Discuss Ephesians 1 Page 7

The ministry of reconciliation is given to believers.

Notice who's addressed.

Ephesians 1:1.

Colossians 1:2.

Also here.

2 Corinthians 5:10-21. For WE must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.

For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

And that he died for all, that THEY which live should not henceforth live unto THEMSELVES, BUT UNTO HIM WHICH DIED FOR THEM, and rose again.

Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.

Therefore "IF" ANY MAN BE IN CHRIST, HE IS A NEW CREATURE: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled US to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to US THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION;

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto US the word of reconciliation.

Now then WE are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

For he hath made him to be sin for US, who knew no sin; that WE might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Notice this continues on to the next chapter.

2 Corinthians 6:1-13.

Here's a contrast in

Ephesians 2:1.

Colossians 3:5-6.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18.

2 groups, saved and unsaved.

Word,G3056; W in Word is capital showing omnipototentency of GOD=Gr. logos

The divine purpose in the gospel of John is to present the LORD JESUS as GOD. This is the one great feature and difference from this gospel and the others. John's writings always point to the deity of Yeshua. Johns presentation of the LORD as having the divine attribute of omniscience, not to say the other gospels does not point to this but the Gospel of John it is much more frequent. WORD (Gr.Logos) portrayed by John as GOD - a Spirit of infinity, Eternal, Perfect, Almighty, Omnipotent. John was the disciple that Jesus loved and wrote John, 3 epistles and also Rev. -GOD giving him much insight to 1st age and the end. John always trying to get people to understand the beginning for if you don't understand what happen in the beginning all the way back in 1st earth age, you cant understand whats happening in this age. The time Satan fell from grace and convinced 1/3 of GODS created souls to fallow him. The 3 epistles of John indicate the writing was from a earlier time then gospel of John

Here and :2 supply (of the aions=ages) for the Logos then "was" and the aions were prepared by HIM (Hebrew. 1:2, 11:3

acts 11:15) supply (of our ministry) 2:4; In Phillipians 4:15 supply the proclamation of the gospel. was here- implying already pre-existed. Creation not mentioned until :3

Word had no beginning John 1:3, 17:5, 1 John 1:1, Ephesians 1:4, Proverbs 8:23, Psalms 90:2, John 8:58. not the same was as in :14

the Word Gr. Logos. As the spoken Word reveals the invisible thought, as the living Word reveals the invisible GOD. John 1:18

the (artical) designates "the Word" as the subject. "the Word"

Of all of the teachings of Catholicism,Purgatoryis probably the one most often attacked by Catholics themselves. There are at least three reasons why that's so: many Catholics do not understand the need for Purgatory; they do not understand the scriptural basis for Purgatory, and they have been unintentionally misled by priests and catechism teachers who themselves do not understand what the Catholic Church has taught and continues to teach about Purgatory.

And so many Catholics have become convinced that the Church quietly dropped her belief in Purgatory a few decades ago.

So why do so many people think that belief in Purgatory is no longer a doctrine of the Church? Part of the confusion arises because some Catholics conflate Purgatory and Limbo, a supposed place of natural bliss where the souls of children who die without having received Baptism go because they are unable to enter Heaven since Baptism is necessary for salvation. Limbo is a theological speculation, which has been called into question in recent years by no less a figure than Pope Benedict XVI; Purgatory, however, is doctrinal teaching.

The eternal punishment of sin can be removed through the Sacrament of Confession.But the temporal punishment for our sins remains even after we have been forgiven in Confession, which is why the priest gives us a penance to perform.

Acts 26:18

To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Ephesians 1:7

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.

I am not going to accuse or anything like that. Jesus sees us from birth to death. God lives outside of the TIME of earths clock. Come to Jesus. Agree with John 3 in the Bible. Receive Jesus into your heart. Live just for Jesus.

Thank you for your response, I just found your reply. For some reason it wasn't in my replys. I will check back on this thread again just incase you reply to this.

I pray deliverance from any and all attacks against you while you're sleeping! Spiritual, natural or both.

The 1st place I would like to start: Have you received or ask GOD to be LORD of your life? Accepting Jesus Christ as your savior? John 3:15-16,

With that we are sealed with promise, 2Corinthians 1:20-22, Ephesians 4:30, Ephesians 1:13, James 1:5, Acts 5:32, Romans 15:13, Acts 2:28, 1Corinthian 6:19, John 14:26, Acts 10:38, Mark 16:16-18, 1John 5:9-21,

* if you have not accepted Jesus as your personal LORD & Savior. Please do that right now, in prayer. 2Corinthians 6:2, 1Thessalonians 5:9, John 14:6,

Hebrews 1, note Hebrews 1:14, if you have received Jesus Christ as Savior, then the visible/invisible image was it fighting on your behalf?

* If you have been involved with anything associated with darkness & evil knowingly or others around you or in your dwelling have. Destroy those things, get it away from you. Turn away from those things. Ask forgiveness from our Father in Heaven. Matthew 6:23, Luke 11:34-36,

* Ephesians 5:11,

Ephesians 6,

Hopefully these are helpful.

Yes you're my brother now, if you're a believer! Matthew 12:50, Mark 3:35, 2Thessalonians 3:13, 1Thessalonians 5:26, Philippians 4:21, 1Timothy 5:1, Matthew 23:8, Galatians 4:31, 1Peter 3:8, Ephesians 1:5,

Hopefully helpful

He does.

1st through creation, our very breath, heartbeat, vision, taste, smell, every flower, tree, sunset, sunrise, the oxygen we breathe, every beautiful creature, every created thing. He made & gave us trust to keep it. Through HIS creation HE speaks to us. If we choose to listen. Through the seasons & sunrise, sunsets we see He is faithful. Through domestic animals we see HIS compassion. In life we see hope. All given by GOD!

2nd His WORD the Bible, is GOD speaking through HIS people, 2Timothy 3:16, to us, all that are willing to read it.

3rd GOD has spoken through HIS Prophets: Jeremiah 7:25, & HIS people

4th Through JESUS The Messiah John 3:15-16,

5th Through the HOLY Spirit that was promised by JESUS to all who believe: Ephesians 1:13, John 14:26, Luke 11:13,

Sometimes in our most difficult moments in life we want GOD to speak to us outloud. In those times we need a quiet voice of comfort, which we can find in HIS WORD, in prayer, all around creation if we seek HIM. The voice of GOD recorded in scripture is like thunder, many accounts it makes those who've heard it tremble in fear. Exodus 19:9,16,18,19, Job 37:5, Psalms 77:18, John 12:28,29,

I hope you will hear GOD more clearly

Hopefully this is helpful

I like your sight because of listening to the audio of the bible verses. My eyes is not same. Even wearing glasses I have trouble reading. So that is very helpful for me.

Thank you

June Brown

Pray and ask God to give you wisdom. Ask God to open the understanding of both your hearts. A good prayer to pray is one the Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 1:15-23. You have planted the seed. Allow God to do the watering. God bless you and your family!

Hello April. Just to add to Daniel's very good advice he's given you; what you're wanting to do in reading through the Bible in a year is very commendable. You can get guidance from the Web, if you search for 'Reading the Bible in a year', & it will give you a systematic reading program, sometimes reading a couple of Old Testament chapters & one New Testament chapter per day. Though this might be a good way of reading as much of the Scriptures as you can, you need to keep in mind that there is no 'saving' merit before God in having accomplished such a great task. What is important is that you understand what you are reading (i.e. not necessarily from an in-depth study), but you allow God's Spirit to guide you & help you apply the Truths you learn, in your life. Bible reading is a discipline, & when you truly desire to learn more about God, His Son & Holy Spirit, and Christian living, even absorbing the Word in smaller chunks will be very useful to you. A good Study Bible, with its cross-references & footnotes, can also be very useful. There are many good ones out there; I use the Ryrie Study Bible (in KJV).

And as Daniel has written, no one will go to hell for not reading the Bible right through. People only go to hell if they refuse the offer of salvation that God has given to us, through His beloved Son. Some might want to get to Heaven their own way (by following various religions or philosophies, doing good works, self-harming, etc.), but the only way possible is to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ to be saved ( Acts 15:11; Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9). When we believe & are born again by God's Spirit, His Spirit indwells in us, seals us as belonging to God ( Ephesians 1:3-14), & ministers special Grace & Wisdom to us to live this new life. So, when Jesus comes for His own or we go through the portals of death, all who have His Spirit in them, who are marked as belonging to God, will be taken to be with Him - that is His Promise & Guarantee. Blessings.

Brother Mike W:

The first resurrection occurred at Christ resurrection.

John 11:25 ....I am the resurrection....

Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us into the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, ACCORDING TO the good pleasure of HIS WILL.

John 15:16 Ye have not CHOSEN ME, But I have CHOSEN YOU .....

All is the WORK'S OF GOD, man just receives the GIFT.

Philippians 1:29 For unto you it is given, on the behalf of Christ, not ONLY TO BELIEVE on him, but also to suffer for his sake,

1 Corinthians 4:7 For who maketh thee to be different from another? and what hast thou that ye did not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why does thou glory, as if thou received it not?

You begin life with a mind of FLESH, if you have your part in the first resurrection, your mind of FLESH IS BEHEADED, and replaced with the mind of Christ.

All the WORK'S OF GOD.

GBU

Deloys Sutherland,

Hello, welcome to the Discussion & Questions section of this website.

Many of us here volunteer here because we love GOD & love HIS people, whom HE created.

Like Adam said be careful about listening to opinion. This is such a difficult topic, emotionally, spiritually, morally etc. This issue effects society, families, individuals.

1st let's address the effects = Loss to their family, loved ones, friends, community & even the World. Loss of what that person would have accomplished, & what that would have attributed to each mentioned. 1Corinthians 12, Psalms 139,

2nd, What that leaves behind = confusion, sadness, undue feelings of guilt, grief, helpless feelings to those dear & close to the person & then effecting all around them, even extended to people that looked at that person as an example, children nearby, jobs, everyone & everything left, all effected 2Corinthians 3:2, 1Timothy 4:12,

3rd root causes = pain, abuse, sometimes just selfishness, etc. But we are not without hope, Romans 8, (whole chapter)

Hope = Hebrews 4:8-16, Romans 5:1-21, Romans 15:4,13, Galatians 5:5, Colossians 1:23,

Strength to endure = James 5:10, Romans 12:12,

Comfort = 2Corinthians 1:2-4,

Purpose = Ephesians 1:17-19,

People that went through feelings of that but made it through = 2Corinthians 1, Job 7:15, Jonah 4:9, Matthew 26:38,

Direction = Proverbs 2, Proverbs 8, Proverbs 10:2, Proverbs 24:10-12, Hebrews 4:15-16,

Disobedience to GOD = Psalms 68:20, Ezekiel 18:32, Ezekiel 33:11, Exodus 20:13, Deuteronomy 5:17,

Hopefully these are helpful

Hello Louie. Your question is easy to answer, but if one should ask 'how do we know when that re-birth takes place', that would require more details. The time of re-birth, is at the very moment when God sends His Holy Spirit to indwell the repentant sinner. Some might feel sorry for their sins but have no intention to leave them. But when one is truly repentant, calling upon Jesus to save his wretched soul, a wonderful work & transaction is made. Sins are forgiven & removed & the Holy Spirit is given to seal & secure ( Ephesians 1:3-14). His entrance into our lives means that some immediate changes must take place - sometimes more noticeable changes, though most certainly that instant peace with God, joyful assurance of sins forgiven, a hunger for things of God & to start living for Him, etc. This is all the Work of His Spirit, when once that person had no such desires in his heart.

Romans 8:9,10: "ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness." This is a clear simple verse saying that we don't belong to Christ if His Spirit is not indwelling us (i.e. if we are not born again by His Spirit). Our bodies might be in a state of continual deterioration, but our once dead spirits (God-wards), are now given a new life by the Life-giving Spirit. And when the Spirit is in residence, a continual Divine Work will go on with a hunger for God's Word & knowledge of Him, living to please the Lord, dealing with any sin that comes before us, & receiving Grace & strength for every situation. "if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new": 2 Corinthians 5:17. This is re-birth - only by God's Spirit.

the word "salvation" concerns an eternal, spiritual deliverance. When Paul told the Philippian jailer what he must do to be saved, he was referring to the jailer's eternal destiny ( Acts 16:30-31). Jesus equated being saved with entering the kingdom of God ( Matthew 19:24-25).

What are we saved from? In the Christian doctrine of salvation, we are saved from "wrath," that is, from God's judgment of sin ( Romans 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:9). Our sin has separated us from God, and the consequence of sin is death ( Romans 6:23). Biblical salvation refers to our deliverance from the consequence of sin and therefore involves the removal of sin.

Who does the saving? Only God can remove sin and deliver us from sin's penalty ( 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:5).

How does God save? In the Christian doctrine of salvation, God has rescued us through Christ ( John 3:17). Specifically, it was Jesus' death on the cross and subsequent resurrection that achieved our salvation ( Romans 5:10; Ephesians 1:7). Scripture is clear that salvation is the gracious, undeserved gift of God ( Ephesians 2:5, 8) and is only available through faith in Jesus Christ ( Acts 4:12).

The short answer is: Yes, tongues are biblical and that can be said one of two ways. The 1st, tongues were an outpouring of the Holy Spirit for non-believing Jews on the day of Pentecost (Acts Chapter 2). The 2nd, tongues from Greek to English simply mean languages.

Ephesians 1:13 tell us,

"In whom (Christ) ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with the holy Spirit of promise."

We are sealed by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit upon the moment of belief; and we do not need to seek for any further proof of our salvation, such as the "speaking in tongues." We need no greater assurance than is found in God's Word. John 3:16 promises that if we believe in Jesus Christ we have, right now! eternal life.

The Holy Spirit will never give anyone the gift of tongues now. They are not for today. 1 Corinthians 13:8 tells us

"whether there be tongues, they shall cease:..."

"Cease" is the Greek verb "pauo." It means to cease or stop completely. It is used in the perfect tense. This means that when tongues do cease, the action of ceasing will never be interrupted, but will continue forever. In plain words, once tongues cease they will never be reactivated at anytime in the future. It is also in the middle voice, denoting emphasis. The most emphatic statement in this verse is "TONGUES SHALL CEASE".

1 Corinthians 13:10 tells us when tongues will cease.

"But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away."

The key word in this verse is "perfect." Some say it is referring to Christ's coming.

"Perfect" is the Greek word "teleion" and means "full grown and mature, complete." It refers to the end of a process or development. The Second Coming of Christ is not a process, but an instantaneous event. "Perfect" is never used in the New Testament for the Second Coming of Christ, the Millennium, or Eternal State.

Continued...

Hello, Nadine

1 Timothy 6:16 says that God dwells in unapproachable light which no man has seen nor can see.

Psalm 115:3 says 'Our God is in heaven."

In Psalm 139, David speaks that there is no place he can go that God is not there.

Ephesians 1:23 says that God fills all in all.

Jesus says in John 10:30 says "I and the Father are one." and in John 10:38 Jesus says, "I am in the Father and the Father is in Me."

Then in John 14 Jesus speaks that "If anyone loves Me, he will keep my word: and My Father will love him. We will come to him and make our abode in him."

From these Scripture we learn several things about God.

1) God is transcendent- which means that He lives apart from all he has created and cannot be apprehended by our normal, limited, human abilities unless he reveals Himself to us, regardless of whether we are believers or not.

2) God dwells in heaven, with the angels and all other spiritual beings

3) God is everywhere at once-this is called being omni-present. His Being fills the universe. There is no part of the universe where He is not, regardless of whether we are believers or not

4) God is also-which means He is close at hand, near us. He is involved with us, regardless if we are believers or not

5) God lives within each believer. The Father lives in the believer, The Son (Jesus) lives in the believer, and the Holy Spirit lives in the believer. God does not live within unbelievers. This union is privilege of believers in Jesus only!

Hope this helps, Nadine.

Quite rightly there is no need to argue. Do not think that is what we do either. But a kind of personal conviction on various revelations. We do not take a small baby and put them in the middle of the road, you know. Then it will be hit.

Always be happy and see it this way: We grow a growth and it is from the Lord. All according to His counsel. Psalms 106:13

Ephesians 1:1-14 I will never stop and be thrilled with Paul's welcome greetings in his letters. You're welcome.

We must be thankful for what we have and what we have done for the Lord as He then only knows what is. Amen

Philippians 2.6-11

Originally I wrote a post saying that trying to show that "shall be made alive" in 1 Corinthians 15:22 is more than just physical resurrection may be trying to prove too much. But I was wrong.

The word translated "shall be made alive" zoopoiethesontai is derived from a word that is used in the New Testament for being resurrected or quickened to eternal life. Here are the other passages that use derivatives of this word:

John 5:21

John 6:63

Romans 4:17

Romans 8:11

1 Corinthians 15:36

1 Corinthians 15:45

2 Corinthians 3:6

Galatians 3:21

1 Peter 3:18

This word cannot mean life common to all men living and moving and having their being in Christ, nor can it mean simply resurrection to either eternal life or the second death. Under this meaning I am persuaded that the word "all" in 1 Corinthians cannot be an unlimited universal "all" and in both instances where it is used in this passage it is limited by the words "in Adam" and "in Christ". "In Christ" appears to be used in this passage by Paul in a similar way to the way he uses that phrase and the phrase "in Him" in Ephesians.

Ephesians 1:2-4,7,10,13,20

Ephesians 2:6-7,10,13,20-22

Ephesians 3:6,11-12

Ephesians 4:32

This also suggests that "all men" in Romans 5:18 is limited by the "one man" being referenced, either Adam or Christ.

The connection that Adam and Christ share in common with the "all" in 1 Corinthians 15:22 and Romans 5:8 has several different interpretations that have been offered. Personally I believe there is a federal headship connection. "Things done by one may be imputed unto others, propter relationem foederalem, because of a covenant relation between them." Hodge

I also believe Adam and Christ are uniquely qualified and appointed by God to be the first fruits of their respective seed. No other human beings can be presented before God in the way they can.

Sorry I forgot to mention. Don't look for a man look for a God (Jesus)) in the sky.

Hi Mary!

I hope this will help.

1. Act 1:9-11. It tells us Jesus will return the same way he left.

2. Go to 1 these 4:14-18

Here it decribes how you will know Jesus when he comes. The most important part is we will met him in the skies. Jesus will NOT touch the earth. It is very plain on that.

Got to Matthew 24:29-31. Also here it tells us he does not come in secret. When he comes the trumpets of God will blow and shouts from heaven. His Angels will come to Earth.

Go to 1 corin 15:51-52

John 14:1-11 this should also help. As long as you seek for Jesus's truth he will always show you the way.

God bless my friend hope this helps. If you need more please let me know. Thanks.

What Book and Chapter does it explain God coming down and Humbling himself to be Jesus so people would believe when Seeing a man?????? Thank You !!

It should be noted that "accepting" Jesus is something the demons do according to James (and rather sarcastically at that). He is feared among them for His authority; but not worshipped as they gave up their rightful place through rebellion that they were created for. Christ is Lord over all creation; as all will bow down before Him. ( Isaiah 45:23). In terms of Savior; all those who are called are chosen. This is in a sense Him "accepting us" as He does into the beloved ( Ephesians 1:6). Even repentance is a gift according to other verses in Acts 11:18 for one example.

If we HAVE heard of Christ; then we can either worship Him and fall on our knees; or reject Him. This is how man understands God based on whether the Holy Spirit has truly done a work in him. Often; though we don't read John 3:16 as something beyond a one time act; it is worded that way though as a continual ongoing process. A true believer; according to Romans goes on to be glorified ( Romans 8:30). Time is infinite with God's perspective; as many things were decided before the foundation of the world. We can see this in Revelation; as well as all will worship the Beast not written in the Book of Life before the foundation of the world ( Rev. 13:8).

If we haven't heard of Him; then surely God will send a dream; vision or missionary as evidenced by many Muslims and others in the world today. Abraham was called and sent away from his pagan origins to the land of Promise by the Lord.

If we truly seek Him; there may be a process but we will find the truth. Romans 1 and Psalm 19 make man without excuse; as clearly in the Creation evidence of Him is seen. In all that we see how short we are of His glory; a tattered fallen Creation; and our need for rescue from inevitable physical death as well as begin to see a righteousness that we cannot obtain or reach in our fleshy nature. Ecclesiastes also states how God has put "eternity in their hearts." ( Ecclesiastes 3:11).

Dear beloved "Marie Fair", there are no Angels coming from heaven to lead any of us into the jungle or the forest or to the mountains. This is nonsense. Do not follow them dear ones, but stop by here on the web. As long as we have the opportunity without and put our names on any contract. And learn the Word of God every day, fill yourself with Him who can fill everything in everyone. Ephesians 1:23

But the people of the righteous God in Jesus name will join in the fight against the evil one and his evil spirit army. In a way, we are already in it when we pray and do His will. Ephesians 6:13-18

John 7:17

Be blessed in His holy Name jesus, love u in Christ.

Psalms 139, Isaiah 41:10,

Psalms 130:4, Colossians 1:14, Ephesians 1:7, Acts 26:18, Luke 7:47,48, Psalms 32:1, Acts 8:22, Psalms 85:2,

Ephesians 4:26,

Proverbs 11:3,

Psalms 119:16, Hebrews 2:18, James 1:12, 1Corinthians 10:13,

Hopefully these are helpful

The Holy Spirit enters you the moment you are saved. Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.

You need to yield to God. Romans 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. (In other words, Mike, you need to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him.

Hello Bennie. Both 'election' & 'predestination' are never in the power or domain of mankind, but rests entirely in the omniscience & purposes of God. Most don't see much difference between those words as they both denote 'a special selection to receive a specific result'.

But the difference is apparent, where the 'elect' are the specially chosen of God (i.e. of Israel: Romans 11:26-28; and of the Church: Romans 8:33; 1 Peter 1:1,2; Colossians 3:12). And those of the elect (the Church now, as "blindness in part is happened to Israel" ( Romans 11:25), are predestined for a reason: Ephesians 1:11,12, to give praise to God's Glory (in His Love, redemption plan, life in the Spirit; all that Israel failed to grasp. And Ephesians 1:5, predestined to become His adopted children by Jesus Christ's Sacrifice; again that which Israel forfeited by their rejection of their Messiah). Though the day will come, when Israel will re-enter that blessed position when they bow before Jesus ( Romans 11:15-26) & both saved Jew & Gentile will share together as God's family.

I shared the above, though that wasn't your enquiry, as I hope that you might see that both 'election' & 'predestination' is all of God's Work according to His Will & Knowledge. We know that we are blessed in being God's elect & have been assured of adoption into His family, & that happens only after our own humbling before Him & repentance, being drawn to God by His Spirit & then receiving His Spirit into our lives. Israel had every opportunity to truly be God's children & servants, but they never bore His Light to the world, rather lived in spiritual darkness. 2 Timothy 2:19: "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his." God know those who are His - His Seal is upon them, they are the elect. Our knowledge of our election is when the Holy Spirit does His Work in our hearts, confirming His Work of Grace & giving us the assurance of eternal life.

John 3:16; John 5:24; John 6:37-40,47; John 10:27-29; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:38,39; 2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13; Ephesians 2:8; Ephesians 4:30; Hebrews 13:5; 1 John 5:11-13; Jude 1:24 - are a few examples, all promising the true child of God that his/her salvation is secure forever.

Yet 1 John 3:7-10 reveals the two-faced 'Christian': having every appearance of serving God, but has sin dominating his life; living carelessly & not carefully.

Dear Sean, if you have truly been born again--repented, ask Jesus to save you--your salvation is sealed. Ephesians 1:13 "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,"

Of course, we believers sin and must ask God to forgive us.

We also stray, but like the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32 and the Exodus Israelites time and time again, we can repent and ask him to restore us, and determine never to commit that sin again.

Hello Utibe. The one who has been truly saved & has God's Spirit in them, can never be lost back into Satan's domain. These people will remain faithful to their Lord, suffering all things for His sake, & hating even the smell of sin entering their lives. There are many 'Christians' who faithfully attend a Fellowship, witness to others & give every appearance of being saved, but when adversity comes or even when committing sin isn't all that important, they fall away, turning their backs to the One they once called their Saviour. The Lord knows who belongs to Him; 2 Timothy 2:19, "the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity."

Here are some Scriptures showing God's Part in saving & securing those who have truly repented & turned from a life of sin - being born again of His Spirit:

John 10:27-29; Ephesians 1:13,14; Ephesians 4:30; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Peter 1:3-5; 1 John 5:13; Romans 8:33-39.

But there is also the other side, where some Scriptures seem to indicate that a Christian can apostatize, such as:

1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Thessalonians 2:3; 2 Peter 2:20-22; Hebrews 3:12.

But the ultimate test of real faith is when our love, even our lives hang in the balance. Will we deny Christ - will we save our lives rather than lose it for Jesus? Many 'Christians' would under examination want to save themselves, yes, even those who attend a Fellowship & follow through with Christian disciplines. We should not have to hear those words in Matthew 7:21-23, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that DOETH THE WILL OF MY FATHER which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

Hi GiGi.

Good Question.

I'm not sure if this is the answer but We know by scripture Christ was prophesied as the savior to come into the world before the world began.

Ephesians 1:4.

1 Peter 1:19-21.

The volume of the book is written of Christ and his redemption plan.

See John 5:39.

Also " Hebrews 10:7. "

We that said your question reminds me of

Ephesians 2:6-7. And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:"THAT IN THE AGES TO COME" he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

This seems to imply that in the ages to come one would look back and see the love demonstrated orchestrated in these 66 books. which involves creation.

Just a perspective.

God bless.