Discuss Ephesians 2 Page 11

Precious Lori, yes, we are probably in 'the end times' of The Current Dispensation of GRACE!

This is for the Gentiles, and should not be confused with, but:

Rightly Divided ( 2 Timothy 2:15) From "Things That DIFFER!":

God's 'Prophetic' Program for ISRAEL, which is the Time Of JACOB's Trouble, and end times for them, with the Second 'Prophesied' Coming of Christ.

This program for Israel, will only 'resume After' The Body Of CHRIST {the One New 'man' [not a bride/woman]} ( Ephesians 2:15) is 'Caught UP in the air, to be taken to heaven, At our Great GRACE Departure To Glory, Which Is Imminent = 'could' happen at any moment! ( 1 Corinthians 15:51-57; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3)

Please Be Richly Encouraged, Enlightened, Exhorted, and Edified! ( 2 Timothy 2:15; Romans 16:25; Ephesians 1:3-9; Ephesians 3:9 = Grace/Mystery fellowship, today?)

Hi Adam, thank you for your prayer and thoughts/encouragement!

I do agree with you on Ephesians 2:8-9. It seems Gods word is teaching both somewhat paradoxically.

Here is an insert from a commentary I find helpful:

a. For by grace you have been saved: Paul cannot speak of this glorious work God does without reminding us that it is a gift of grace, given to the undeserving. We are not even saved by our faith (though faith itself is not a work), but by grace through faith.

ii. "The precise form of words here stresses two things. As consistently emphasized by Paul, it is entirely of His grace, His free, undeserved favour to mankind. Then also this salvation is presented as an accomplished fact." (Foulkes)

b. And that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God: The work of salvation is God's gift. Paul's grammar here indicates that the words apply to the gift of salvation mentioned in Ephesians 2:4-8, and not directly to the faith mentioned in this verse.

i. Clarke emphatically states that the original Greek is clear in noting that when it says it is the gift of God, the it referred to is salvation, not faith. The great Greek scholar Dean Alford also clearly pointed out that the this not of yourselves referred to salvation, not to faith in this passage.

ii. Yet, even our faith is a gift of God. We cannot believe in Jesus unless God does a prior work in us, for we are blinded by our own deadness and by the god of this age ( 2 Corinthians 4:4).

iii. "But it may be asked: Is not faith the gift of God? Yes, as to the grace by which it is produced; but the grace or power to believe, and the act of believing, are two different things. Without the grace or power to believe no man ever did or can believe; but with that power the act of faith is a man's own. God never believes for any man, no more than he repents for him; the penitent, through this grace enabling him, believes for himself."

Basic Distinctions between Prophecy and the Mystery (C.R. Stam)

1) Concerns a kingdom: a political organization ( Daniel 2:44; Matthew 6:10)

Rightly Divided ( 2 Timothy 2:15) From {RDf} "Things That DIFFER!":

1) Concerns a body; a living organism ( 1 Corinthians 12:12; 1 Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 4:12-16)

2) The kingdom to be established on earth ( Jeremiah 23:5; Matthew 6:10)

RDf

2) The Body given a position in Heaven ( Ephesians 1:3; Ephesians 2:5-6; Colossians 3:1-3)

3) Christ to be its King ( Jeremiah 23:5; Isaiah 9:6-7)

RDf

3) CHRIST Is The Living Head ( Ephesians 1:19-23; Colossians 1:18)

4) The Body Chosen In CHRIST "Before the world began," but "kept secret since the world began" ( Romans 16:25; Ephesians 1:4-11; Ephesians 3:5-9)

RDf

4) The kingdom prophesied "since the world began" ( Luke 1:68-70; Acts 3:21)

5) Israel to be given supremacy over the nations ( Isaiah 60:10-12; Isaiah 61:6)

RDf

5) Jew and Gentile place on the same level before God ( Romans 10:12; Romans 11:32; Ephesians 2:16-17)

6)The Gentiles to be blessed by Israel's instrumentality ( Genesis 22:17-18; Zechariah 8:13)

RDf

6) The Gentiles blessed through Israel's obstinancy ( Acts 13:44-46, Romans 11:28-32)

7)The Gentiles to be blessed by Israel's rise ( Isaiah 60:1-3; Zechariah 8:22-23)

RDf

7) The Gentiles blessed through Israel's fall ( Acts 28:27-28; Romans 11:11-12; Romans 11:15)

Hi Sydney, I prayed for you.

I noticed what you wrote "I don't create my own belief. I understand that I must be born again, and that it is totally a gift from the Holy Spirit." and thought I'd share my belief as well.

I'm not sure what you mean by you don't create your own belief. Believing is a choice. We are given freewill to choose who we want to follow and whether to obey. I choose to follow and obey Jesus Christ. John 14:15

Some believe faith is a gift. We can gain faith through hearing the Word of God as it says in Romans 10:17. This verse indicates that God can control the measure of faith we have: Romans 12:3. Some interpret Ephesians 2:8-9 as faith as being a gift, but I believe it means salvation is the gift. I believe we already have the freewill to choose and we gain faith through reading God's Word, just like it says.

Do you want to follow Christ? Have you read the Bible verses about how to do that? Link

Basic Distinctions between Prophecy and the Mystery (C.R. Stam) - continued:

8) Prophecy mainly concerns nations as such ( Isaiah 2:4; Ezekiel 37:21-22)

Rightly Divided ( 2 Timothy 2:15) From "Things That DIFFER!":

8) The Mystery Concerns individuals ( Romans 10:12-13; 2 Corinthians 5:14-17)

9) Prophecy concerns blessings, both material and spiritual, on earth ( Isaiah 2:3-4; Isaiah 11:1-9; etc.)

RDf

9) The Mystery Concerns "all spiritual blessings in The Heavenlies" ( Ephesians 1:3; Colossians 3:1-3)

10) Prophecy concerns Christ's Coming to the earth ( Isaiah 59:20; Zechariah 14:4)

RDf

10) The Mystery Explains Christ's absence from the earth ( Ephesians 1:20-24; Colossians 3:1-3)

11) In prophecy, salvation by Grace through faith alone is not contemplated ( Matthew 28:19-20; Matthew 23:1-3; Luke 7:29-30; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; James 2:17)

RDf

11) Salvation "By GRACE Through faith" Alone lies at The Very Heart Of The Mystery! ( Romans 3:21-26; Romans 4:5; Ephesians 2:8-9)

12) The proclamation of the prophetic program committed particularly to the twelve ( Matthew 10:5-7; Acts 1:6-8; Acts 3:19-26)

RDf

12) The proclamation of The Mystery program committed particularly to Paul ( Ephesians 3:1-3; Ephesians 3:8-9; Colossians 1:24-27)

13) The prophetic program revealed through many of God's servants Luke 1:70; 2 Peter 1:21)

RDf

13) The Mystery revealed through one man: Paul! ( Galatians 1:1; Galatians 1:11-12; Galatians 2:2; Galatians 2:7; Galatians 2:9; Ephesians 3:2-3)

14) Old Testament writers frequently did not understand the prophecies made through them ( Daniel 12:8-10; 1 Peter 1:10-12)

RDf

14) Paul Both understood And longed that others might understand The Mystery revealed through him ( Ephesians 1:15-23; Ephesians 3:14-21; Colossians 1:9-10; Colossians 2:1-3)

{borrowed from "Things That Differ" by C.R. Stam}

Precious friend, Ron, I will pray for you; since you asked: "What are we to do? I'm not sure any more"? For this confusion, here are Three Scriptural things "to do":

(1) "Examine yourSELF" ( 2 Corinthians 13:5), and, believe God's Truth, for us, Today =

......................................... The Gospel of GRACE:

God Establishes HIS Eternal "Relationship" With those who humbly believe, 100% trust, place Total faith, In The LORD JESUS CHRIST, HIS Death {Precious BLOOD}, Burial, And HIS Resurrection, According To The Scriptures! ( 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3-5) = "GRACE Through faith" In The Merits Of HIS Precious And ALL-Sufficient BLOOD Results:

All sins Forgiven, HIS Eternal Life, And, Peace With God! {This Is Eternal DELIVERANCE From the PENALTY of sin!} ETERNAL Justification First, And, THEN:

(2) The believer SHOULD do "good works" {Which will NEVER EQUAL CHRIST's PAYMENT For the above PENALTY of sin!}, for Which we Are Created In CHRIST JESUS, to perform for HIM, having "been Called into 'fellowship' With HIM!" Amen?:

We "work out OUR OWN salvation" {This SHOULD Be a lifetime of DELIVERANCE From the POWER of sin!} Sanctification:

(2a) Fulfil ALL Of His Law, In "ONE Word: LOVE your neighbor as yourself!" ( Galatians 5:14; Romans 13:8-10)

(2b) Study HIS Word Of Truth, Rightly Divided, to show thyself Approved Unto God! ( 2 Timothy 2:15) {Several helpful "studies" available, IF you wish...}

Eternal Results: reward {or loss} ( 1 Corinthians 3:8-15), ruling and reigning With CHRIST, Which Will FINALLY Be At That Judgment Day:

(3) CHRIST's GLORIFICATION of All "members" Of HIS Body!! {This Is Eternal DELIVERANCE From the PRESENCE of sin!} Amen?

Precious friend, Ron, Please Be RICHLY Encouraged, Enlightened, Exhorted, and Edified!!

In JESUS' Precious Name!!!

ChrisE Gods grace [ divine unmerited favour ]not by works lest any man should boast. Romans 10:9+10 Confess Believe in Heart[ inner most part of your being] take action say it, receive it Gods Gift accept, and begin to walk in it.

Precious friends, I have noticed "repent and be baptized" by several friends, for us, Today. Or is it "Saved By GRACE through faith, apart from works," for us, Today, Under GRACE?

I don't think you understand, Dan. When Jesus walked the earth, He preached and taught the kingdom of heaven is at hand, i.e., the kingdom gospel. He commissioned His 12 apostles to preach and teach the same gospel. When Jesus ascended into Heaven, the risen Lord commissioned Paul to preach the Mystery of Christ, which is the body of Christ and the Gospel of Grace through faith to the Gentiles. Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Not of works, lest any man should boast." Therefore, salvation is by God's grace through the faith of Christ, which is a gift of God. Paul's gospel to the Gentiles had nothing to do with keeping the commandments or the Law of Moses. The truth is in the Scripture, but to find it, you need to study the Scripture and rightly divide it. Peace.

Precious friend Ann, thanks for sharing. I will pray for you. Hope this helps:

God's Will, Today, Under HIS PURE GRACE? Very Simply:

(1) God Establishes HIS Eternal Relationship With those who humbly:

believe, 100% trust, place Total faith, In The LORD JESUS CHRIST, HIS Death {Precious BLOOD}, Burial, And HIS Resurrection, According To The Scriptures! ( 1 Corinthians 15:3-4) ( Ephesians 2:8-9) ( Romans 3-5)

"GRACE Through faith" In The Merits Of HIS Precious And ALL-Sufficient BLOOD Results:

All sins Forgiven, HIS Eternal Life, And, Peace With God! {This Is Eternal DELIVERANCE From the PENALTY of sin!} ETERNAL Justification First, And, THEN:

(2) The believer SHOULD do "good works" {Which will NEVER EQUAL CHRIST's PAYMENT For the above PENALTY of sin!}, for Which we Are Created In CHRIST JESUS, to perform for HIM, having "been Called into fellowship With HIM!" Amen?:

We "work out OUR OWN salvation" {This SHOULD Be a lifetime of DELIVERANCE From the POWER of sin!} Sanctification:

(2a) Fulfil ALL Of His Law, In "ONE Word: LOVE your neighbor as yourself!" ( Galatians 5:14) ( Romans 13:8-10)

(2b) Study HIS Word Of Truth, Rightly Divided, to show yourself Approved Unto God! ( 2 Timothy 2:15) - Have Plenty of examples of this, if you wish...

Eternal Results: reward {or loss} ( 1 Corinthians 3:7-15), ruling and reigning With CHRIST, Which Will FINALLY Be At The Judgment Day:

(3) CHRIST's GLORIFICATION of All "members" Of HIS Body!! {This Is Eternal DELIVERANCE From the PRESENCE of sin!} Amen?

Precious friend Ann, Please Be Richly Encouraged, Enlightened, Exhorted, And Edified!

Part II (Previous) Gospel of the kingdom

Rightly Divided From ( 2 Timothy 2:15) From "Things That DIFFER!":

Gospel Of The GRACE Of God =

Gospel of the Uncircumcision ( Galatians 2:7; Galatians 6:15; Romans 4:9-11)

Preached first by Paul, then his companions ( Acts 13:38-39; Acts 20:24; Acts 16:31; Romans 3:24)

The Mystery Program for The Gentiles ( Ephesians 3:1-3; Colossians 1:25-27; Romans 16:25)

The preaching of The Cross as Good News ( 1 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 2:2; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4)

Gospel to be believed = Christ's Work ( Romans 5:6 Romans 5:8 Romans 5:10; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

Salvation By GRACE Through faith plus nothing ( Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 4:5; Titus 3:5)

Justification by faith without works emphasized ( Romans 3:28; Romans 4:5,16; Galatians 2:16)

Repentance as a synonym for faith ( Acts 17:30; Acts 20:21; Acts 26:20; Romans 2:4)

Involves reconciliation to God and man ( Romans 5:10-11; Romans 11:15; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Ephesians 2:16; Colossians 1:21)

Covers Paul's letters Romans - Philemon (Also Acts 9-28)

Not under the law ( Romans 5:20-21; Romans 6:14; Galatians 5:6)

----------

IMKane, hope this was helpful answering your Great questions.

Please Be Richly Encouraged, Enlightened, Exhorted, And Edified!

Hello Robert,

If you have personally believed that Jesus Christ is God and that he has died for our sins on the cross, then buried and resurrected. ( 1 Corinthians 15: 1-5)And you trust in him ALONE for your salvation, not of any of your works. You are saved no matter what. ( Ephesians 2:8-9)

And once you are saved, you cannot lose your salvation no matter what you do!

I am not well versed enough to explain in detail the scripture proofs for OSAS. So I recommend checking out the RealBibleBelievers YouTube Channel and website. There are multiple in-depth resources for you to study.

I'm praying for you Brother Robert. For a while, I too was deceived into believing that my homosexual attractions are A-ok because God "made me this way". I had no idea how wrong I was, but praise the Lord for his patience and faithfulness. For he has not forsaken me, and he has eventually led me to the truth and gave me the conviction to turn my sins onto him.

I can't say that I'm completely free from my sin of same-sex lusting. My flesh and imagination will still betray me from time to time. But I believe in the Lord that he can sanctify me eventually. Like how he has made countless drug addicts, alcoholics, and gambling addicts turn from their sins completely. He can do the same for you and I too.

I'll be praying for you, brother!

Fred, thanks for your input. I disagree with "repent and be baptized" = that was God's Previous Dispensation, Under The Law. Today is GRACE, hear, repent, and believe The Gospel Of GRACE ( 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Ephesians 2:8-9). The ONE Baptism of Today is in this Discussion:

Link

Please Be Encouraged!

spongeRick: "When Paul was born again in Acts 9:17+18 in verse 18 the word baptize is baptizo which can be translated on or in depending on context."

The spongeChrisE understanding It Is Written - Did you mean Acts 9:17-18? :)

Q: Was not Paul saved ON the road to Damascus ( Acts 9:3-6), By God's GRACE And MERCY ( Titus 3:4-7), thus making him OUR "pattern" Under GRACE ( 1 Timothy 1:16), and The Body Of CHRIST, 'Beginning The ONE NEW man' {a 'Different GRACE Entity' than the LAW assembly at Pentecost?}, with Paul ( Ephesians 2:15)?

Because, IF the "pattern" is to have a Spirit-filled Jew to HEAL our infirmities, and lay hands on us for the filling of The Holy Spirit, Many are not going to be saved, eh?

Notice, Christ Told the 'hesitant' Ananias, "...he IS a CHOSEN vessel Unto ME...," not, "he WILL BE chosen..." thus already "saved Earlier, ON the road to Damascus," Correct?

Thus, my understanding is "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing By The WORD Of God,"

hearing The Gospel Of GRACE, believing It, And being BAPTIZED 'BY' The Holy Spirit Into The {Spiritual} Body Of CHRIST, Seated In Heaven, In the twinkling of an eye," Correct?

Of course, we could discuss Further the confusing 'Mixture' of being "Baptized by Christ, WITH The {Filling Of The} Holy Spirit, for power, signs, and wonders, as at the Pentecostal {LAW assembly}, compared to Paul's:

ONE {Spiritual} Baptism 'BY' The Holy Spirit For Identification with/Into The Body Of CHRIST {GRACE assembly}, Thus, Fitting MUCH Better With OUR "pattern," Paul, eh?

I never thought Great Bible study would "sponging together" with a brother :)

RLW: "we will be here and we must be prepared":

Now, this is quite interesting, what is your take, RLW, on three of your so-called "prophecy Experts," who Will Be Here, and the "way THEY teach to be prepared"?:

(1) says to {SELFishly?} "hoard UP SEVEN years worth of food for the coming famine"

(2) says to "FLEE from the cities to the protection of the RURAL areas"

(3) says to "FLEE from the U.S. To the safety of Ethiopia"???

(4) maybe you have "another idea" for preparedness?

--------------------------------

Now, those of us, In The Body Of CHRIST:

(A) who are looking, watching, and waiting patiently For The LORD JESUS CHRIST ( 2 Thessalonians 2:1) ( Romans 8:18-19) ( Romans 8:23) ( Romans 8:25) ( 1 Corinthians 1:7) ( Ephesians 6:12-18) ( Philippians 3:20) ( Colossians 4:1-3) ( 1 Thessalonians 1:10) ( 1 Thessalonians 5:5-11) ( Titus 2:13)

(B) To Take us home to Heaven ( 2 Corinthians 5:1) ( 2 Corinthians 5:2) ( Ephesians 1:3) ( Ephesians 1:20) ( Ephesians 2:6) ( Philippians 3:20) ( Colossians 1:5) ( 2 Timothy 4:18)

Believe OUR "preparation" should be to:

(1) Stay where God Has Called us, preaching The Gospel Of GRACE ( 1 Corinthians 15:3-4) ( Ephesians 2:8-9), to the lost,

(2) "studying" God's Word Of Truth, Rightly Divided ( 2 Timothy 2:15), avoiding ALL of the above Confusion, And:

(3) Using our {God-Given} resources to, In "ONE WORD - LOVE our neighbor" ( Galatians 5:14) ( Romans 13:8-10), and {UNselfishly!} teaching/helping those in need!! ALL in "preparation" for:

(C) Judgment ( 1 Corinthians 3:7-15) for "rewards" for these! Amen?

Please Be Richly Encouraged, Enlightened,Exhorted, and Edified!

Verse 12-Paul is here describing them before they knew the true God. Faith in the existence of the Creator gives our life meaning and purpose.

Hi Geoffrey.

Part 2.of 3.

Now that we have been loosed from the curse of the law, We take these verses in consideration.

NOW READ "ALL" OF ROMANS 7.

It clears up some of the trouble people have with Romans 7.

.......... Romans 7:2. For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is LOOSED FROM THE LAW OF HER HUSBAND.........

Also.

Colossians 3:3-4. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

Also

Ephesians 2:5-6. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

And hath raised us up together, and made us SIT TOGETHER IN HEAVENLY PLACES IN CHRIST JESUS:

There's many others but look ahead to Revelation where Christ Claims his possession!!!

Revelation 5:1-6. And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.

And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.

And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.

And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

See part 3.

Brother Adam, do you believe God's elect are going to judge the world.

Do you believe the dead abiding in the grave, will be resurrected back in their bodies of flesh, but God's elect (already resurrected with Christ) will be in glorified bodies, like Christ was after his resurrection.

We are all at different levels of understanding (exactly where God wants each of us to be at this point in our lives).

I know you believe you go to heaven, but do you believe that's all there is.

I'm just curious.

When the Spirit is finished with us, we will all be the fulness of Christ.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his WORKMANSHIP, created in Christ Jesus unto (CHRIST) good works, which God hath BEFORE ORDAINED (no free will) that we should walk in them (CHRIST'S GOOD WORKS). Remember we are DEAD and there is ONLY one LIFE and that LIFE IS CHRIST.

I know (I've been there) it's hard to give up traditions of man (free will); We are just the POT, made to ONLY hold the SPIRIT, the Spirit is the potter, the one doing all the WORK.

Philippians 2:13 for it is God (SPIRIT) that WORKETH IN YOU both to WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.

The Spirit reveals at his appointed time.

Jesse said: "a non-believer can become a believer and still not be forgiven. A person has to be born of God's Spirit in order to be forgiven and saved. Belief is important, but belief itself does not bring salvation. Receiving Jesus Christ and being born of His Spirit is what saves a person. With that salvation comes forgiveness."? According To Plain/Clear Scriptures?:

Precious friend, then I must Misunderstand: "Repent, and Believe The Gospel Of The GRACE Of God"? = "Believe On CHRIST, His Death, Burial, and Resurrection, by GRACE Through faith {BELIEF, trust}." ( 1 Corinthians 15:3-4) ( Ephesians 2:5-9)?

I must Misunderstand "trusting CHRIST" In ( Ephesians 1:12)? Also:

"But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of The LORD, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and BELIEF of The Truth:" ( 2 Thessalonians 2:13)?

"Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that BELIEVE..." ( Romans 3:22)? compare ( Romans 4:11) ( Romans 4:24) ( 1 Corinthians 1:21) ( Galatians 3:22) ( Ephesians 1:19) ( Philippians 1:29) ( 1 Thessalonians 1:7) ( 1 Thessalonians 2:13) ( 1 Thessalonians 4:14) ( 2 Thessalonians 1:10)

Finally IF I BELIEVE, "but sins are NOT forgiven," how is it that I HAVE Life Everlasting, According To ALL The above Plain And Clear Scriptures About "BELIEF"?:

"Howbeit for this cause I obtained MERCY, that in me first JESUS CHRIST might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter BELIEVE ON HIM to Life Everlasting." ( 1 Timothy 1:16)?

Upon my BELIEF Of Truth, did not The Holy Spirit Baptize ( 1 Corinthians 12:13) me Into The Body Of CHRIST, God "forgiving my sins," in the twinkling of an eye?

Now, IF you are referring to "water baptism for the remission of sins" that is altogether

Another Different Bible study we could pursue, IF you wish...

Respectfully, ChrisE

Concerning "the birthday" of the church? "the beginning of the church {GR. ekklesia = assembly} of God in operation started day of Pentecost."? There is another Bible view of this, eliminating a lot of confusion:

(1) The Pentecostal assembly was God's Continuation of prophecy and law for Israel, the assembly Jesus showed HIS Twelve apostles, "on the EARTH," in ( Matthew 16:18)

a) This assembly is "associated" with water baptism AND Baptism By Christ, Pouring Out "WITH" HIS Holy Spirit, for "powers, signs, and wonders," and healing everyone, Correct?

However, with Right Division ( 2 Timothy 2:15), we have, for God's GRACE And MYSTERY:

(2) The GRACE church of today is a "New Creation" showed To Paul, HIS ONE apostle:

"If any man [be] In CHRIST, [he is] a New Creature..." ( 2 Corinthians 5:17)

A) This "New Creation" is actually The Body Of CHRIST, which was UNknown in Matthew, being "Hidden In God" ( Ephesians 3:9), until Paul:

B) God Saved, By GRACE and MERCY, Paul as our "Pattern = in me FIRST..." ( 1 Timothy 1:16)

C) Since Paul was The FIRST man IN The Body of CHRIST, It is Called "the ONE New man"

( Ephesians 2:15)

D) This assembly, showed To Paul, from CHRIST, "IN HEAVEN," has "Associations" with:

(1) The ONE Baptism, "BY" The Holy Spirit, Identifying/Unifying new "members" with The Body Of CHRIST, "Seated In the Heavenlies" ( Ephesians 1:3) ( Ephesians 1:20)

( Ephesians 2:6) ( Ephesians 3:10)

(2) God's Amazing GRACE for our "infirmities, suffering, trouble, and tribulations" ( Romans 5:1-5) ( Romans 8:18) ( Romans 8:26-29) ( 1 Corinthians 10:13) ( 2 Corinthians 1:3-4) ( 2 Corinthians 4:17) ( 2 Corinthians 12:9) ( Philippians 3:21)

Thus, "solving the confusion IF signs, wonders, and miracles, FOR US, today"?! Amen?

An Informative/Edifying Biblical article is "The Birthday of the Church" by Ricky Kurth. Enjoy!

Precious friend, James, I would suggest Main Focus to be on this, while lying "prostrate Before God":

Is not the Solution to Confusion recognizing God's Differences Between "HIS Relationship With us," And "our fellowship with HIM!"?

God's Will, Today, Under HIS PURE GRACE? Very Simply:

(1) God Establishes HIS Eternal Relationship With those who humbly:

believe, 100% trust, place Total faith, In The LORD JESUS CHRIST, HIS Death {Precious BLOOD}, Burial, And HIS Resurrection, According To The Scriptures! ( 1 Corinthians 15:3-4) ( Ephesians 2:8-9) ( Romans 3-5)

"GRACE Through faith" In The Merits Of HIS Precious And ALL-Sufficient BLOOD Results:

All sins Forgiven, HIS Eternal Life, And, Peace With God! {This Is Eternal DELIVERANCE From the PENALTY of sin!} ETERNAL Justification First, And, THEN:

(2) The believer SHOULD do "good works" {Which will NEVER EQUAL CHRIST's PAYMENT For the above PENALTY of sin!}, for Which we Are Created In CHRIST JESUS, to perform for HIM, having "been Called into fellowship With HIM!" Amen?:

We "work out OUR OWN salvation" {This SHOULD Be a lifetime of DELIVERANCE From the POWER of sin!} Sanctification:

(2a) Fulfil ALL Of His Law, In "ONE Word: LOVE your neighbor as yourself!" ( Galatians 5:14) ( Romans 13:8-10)

(2b) Study HIS Word Of Truth, Rightly Divided, to show yourself Approved Unto God! ( 2 Timothy 2:15) - Have Plenty of examples of this, if you wish...

Eternal Results: reward {or loss} ( 1 Corinthians 3 : 7-15), ruling and reigning With CHRIST, Which Will FINALLY Be At The Judgment Day:

(3) CHRIST's GLORIFICATION of All "members" Of HIS Body!! {This Is Eternal DELIVERANCE From the PRESENCE of sin!} Amen?

----------------------------------

Conclusion:

BIG Differences Between God's Relationship And our fellowship! Correct?

Hi Donna I'm going to endeavor to answer this question which is a challenging one. First sin is broken fellowship with God that is the position all mankind is born in. Ephesians 2:1 we are born body and soul no spiritual connection period. Man still has free will thats where he has a choice John 3: 16-20 Gods word is the only true explanation for life the way God meant it to work. No matter if a man believes or not he will still be Judged by his deeds Romans 2:1-16. The only way to get out of the state of sin is believing Romans 10: 9+10. Man is driven by the deeds of the flesh the five senses which is sin until he receives Jesus Christ as lord and Saviour and receives holy spirit and renews His mind to the word his body is captive to the flesh which works against Gods Word 1 John 2:16. So man has free will and some love sin more than God knowingly. Prayer fully this helped God Bless

I believe you are correct Enid , Jesus himself said : salvation is of the Jews .

Adam You are correct the first great commandment given in the law applies to all administrations, law prophets Gospels, Church of God, etc. Mathew 22:37-40. It's says with all our minds the word mind is translated intellect that requires Romans 12:2 also in the epistles acting on what we put on it is written. Takes time and determination, but we have the eternal energizer bunny in us Holy spirit to help. One of my favorite thoughts Let go and let God,read in the church epistles how many times that word is used in regards to what to put in mind and what to keep out. Very interesting. God Bless

"speaking evil of the Jews"? What Saith The Scripture?

"To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men." ( Titus 3:2)

Please Be RichlyEncouraged, Enlightened,Exhorted, and Edified!

I personally believe its wrong to talk down to anyone. Everyone is made in the image of God and just because they are lost and acting evil doesn't mean they will always. I think showing God's love to those who act unlovable is very compelling way to evangelize. People take notice of that if you withold judgement. To other believers in a closed setting I feel its good to call out the truth however, like if someone is saying how awesome a cult religion is that doesn't follow the Bible, I will try to discuss in a respectful manner what the Bible says and how that's different than the other practice.

If Christ Jesus came and died for us all torn down the partition between Jews and Gen tiles thus giving us all peace one with another isn't it wrong for us to talk against the Jews especially us that are born again

Precious friend, my understanding is that The ALL-Sufficient BLOOD Of The Saviour "Cleanses us from ALL sin," and we receive God's FREE Gift Of ETERNAL Life, at the Very Moment of faith/belief/trust In The SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST, and His Death {BLOOD}, Burial, And His Resurrection. God Establishes This ETERNAL "Relationship" With us.

( 1 Corinthians 15:3-4) ( Ephesians 2:5-9) ( Romans 3-5) and others in Romans - Philemon.

What we do, or fail to do, is in our Calling To "fellowship" With The LORD JESUS CHRIST.

( 1 Corinthians 1:9). This is for "rewards or lack thereof" At Judgment ( 1 Corinthians 3:7-15)

Be Encouraged, Exhorted, Enlightened, and Edified In HIS Precious Word!

Hi Glenn. I think you meant to write: "incorrect", because what you've stated & what I've stated are totally different. I understand that you wrote (& I could have misunderstood you), that rebirth means 'coming in the flesh'. Whereas, I believe Jesus wasn't speaking of a fleshly birth (as Nicodemus erroneously thought), but of a spiritual birth. Our spirits are naturally dead towards God because of original sin being transmitted ( Ephesians 2:1-3), but through Jesus' Sacrifice & the subsequent impartation of His Holy Spirit, our dead spirits God-ward are awakened (made alive) & joined to the Holy Spirit Who then causes the workings of God to be manifested in & through the believer ( Romans 6:11). That is how I understand re-birth: of our spirits made new by God - not a fleshly birth.

Hi Henry in your beginning reply to Rev. 13: 16 just something to think about all sin is broken fellowship with God. Ephesians 2:5 we were all born in sin, i.e. no fellowship with God which was fixed by Jesus Christ. That's all mankind going back to adam first time mentioned going back to Gen.4:7 before the murder of abel by Caln. Also Romans 5:8-14 for your consideration. God Bless.