Ephesians
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Deception is sly as a serpent and with a sleight of hand has us looking in the wrong direction and causing division, the Sunday law was just that. What Christ did, we in the past were strangers without God, Christ making of two in one body, and both have access by one Spirit unto the Father, Ephesians 2:10-18. Is it wrong to gather on Sunday? No. Can we call Sunday the Sabbath? No. Can we be justified by keeping the Sabbath? No.
The Sunday law was made to divide the Christians and the Jews even though many of the Jews were Christians. My understanding, the mark of the beast has nothing to do with Sunday and it will not come about until Satan is cast out of heaven and gives his power, seat, and authority to the beast, Revelation 12, 13.
Greek philosophy has influenced traditions and theories and I agree we work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Not sure of the meaning of Friday sundown till Saturday sundown? Jesus said in John 4:23-24, that we should do it every day not just one day of the week.
Many things divide us but only one thing makes us one, the simplicity that is in Christ, 2 Corinthians 11:3.
God bless,
RLW
This verse points out that "in the ages to come He (God the Father) might show the exceeding riches of His grace in his kindness towards us in Christ Jesus".
I think in eternity we will always have a humble attitude before God as we will understand so much more deeply and thoroughly He loves us and how outstandingly great and precious the sacrifice of Jesus is. We will praise and extol the Lord forever, never seeking any glory for ourselves, but giving all the glory, honor and praise to God
Amen to what Brother Chris and Jesse stated.
and for us to fully appreciate the kindness and mercies of God we must understand how condemned we are without the atonement of Christ.
God bless.
Paul further explains that it was not by our own efforts, in verse 9 when he says "not the results of works, so that no one may boast".
Paul says that salvation has fallen upon them all due to God, because we are like "dead corpses" which cannot do anything unless we are revived by God's grace.
give the answers to why we are saved and who saved us, it was by God through his grace and Christ.
Overall, the Letter to the Ephesians explains what Paul believes is the reason why the people of Ephesus and Asia Minor.
Again the word dead 'nekros' is used to suggest that we cannot save "state of spiritual deadness because of our trespasses
but because God makes us alive (spiritually) through Jesus Christ. Because man does not normally seek
God, said in Romans 3:10-11, it is God who must act first to save us from our sins and trespasses
ourselves because we are like dead corpses who can only be revived by God. Paul says it is God who made
us 'alive' again.
Paul explains to us how we are raised up with Christ, just like how Jesus rose form the
dead, we are now raised up from our state of spiritual deadness. Paul writes that Christ has "seated us with
him in the heavenly places", meaning although we may be physically alive here on earth, Jesus Christ has
assigned a place spiritually at the right hand of God. Paul explains that being saved is not only a physical
thing but more importantly, we are saved spiritually
with Christ, because this spiritual state we are now in is irreversible, unless_
Paul sums up or completes his teaching of Salvation and how God saves through GRACE.
Paul says that it is by grace we have received faith.
Paul explains how and why we are saved, that is because of grace and our faith.
We need to understand that it is not by our own efforts that we have left that state of spiritual deadness but by the life in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Mishael: it is by Faith in Jesus's work, that you are saved.
I'm not sure that I can add anything to what brother Chris has said.
Ephesians Chapter 2 is a great chapter. When I read it, I find it interesting that verses 1-10 gives us the process of salvation, and Verses 11 through 22 is the purpose of salvation. I break it down into two sections. Something I see in this chapter is that God raises us up and saves us to demonstrate for the world about how rich in grace He is.
I don't believe that I'm 'qualifying ourselves for salvation'. I wrote of the need of Faith in Christ's Sacrifice & that Faith is given by God - and all that is from the Word as written. If you don't believe Ephesians 2:8,9 then please state it.
Yes, Jesus fed the multitudes (to take up your illustration), just as His Sacrifice avails for all men. But did Jesus force-feed them? His offer of Salvation is given to all but none are forced into accepting it. The people who readily accepted the food were hungry & were fed. What if some said, "Not today Jesus, I'll come back in a couple of days to eat the food You offer." Would it still be there for them? Their chance to be fed was on that day - tomorrow would be too late. You're implying that in the end He will save all mankind, even if they have shown no interest in the Gospel & come by the way of the Cross, while they were alive. Yes, the Blood avails for all - but not all want to have anything to do with that Blood. He is indeed not willing that any should perish, but man still prefers to face eternity without Christ believing that eternity is either non-existent or secured by some other means.
And I am still awaiting your answers to my questions, because they're important. Thank you.
"Thus ALL men will be born again of his spirit..I will pour out my Spirit on ALL FLESH...Joel..." Joel 2:28 (cf Acts 2:17). Not all men will be born again as you believe - the Spirit will be given only to those who repent & turn to the Lord. An evidence of this first outpouring was at Pentecost, to which Peter references Joel's prophecy. ALL FLESH represents not All Men, but people of ALL Nations who respond to the Lord.
"there is only 1 thing that initiates Salvation which is the New Birth...Faith can only come by 1 thing hearing his word...And Faith is the evidence of a Birth of Christ in us." Alex, you've got this all mixed up. Faith is NOT the evidence of a Birth of Christ - Faith is a gift of God ( Ephesians 2:8,9) & with God's Grace, brings salvation, hence a new birth. The New Birth doesn't initiate salvation - the New Birth is a product of salvation. ( Romans 10:9,10; 2 Corinthians 5:17).
"It wd make God a hypocrite if he applied the curse of that 1st Adam to all men no exceptions mind you...But Not apply the blood of that 2nd ADAM Christ Jesus the lamb of God to ALL MEN NO EXCEPTIONS." If that were true Alex, there really would be no need to preach the Gospel, as according to you, God is bound to forgive all mankind regardless of their sinful state & hatred of Him. I ask again Alex, as I did many months ago & getting no answer, would you share the Gospel with someone who asks you for the way of salvation? If so, why? And what would be the message?
Lastly, "God is not a torment to them in Christ Jesus but only to the DEVILS AND HIS ANGELS." Please read Revelation 20:10-15. This Lake of Fire is not for purifying nor temporary, it's for everlasting torment for both Satan & his henchmen & those not written in the Book of Life. "Behold now is the day of salvation" - no other opportunity for anyone, hence the Gospel's urgency.
It is interesting that at the time: Christ said the weightier matters were to be looked after; with the rest NOT being undone ( Luke 11:42). It was not yet time to abandon Judaism until the work on the cross was accomplished. In fact; until heaven and earth go away not one "jot or tittle" of the law will expire ( Matthew 5:18). This; clearly refers to all things EXCEPT that which the New Covenant ( Heb. 9:15; etal) abrogates. That is; exceptions are ceremonial laws ( Acts 10:14-16) and the Sabbath Day ( Mark 2:27-28). It appears that because of Christ fulfilling Pentacost; or the eight day ( Leviticus 23:15) fifty days after the Passover; or Good Friday when Christ was in the tomb made Sunday the new day of rest. The early church appeared to meet the first day of the week.
Therefore; we should love the law as admonished in Psalm 119. Only through Christ can we do good works ( Eph 2:10). Only by fulfilling the first couple commands as summarized by Christ can we desire His ways and demonstrate any love towards what is against our flesh nature. May we daily trust the Spirit and die to the flesh. Agape. RP
God bless you and Amen to all who have responded with great truth!!
Tina reminded me of something I would like to add.
In Luke 22:31-32. Jesus tells peter Satan desires to sift him like wheat.
Then in Luke 22:34. Jesus said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.
The Lord stands outside of time looking in. He knew what sins we would commit before we committed them and he knew who would come to him.
What's wonderful about that is we can't disappoint him.
We are saved according to his mercy Titus 3:5. by grace through faith. Ephesians 2:8-9.
God bless you.
"Answer"
Salvation is life!
Salvation is a new creation in you performed by God.
Salvation is when "GOD TRANSFORM YOU" after you truly believing and trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ. You have been transformed from dead to life. we're not perfect but we are transformed.
Here's a few old testament scripture that gives a description of salvation and how it's performed.
Deuteronomy 30:6. And the LORD thy God will CIRCUMCISE thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live. "Here you see the lord cutting away filthy flesh from your heart."
vs. 8. " This is what God causes you to do after cutting away the "flesh".
"And thou shalt return and obey the voice of the LORD, and do all his commandments which I command thee this day."
Jeremiah 24:7.
Jeremiah 31:33-34.
Jeremiah 32:38-40.
"I like vs 40! Eternal Security found in the old testament!
( And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me)
Ezekiel 11:19.
Ezekiel 36:25. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I CLEANSE YOU.
Ezekiel 36:26-27. "Salvation is a cleansing!"
Salvation is a transformation by Gods spirit in you, and that comes by way of Jesus.
New Testament references.
John 15:1-8.
John 10:27-29.
John 6:45.
Ephesians 2:1-10.
Philippians 1:6.
Colossians 3:10.
Romans 6:17-18.
God bless.
Salvation is life!
Salvation is a new creation in you performed by God.
Salvation is when "GOD TRANSFORM YOU" after you truly believing and trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ. You have been transformed from dead to life. we're not perfect but we are transformed.
Here's a few old testament scripture that gives a description of salvation.
Deuteronomy 30:6. And the LORD thy God will CIRCUMCISE thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live. "Here you see the lord cutting away filthy flesh from your heart."
vs. 8. " This is what God causes you to do after cutting away the "flesh".
"And thou shalt return and obey the voice of the LORD, and do all his commandments which I command thee this day."
Jeremiah 24:7.
Jeremiah 31:33-34.
Jeremiah 32:38-40.
Ezekiel 11:19.
Ezekiel 36:25. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I CLEANSE YOU.
Ezekiel 36:26-27. "Salvation is a cleansing!"
Salvation is a transformation by Gods spirit in you, and that comes by way of Jesus.
New Testament references.
John 15:1-8.
John 10:27-29.
John 6:45.
Ephesians 2:1-10.
Philippians 1:6.
Colossians 3:10.
Romans 6:17-18.
I know this is a lot,
I pray you read over them.
God bless.
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).
All flesh is appointed to die.
Every soul that sin shall die the 2nd death.
There's a new birth at conversion for those who trust in Christ. This is defined in baptism.
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: Hebrews 9:27.
There is in scripture what is called the 2nd death. This has been taken care of for those who trust Christ.
Without Christ you're already dead.
1 Timothy 5:6.
Ephesians 2:5.
Revelation 3:1.
Colossians 2:13.
Romans 8:10.
Mathew 8:22.
Luke 15:24.
And here's an important one for the brethren.
1 John 3:14.
John 11:25-26. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
AND WHOSOEVER LIVETH AND BELIEVETH IN ME SHALL NEVER DIE. Believest thou this?
One of many verses on the 2nd death.
Revelation 20:13-14. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
Eternal life.
If you truly trust in Christ, you have been baptized into Christ. You already have ETERNAL life. That's the only kind he's giving.
If you haven't truly trusted in Christ you're already dead while you liveth and it shows up in your living and it observed carefully you'll find it in their Doctrine.
Romans 8:9.
Romans 10:8-10. But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
God bless.
(One believes in something that cannot be seen or produced - the other is working at something that is tangible - they cannot be mixed together). The Apostle Paul also wrote of this in Romans 11:6 (speaking of the "election of grace"): "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." God's Grace if freely given as a Gift, as is Faith to believe ( Ephesians 2:8,9). If works are added then it's no longer Grace (& Faith), but all of works. So James is saying that true Faith produces good works - NOT Faith plus Good Works produces true Faith.
You write of obeying the commandments. This is another long subject, but I'll be brief. If a believer is relying of Christ's Sacrifice & obedience to the Law to attain salvation, then again, the Sacrifice is made of no effect. Galatians 5:3,4, "For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace."
Here we have those who were "entangling themselves with the yoke of bondage" by wanting the liberty that Christ obtained for them & also placing themselves under the Law (which brought bondage & death). It's one thing to consider the Law (the 10 Commandments) in noting God's Rules to Israel for their relationship to God & to others, but if we determine that we must obey them, to be saved or acceptable to God, then we've "fallen from grace". So Sabbath for example, which is a Day of Rest to Israel, not a worship day per se, becomes critical to some Christians to observe, if not, then we would need to take a long look at this matter of Law & Grace. But God has given us His Spirit, whereby we obey all Christ's Commandments from the heart & not by the letter; see Romans 8:1-4. (cont'd)
However, it is through the Word, and the faith given by hearing it, helped me to put my hand of faith on Christ's head - the Lamb of God Who took my sin, laid it on himself, and paid the horrid debt I owed.
The Word will explain itself:
Acts 16:31
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Acts 2:
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
So - were the apostles promoting works??? THEY to whom the gospel was given to preach command 'repentance' and 'believing'...So...what's going on here? :)
It seems there is confusion between the 'root' and the 'fruit', as James adequately describes. Faith without works is dead faith. We are not saved by works AT ALL but by the FINISHED work of CHRIST; however, real,true, Holy Spirit-birthed, saving faith inwardly will produce the outward act of repentance and belief. The inner divine work is the root; the fruit is the outward change seen in the life of one truly born again.
Grace and blessing!
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
24Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
No one was ever born homosexual. Even youth exposed to fornication, pornography and other perversions will cause one to believe this. They'd worship the creature and not the Creator (God) and for this cause God gave them over as they are of a reprobate mind. The only cure is to be born again ( Ephesians 2:8-10)
This by no means should be a ritualistic prayer. When we look at it; there really isn't any miraculous manifestation asked for in terms of healing; casting out demons; etc. But it needs to be the foundation of our lives so that our testimonies are genuine and we are living not for ourselves but for God. Clearly; we are NOT to pray as James states to satisfy our lusts ( James 4:3). There are times when we need to say God help! and clearly in a crisis life and death moment that may be enough. Trust in God's provisions despite external circumstances AND that the works that He has for us from before the beginning of the world ( Ephesians 2:10) are two major factors in a good prayer life. Obviously; discipline to listening to His voice; spending quality frequent quiet times in prayer and the Word are helpful as well. It is helpful to understand His will and also to rest in the fact that we have a High priest ever interceding for us ( Hebrews 7:25); and Romans 8:33. We all see through a glass darkly; but should seek to grow in maturity and wisdom.
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.
I agree with S Spencer and Noel, for those of us who have heard of Jesus and are called and have accepted Jesus as our savior the answer would be no.
I would like to give my understanding; God is a loving God Zephaniah 3:17 God will help and strengthen us Isaiah 41:10 God is just and upright Deuteronomy 32:4 and God is love and merciful Ephesians 2:4.
There are millions of people who lived and died before Jesus first came, and millions who have lived and died since who have never heard who Jesus is and what He offers. What happens to them? Everyone who is alive today and all who have lived in the past has the knowledge of good and evil thanks to the first Adam.
The white throne judgment many teach is only for the lost and unrighteous, my understanding is different. In Revelation 20:11-15 all the rest of the dead is judged, small and great and the books were open, and they were judged from the things written in the books, according to their works. In verse 15 it says this, "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire". Along with other scriptures, my understanding is there were some names in the book of life.
God only knows, some scripture gives a clue, People under the law being judged by the law and those who do by nature the things contained in the law not under the law (judged from the things written in the books) Romans 2:12-15, and if the white throne judgment is for lost only, how do we understand these verses, Daniel 12:2 Matthew 25:32-46 John 5:28-29 Acts 24:14-15.
God bless,
RLW
The rewarding of the Saint is according to the work done in the name of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 3:11-15. If any works done is deemed to be "wood, hay, stubble" or the works performed did not praise the Lord, the works will be burned, and he will suffer loss. But here's the best part- v15b "but he himself shall be saved"
However the "reward" for the unsaved, lost, or dead is entirely different. As rightly stated by many on this forum, the "wages of sin is death." Romans 6:23. That is the key.
The lost or unsaved will appear at the great white throne to be "judged every man according to their works." Revelation 20:13b
"And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." Revelation 20:15.
The Lord God is true and just in all His dealings with us.
The key to all of this is simply the Salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ. Even if we do not understand it, God does. He does not ask for our understanding; just our obedience and trust. God bless all on this forum. March 4, 2022
Matthew 25:40 in context Matthew 25:31-46, Ephesians 2:20-22,
What the Church is not/ should not be = Matthew 23,
Hopefully these are helpful
To add to the truths that Gigi and Roman has shared.
(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.)
Romans 5:13.
But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.
For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.
And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.
For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.
Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
Romans 7:8-14.
2 Corinthians 3:7-10.
To put it simply, the law is Holy, and man fails to live up to God standard and the law reveals that. When the law came it pronounced every man guilty.
Christ crucifixion and resurrection sanctified us positionally, Ephesians 2:5-6. and practically. Romans 6:1-6. and
Romans 8:11-13.
I hope this helps
God bless.
The same Greek word is used in both instances for 'ordinances', viz. "dogmasin", from which we get, 'dogma'. And in these Scriptures, it is translated as 'decrees or edicts'. So when we read these Scriptures by the apostle, the 'law of commandments & handwriting of ordinances' did not apply solely to the ceremonial laws & of the sacrifices which indeed Christ fulfilled at the Cross, but also to the whole Law that was "blotted out" completely. It had to be so, or else the old Law would still stand, the Jew would have to be bound to it & hence judged by it. But Jesus came to rid the Law that only showed one's sin & brought certain death. By His Sacrifice, the old had gone & the new had come, that from henceforth, "we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter." ( Romans 7:6). Yet, most Jews are still bound to the old Law & by it they will be judged.
Yes, there is a distinction in the moral, civil & ceremonial laws, as seen in the OT. But when the New Covenant was brought in by Christ's Blood, the old Law in totality was annulled - it had to be as both the old & new opposed each other by their: giving, obedience, acceptance & judgement (i.e. received by faith, given power to obey, our acceptance through Christ, & now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus). Under the old Law that could never be achieved & that's why it took the death of the Son of God.