Discuss Ephesians 2 Page 6

REVELATION 12: WHO IS THE WOMAN?

The WOMAN is all flesh and blood, Christ's bride.

Jeremiah 30:6 Ask ye now, and see whether a MAN doth travail with a CHILD? wherefore I see EVERY MAN with his hands on his loins, as A WOMAN in travail, and all faces are turned to paleness.

Galatians 4:19 My little children, of whom I TRAVAIL IN BIRTH again, until CHRIST BE FORMED IN YOU (the Holy Ghost, GOD).

1 Timothy 2:14 .... but the WOMAN (all flesh and blood) being DECEIVED was in the transgression.

1 Timothy 2:15 ....the WOMAN shall be SAVED in CHILDBEARING ....a man child (CHRIST FORMED IN YOU) ...

Revelation 12:1 ... a WOMAN (all flesh and blood, in the AGES TO COME) clothed with GOD, and the CHRIST under her feet, and a crown of 12 stars (angels, ministering spirits) upon her head.

Ephesians 2:7 That in the AGES TO COME .....

WHO IS THE MAN CHILD?

Revelation 12:5 And the WOMAN brought forth a man child, that was to RULE ALL NATIONS with a rod of iron ... Psalms 2:8-9 .... Psalms 149:9

Revelation 2:27 And he (the MAN CHILD that overcomes DECEPTION) shall rule them with a rod of iron .....even as I received of MY FATHER.

Isaiah 60:22 A little one (Christ) shall become A THOUSAND, and a small one (Christ) a strong nation (TRUE ISRAEL) ....

Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I PLEASE, and it shall prosper in the things whereto I SENT IT.

Ephesians 2:7 That in the AGES TO COME ....all will be FULFILLED: GOD will be ALL in ALL .... 1 Corinthians 15:28.

God Bless ALL.

Revelation 12: who is the woman

the woman is all flesh and blood.

jeremiah 30:6 ask ye now, and see whether a man doth travail with a child? wherefore i see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned to paleness.

galatians 4:19 my little children, of whom i travail in birth again, until christ be formed in you (the spirit of christ, the holy ghost, god).

1 timothy 2:14 .....but the woman (all flesh and blood) being deceived was in the transgression.

1 timothy 2:15 ....the woman shall be save in childbearing .....a man child (christ formed in you), that shall rule all nations.

revelation 12:1 ....a woman clothed with god, and the christ under her feet, and a crown of 12 stars (angels, ministering spirits) upon the woman's head.

ephesians 2:7 that in the ages to come .....

god bless all.

Alive With Christ

Ephesians 2:1-10

1. And you hath he quickened,who were dead in trespasses and sin.

2. Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.

3. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

4. But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us.

5. Even when we were dead in sins, (by grace ye are saved,)

6. And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

7. That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.

9. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Dear Gaynell Smith on 1 Corinthians 14, you have received so many nice answers here. What do we define by sinning? It is easy if there is something we see. But Jesus mentions the scribes and the Pharisees many times. As a pointer to where we should look not just once but twice. (We've been given two eyes, haven't we, two ears. And fortunately only one mouth. If there were two of them, we'd be constantly talking into each other's mouths, smileys). Why did He warn us about these people?

2 Corintihans 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

What does it say in Exodus 20:17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.

Lord Jesus: Matthew 18:9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.

When it is so important and not See error? According to Jesus and the Holy Scriptures. So when we feel envy, longing, greed, etc. WE MUST ALWAYS be satisfied with what we have, the life we live, everything that belongs to it, is put there for a reason: Because you as a Christian can help people repent from dead works to faith in the Living God Jesus Christ.

Don't look at other people, how they are dressed, how many nice things they have mm

Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. GB

Hi Selasi. I think the Apostle Paul described spiritual death well in Ephesians 2:1-6. If you would first read this passage & then view my comments, you may appreciate its meaning.

Paul is writing to Christians that they were now made alive ("you hath he (God) quickened") - i.e. they were now spiritually alive; but not referring to a physical life.

So, if they were made spiritually alive by God, they must have been spiritually dead (i.e. not having spiritual life). And Paul then goes on to remind the Ephesians that when they were spiritually dead, their sinful life which controlled their thoughts & manner of life, came not from God but from Satan (the prince of the power of the air). Whenever we allow Satan to control us, i.e. to tempt us & we give in to him and sin, it shows that we're not allowing God's Spirit to have full reign (or, control) over us.

In the past, these believers lived their lives as the world without God, lives (v2). And this included allowing the desires of their flesh & mind to overrule (v3), making them the children deserving of God's Anger. And then that wonderful conjunction word: BUT (in verse 4). This word BUT wonderfully brings two thoughts together. Once we were children of the world deserving God's Judgement, BUT God stepped in to rescue us from the world, ourselves, & Satan. And He did this because He is a Merciful God, a Loving God, Who gave us new life through the Gift of His Son Jesus Christ. I think you can see how special that BUT is in this passage - when once we had no hope, but now a joyous hope because we're forgiven & accepted through Christ.

Maybe, I shared more than you expected, but felt that this whole passage truly shows us what 'spiritual death' is. Our spirits were once dead God-wards & nothing we could do could rectify that awful state to be in. BUT God stepped in bringing us out of spiritual death & judgement, to give us spiritual life, health & peace - through Him Who loved us & gave Himself for us.

Hi again Mark.

The sum of it all.

God had the Gospel in mind before the foundation of the world,

Jesus Christ the Cornerstone and

the Apostles layed the foundation.

see here

Ephesians 2:19-22.

We are to build upon with precious stone and the blueprint was in God's hand before the foundation of the world.

see here

1 Corinthians 3:10-12.

Here you have all of what's involved in this building mentioned in Ephesians 2:21.

God had the blueprint in his hand before the world began.

God bless

Thank you David. You wrote: "how are we born dead in trespasses and sins before being born again of holy spirit." I tried finding this reference in the Bible & the best I could do, was in Ephesians 2:1, "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins." Maybe you have another verse that you're thinking of, so I'd be interested to look at that.

So, using my Ephesians 2:1 verse, I understand that Paul is saying that after sin was imputed to us (through committing the first act), then we died spiritually. Physically alive, but spiritually dead - but God, through His Son, has quickened (enlivened) us, that our spirits might become alive God-wards & not dead, once upon a time having our spirits inclined only towards evil. So, I can't see where we are "BORN dead in trespasses & sins" - I believe that we can only die spiritually after we sin & its imputation to us & not at birth.

Re: "body, soul, & spirit". As I shared in another thread, this triunity of man is given us in the womb - though obviously undeveloped & without expression. I don't understand if you're stating that before our spiritual re-birth, we had only a body & 'breath life soul', without a spirit? Maybe, you're equating the arrival of our spirit only upon the onset of our spiritual rebirth. I could in a small way understand what you're saying (if that's what you're inferring), except for the volume of Scriptures indicating that a human (whatever his spiritual state) must have a human spirit to be alive.

I think these Scriptures reveal what I believe: Haggai 1:14; Job 32:8; Ecclesiastes 12:7; Proverbs 20:27; Zechariah 12:1; 1 Corinthians 2:11; Hebrews 4:12; James 2:26. I've picked a few verses specifically showing the evidence of a human spirit well before ever being touched by God's Spirit. If our spirits are untouched by God's Spirit (i.e. without rebirth), we remain spiritually dead towards God, but humanly alive & our spirits accountable to Him in that coming day.

Douglas When we look at ephesians 2:1-3 now some people teach we were children of satan. It says disobedient because we

were born seperated from God no spiritual connection we only had the five senses as communication. Before being born again

we were walking Ephesians 4:17-19 as it says as other gentiles walked.

Bobby,

I'll try to redo Part 4 as best as I can remember.

So I ask myself, why does my sin matter in my relationship with God?

I go to Romans 1:18

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men..." (NIV) Whoa!

And in 2:8

"..but to those whoa re self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness-indignation and wrath, tribulation and guish, on every soul that does evil..." (NIV)

And 3:10 says:

"As it is written:

There is none righteous, no, not one...."

and in 3:23

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

And 6:23

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

(All NIV, being the translation I have on hand at home.)

So, this tells me that I am guilty and ungodly before God.

Romans 6:6 tells me that "For when we were still without strength, in due time, Christ died for the ungodly."

and Vs. 8 But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

and Vs. 10 "For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life."

Ephesians 2:1 "And you He made alive who were dead in trespasses and sins...."

Well, we all stand guilty and are all dead to God in our sins, and are enemies to God until we are reconciled to God by the death and resurrection of Jesus, through whom we are regenerated and made alive to God. So, I think, it is good to be alive to God and not good at all to be dead in sin. so, my sin matters to God in that it separates me from Him.

So, I think, why would I want to be reconciled to Him, aside from avoiding being under his wrath and judgment? What is it about God that would make me consider turning to Him? In my sinful state, I would not want to turn to Him, but even then, the Holy Spirit works in me to turn me to God by grace! I am to believe that and act of the grace given to me

Part 2.

Titus 3:4-6. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of REGENERATION, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Which he shed on us abundantly THROUGH Jesus Christ our Saviour;

Let's look at this word regeneration. Greek:

Transliteration: paliggenesia

Pronunciation: pal-ing-ghen-es-ee'-ah

Definition: From G3825 and G1078; (spiritual) rebirth (the state or the act) that is (figuratively) spiritual renovation; specifically Messianic restoration: - regeneration.

We have been REGENERATED, REBORN, Given a new heart and ready to present Christ work through you.

So we have the words Quickening.

Greek:

Transliteration: zopoie

Pronunciation: dzo-op-oy-eh'-o

Definition: From the same as G2226 and G4160; to (re-) vitalize (literally or figuratively): - make alive give life quicken.

KJV Usage: quicken(9x), give life(2x), make alive(1x).

It means to make alive or give life.

Here in

1 Corinthians 15:45.

We know Jesus is that Quickening spirit which is also the Holyspirit that gives life in Romans 8:11-14.

( If you notice verse 14 you have to be led by the Spirit.)

A life now that can bare fruit such as faith.

This is what James is saying in James 2:17-18. Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

What James is saying is he's going to show that this gift is in me by his work. You see a Christian is saved UNTO good works. Ephesians 2:10.

This is why the Lord says you shall know them by their fruits. It doesn't say you shall know them by their works! You see your fruits is something only God can produce such as Love/Agape, Faith, ect.. and fruit determines what type of works it is. "OF God/Spirit. or of Self/flesh. Matthew 7:15-20.

God bless.

Being saved by grace: Genesis 6:8, Genesis 19:12,13,15,16, Exodus 33:12,17,

By The law: Romans 3:10-31,

Faith : Romans 4, Romans 5,

Obedience, yeilding to GOD: Psalms 84:11, Romans 6, Romans 12, 1Corinthians 3:9-15, 2Corinthians 9:8, Ephesians 2:1-10, Titus 3:7,8, 1Peter 4:10, 1Peter 5:1-11,

Romans 11:16-22, Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 7: , Hebrews 10, James 2,

Watch out for: Jude 1:4,

Hopefully these are helpful in your walk, with GOD

Mae,

Good works is the result of salvation. It is God's Spirit in a believer that produces the work. It is His Spirit that persuades us to do good. We cannot produce anything spiritual that pleases God. All we can produce is flesh. It is God's Spirit in us that does the work so that we have nothing to boast. ( Ephesians 2:8-9).

Hi Mae.

Part 1.

Yes salvation is by grace alone.

Romans 3:28.

Galatians 2:16.

Every verse emphasizing salvation in the Bible presents this grace when read in context.

When the Lord judge the quick and the dead you are going to have to present yourself spotless!!

THAT MEANS NOT JUST REFRAINING FROM SIN, NOT EVER EVEN THINKING OF COMMITTING SIN. ( EVER!!!) Sin is in the Heart. The penalty of sin is death.

We had to be bought by THE "UNBLEMISHED" BLOOD OF CHRIST.

When we attempt to add our works/filthy rags to Christ unblemished sacrifice those filthy rags shows up at the judgment seat alone without Christ and is rejected.

That's what Jesus is saying in Matthew 7:22-23.

Man working for salvation doesn't change the Heart of Man. The Lord came to give a new Heart, not repair the old one.

Let's look at Ephesians 2.

Notice what's highlighted.

Ephesians 2:3-5. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, FULFILLING THE DESIRES OF THE FLESH AND OF THE MIND; AND WERE BY NATURE THE CHILDREN OF WRATH, even as others.

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Even when we were dead in sins, hath QUICKENED us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

We "WERE" by nature children of wrath. What happened? We were QUICKENED!!

Notice the order of events.

Ephesians 2:8-10. 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.

For we are his WORKMANSHIP, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS UNTO GOOD WORKS, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Now let's take this mindset to the book of James and see what he is actually saying.

See part 2.

Ephesians 2:8-10 "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. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: ( Titus 2:1)

We are saved by grace through faith.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ( Ephesians 2:8)

And Jesus said the to woman who anointed His feet,

And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. ( Luke 7:30)

But James teaches,

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. ( James 2:26)

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. ( James 2:17)

Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. ( James 2:18)

Therefore, James and Paul contradict.

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. ( Romans 11:6)

Consequently, we are saved by both faith and works, which says both James and Paul are inspired and not one over the other.

And Christ's apostles will judge

when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

1 Corinthians 1:17: For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

If water baptism was a requirement for salvation Christ would have sent Paul the apostle to baptize. However, Paul was not sent to water baptize but to preach the gospel of which water baptism is not an essential element.

Romans 1:16-17 (KJV): For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV): For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Works, including that of water baptism, do not save. We are saved by grace through FAITH in Jesus Christ.

Water baptism is an ordinance and an outward practice for the inward work done by Christ when we're saved by Grace. I also agree that when Jesus speaks of water in John 3 to Nicodemus; he's referring to physical birth...no water baptism as an ordinance.

Religion (catholicism being one) teach that it is Salvation but they add sacraments and other works to that process thus showing how they've frustrated the simple Grace of Jesus Christ.

Hi Phil.

I concur Steve.

The Law was given to Israel. The law given was to convict us of sin.

2 Corinthians 3:6-14.

Galatians 3:11-13.

Romans 7:4-5.

Romans 7:9-10.

Some aspects of the Law such as the Sabbath pointed to Christ work on the Cross that would free us from the curse of the Law. " Death"

Colossians 2:11-17.

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the SABBATH DAYS:

HERE'S. THE KEY IN VERSE 17.

Vs.17) "Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ."

Israel "as a nation" regects Christ work on the cross so as of now the have yet to join in that rest.( Yet they honor the Sabbath!)

Please study Hebrews 4:2-11.

That rest comes after salvation. Not to obtain it.

If one wants to observe the sabbath go ahead, but if you do it to earn salvation you fall in the same unbelief as Israel.

The Galatians was warned of the same thing in Galatians 5:4. "Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace."

Salvation is not for sell its a gift. 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.

I hope this helps.

God bless.

It seems I've missed counted.

Part 10.

The faith of Christ gives a fruit filled life to a believer by the power of Christ spirit in you.

The works you do is your nature!

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10. This is what James is saying.

These works don't produce life, they will be tested by fire and will confirm life and maturity! 1 Corinthians 3:10-15.

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. John 4:23.

God bless.

Part 9.

The faith of Christ.

Galatians 2:15-16.

We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by "THE FAITH "OF" CHRIST", even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Who's faith? CHRIST FAITH! We were lacking faith it had to be given to us! Ephesians 2:8-9.

Some have objected to this interpretation, saying that faith (pistis) is feminine, while that (touto) is neuter. That poses no problem, however, as long as it is understood that that does not refer precisely to the noun faith but to the act of believing. Further, this interpretation makes the best sense of the text, since if that refers to by grace you have been saved through faith (that is, to the whole statement), the adding of and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God would be redundant, because grace is defined as an unearned act of God. If salvation is of grace, it has to be an undeserved gift of God. Faith is presented as a gift from God in 2 Peter 1:1, Philippians 1:29, and Acts 3:16.

Boy is that humbling! We can't produce faith, there is nothing to boast on that either!

That is why some say you can lose your salvation, and no one is saved until the Judgement.

THEY'RE NOT SURE. "VOID OF CHRIST FAITH"

Just believing is his name don't cut it either.

John 2;23-24. "Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many "BELIEVED IN HIS NAME", when they saw the miracles which he did. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,

You have to believe in his work, through the Holyspirit. (FAITH OF CHRIST)

Romans 10:9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and SHALT BELIEVE IN THY HEART THAT GOD RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD, thou shalt be saved.

1 Corinthians 1:18.

See part 9.

James 2:14-26.

God bless.

I would actually refer to Adoption as a blessing, or even a consequence, of Salvation. To be a synonym, the word would need to have the same, or nearly the same, meaning, which Adoption/Salvation do not share. So, even if one speaks about being adopted by God into His family, then it is understood that can only be the case if salvation was first granted.

From the many blessings resulting from Salvation, the Christian's new position in Christ affords us: a heavenly citizenship ( Philippians 3:20); a member of a holy & royal priesthood ( 1 Peter 2:5); a member of God's family ( Ephesians 2:19); an adoption ( Galatians 4:5); and a member of God's 'peculiar people' (i.e. God's special possession) ( 1 Peter 2:9).

Page 1.

Hi Giannis. I do understand & respect your position on water baptism, i.e. unless one believes & is baptized, he is not saved, though I'm in disagreement with it. Just to give a little background on the 1st Peter 3 reference you shared (just my understanding from verses 13 to 22, as I feel there is value in picking up the Apostle's thoughts from these verses).

1 Peter 3:13-17. In this portion, as also in the latter portion, the Apostle uses the word 'conscience' (the same word is used, as also shown in Greek). In vv 13-17, a "good conscience" is enjoyed by the believer when he 'sanctifies' the Lord in his heart (v15): when evil assails him, when he suffers for righteousness sake, & when false accusations find no ground to stand. In other words, a believer has every reason to remain steadfast & having confidence because the Lord is with him but God is against all perpetrators of evil. Then verse 17 is the connecting verse to Jesus' sufferings, where He too suffered when no evil was found in Him.

1 Peter 3:18-22. And through Christ's Death, both Noah & his family & ourselves can find forgiveness by God & be restored. As Noah was saved by the water, so does the act of water baptism have salvific merit. Noah was already a righteous man before the Deluge - the flood upheld him so that God's purposes for him, his family & the Earth would be fulfilled. When a sinner comes to Christ for salvation, his only basis for coming & acceptance, is Faith (given as a gracious Act of God: Ephesians 2:8.9), & nothing else. No water baptism, no Church-going, not even a little Bible knowledge, can be a part of Faith to secure salvation. Or else, salvation is no longer just of Faith but of something extra, negating the meaning & essence of Faith. Once a sinner expresses believing faith in Christ's Sacrifice to save him, salvation is given - nothing more can be added to it. But water baptism should be, & was always the case in NT times, as the immediate response to that faith.

Wina

Satan walks upright on two legs today, the same as in the time of Adam and Eve.

Who is the most subtil of all the beast of the field that God hath made, that walks on two legs?

Job 1:6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them.

Job 1:7 And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord and said, from walking to and fro in the earth, and walking up and down in it.

2 Samuel 24:1 And again the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go number Israel and Judah.

1 Chronicles 21:1 And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.

Ephesians 2:2 Wherein time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air (Satan), the spirit that now worketh in the children of obedience:

Matthew 12:28 But if I CAST OUT (of you) devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come unto you.

Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was CAST OUT, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world was CAST OUT ......

Colossians 1:27 ....this mystery .....Christ in you.

God Bless You.

Dear brother Alex N, when you talk about being born again, it sounds like something people have to do themselves. Now you could elaborate a little on what they can not do, think u not? We know that everything comes from the Lord, no one gets there without God the Father Himself. Ephesians 2:18 and mm.

But what we can contribute is and tell the people we meet that they should believe for their own part. so that they do not fare badly on the last day of God. Because faith comes from preaching, or what they hear right? So that they may repent and believe from dead works and believe in the Living God Jesus Christ. Romans 1:16-17

Romans 6:10-11

Thank you that you will never forget what He has done for you. Know that you are highly loved by our gracious God and in what you have been handed down. (if the grammar is wrong forgive me). What gift u have get from Him is precious, always stand strong in the Living Word of God.

God bless u and yours in Jesus name, love u in Christ.

Hi Texsis.

Thanks for replying.

I believe the question is, "is water baptism ESSENTIAL for salvation?" No! It's the Holy spirit that gives life to a sinner dead in trespasses and sin.

Ephesians 1:22- Ephesians 2:1 "And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins."

I was water baptized, it was ritual and pointed to what has already taken place once I believed. I was put into the body of believers by the spirit."

Now whatever good I do is by the power of the Holyspirit. that is what the baptism is all about. A NEW LIFE! The focus is on the resurrection! By which way were we given new life?

Therefore, we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4.

The disciples were given a command to go out teach all nations baptizing them, which was a dispensational teaching. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Matt 28:19.

What we have here is a picture of those being saved grafted into the genuine vine, one that gives life and produces fruit as seen in john 15:1-5. And Paul hammers at this in Romans 11.

The emphasis is on the Holyspirit empowering the believer.

God bless.

Part 3.

In Acts 15 the Disciples have a counsel on whether the Gentiles should be circumcised and keep the law, then Peter stands up to address the matter. Acts 15:7-11. Here you have the apostle Peter "A Jew" saying in verse 11, we Jews shall be saved in the same manner as the Gentiles! (By faith) "He's declaring "we jews have to come to the Lord by a new covenant".

This is the new birth spoken by Jesus in John 3:5 when speaking to Nicodemus. This is that which is spoken in

Jeremiah 31:31-34.

So here we have a new birth that provides a new nature that is generated by the Holyspirit. You see aspects of this in

Romans 6:1-23. Also, this is what is meant in John 4:21-24.

Here we have the quickening spirit by the second Adam that gives life under a new covenant where the old covenant brought death to the fleshly descendants of the first Adam. 1 Corinthians 15:45-50. and 2 Corinthians 5:1-6.

Ephesians 2:1-5 sums it up.

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

"AGAIN We're not talking about "Justification" we're talking about sanctification. Romans 5:1-21 handles justification.

GRAFTED INTO THE VINE BY THE RESURECTION OF CHRIST.

John 15:1-5.

Romans 6:6.

Now take these chapters in order-

Romans 6:1-23.

Romans 7:1-25.

Romans 8:1-39.

We are Justified and Sanctified by the blood of Christ and given a new nature under a new covenant that bares fruit by the power of the Holyspirit.

God bless.

"Once saved always saved" just like the english word "rapture" are not mentioned in scripture per se. There are verses about being sealed with the Spirit until the day of redemption ( Eph. 1:13-14). Actually the verse states our inheritance in KJV v. 14.

John 6:39 indicates that Christ will lose none that the Father has given Him. As to the rapture/Resurrection from the dead; we of course can read in Thessalonians and Corinthians on the event. The latin word comes from "rapturo" which means to snatch out; quickly remove.

A fundamental misunderstanding comes when the doctrine of Predestination is ignored in scripture; and God's initiation of salvation based on those of His choosing. Romans 8:30 makes this pretty clear and many other verses; particulary the Gospel of John are helpful (read John 10). Our repentance and sanctification as well as good works are all things the Lord has prepared in His Providence (see Ephesians 2:10). On our end; we are responsible to make a public confession; repent and live a Godly life; but if we attempt to do so without being regenerated we are trying to be saved on our terms. In the flesh; we can do as Judas Iscariot did; who was BTW called and chosen; but predestined to be the "son of perdition" as prophesied in Psalm 41:9. What is known as "decisional regeneration" by those who truly become Born Again must change our avoidance of consequences of our actions to that of a new regenerated heart which loves God. The Lord chastises all He loves ( Heb. 12:6).

These verses sort of fit together. It appears many are left behind to endure the Tribulation who were either tares or perhaps who thought they were saved. If they are to be saved; they will endure martyrdom and finally produce fruit to "make their garments white". Whether that includes backslidden believes now; I can't give a certain answer. We should all keep Luke 21:36 in mind as certainly all believers aren't in that mindset today. Agape; Rich P

The way I understand that dear Doug is as follows:

You quoted Ephesians 2:3. " we were by nature children of wrath'' (before we believed in Jesus). What has changed and we are no longer children of wrath? Has our nature changed? Have we become sinless beings, or that we still sin but we now have the Blood of Christ available to us for forgiveness so we don't get judged by God for the sins we commit? I think the latter is true.

When we were born again has our nature changed? Although Jesus said to Nicodemus that noone knows how this happens, we know that it is something that the Spirit of God does.

But again practically have we become sinless? I don't think so. We still have a tendency to sin ie if I piss you off you will be angry and upset. It is easier for men to get ungry rather than staying calm, peaceful. The tendency to sin still exists in us, that is it is easier for men to sin rather that not to sin. Is it the same with God? James writes in his epistle James 1:13 "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man" So God can not be tempted like people. God doesn't fight against sin, He just cannot do sins, His nature is untempered. But this not the case with people.

Why has God gave to us all those promises and what does it mean that we are partakers of divine nature? Partakers means that we are in communion with the Holly Spirit, our nature doesn't change but we are dressed with God's strength and grace to avoid sinning, but still we may sin and we see that in our everyday life, don't we? If all, but all, people fail and return to sin that means we are all failing to stay in faith? All people, I mean believers, are failures? There is nobody who achieved not to sin? No exception at all? Surely then something else happens.

My opinion is then that transformation and conversion has to do with our character not our nature.

I don't claim I am right about it but this is how I see it.

GBU

I understand the words in the scripture: born again, conversion and transformation as referring to a change in our nature. 2 Peter 1:3,4 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Prior to conversion we by nature were children of wrath. Ephesians 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. Loving ourselves more than God and lack of faith is the reason for returning to sin.

Douglas Borchard,

This prophecy gives the precise time of the first coming of the Messiah. You will receive different understandings of this, it is a study that will take much time. this is just a little information you may use to help your study.

Many put the last week of this prophecy at the end times. It is used for the 7 years of tribulation, a peace treaty with the antichrist (he in verse 27) for 3 1/2 years then 3 years of great tribulation with the taking of the church somewhere between (pre, mid, post).

"Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, (70 weeks, 70 x 7 = 490 solar years or 483 prophetic years) on the house of Israel (Daniel's people) and the holy city (Jerusalem). It started from "the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem", make a note, that the rebuilding of the temple is not in this prophecy.

Here are a few verses that may help your study and if this prophecy has been fulfilled or not.

1. To finish the transgression Isaiah 53:5, 8 Isaiah 53:11 Hebrews 9:15-18

2. To make an end of sins Matthew 1:21 Hebrews 10:8-11 John 1:29 1 Corinthians 15:3

1 John 3:5 Psalm 32 Romans 8:3

3. To make reconciliation for iniquity Colossians 1:20-22 Isaiah 53:6 Isaiah 53:11 Ephesians 2:16 ( Titus 2:14 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

4. To bring in everlasting righteousness Romans 5:17-21 Romans 3:21-26 1Peter 2:24

2 Corinthians 5:21 Isaiah 61:10-11

5. To seal up vision and prophecy Daniel 9:23 John 6:27 Mark 1:14-15 Acts 3:18

John 5:36-40 Matthew 11:11-15

6. To anoint the most holy Hebrews 8:1-12 Hebrews 9:6-14

The six things that were determined on Daniel's people and the holy city in this 70-week prophecy; did the Messiah/Jesus fulfill?

God bless,

RLW

Thank you David , a lovely post , may God bless you .