4:11 and following verses). The human being is the only species which deliberately blinds themselves to the truth and hardens their heart. This is given to man to whom God has put "eternity in their hearts." ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). There is a way; a door or opening to heaven by which we MUST go through to enter; there is no other way. That; of course is Christ and being Born Again. After all; only the "sick need a physician". ( Mark 2:17). Consider those who most often rejected Christ. These were all those who had heard the message; and mostly the Jews who knew the law and the commandments and the prophecies thus they were without excuse killing the Lord of Glory. That was made clear by Stephen's speech and subsequent martyrdom in Acts 7 and the beginning of Acts 8. Their history was spelled out as to how they sinned and killed the Prophets before them; Christ Himself also brought out these things.
In seeing these things we are reminded with a fair and impartial view of scripture in terms of it's literary composition that men by and large were going on with their personal lives and decisions much of the time. We certainly needn't look at "free will" as something that is diametrically opposed to God's predetermination in our lives as though He is holding us to a standard that we as human beings are paralyzed with our everyday life. He points out to David only when He goes after Bathsheeba that he was given much latitude ( 2 Sam. 12:7-8) and even more wives if he asked; but of course murder and adultery was not to be tolerated. God can't look upon sin; therefore had to turn His back on His own Son. However it is our sin NATURE that is the root of all these things; or the heart ( Jeremiah 17:9; etc.) But after this life ends there is no more freedom for the unregenerate to sin.
Hopefully helpful in your discussion
AN ANSWER.They do not understand, how God created man, a living soul, it they did there would be no problem understanding what returned to God, at death.
A common view of the meaning of the spirit that goes back to God, says that it refers to the breath of life. That would agree with King Solomon's statement in Ecclesiastes 3:21 where he said, "the breath of man ascends upward" at death. It is important to know that the Hebrew word that is translated as "breath" in Ecclesiastes 3:21 is the same Hebrew word that is translated as "spirit" in Ecclesiastes 12:7. So, this Hebrew word ruach can be translated as "breath" or "spirit."
It is important to know that Genesis 2:7 translates ruach as "breath." So it says, "breath of life."
The word "ruach" can be translated as "breath" or "spirit." It is translated in the "Old testament," (90) times as "wind" and (28) times "breath"
They feared GOD rather than man
I love to celebrate Christmas, I really enjoy the lights, the focus on our Savior. The generosity in the season. Christmas is a time of year, people remember more their fellow man, needs & wants of others. Christmas time reminds us of the joys of giving & putting smiles on others faces, teaching by love & kindnesses. Surprising a person with anonymous unexpected gifts, giving hope to people in desperation, food, clothing, volunteering, etc. warms their hearts, body & soul & sometimes gives them hope for a better ' tomorrow '. Christmas is the time of year people are more willing to receive from a Christian.....
We as Believers have an open door at Christmas unlike any other time of the year, to show the World who Jesus is, who the Church is.
When we remember those most "forgotten by others" showing them, they are not forgotten by GOD, it's amazing how even those around them are affected.
Deuteronomy 15:7, Job 5:16, Proverbs 19:4, Psalms 69:33, Proverbs 14:21, 2Corinthians 9:9, Psalms 68:10, Galatians 2:10, Romans 15:26, Psalms 40:17, Proverbs 22:2, Psalms 41:1, Luke 14:13, Psalms 74:21, Proverbs 29:7, Proverbs 28:27, Psalms 112:9, Psalms 82:3, Daniel 4:27, Proverbs 21:13, Proverbs 31:10,20, context Proverbs 31, Proverbs 19:17, Proverbs 19:7, Luke 4:18, Matthew 11:5, Mark 10:21,
Proverbs 19:6, Esther 9:22, James 1:27,
This Christmas season we really have a moment to help comfort, our nations with love, giving hope through the WORD, to poor in spirit & helping heal wounds. There is much we can give this year, for those in need. I pray GOD lead us even now, to start the giving season early. Romans 6:23, 2Corinthians 1:4, Proverbs 15:23,
Psalms 31:24, Ecclesiastes 3:1,
The rest of the book discusses the return of Christ with His saints; and the capture of the Beast; False Prophet and Satan (without stating who places them in their respective places of punishment although the next chapters show an angel has sealed the bottomless pit).
There is a feast prepared for the birds of the air (v. 17-18; v. 21). God has in Isaiah 34:11 and other verses clearly considered the unclean beasts and provided for them richly (despite being unfit for man's consumption). Those who are animal lovers may not appreciate the fact that they will either be present at the wedding feast of the Lamb or themselves be part of the supper of wild beasts. No doubt these creatures will be starving themselves by this time and God isn't going to let a good meal go to waste. We should ponder this; those who are evolutionists and realize that in light of Ecclesiastes 3:19 that unregenerate men are no better than animals as to our fate. The soul of animals may go down into the earth (see verse 21 two verses later); but man is the only creature subject to eternal damnation and suffering as we see again in the same chapter; verse 11 where "eternity is put in their hearts."
The last verse in this chapter; verse 21 shows the rest of man in the battle slain with the sword (see Malachi 4:1; Psalm 2; etal). They will be placed in Sheol; the "holding place" for the damned until their turn for the lake of fire. Undoubtably their involvement in this battle and enticement by demons means that they have taken the mark of the Beast. If for some reason someone is missing arms and or has a head injury and can't take the mark the image will be worshipped which basically amounts to the same punishment.
In God's Providence He shortens the days or no flesh would survive (or be saved); see Matthew 24:22. There are interesting studies as to the mention of horses (verse 18) which also are seen in Ezekiel 38. I prefer to take that literally.
Everyone resurrects upon death, meaning our soul's immediately return to the Father that gave it, and the flesh body returns to dust from whence it came.
Ecclesiastes 3:20 mentions this more specifically on how all are from the dust, and all return to the dust, but back up a few verses to (15) so to get the gust of how we all began the same way, and return to the same place, also how we breath the same air...
So no matter how we are buried, we are not in the flesh body anymore, we have gone back to the Father.
Full burials are for the Living, IMO.
We buried embalmed bodies believing not in resurrection.
If you imagine a person who is sick, for example, and is about to die. As we say here on earth. This person belive in Jesus Christ and has repented from a destructive life, to faith in Jesus Christ. If Iinow immediately give you a different picture of death, but then without God. Can you see the difference here? We humans are a detriment to ourselves, we have been from the very beginning. Now it has become worse.
So God the Father Himself had to change everything when He make Heaven and earth, because of man. Remember He repented of it. Genesis 6:6
The day you are referring to will be a terrible day, everyone should know what a fire can do.
This is how it is that we believe in God the Father and in His Son Jesus Christ, then our life will be filled with hope for Life itself. We shall live even if we lay down our mortal body. Matthew 24:35 The best example is found in John 20:1-10 and the story of Lazarus when Jesus raises Him from the dead after he had lain dead for several days. John 11
The day that will come when the firmament and the mountains will crumble. When God will put everything in order again, this time there will be no regrets, but Perfection. That is what Christ Jesus did. But as we know, everything takes time.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Jesus does not wish us harm, He loved us with divine love. believe in Him for your own sake. Fear is cast out when you are with Jesus Christ. Only love will keep you alive that day. God's Word and faith in Jesus. Hebrew 4:12-13 But we stick to Jesus. He fills us with peace, so that we all survive the day. I belive that from the bottom of my heart.
Hope this help u, remember to always go to Jesus if u have a problem, He will sort everything out for u in His time, Amen. Jesus loves u i love u in Christ
1 Thessalonians 4:14 to the end of the chapter and 1 Thessalonians 5:10 make it clear; along with other verses that when the body sleeps; the spirit lives on. The question is; of course if His Spirit "testifies with our spirit ( Romans 8:16) that we are God's children." If not; then truly we are spiritually "dead" as it were; which means absent from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and hence forever trapped in our sinful nature. He has put "eternity in the hearts of men" ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). Hebrews 9:27 also makes it pretty clear that we face judgment after death. That will determine where we spend the interim period through the Millennial reign and make the "first resurrection" ( Rev. 20:6) or remains until the Great White Throne judgment. There are; apparently phases to the firstfruits which Christ Himself initiated; then some who came out of their graves AFTER the Resurrection; then those alive at His coming when the saints are Resurrected and finally the Resurrection of those who were martyred in the Tribulation. I will leave this detailed eschatology to other posts.
I already stated elsewhere where the word "qeber" is referring to the bodily state of "sleep" or death in the grave; and when "sheol" the land of the souls of all in the O.T. (now only just for the wicked) exists. Now; to be "absent from the body is present with the Lord ( 2 Cor. 5:6). The bigger question is WHY people want to hold to this "soul sleep" or nonexistence mentality. Part of it can be not dividing the Word properly ( 1 Tim. 2:15); or 2 Peter 3:16 where unstable people twist scripture to their own destruction. If someone knows they are in sin; and remains unrepentant in their hearts it is easy to follow this mindset so that there can be space before judgment. ( Ecclesiastes 8:11; Psalm 73:17). He is not the God of the dead but the living ( Mark 12:27). Hence; we are already "seated in heavenly places" ( Ephesians 2:6).
Ecclesiastes 3:9-15
9. What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?
10. I have seen the travail which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised therewith.
11. He hath made everything beautiful in its time: also he hath set eternity in their hearts, yet so that man cannot find out the work that God hath done from beginning even to the end.
12. I know that there is nothing better for them, than to rejoice, and to do good so long as they live.
13. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy good in all his labor, is the gift of God.
14. I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor anything taken from it; and God hath done it, that man should fear before him. That which is hath been long ago; and that which is be hath long ago been: and God seeketh again that which is passed away.
The BODY is only a vessel that holds THE LIFE OF GOD.
When the body DIES (the wages of sin is death: Romans 6:23) it returns to the dust from whence it came.
Ecclesiastes 3:20 ALL go unto one place; for all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.
Job 34:15 ALL FLESH shall perish together and man shall turn again into dust.
Ecclesiastes 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit (LIFE) shall return unto God who gave it.
Ephesians 4:4 ONE SPIRIT .....one LIFE
1 Corinthians 15:38 For God giveth it (the new creation, YOU, Christ resurrected) a body as it hath pleased him, and to every SEED his (Christ's) own BODY.
Ephesians 4:4 ONE BODY ....
HELL (Hades) is the grave, where men, the dust of the earth go.
The NEW MAN goes to the presence of God, the Father. as the BODY of Christ resurrected.
Ephesians 4:6 ONE GOD and FATHER OF ALL .......
Revelation 20:6 Blesses and HOLY is he (the new creation) who hath part in the FIRST RESURRECTION.
Matthew 16:24 .....DENY YOURSELF ......
Colossians 1:27 .....this mystery ......CHRIST IN YOU ..... you the body (of Christ).
John 17:21 That they (new creation) may be ONE, as thou Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they (new creation) may be ONE IN US ....
Revelation 12:2 And SHE (the church, Christ's bride) being with child (the new man) cried, travailing in BIRTH, and pained to BE DELIVERED.
Whosoever BELIEVES SHALL (at the death of this body of flesh) BE SAVED ....... DELIVERED.
May God give us eyes to see and ears to hear.
God BLESS.
The basic premise is that we are all "children of wrath" by nature under condemnation apart from Christ. ( Eph. 2:3). If we cannot understand that man's heart is estranged from God; and that at best we try to avoid the consequences of sin rather than have any true remorse for offending a Holy; righteous and just God then we simply are living out a works based theology. Titus 1:15 shows further how our best actions are contaminated and defiled.
Human love only shows true affection for those who love us ( Matthew 5:46-48). To love those who "despitefully use us" ( Matthew 5:44) takes a change of heart; a Divine intervention and infusion of the Holy Spirit again which is given by God ( Ezekiel 36:26).
From OUR perspective we see ourselves drawn to the one from all eternity who created all things. ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). This verse shows again how even THIS is instigated in man's conscience by God. We need to realize that there is a process involved; as the parable of the seed and the sowers indicates. The seed from God (again planted on His initiative) is introduced; and ultimately must progress until "fruit is produced" (see also Matthew 3:8). TRUE repentance will overcome temptations that the Lord uses to prune us; as He "chastises all those He loves" ( Heb. 12:6; etc). God therefore initiates salvation; and the whole sanctification process ultimately leading to glorification ( Romans 8:17).
When we are saved; we have new desires to serve God and rejoice in the thought of service to Him now and in eternity. We begin a process of mortification of the deeds of the flesh ( Romans 8:13). From our perspective; we need to accept the truth about ourselves and our utter hopelessness apart from Christ in our own strength. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom ) Proverbs 9; Psalm 111; etc). Jeremiah 32:40 shows God gives that