Ephesians
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Colossians 1:15-18 as in John 1:1 what beginning is John writing about, this gives a different understanding, In Colossians what creation is Paul writing about if we look at it as the start of all creation, the angels the counsels of heaven as we see in Job 38, they were before this earth or is Paul writing about the new creation. Is Paul referring to Jesus before He was crucified? Or is Paul referring to the risen Christ? In Christ is the resurrected Christ not the Christ when He first came.
One other thing and Giannis can let us know if I am correct or not in verse 16, by Him, the Greek is en auto meaning in Him as we see in 2 Corinthian 5:17 Ephesians 1:4,9 Colossians 2:6 to be in the risen Christ. Paul is talking about the new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:16-19 to be in Christ is to be a new creature/creation and reconciliation, this is this world and in heaven as we see things in heaven is as bad as on this earth and Jesus Christ is to make all new.
Hebrews 1:3-4 Jesus was made much better than the angels, this after He was totally obedient died on the cross and raised from the dead and ascended to heaven above all that is in heaven and earth. and in Him all will be made new. He was made means He was not before He completed what His Father sent Him to do. Matt. 28:18 John 3:35 John 5:26-27 John 6:39 what Jesus did and had was given to Him from the Father.
I know this is short, I may be away for a while but hope to reply more soon.
God bless,
RLW
Yet, with Colossians 1:15, "the firstborn of every creature" (or, creation), doesn't seem to imply that believers are the object; though you (or, your Church) feels it does: "that first born of all creation means that Jesus was the first child of God among all other born(again) children (us, God's children)". It's interesting that 'creation' is used here, which doesn't seem to easily bring Christ's Church into its meaning.
That was interesting about the usage of 'arche', that it could be applied to rulers, principalities, etc. I checked your reference Revelation 3:14, and though the application of 'arche' is defined as "that by which anything begins to be, the origin, active cause", your other references ( Colossians 1:16 & Ephesians 3:10) certainly apply to 'principalities/rulers'. And other references are given in support of this: Luke 12:11, Titus 3:1, Ephesians 1:21, Colossians 2:10, & others. So thank you for giving us more to consider in this matter.
Many of these themes are interchangeable with the verses quoted. The terminology isn't the greatest; as people can indeed grieve the Spirit as scripture indicates. I believe limited atonement is also the hardest thing to prove; I would say that "Effectual grace" is a much better term.
I wrote what I did in the first posting on purpose as many tend to have a sort of pride about which Reformer is their favorite or obsess on the subject making a doctrine be above the author and finisher of our faith Christ Himself. We can't fit our theological premise neatly with all scriptures in human understanding. I take; for example the politically incorrect stance that free will doesn't intimidate God with His predestination plans. There are distinct advantages to understanding these doctrines however.
1. It explains why those in our families and others we are close to and hear the Gospel for years never become believers.
2. It shows how God draws His elect from before a confession of faith (preserves our lives until coming to salvation) for believers.
3. It allows us to "test ourselves to see if we are in the faith" ( 2 Cor. 13:5) so that we can indeed claim His promises as something we actually possess because of a saving faith rather than "decisional regeneration" a term where people make a confession but their hearts are not in it.
I mentioned on an old posting how a small group split because God grants repentance ( 2 Tim. 2:25; etal). Some didn't want to preach the need to repent; although God grants the desire we must bear fruit and change our ways
Part 2,
John 17:5 I may not be able to answer this satisfactorily, but I do not think Jesus was in heaven other than in God's plan in God's thoughts as the word logos is the expression of a thought. When Jesus was baptized, He was anointed without measure by the Holy Spirit/Ghost, John 3:34 at that point Jesus was given power and authority John 5:26-27 and then Matthew 28:18.
All through the New Testament Jesus said what He said, what He did, and the works that were done was God His Father and not Him, John 14:10, it was the word of God, God was manifested in Jesus everything was given to Jesus, He did not have it before God the Father gave it to Him.
God dwelt in Jesus and Jesus in Him, I feel Jesus became the Tabernacle of God, as His name shall be called Emmanuel God with us, same as Jesus told Peter, John 14:9. Jesus had the full measure of the Holy Spirit/Ghost this is why He said what He said in John 14:17 they saw the Holy Spirit/Ghost because it was with them in Him that gave Jesus the power for God to do the works/miracles.
This was in the prayer Jesus was praying to His Father just before He went to the cross, Jesus was asking His Father to glorify Him so that He may glorify God so that we might know the only true God. John17:1-3 Mark 12:29.
Colossians 1:15-17 I will try on this one, "in the image" is a mirror-like representation that Jesus was, like He said to Peter if you have seen me, you have seen God. Man cannot see God nor look on Him, John 1:18 Jesus was the faithful witness Revelation 1:5 and a witness tells or reveals the truth, and Jesus showed us the truth of who God is the only true God.
Jesus was the first and everything in God's thoughts and mind, Jesus was there in God's mind but was not sent until the fullness of time, Ephesians 1:10. I feel that is why Jesus said over and over it is not me but He who sent me.
I know we may differ, but I hope I am showing honestly my understanding.
See part 3.
God bless,
RLW
Part 1
Thank you and I do not mind, I just sent this to S Spencer, I once believed Jesus preexisted but some things just did not feel right, 2 Cor. 11:3-4 stood out. I will do my best to give my understanding starting with Rev. 3:14. The beginning of the creation of God. God has no beginning or end, I understand this as God's plan for all creation began with Jesus, God's Son and all creation came after until all is made new, we were in this plan.
God declared the end from the beginning, Isaiah 46:10. God brought forth Jesus from His plan in the fullness of time, and Jesus's physical existence began with the miraculous virgin birth of our Lord from heaven, Ephesians 1:10 1 Corinthians 15:47. How this virgin conception was done by the Holy Ghost I have no clue; Jesus is the begotten Son of God if anything is begotten it has a beginning.
Jesus was the second man who came into this world without sin, Man had to live a perfect life to fulfill the law that was placed on man to make it void, Romans 3:19-20. Jesus as a man did this and paid the price that through Him is the only way to our Father John 14:6. My understanding of Jesus being the first in God's creation and everything came by Him and for Him and through Him and when Jesus completed what purpose His Father sent Him to do Jesus became heir of all that God created after Him, Hebrews 1:2. I will do my best to give my understanding although we may not agree we can see and study the other side.
See part 2.
God bless,
RLW
I will send this to you as I feel we consider each other as brothers. I thought I was clear when I ended my conversation about the Trinity, but it does not sound like that is not understood with the comments I have read.
I will ask this question not to stump anyone, but it is one I have not ever answered.
First, I would like to say Jesus was before any creation, He is the beginning of creation, and all was created after Him and through Him, but it was in God's plan of creation that Jesus being appointed heir to, Heb 1:1-4. Jesus was the beginning of creation Rev. 3:14 and in the fullness of time He was conceived, Ephesians 1:9-10. There were two Adams and Jesus is the last Adam both Adams who were men who came into this world without sin. The first sinned and the last lived perfect totally obedient to the Father.
Question, Jesus was conceived and brought forth the only begotten Son of God to die for the sins of mankind. If Jesus was preexisting, an immortal being, God the son. How can an immortal being die? How can God be tempted, James 1:13, but it is clear Jesus was tempted as we are, Hebrews 4:15 and He died shedding His blood to cover our sins.
Can God die? If not, how are our sins covered? Could the works of the devil be undone if God fulfilled the law that was made for man? The law was made for man and a man had to live without sin to fulfill it. What is the meaning of Acts 2:24 if Jesus was not a man?
Sorry to send this to you but anyone can answer, Love you brother.
God bless,
RLW
God the Father granted Christ all authority on heaven and earth which sets forth the ultimate example of how God worked to reward the perfect obedience of Christ. It also goes against Satan's offer to worship him to have such authority. ( Matthew 28:18; Matthew 4:9).
One may question how Christ; who Himself brought all of creation into existence would have such a destiny. ( Colossians 1:16-20). In that situation; one may say that He was the Person to do the work that the Father had planned; and His agent as it were was the Spirit of God (hovering over the waters as it states in Genesis 1:2).
We realize in this that no servant is greater than his master. ( John 15:20). We all are nothing without Him; yet He will likewise exalt the humble with positions to rule and reign with Christ in the Millennium. In some sense we can say that Christ emptied Himself so that He could be our High Priest suffering in all ways but without sin. ( Heb. 4:15). As the second Adam He was able to keep from the temptations of the devil to fall unlike Adam; as well as fulfilling the law perfectly which no man could do. ( 1 Cor. 15:45-47).
It is hard to get our mind around these facts; that He who created all things would start from conception as a helpless babe and end as a sheep to the slaughter ( Isaiah 53:7); the Lamb of God which will forever be ascribed to His Name. Of course all of us who are saved are adopted sons; ( Ephesians 1:5) part of the eternal lineage of the rightous (as contrasted with the earth dwellers in Revelation 11:10).
Christ is returning as conquering king. He alone trods the winepress ( Isaiah 63:3). He alone brings forth the TRUE one world government of peace and rules in righteousness; impartially judging as many verses in Isaiah testify. Some verses can be taken symbolically but to not take Revelation 19 literally or somehow think Christ already returned in some mystical way is heretical thinking (see 2 Tim. 2:18)
There are so many verses in the Gospels that they are too much to quote here. The idea is that Christ showed numerous times His role in the Godhead as submissive to the Father. John 5:19 is an excellent example where Christ stated that He could do NOTHING on His own but what He sees the Father doing He then does. Some of these issues no doubt were unique to the time He came to die as a man on the cross; which could be the premise of Matthew 24:36 also repeated in the book of Mark. Even HE didn't know the day or the hour of the return of Christ.
Before going on we can learn a lot about the nature of God in this relationship; much like the submission of woman to man in a marriage. Somehow in the Godhead Christ follows the actions of God in His work. It is clear through the death on the cross that HE was indeed part of the Godhead but that God the Father also had to take a role in holding the whole universe together for if it was only Jesus then it would have ceased to exist at His death as I see it. The counsels of the Godhead no doubt were involved with these plans before the foundation of the world for this plan as ( Ephesians 1:4 is but one example; also see Revelation 13:8 for the end result of this predestined plan for those who would be saved).
The plurality of the Godhead is also mentioned in John 14:21 to 23. This shows the Father and Son; and no doubt the Holy Spirit seals us in the day of redemption as well. ( Eph. 4:30). Also of course there is John 3:16 about God so loving the world and sending His son that whoever believes in Him will be saved. '
Oneness argument #3 Arminianism. The book of John is excellent in showing the Godhead as well as elements of Predestination involved with this. UNDERSTANDING THE GODHEAD TIES INTO CORRECT UNDERSTANDING OF PREDESTINATION. It also ties in with holiness (Argument #4). True holiness must stem from a new heart reflected in outer actions; not from our actions.
Philippians 3
1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
17Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
18(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the ENEMIES of the cross of Christ:
19Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind EARTHLY things.)
20For our conversation is in heaven( Ephesians 1:3); from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
21Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
Ephesians 6:11-18
11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God,that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day,and having done all,to stand.
14Stand therefore,having your loins girt about with truth,and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16Above all, taking the shield of faith,wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17And take the helmet of salvation,and the sword of the Spirit,which is the word of God:
18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
Actually, we GOD's people, we are going together to meet JESUS, and He is coming to meet us, in time and space. So, each day that passes, He gets a little closer of the meeting point, and we who are walking in the way also get a little closer to Him, and the gap between us and JESUS decreases, and the moment will come when JESUS and we will arrive at the indicated time, in the place and space( Ephesians 1:3), as He combined with us, i.e. to be at the exact time and place of the glorious meeting. Hallelujah!
See, it is certain that the day of JESUS 'return is very very close.In my understanding it is the mysterious day 1.335- Daniel 12:12-, i.e.45 days after the end of the Abomination of Desolation of 1,290 days as was prophesied by Daniel. Dan.12:v.11 combined with Dan.9:v.27, both verses direct us to the majestic and indescribable event of JESUS's return.
Time is ticking,ticking,ticking; see,don't sleep,but if you're already asleep, wake up and get up fast, and take in mind that each passing day we are personally closer to JESUS.See how near He is. For meditation: Matthew 25:1-13
GOD BLESS
Part 9.
His Role
Jesus lived a sinless life by always choosing to exercise faith in God, never sinning, thus He did not deserve the curse of the law; yet took the curse upon himself and trade for humanity.
How many times have unbelievers and believers alike said, it is not fair that all of humanity would pay the price of eternal damnation because of one man's choice, Adam's decision.
Yet, the righteousness of God is seen in that Humanity is saved, with the penalty of sin paid for by one man's choice, Jesus decision to take our place.
There is both quality and justice in the trade; wherein God's righteousness is maintained, while at the same time displaying mercy and grace.
This is the reason for 1 Corinthians 15:22, which states: "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive."
And 1 Corinthians 15:45, which states:
"And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit."
The only way that God could save fallen man was by Jesus becoming our kinsman Redeemer, by both purchasing us with His blood; while at the same time killing death for the sake of His family, "humanity" (And in the second coming destroying the enemies of his people).
Jesus stated in John 5:39:
"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."
All of God's Word has one purpose, it is the glorification of God ("Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him." Isaiah 43:7), and His Son Jesus Christ ( Ephesians 1:20-22; Romans 11:36; Colossians 1:12-19).
It is Jesus that deserves preeminence in God's Word.
All of these Old Testament types and shadows ( Hebrews 8:5; 10:1; Colossians 2:17) and figures (Theologically referred to as "Expositional Constancy" meant as object lessons to paint the picture of the Messiah, so that He would be recognizable when He came.
See Pt 10
You said to Momsage that there are many false teachings in Protestant churches today, so, we should hate these as much as the ones taught in Catholicism, and after you made an extense description of sects which have spread false and devilish doctrines.
Reading the content of your post, I was compelled to remember you and all that from now on GOD Almight will LITERALLY fulfill
His Word given to Isaiah about His WRATH against this current generation of satanic religions, and their respective devilish doctrines and teachings. As my GOD said- Isaiah 33:10-14-, Now will He rise, now will He be exalted; now will He lift up Himself.
My GOD is a devouring fire, understand? So the people shall be as the burnings of lime: as thorns cut up shall they be burned in the fire.
Now if any man build upon this foundation gold,silver,precious stones,wood,hay,stubble;Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it,because it shall be revealed by fire;and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is-1Cor.3:12-13.
2 Peter 3:7
&11-12&17-The heavens(the 1st and 2nd heavenly places in Christ- Ephesians 1:3-or 1st and 2nd Covenant-Old and New Testaments)and the earth(the current Israel infested of idolatries and sorceries,whose holy city is spiritually called Sodom and Egypt),which are now,by the same Word are kept in store,RESERVED UNTO FIRE against this Day of Judgment and perdition of ungodly men.(that is the seventh and last Day or seventh and last millennium)
11Seeing then that all these things shall be DISSOLVED,what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
12Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the Day of GOD,wherein the heavens being on fire(GOD is a devouring fire) shall be DISSOLVED,and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
17Ye therefore,beloved,seeing ye know these things before,beware lest ye also,being led away with the error of the wicked,fall from your own your own stedfastness.
What the Word of GOD says after weighing the content of your message, it is written in Isaiah 33:10-15:
10 Now will I rise, saith the Lord; now will I be exalted; now will I lift up myself.
11 Ye shall conceive chaff, ye shall bring forth stubble: your breath, as fire, shall devour you.
12 And the PEOPLE shall be as the burnings of lime: as thorns cut up shall they be burned in the fire.
13 Hear, ye that are far off (the GENTILE peoples), what I have done; and, ye that are near(the JEWISH people), acknowledge my might.
14 The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who AMONG US shall dwell with the devouring fire?(GOD is a devouring fire, understand?) who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?
15 He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;
2 Peter 3:7&11-12&17-The heavens(the 1st and 2nd heavenly places in Christ- Ephesians 1:3-or 1st and 2nd Covenant-Old and New Testaments)and the earth(the current Israel infested of idolatries and sorceries,whose holy city is spiritually called Sodom and Egypt),which are now,by the same Word are kept in store,RESERVED UNTO FIRE against this Day of Judgment and perdition of ungodly men.(that is the seventh and last Day or seventh and last millennium)
11 Seeing then that all these things shall be DISSOLVED,what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the Day of GOD,wherein the heavens being on fire(GOD is a devouring fire) shall be DISSOLVED,and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
To JESUS Christ, our Saviour, to Him be Glory both now and for ever. Amen.
The Apostle Peter wrote this letter to Christians, mainly of Jewish birth, who were scattered to other nations (mainly resulting from the great persecutions from the Jewish leaders/Saul: Acts 8:1). Peter calls them the Elect of God, i.e. those whom God has chosen to be His. And what criterion did God use to make this selection? The Word tells us that they, and us who believe, are chosen by Him because He knew beforehand (foreknowledge) all those who would hear the Gospel of Salvation through Christ & would respond in faith.
So yes, God has chosen each one of us who believes - He didn't force us to believe just so that we wouldn't nullify His wise choosing by Him making a mistake; but He knew who would respond & to these were granted the gift & privilege of being adopted into His family (see Ephesians 1:3-14 for a greater picture of this mighty Work of God on our behalf). Does this then mean that we don't need to share the Gospel with those trapped & lost in sin because God will save them anyway if they are called to be His elect? No, we must share the Gospel with all, because not only are we not privy to those who would be saved, but God has chosen to save some because when they hear the Gospel, they will believe by the convicting power of His Spirit, & they will call upon the Name of Jesus to save them from the awful penalty of sin & estrangement from a loving God.
"Unto you therefore which believe he is precious..." ( 1 Peter 2:7). If we truly belong to the LORD, Jesus is the most Precious One in our lives, for He has chosen us to be saved with so great & costly a salvation. Unbelievers might stomp on Jesus, curse & ridicule Him - but to us He is precious and our delight, & we can be ever thankful for being chosen to be His.
Daniel 12:1 - And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
and JESUS CONFIRMED: Matthew 24:15 & 21-23
15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
22 And EXCEPT those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the ELECT's sake those days shall be shortened.
Revelation 12:7-12
7 And there was WAR in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon(the red Dragon); and the dragon fought and his angels(his messengers),
8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
9 And the great Dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, NOW is come salvation, and strength, and the KINGDOM OF OUR GOD, and the power of His Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our GOD day and night.
11 And they overcame him by the BLOOD of the Lamb, and by the Word of their testimony(Word of GOD); and they loved not their lives unto the death.
12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them( Ephesians 1:3). Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the Devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth? Luke 18:8 combined with 1Timothy 4:1-2.
Yeah, Righteousness and Judgment are the foundation of GOD's Throne, both Righteousness and Judgment are implicit in the Word of GOD-the Word is GOD, self-executing.
Revelation 4:4 - And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. "GOD, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son,whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also GOD made the worlds- Hebrews 1:1-2;
And who are the 24 elders clothed in white raiment and sat on 24 thrones? They are the 24 messengers of GOD's Word. GOD the Father, beginning by Moses, has already crowned them. And they are already enthroned around GOD's Throne clothed in white raiment and they have on their heads CROWNS of gold.
GOD did choose and elected 24 men unto which He would reveal His Word to write the books of the Old Testament - the first Covenant - the first heavenly place in Christ. (Now we are in the 2nd heavenly place in Christ, the 2nd Covenant, the Covenant of the New Testament - Ephesians 1:3. Take a look)
That said, here goes the 24 elders showed in Revelation 4:v.4
1 - Moses
2 - Joshua
3 - Samuel
4 - Ezra
5 - Nehemiah
6 - Job
7 - David
8 - Solomon
9 - Isaiah
10 - Jeremiah
11 - Ezekiel
12 - Daniel
13 - Hosea
14 - Joel
15 - Amos
16 - Obadiah
17 - Jonah
18 - Micah
19 - Nahum
20 - Habakkuk
21 - Zephaniah
22 - Haggai
23 - Zechariah
24 - Malachi
And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of GOD sent forth into all the earth. Praised be our GOD. Amen.
Hi Valmar. Thanks for addressing my question & I do agree with you on the incomprehensible Work of the Spirit in giving healing, exhortation, etc. What I was looking for pertains to your subject, viz. a believer's eternal security. And also to a comment you made, "the ability to lose one's salvation rests completely with that individual".
The way I understand the Scriptures, is that if we have the ability, or power, to lose/relinquish our salvation, then it presents questions not only to the Spirit's Work in saving a lost soul, but also the power we have to over-ride what the Spirit has done in our lives. Clearly, you believe that a saved sinner can either choose to depart Christ or to remain faithful to Him. My question then is: is it in the new spiritual make-up of the one now found 'in Christ' to ever desire to leave the One Who has delivered Him from so great a penalty & given him a new life with peace, joy & hope? Here, I'm not referring to a saved soul who through negligence or appeal of the flesh or Satan, strays & toys with the world. I'm confident if that soul is saved, then the Spirit will not let him go; and Momsage shared an apt testimony of this very work of God in her & her husband.
So to my question, I believe the more relevant Work of the Holy Spirit in one's life is that: He Convicts man of his sin ( John 16:8-11); He Regenerates, or gives re-birth to the penitent sinner ( John 3:3-7, Titus 3:5, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 John 2:29); He Indwells ( 1 Corinthians 6:19, Romans 5:5, John 14:16); He Baptizes ( 1 Corinthians 12:13, Ephesians 4:5); and He Seals ( 2 Corinthians 1:22, Ephesians 1:13, Ephesians 4:30). I'm sure you're conversant with these Scriptures, showing that salvation & securing is all of God, without any contribution from man. To Page 2.
Do you believe that Satan works under the control of Christ? or
Does Satan have power of himself.
If you believe Satan is an instrument in God's hand, then why would you believe that Satan at times doesn't lie.
Satan is in every man, men lie sometimes, and other times they tell the truth; whichever, God through Satan, has predestinate.
Man will not believe that all his words were spoken before the foundation.
Psalms 90:9 For all our days are passed away in thy wrath, we spend our years as a TALE being TOLD.
Quite worrying about you might be deceived, because every man starts out that way, ( Revelation 12:9) and believed what God says.
Ephesians 1:4 According as HE hath CHOSEN us IN HIM before the foundation of the world .....
Hebrews 4:3 .... the WORKS were FINISHED from the foundation of the world ....
God has appointed some to believe and some not to believe; IN THIS AGE.
God is calling you, otherwise, you would not, have COME.
It's HIS WORKS, you have no say, it's his choice of when and how much you believe.
Every man has a purpose in God's scheme of salvation and coming to truth, and whether you like it or not, you WILL NOT vary outside his purpose for you.
Only ONE person was Chosen to be John the Baptist, all thought there are many that have the same spirit as John crying out in the wilderness to repent of their sin of unbelief.
This holds true for Judas, he say CHOSEN, and he did what he was chosen for.
This holds true for Satan, he is doing what he was chosen for.
God said when Christ has put ALL THINGS under his FEET, God WILL BE ALL in ALL.
Christ will not fail in what he was SENT TO DO.
God said he would set brother against brother, he has a purpose for this, all though we can't yet see it.
Brother S Spencer and I are both in God's plan, even though we seem to be brother against brother.
All things work TOGETHER for the good of those that LOVE the LORD.
God Bless YOU!
1In those days came John the Baptist,preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
2And saying,Repent ye:for the Kingdom of heaven(3rd heaven)is at hand.(Kingdom of Heaven will be established here from now on-Re.5:10 combined with Ephesians 1:3-14 and Re.1:6&20:6.Take a look)
7When John saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism,he said unto them,O generation of vipers,who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Mat.23:13-35
13Woe unto you,scribes and Pharisees,hypocrites!for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men:for ye neither go in yourselves,neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.
15Woe unto you,scribes and Pharisees,hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte,and when he is made,ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
23Woe unto you,scribes and Pharisees,hypocrites! ...
24Ye blind guides,which strain at a gnat,and swallow a camel.
31... ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.
32Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers
33Ye serpents(serpents are sons of serpent),ye generation of VIPERS,how can ye ESCAPE the DAMNATION of HELL?
34Behold,I send unto you prophets,and wise men,and scribes:and some of them ye shall kill and crucify;and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues,and persecute them from city to city:
35That UPON YOU may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth,FROM THE BLOOD of righteous Abel UNTO THE BLOOD of Zacharias,whom YE SLEW between the temple and the altar.
Lk.21:22-23:->22 these be days of VENGEANCE,that ALL THINGS WHICH ARE WRITTEN may be fulfilled.23...for there shall be great distress in the land,and WRATH upon this people.(The Word is GOD,self-executable,understand?)
2Th.1:7-9
7...the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven...8In flaming fire taking VENGEANCE on them that know not GOD,and obey not the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ:9Which shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord...
In Hebrews 4v12, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged 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." speaks nothing but facts. So, all of the bible is alive and active and also inspired by The Most Highest Power as it explains that in 2 Timothy 3v16; "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" Regardless of those individuals that tempered with the Holy words of our Father. He still is so majestic that He is ahead of that lol. God is mind blowing family. Keep up the great work, it is all about seeking Jesus Christ of Nazareth, fearing the Most Highest, and giving our whole hearts to The Holy Trinity. Every day we must have a sincere heart to heart with The Holy Trinity and even within that Jesus is helping us keep that relationship up. Like it says in Hebrews 7v25; "Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them."
The God we serve is beautiful family. Let us continue to strive to protect our salvation and also Him. Glory to The God of Abraham and Praises to The Lord of Lords Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
Peace, Love and Blessings within and without Family.
in all things ( we ought to give thanks ): for this is the will of god in christ concerning you.
( 1 thessalonians 5:18 )
much love to you and yours...family is great!
God's calling is consistent. Some are called to be prophets to which the name Jeremiah is pre-eminent. (Je.1:5) Some are called to be helps, teachers etc., Ephesians remind us of the same. The Bible being god-breathed it bears names of holy men crediting them as authors, more accurate would be to call them as having taken dictation from the Holy Spirit. Conversations quote unquote therefore owe their truth to the Spirit.
St Paul writes as to how the Spirit helps us with our prayers.(Ro.8:27-28) The same holds true with dictating what transpired between parties where the Spirit is setting down precisely the truth, ("Thy word is truth"). For example Jonah praying from the belly of the fish only the Spirit could do justice. So faith is essential in order to understand how several parts in the God document relate to one another. Literal approach will not be of much help.
Is EPHESIANS 1:4 in any way related to JEREMIAH 1:5.
Thank you for your reply
To comment the first sentence of your post-part 2-, be sure that what matters and prevails is the Word of GOD, the Word is GOD- John 1:1, self-executing, understand?
What does the Word of GOD say?
2Thessalonians 2:3-6 and 9-12
3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Your thinking is from a human perspective, a stumblingblock, not from GOD's perspective. The verbiage your spirit manifested in your reply is good for nothing.
The one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth, the one who comes from above is above all- John 3:31 combined with Ephesians 1:3, among other Scriptures.
Be careful of then get ready
Then,Giannis,you remain in your speculative and ficticious interpretation of the things which the own GOD REVEALED to Moses around 2500 years after Adam or around 1500 years BC,or exactly two Days and half of works, according GOD revealed to Moses and he wrote in GENESIS 1:3 to 13.TAKE A LOOK. Actually, the one whom GOD has sent speaks the Words of GOD, like Moses, and the prophets, and the apostles of JESUS,for GOD gives the Spirit without limit, and above all GOD sent my Lord JESUS himself, through whom GOD made all things,understand?
That said, your thinking is from a human perspective, a stumblingblock, not from GOD's perspective. In fact, the person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of GOD but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit, undeerstand? He who has the Spirit makes Judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgment.
In fact, the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth.It's that. But the one who is of heaven is above all( Ephesians 1:3 combined with Philippians 3:20-21,among other Scriptures)for he testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony, but whoever has accepted it has certified that GOD is Truthful.For the one whom GOD has sent speaks the Words of GOD,for GOD gives the Spirit without limit.
Hebrews 4:12-13
12The Word of GOD is quick-the Word is GOD,SELF-EXECUTING,understand?-,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.
13Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we must render an account.
Be careful or then get ready
Rejoice ye that dwell in the heaven as is written in Ephesians 1:3 and Philippians 3:20-21.
Woe to the inhabiters of the earth(Israel) and of the sea!(wicked peoples, and nations, and multitudes of all tongues) for the Devil comes having great wrath, he knows that he has but a short time.
The nations will be angry, but GOD's wrath comes and the time of the dead, that they should be Judged, and that GOD should give reward unto His servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear His name, and should DESTROY them which destroy the earth- Revelation 11:18
That said, get ready
Yes, GOD made the Universe. In fact, GOD created four heavens, but He sat upon the circle of the earth - Isaiah 40:22KJV also Nevi'im (Prophets) Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 40:22 - Hebrew Bible - : "It is He Who sits above the circle of the earth, and whose inhabitants are like grasshoppers, who stretches out the heaven like a CURTAIN, and He spread them out like a tent to dwell" Ephesians 1:3KJV, and so on: 3 Blessed be the GOD and Father of our Lord JESUS Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places(Old and New Testaments) in Christ.
Now, in this current millennnium, two of the four heavens created by GOD through JESUS will be DISSOLVED(without JESUS was not any thing made that was made), in fact both heavens -the first and second - will be BURNED from now on- 2Peter 3:7 combined with Isaiah 33:14-15- , and the 3rd heaven will be established in this current millennium, that is the seventh and last millennium, and this 3rd heaven whose heavenly environment is described in Revelation 4 and 5 combined with Luke 20:35-36, among many other biblical references -comes up hither-, it will last 1000 years. After this, I mean ending the millennium, then will be established the heaven of the heavens for all Eternity.
Get ready