Thanks Dpaulw for your reply. I do share some of your beliefs on this, but not all. You referenced Jeremiah 10:1-8 & Galatians 4:9-11. This would fit perfectly if believers today who set up a tree, fell down before it to worship it. As did the idolaters of old who held the planetary heavens & their signs in high regard, or Galatian believers who reverted back into bondage of observance of times, etc. So, the question is not of idol worship at the tree or anything else associated with them, but how relevant and useful is such observance to the Christian life and experience.
And that is why I stated that cultural Christianity can at times supersede biblical Christianity. What may have begun as pagan worship and a false Christianity practised is not necessarily the same meaning and observance it is today. What you are sharing, is about the roots of such an observance, which should be reason enough for believers to cast it aside. However, many today won't consider, or not even interested in the history of it, rather accepting as a normal required Christian observance to celebrate the Lord's Birth & stand as a witness to that glorious event. This then moves Xmas from an historical fact and understanding, to a cultural practise, and that regardless of earlier questionable practises, its cultural acceptance gives warrant for observing it today. Onto Page 2.
GiGi and Chris have answered well. There was a transition, but the same gospel and one body of Christ-that is, the Church. Galatians 4:4 says, "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law." Jesus came first for the lost sheep of Israel and to fulfill the law and the prophets.
Jesus had to live a perfect, sinless life under the law to bring in the new everlasting covenant. As prophesied, the new covenant had to be offered to the Jews first before it was offered to the Gentiles, as seen in Romans 1:16. We see that when the time came to go to the Gentiles, as in Acts 7:54-60, they plugged their ears and killed Stephen. Philip was the first to carry the gospel to the Samaritans, as in Acts 8. Paul's conversion is detailed in Acts 9, and Peter's dream and the sending to Cornelius are in Acts 10. Salvation has always been a gift of God through faith by the grace of God. John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9,
Galatians 3:29 tells us, "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." From a dispensational view, this does not mean the Church has taken Israel's earthly promises. The promise goes back to Genesis 12:3-"in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." In Christ, that blessing is extended to Jew and Gentile alike in the Body of Christ. Our inheritance is heavenly and spiritual ( Eph. 1:3; Phil. 3:20), not Israel's land or her kingdom program.
In Galatians 4:28-31 Paul explains that we, like Isaac, are children of promise, contrasted with Ishmael, born after the flesh. But this does not make the Body of Christ "spiritual Israel." Romans 11 shows clearly that Israel as a nation remains distinct and that God's covenant promises to them are not cancelled but postponed until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in. The Church is called a "new man" ( Eph. 2:15), a separate creation altogether, with a heavenly hope.
Much confusion comes from calling the Church the Bride. Scripture never uses that title for the Body of Christ. The Bride belongs to Israel ( Isa. 62:4-5; Rev. 21:2). We are the Body, already seated with Christ in heavenly places ( Eph. 2:6). Mixing these programs erases the difference between prophecy and the mystery.
Revelation 20:4 speaks of those beheaded in the Tribulation who will reign with Christ a thousand years. These are not the Church but saints who endure Israel's prophetic program. We, the Body, are delivered from wrath to come ( 1 Thess. 1:10) and caught up before that time ( 1 Thess. 4:16-17).
Thus, rightly dividing the Word ( 2 Tim. 2:15) means recognizing God's two distinct programs: Israel's earthly kingdom and the Church's heavenly calling. Both will be fulfilled in their proper place and order, to the glory of Christ.
Regarding the word "adoption" in the Bible. Please note the following: 1 John 3:2a Beloved, now are we the sons of God...
How do we become the sons of God according to the Scripture? Only by the New Birth - John 3:7b ...Ye must be born again. 1Peter 1:23a Being born again... Even in todays venacular there is certainly a major difference in being born, and being adopted.
Now in Romans 8:23b ... waiting for the adoption. It is clear according to Scripture that the moment we are born again that we are presently sons of God, so what is meant by our waiting to be adopted? Adoption in Bible times had a different application. The Jewish tradition, and other Middle East cultures of the day was that when your natural born son became of age, he would go through a celebrated ceremonial practice and be adopted by his own father. This was not to place the son into the family, but rather to bless the natural born son, with the recognition of now being mature. Now, this adopted son was blessed with full rights and had authority. The adopted (mature) son's word now had the same authority as the father. He was no longer under tutors and instructors. No longer could the servant(s) of the family have authority over the child, rather now the adopted (mature) son had full authority over the servant(s). Galatians 4:1,2, 5, 7 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord over all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. read v. 5&7. Being predestinated unto the adoption of sons refers to the fact that every born again child of God, is to become mature in the faith. No where in Scripture is it said that God predestinates people to hell or heaven. Every time the word "predestination" is used in any form, it always refers to us becoming like Christ.
Dear "JackyBleeker" I feel for you in your problem. Hope you can get more answers here on the site. But one thing I know this the Lord does not want us to succumb to anything. So dear friend you are on the right path! Who can fill you? Jesus can! When anxiety and uncertainty come you must continue and run to Him who has all power in heaven and on earth. Look in your personal intentions if there is something there that prevents you from feeling free? It can be a small doubt. Many times it does not have to be such big things. Preferably those who look innocent use our enemy against us to bind us. Those we may perceive as nothing.
In Jesus' name we pray that He strengthens u in spirit, soul and body that u long for the freedom in Jesus, Amen Only You Jesus can set us free and we will be truly free! Thank in advance for You Lord extending Your hand to salvation and freedom for all people. To all who sayed YES to YOUR invitation to and become a child of peace. Thank you for Your great mercy. Thank You Jesus Christ. 2 Tim 4:2
Never touch that kind of medicine again in the holy name of Jesus Christ, Amen. Proclaim His Name to all. Be free! Amen Run to the phone and call Jesus in dayes u have in darkness, call your aunt or someone Unfortunately u run to the medicine in the beginning u belive that will help u. Like all of us we try out what u we belive is best, and its not, Jesus is best. In such things as this we are innocent. Because we don't know what we're doing. Greace upon Greace, Jesus Amen.
It sits hard, it won't let go easy. It is idolatry simply from the beginning. And you see how the devil and his hordes want to destroy us. Say against it in the name of Jesus Christ and Jesus will come to your rescue, be patient. Please know that this is a love letter from me. If we had accused someone in the Old Testament of the same thing, the person doing it would have been killed. But don't we have much to thank Jesus for? Good luck and pray unceasingly. Galatians 4:6-9 GBU
"That's why God waited for Abraham and Sarah. He gave them the promise and waited for them to become elderly and unable to produce children themselves naturally, so that when God moved, it would be all of God, not of man. That's how God works!" end quote. Well stated!
When God performed a covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15:2-6, he didn't allow Abraham to participate. He put Abraham to sleep.
We see the promise of Issac and blessings in various verses throughout the OT.
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Here's a couple.
1) Genesis 17:19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.
2) Genesis 22:16-18.
And that goes for us also!
"For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.
Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.
For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise." Galatians 4:22-28.
ALSO.
Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. Galatians 3:16-17.
3, And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
This is one powerful verse: "And this is life eternal." This was the primary purpose of Jesus' mission: the immortality of the Father came to earth, manifested in Jesus, and eternal life which God the Father alone possesses, 1 Timothy 6:16.
God was revealed in the flesh of His only Son, Jesus. What is eternal was manifested in the world and is now available to us. This eternal life is given that we might know the only true God and His Son Jesus Christ, whom His Father sent, 1 John 4:7-16.
There are 38 times in the gospels where Jesus said God sent Him, the most expressive is in John 7:16-29. When Jesus was sent, it was first for the lost sheep of the house of Israel, Matthew 15:24, at the fullness of time, for those under the law, Galatians 4:4-5. This was part of God's plan from the beginning and happened at the fullness of time.
In 1 John 5:20, John says Jesus gave them understanding that they should know the Son of God, the Messiah has come, and that we should know the true God, and we are in Him, the true God, and in the Son of Him that is the only God from whom eternal life comes. Paul says the same in 1 Corinthians 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. God, the Father, of whom are all things, "of whom are" Greek ek" or "ex" indicates the origin or source. "Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, Greek dia ho, he, to pas, on the account of Jesus are all things.
Galatians 4:3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
Renewing the theme of Christ's knowledge of upcoming death on the cross; it is hard not to sympathize with the disciples who were "exceedingly sorry" ( Matt. 17:23) or something to that affect. For Christ to be able to even concentrate on anything else is remarkable at least looking at my own pitiful faith and willingness to die for Christ. This may be the best kept secret in the Gospels; we see it later on ( Galatians 2:20); but Christ was in some sense dying to self even though He had no sin; His life demonstrated total dependence on the Spirit. Doing this explains what only saying what the Father tells Him to say ( John 12:49) demonstrates. Jesus wasn't going to operate in His own strength; even though He was sinless it would involve deviating from His call and mission which would have been wrong. These actions would cause Him to be promoted in some ways as a man as the Father gave Him "all authority in heaven and earth" ( Matt. 28:18); along with other promises for His upcoming Millennial reign. As the Creator surely He had all authority in one sense; but in God's Divine plan He would have to come first as the suffering servant in Isaiah 53 before coming back in vengeance and flaming fire ( 2 Thessalonians 1:8). This illustrates how He as the first of the firstfruits came before the rest of the N.T. saints and how we; in turn can gain rewards through obedience; including martyrdom with specific crowns for this and other works of the Spirit in a believer's life and faith walk.
As a general statement we can also say that Christ was never half hearted about anything. Whether it was care for His mother during His crucifixion delegated to John; telling all the woman at the well had done; rebuking the religious establishment for hypocricy; overturning the moneychangers we see righteous love and indignation.
When we were lost , being not saved by believing the gospel of grace, we were part of the world system and was the devil's child.
Ephesians 2:12
That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in theworld:
Satan has advantages on the unsaved.
Ephesians 2:2
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of thisworld, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
We that are unsaved , are in bondage to the cares of the world.
Galatians 4:3
Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of theworld:
Even as a saved Christian, it's easy to let Satan in our spirit.
Ephesians 4:27
Neither give place to thedevil.
Today, the worldly spirit of Satan is very strong because of cellphone, television and being very busy doing worldly things instead of godly things
1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines ofdevils;
One day we will leave the evil world and be with Jesus Christ.
Galatians 1:4
Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evilworld, according to the will of God and our Father:
Satan is good at hiding the gospel of grace.
2 Corinthians 4:4
In whom the god of thisworldhath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
God gave us a spirit to worship Him. The spirit of the world is of Satan.
1 Corinthians 2:12
Now we have received, not the spirit of theworld, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
Should we look at Apostle Paul as a Angel of God ? ?
Galatians 4:14
And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus
Apostle Paul might not be a angel , but he was the hardest working Apostle in history and we had the Twelve Apostles for the Jews.
1 Corinthians 15:9-10
9For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
10But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
We that are saved will be judging angels.
1 Corinthians 6:3
Know ye not that we shall judgeangels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
The only angel to be careful of is Satan himself.
2 Corinthians 11:14
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into anangelof light.
All Apostle Paul wants us to do is follow the gospel of grace in his Epistles.
Philippians 1:7
Even as it is meet for me to think thisofyou all, because I have you in my heart; in as much as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmationofthegospel, ye all are partakersofmygrace
May we know the Gospel of Grace in Apostle Paul's epistle.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Angels in Heaven believe that the Gospel of Grace is true for Salvation.
We are adopted to the family of God. The minute we get save, we are adopted in the family of God
We do not become Jews, we will have the blood of God through the Spirit.
1. Let's start in Genesis, God said it will start with the seed of the woman.
Genesis 3:15
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thyseedand herseed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Galatians 4:4
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of awoman, made under the law,
Romans 1:3
Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of theseedofDavidaccording to the flesh;
2 Timothy 2:8
Remember that Jesus Christ of theseedofDavidwas raised from the dead according to my gospel:
2. Jesus Christ's father is God in Heaven. The Father carries the identity of the child. Marry carried the identity of Jesus Christ through the flesh by the seed of Daved in the woman in Genesis.
Matthew 1:18
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his motherMarywas espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
3. We get adopted the minute we believe the finished work of the cross that Apostle Paul calls my gospel. We are circumcised in the family of God.
Colossians 2:11
In whom also ye arecircumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Ephesians 1:5
Having predestinated us unto theadoptionof children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Romans 8:15
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit ofadoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Romans 8:23
And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for theadoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1CORINTHIANS 15:1-4 believe only
Galatians 4:5 - To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
He did this to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. Did you catch that? Adoption, HUIOTHESIAN, has to do with putting a person in place to be the inheritor. That's what the HUIOS is. There are different Greek words for the term son.
The word Son, in the title Son of God doesn't have anything to do with someone who is a son by birth. It is a legal term that means the person, who through the legal system, has been placed into a position to inherit all things. So, He came to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
Galatians 4:9 - But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
But now, after that ye have known God, and I want to point this out to you because it's very subtle. He did it in Colossians, but he also did it here. He says but after you have known God, (or rather) are known of God. He corrected himself in Colossians as well. And we do it all the time. We ask people "Do you know the Lord?" The scripture says does the Lord know you?
The bible says a relationship with Christ is not based on me knowing Him, but Him knowing me, which is a relief because, before He saved me, He knew me!
Galatians 4:12 - Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all.
Where it says, "I beseech you," it is literally I appeal to you.
Here I will attempt to parallel the context of the passages previously mentioned in Romans 9 the references in the passages in the OT and these passages in Galatians.
Galatians 4:22-31
For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman
But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.
Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.
For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.
Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.
So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.
We find that the unfolding of God's salvation plan is in no sense haphazard or random, but that every aspect of that plan is worked out in time. We can't separate time from the law, they are inextricably linked together. Galatians 4:4 declares
"4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons."
Today there are a number of people who are saying they know the timing of Christ's return. Whether God shall reveal the timing remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Christ's return is imminent, and the time to make our calling and election sure is now.
Hebrews 2:3,4
"3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; 4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?"
2 Corinthians 6:2 "(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)"
Romans 9:27,28 "27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: 28 For he will finish the [Greek: logos, proclamation of the gospel], and cut it short in righteousness: because a short [Greek: logos, proclamation of the gospel] will the Lord make upon the earth."
May the LORD open our spiritual eyes and ears as we search the scriptures, applying the principals that God Himself has laid out in His Word, the Bible. Praying that God, in His Mercy, might open our understanding. And that He might give us an earnest and ongoing desire to be obedient to that Word.
I agree with you that our all powerful God can give his spirit to a vessel and make him a sinless being.
But that sinless being
/Vessel would still be born of Adam and can only inherit what Adam has to offer. Death!
Adam was "MADE" a living soul, He didn't become one!
A living soul could never give life even if he was sinless.
Christ was a quickening (Life giving) Spirit. He didn't have to become one. HE WAS, AND "IS ONE"
Only the Son of God can make us Sons of God.
Any other person wouldn't be a Son of God!
Jesus had no Earthly Father.
So we should consider these scriptures to perhaps understand "Why a Son?"
Galatians 4:4-6.
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
To redeem them that were under the law, THAT WE MIGHT RECEIVE THE ADOPTION OF SONS.
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
John 1:12-13.
But as many as received him, TO THEM GAVE HE POWER TO BECOME THE SONS OF GOD, EVEN TO THEM THAT BELIEVE ON HIS NAME:
WHICH WERE BORN, ((NOT OF BLOOD, NOR OF THE WILL OF THE FLESH, NOR OF THE WILL OF MAN)), ""BUT OF GOD"".
Romans 8:19-23. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
Yes, Jesus is of the tribe of Judah and the line of David who was of the tribe of Judah, you can read the genealogy in Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:21-38. Jesus the Son of God was made of a woman, made under the law, Galatians 4:4. Not sure about your question was Jesus a Jew? Today when we hear the word Jew it is taken to mean anyone who is of the religion of Judaism regardless of their genealogy.
The same when we hear the word Gentile or Gentiles, we think of anyone who is not a Jew but there are more to these words. After Soloman died the tribes of Israel divided into the northern and southern kingdoms. The southern kingdom was the tribes of Judah and Benjamin and the Levites tended to the temple; it is called the kingdom of Judah. When they were taken captive by Babylon, the slang term began to be used. Jew is an abbreviated slang term for Judahite, a resident of the southern kingdom of Judah.
Thank you for continuing the discussion, I also tremble at His word we are just a spec compared to our God. Deuteronomy 18:15-19 This to me is fulfilled in John 1:1 the word of God in Jesus the Messiah. When Jesus was anointed the Messiah every word that Jesus said was the word of God the word of God in the flesh of His Son. Everything that was created was created by the word of God, not His Son. God said let there be, and it was.
If we read Isaiah 66:1 we cannot imagine how large God can be. He can overwhelm all of what we can imagine. In my human mind, I see His Spirit cover the earth like a dome, omnipresent, it is like an electrical grid that believers plug into, I know that may sound weird.
John 17 I will do my best to show my understanding, this is just before Jesus was going to be nailed to the cross. Verses 1-5 Jesus is praying to the Father about Himself, the Father is God, when we pray, we pray to our Father, and we relate to God as Father, through the Bible Father means God and Jesus said to His Father He is the only true God. In and through Jesus Christ we become sons and daughters of God, so we cry out Abba, Father, Galatians 4:6.
Jesus said He had finished the work the Father had given to Him and Jesus glorified His Father on earth. Jesus is now ready to face death on the cross and fulfilling the law and the prophet's, all of what Scripture had said what He would become, and Jesus was ready to take His place on the right hand of His Father, Isaiah 53:12Jeremiah 23:5-62 Samuel 7:12-13Psalm 110:4Psalm 16:10, these are just a few verses that Jesus would have known about Himself.
In Daniel 7:13-14 Daniel had a prophetic vision of Jesus's ascension and God the Father giving His Son Jesus dominion and glory overall and giving Him the kingdom. God showed Daniel this was with God in the beginning, in God's plan but did not come to fruition until Jesus ascended in Acts 1:9.
Galatians 4: 8-11, 8Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. 9But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? 10Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. 11I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain."
It is obvious that Paul asks us not to observe days.
In Galatians 5:1-2, Paul also says, "1Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. 2Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing."
In the epistle to Galatians Paul makes clear that we are not saved by the Law. We are freed from its rule.And in the Law he includes observing days and months and times and years and all those that the Law commanded the Israelites to obey.
In Romans, chapter 14, Paul talks about days and meat and drink
Verse 5, "One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind."
Does that mean that it is OK to observe days? Although in verse 6, he says, "He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks." in verse 1 he calls those who consider some days as holy, also avoiding specific meats and drinks, as weak in faith.
Verse 1 "1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs."
And in verse 14 he goes on "14I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is"
Hi everyone, I would like to comment on the Sabbath rest mentioned in Exodus 20:10 and entering in that rest mentioned in Hebrews 4:10-11.
Israel as a Nation and under the Law did not enter in that rest and I will attempt to explain why.
There still remains a rest for the people of Israel. This speaks volumes on several topics; However, I would like to focus on one.
Now this is not the Church, we have joined him in his rest as mentioned here in Hebrews 4:3
Israel as a Nation stumbled as that Rock of offence by nonbelief. Yet for the most part they kept the Sabbath rest. Which was ritual pointing to one that could give them rest.
THE LAW WAS THE VIHICLE WHICH BROUGHT US TO THE ONE THAT CAN GIVE US REST!
Galatians 4:1-5. Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
We join him in his rest by way of sonship.
So, what about the written articles of God? I will speak on that in a moment.
"Hello Giannis: I appreciate your comments but I politely disagree with both. The names (not quotes) you gave me were Catholics not Christians. Big difference. If you don't mind, would you be able to respond with quotes to show historical proof of what you say.
Galatians 4: 9-11 Again this deals with the corruption of the laws, statues and ordinances that Moses gave; the Laws of Moses, not the Commandments of God. Moses' laws were done away with through the Cross, Jesus summed up the Commandments of God into 2, Matthew 22: 37-40 "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. (First 4 of God's commandments) And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. (Last 6 of God's commandments). On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Verse 40 is referring to the real laws and words from the prophets that God gave, not the corrupted versions of the people. Just like today as most people use the modern translations of the bible written by men instead of the one true translation written by the Holy Spirit. Those true believers who go to church on Sunday and read modern versions of the bible are doing NO wrong, not unless God has revealed the truth to them and they deny it. I'm not talking about these discussions I am presenting to this group, as being revealed to you, I am talking about a real conviction of the Holy Spirit as I have received. Those experiences are between the believer and God, but I won't remain silent on the subjects either. God Bless :)
PS As I said, these postings were premature. They need corrections. More later."
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Hello Giannis: I appreciate your comments but I politely disagree with both. The names (not quotes) you gave me were Catholics not Christians. Big difference. If you don't mind, would you be able to respond with quotes to show historical proof of what you say.
Galatians 4: 9-11 Again this deals with the corruption of the laws, statues and ordinances that Moses gave; the Laws of Moses, not the Commandments of God. Moses' laws were done away with through the Cross, Jesus summed up the Commandments of God into 2, Matthew 22: 37-40 "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. (First 4 of God's commandments) And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. (Last 6 of God's commandments). On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Verse 40 is referring to the real laws and words from the prophets that God gave, not the corrupted versions of the people. Just like today as most people use the modern translations of the bible written by men instead of the one true translation written by the Holy Spirit. Those true believers who go to church on Sunday and read modern versions of the bible are doing NO wrong, not unless God has revealed the truth to them and they deny it. I'm not talking about these discussions I am presenting to this group, as being revealed to you, I am talking about a real conviction of the Holy Spirit as I have received. Those experiences are between the believer and God, but I won't remain silent on the subjects either. God Bless :)
PS As I said, these postings were premature. They need corrections. More later.
It was not the Catholic church that established Sunday instead of Sabbath. Untill 1054 AD when the scism/split between the Western Catholic Church and the Eastern Ortodox Church occured, the church was a united universal church. That church came as continuation of the first church and kept many of the traditions and ordinances of that early church. Apart from the Bible there are many other writtings of early christians who wrote about Sunday. Some of them are: Justin the Martyr (100-165 AD), Ignatius of Antioch (50-120/140 AD), The Epistle of Barnabas (70-130 AD), The Teachings of the 12 Apostles (Didascalia Apostolorum) 70-200 AD
Galatians 4:9-11, "But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain."
Thank you, there is no reason to post more you have answered my questions. I have studied John and all the New Testament and as you see this doctrine, I do not see it was taught in any of the books of the New Testament that we must believe it for salvation. What I do see is the only way of salvation is belief in Jesus our Lord Messiah the Son of God sent by the Father. Galatians 4:4
In John, I see a loving Son obedient to the Father who Jesus says is greater than Him. When Jesus was anointed with the Spirit of God without limit or measure the Father who dwelt in Jesus is the one who did the works. John 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
All that Jesus had was given to Him from the Father, John 17:1-3 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: 2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
Thank you for discussing this with me may our love for each other overcome any disagreement.
Thank you Valmar. To respond & also I'm in agreement with you, No, the Triune God never changes - as well as His requirement of faith to please Him & be acceptable to Him. The OT folk were accepted by God because of their faith in Him for Who He was (as revealed to them) & they were confident that He would fulfill all that He had promised to them. Those who died in their sins were the disobedient & faithless & could never please Him & suffered under His Hand. So, the essential requirement was Faith & when the Law & Commandments came to them, they were to obey fully in their strength, looking unto their Maker only.
So, what changed with the coming of Jesus Christ? Faith was still the requirement ( Hebrews 11:6), but it was no longer a human faith, based on human works, to be acceptable to God. The OT faithful (looking forward) would have their sins paid for at Calvary, just as those who would believe from Israel & Gentiles post-Calvary. But now, we don't receive a set of rules to follow to please God - we don't muster up (our) faith to be acceptable - and we contribute nothing in works (sacrifices, feasts, sabbaths, washings, etc.) towards our salvation.
For this reason, I sought your thoughts on the work of the Holy Spirit, He Who was sent by Jesus ( John 15:26; John 16:7; Galatians 4:6), a Spirit that the OT faithful never received for the renewing & enlivening of their hearts - only at Pentecost such a mighty Work of God took place. God indeed has not changed, but the Cross has changed how man stands before God. To Page 2.
Jesus was subject unto God his Father like anybody else
Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,.."
God was not Superman to come as a human being he sent his Son Jesus John 3:16. If Jesus was God he sure is the weakest one I ever read as Jesus can do nothing by himself without the spirit of God his Father in him. John 5:30
John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
No man can see God's face at anytime as people will die. Moses can never see God's face and neither can we, we only have the Son of God as an example who God his Father really is. Jesus preached God is a spirit John 4:24. Jesus never said that he was God in the whatever and if so nobody would be able to see his face.
John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
Exodus 33:20 And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
21 And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:
22 And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:
23 And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.
Jesus fulfilled the law, which means he died and did everything that was written of him to do. The testimony of two m((en)) is true John 8:7 and not one m((an)). God was not Superman to become flesh, it was his Son as all the prophets of old knew that God had a son.
Daniel 3:25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
God never left his throne he sent his Son Jesus and not himself Romans 8:3.
And that is why I stated that cultural Christianity can at times supersede biblical Christianity. What may have begun as pagan worship and a false Christianity practised is not necessarily the same meaning and observance it is today. What you are sharing, is about the roots of such an observance, which should be reason enough for believers to cast it aside. However, many today won't consider, or not even interested in the history of it, rather accepting as a normal required Christian observance to celebrate the Lord's Birth & stand as a witness to that glorious event. This then moves Xmas from an historical fact and understanding, to a cultural practise, and that regardless of earlier questionable practises, its cultural acceptance gives warrant for observing it today. Onto Page 2.
Hebrews 10:38-39 reads, "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
BUT WE ARE NOT OF THEM WHO DRAW BACK UNTO PERDITION; BUT OF THEM THAT BELIEVE TO THE SAVING OF THE SOUL.
As for blind faith, the Lord never asks us for blind faith.
Faith is not a leap in the dark.
Faith rest on real knowledge, it is substance that we have faith in. "God's word!"
Faith originates from hearing the Word of God ( Romans 10:17
Hebrews 11:1reads "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
The word evidence is the Greek word "elegchos" which is a legal term meaning "evidence that is accepted for conviction.
I believe God wants a foundation under our beliefs, which is provided through supernatural signs.
True faith rests upon God's trustworthy character and His revealed Word, not on a lack of understanding or evidence.
Abraham was given covenant promises.
One of those promises is seen in
Genesis 22:18 "And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
Abraham was given other verbal promises including a Davidic Kingdom and he was promised a Son from his own bowels. (Issac)
This miraculous birth was not by the will of Abraham but by knowledge of the verbal promise and Abraham believed.
We're also Children of promise. Galatians 4:28.
We can trust and rest on God's word.
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
That WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM should not perish, but have eternal life.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that "WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM" should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:14-16.
Running out of space.
See part 2
GiGi and Chris have answered well. There was a transition, but the same gospel and one body of Christ-that is, the Church. Galatians 4:4 says, "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law." Jesus came first for the lost sheep of Israel and to fulfill the law and the prophets.
Jesus had to live a perfect, sinless life under the law to bring in the new everlasting covenant. As prophesied, the new covenant had to be offered to the Jews first before it was offered to the Gentiles, as seen in Romans 1:16. We see that when the time came to go to the Gentiles, as in Acts 7:54-60, they plugged their ears and killed Stephen. Philip was the first to carry the gospel to the Samaritans, as in Acts 8. Paul's conversion is detailed in Acts 9, and Peter's dream and the sending to Cornelius are in Acts 10. Salvation has always been a gift of God through faith by the grace of God. John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9,
God bless.
RLW
Galatians 3:29 tells us, "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." From a dispensational view, this does not mean the Church has taken Israel's earthly promises. The promise goes back to Genesis 12:3-"in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." In Christ, that blessing is extended to Jew and Gentile alike in the Body of Christ. Our inheritance is heavenly and spiritual ( Eph. 1:3; Phil. 3:20), not Israel's land or her kingdom program.
In Galatians 4:28-31 Paul explains that we, like Isaac, are children of promise, contrasted with Ishmael, born after the flesh. But this does not make the Body of Christ "spiritual Israel." Romans 11 shows clearly that Israel as a nation remains distinct and that God's covenant promises to them are not cancelled but postponed until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in. The Church is called a "new man" ( Eph. 2:15), a separate creation altogether, with a heavenly hope.
Much confusion comes from calling the Church the Bride. Scripture never uses that title for the Body of Christ. The Bride belongs to Israel ( Isa. 62:4-5; Rev. 21:2). We are the Body, already seated with Christ in heavenly places ( Eph. 2:6). Mixing these programs erases the difference between prophecy and the mystery.
Revelation 20:4 speaks of those beheaded in the Tribulation who will reign with Christ a thousand years. These are not the Church but saints who endure Israel's prophetic program. We, the Body, are delivered from wrath to come ( 1 Thess. 1:10) and caught up before that time ( 1 Thess. 4:16-17).
Thus, rightly dividing the Word ( 2 Tim. 2:15) means recognizing God's two distinct programs: Israel's earthly kingdom and the Church's heavenly calling. Both will be fulfilled in their proper place and order, to the glory of Christ.
This is not hard to understand!
G&P
a. Jesus Christ's perfect Sacrifice, once and for all people. 1 Peter 3:18, Hebrews 10:9,10.
b. We have been justified, declared not guilty, by that Sacrifice and faith in Him. Romans 5:1,2.
c. God has imputed Christ's Righteousness in us, making us holy. Romans 4:22-24, 2 Corinthians 5:21.
d. God has adopted us into His family, never to abandon us. Ephesians 1:5, Galatians 4:5,6.
Hope this helps.
How do we become the sons of God according to the Scripture? Only by the New Birth - John 3:7b ...Ye must be born again. 1Peter 1:23a Being born again... Even in todays venacular there is certainly a major difference in being born, and being adopted.
Now in Romans 8:23b ... waiting for the adoption. It is clear according to Scripture that the moment we are born again that we are presently sons of God, so what is meant by our waiting to be adopted? Adoption in Bible times had a different application. The Jewish tradition, and other Middle East cultures of the day was that when your natural born son became of age, he would go through a celebrated ceremonial practice and be adopted by his own father. This was not to place the son into the family, but rather to bless the natural born son, with the recognition of now being mature. Now, this adopted son was blessed with full rights and had authority. The adopted (mature) son's word now had the same authority as the father. He was no longer under tutors and instructors. No longer could the servant(s) of the family have authority over the child, rather now the adopted (mature) son had full authority over the servant(s). Galatians 4:1,2, 5, 7 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord over all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. read v. 5&7. Being predestinated unto the adoption of sons refers to the fact that every born again child of God, is to become mature in the faith. No where in Scripture is it said that God predestinates people to hell or heaven. Every time the word "predestination" is used in any form, it always refers to us becoming like Christ.
In Jesus' name we pray that He strengthens u in spirit, soul and body that u long for the freedom in Jesus, Amen Only You Jesus can set us free and we will be truly free! Thank in advance for You Lord extending Your hand to salvation and freedom for all people. To all who sayed YES to YOUR invitation to and become a child of peace. Thank you for Your great mercy. Thank You Jesus Christ. 2 Tim 4:2
Never touch that kind of medicine again in the holy name of Jesus Christ, Amen. Proclaim His Name to all. Be free! Amen Run to the phone and call Jesus in dayes u have in darkness, call your aunt or someone Unfortunately u run to the medicine in the beginning u belive that will help u. Like all of us we try out what u we belive is best, and its not, Jesus is best. In such things as this we are innocent. Because we don't know what we're doing. Greace upon Greace, Jesus Amen.
It sits hard, it won't let go easy. It is idolatry simply from the beginning. And you see how the devil and his hordes want to destroy us. Say against it in the name of Jesus Christ and Jesus will come to your rescue, be patient. Please know that this is a love letter from me. If we had accused someone in the Old Testament of the same thing, the person doing it would have been killed. But don't we have much to thank Jesus for? Good luck and pray unceasingly. Galatians 4:6-9 GBU
BY FAITH
As Isaac was, are the children of promise." Galatians 4:22-28.
Blessings
Your quote;
"That's why God waited for Abraham and Sarah. He gave them the promise and waited for them to become elderly and unable to produce children themselves naturally, so that when God moved, it would be all of God, not of man. That's how God works!" end quote. Well stated!
When God performed a covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15:2-6, he didn't allow Abraham to participate. He put Abraham to sleep.
We see the promise of Issac and blessings in various verses throughout the OT.
.
Here's a couple.
1) Genesis 17:19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.
2) Genesis 22:16-18.
And that goes for us also!
"For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.
Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.
For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise." Galatians 4:22-28.
ALSO.
Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. Galatians 3:16-17.
Blessings.
3, And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
This is one powerful verse: "And this is life eternal." This was the primary purpose of Jesus' mission: the immortality of the Father came to earth, manifested in Jesus, and eternal life which God the Father alone possesses, 1 Timothy 6:16.
God was revealed in the flesh of His only Son, Jesus. What is eternal was manifested in the world and is now available to us. This eternal life is given that we might know the only true God and His Son Jesus Christ, whom His Father sent, 1 John 4:7-16.
There are 38 times in the gospels where Jesus said God sent Him, the most expressive is in John 7:16-29. When Jesus was sent, it was first for the lost sheep of the house of Israel, Matthew 15:24, at the fullness of time, for those under the law, Galatians 4:4-5. This was part of God's plan from the beginning and happened at the fullness of time.
In 1 John 5:20, John says Jesus gave them understanding that they should know the Son of God, the Messiah has come, and that we should know the true God, and we are in Him, the true God, and in the Son of Him that is the only God from whom eternal life comes. Paul says the same in 1 Corinthians 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. God, the Father, of whom are all things, "of whom are" Greek ek" or "ex" indicates the origin or source. "Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, Greek dia ho, he, to pas, on the account of Jesus are all things.
See part 4.
Galatians 4:3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
Renewing the theme of Christ's knowledge of upcoming death on the cross; it is hard not to sympathize with the disciples who were "exceedingly sorry" ( Matt. 17:23) or something to that affect. For Christ to be able to even concentrate on anything else is remarkable at least looking at my own pitiful faith and willingness to die for Christ. This may be the best kept secret in the Gospels; we see it later on ( Galatians 2:20); but Christ was in some sense dying to self even though He had no sin; His life demonstrated total dependence on the Spirit. Doing this explains what only saying what the Father tells Him to say ( John 12:49) demonstrates. Jesus wasn't going to operate in His own strength; even though He was sinless it would involve deviating from His call and mission which would have been wrong. These actions would cause Him to be promoted in some ways as a man as the Father gave Him "all authority in heaven and earth" ( Matt. 28:18); along with other promises for His upcoming Millennial reign. As the Creator surely He had all authority in one sense; but in God's Divine plan He would have to come first as the suffering servant in Isaiah 53 before coming back in vengeance and flaming fire ( 2 Thessalonians 1:8). This illustrates how He as the first of the firstfruits came before the rest of the N.T. saints and how we; in turn can gain rewards through obedience; including martyrdom with specific crowns for this and other works of the Spirit in a believer's life and faith walk.
As a general statement we can also say that Christ was never half hearted about anything. Whether it was care for His mother during His crucifixion delegated to John; telling all the woman at the well had done; rebuking the religious establishment for hypocricy; overturning the moneychangers we see righteous love and indignation.
When we were lost , being not saved by believing the gospel of grace, we were part of the world system and was the devil's child.
Ephesians 2:12
That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in theworld:
Satan has advantages on the unsaved.
Ephesians 2:2
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of thisworld, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
We that are unsaved , are in bondage to the cares of the world.
Galatians 4:3
Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of theworld:
Even as a saved Christian, it's easy to let Satan in our spirit.
Ephesians 4:27
Neither give place to thedevil.
Today, the worldly spirit of Satan is very strong because of cellphone, television and being very busy doing worldly things instead of godly things
1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines ofdevils;
One day we will leave the evil world and be with Jesus Christ.
Galatians 1:4
Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evilworld, according to the will of God and our Father:
Satan is good at hiding the gospel of grace.
2 Corinthians 4:4
In whom the god of thisworldhath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
God gave us a spirit to worship Him. The spirit of the world is of Satan.
1 Corinthians 2:12
Now we have received, not the spirit of theworld, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
Ray , in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Galatians 4:14
And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus
Apostle Paul might not be a angel , but he was the hardest working Apostle in history and we had the Twelve Apostles for the Jews.
1 Corinthians 15:9-10
9For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
10But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
We that are saved will be judging angels.
1 Corinthians 6:3
Know ye not that we shall judgeangels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
The only angel to be careful of is Satan himself.
2 Corinthians 11:14
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into anangelof light.
All Apostle Paul wants us to do is follow the gospel of grace in his Epistles.
Philippians 1:7
Even as it is meet for me to think thisofyou all, because I have you in my heart; in as much as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmationofthegospel, ye all are partakersofmygrace
May we know the Gospel of Grace in Apostle Paul's epistle.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Angels in Heaven believe that the Gospel of Grace is true for Salvation.
Because we have Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are able to communicate with the Father by the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 2:18
For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
When somebody tell me they follow the law, I tell them that, I let the Holy Spirit lead me to righteousness.
Galatians 5:18
But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
I will do well with the Holy Spirit and be bless with the fruits of the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:7
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
The Holy Spirit dwells in the heart.
2 Corinthians 1:22
Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
Galatians 4:6
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Having the Holy Spirit living in your heart will make it easy to do rightous while walking and avoiding the fleshly things.
We will always be saved because we are sealed by the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:1
There istherefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
God knows what we are thinking in our hearts because of the Holy Spirit is communicating with God.
Romans 8:27
And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth whatisthe mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according tothe will ofGod.
Why don't we follow the law ? Because the Holy Spirit has the law for us to follow.
Romans 8:2
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
We do not become Jews, we will have the blood of God through the Spirit.
1. Let's start in Genesis, God said it will start with the seed of the woman.
Genesis 3:15
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thyseedand herseed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Galatians 4:4
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of awoman, made under the law,
Romans 1:3
Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of theseedofDavidaccording to the flesh;
2 Timothy 2:8
Remember that Jesus Christ of theseedofDavidwas raised from the dead according to my gospel:
2. Jesus Christ's father is God in Heaven. The Father carries the identity of the child. Marry carried the identity of Jesus Christ through the flesh by the seed of Daved in the woman in Genesis.
Matthew 1:18
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his motherMarywas espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
3. We get adopted the minute we believe the finished work of the cross that Apostle Paul calls my gospel. We are circumcised in the family of God.
Colossians 2:11
In whom also ye arecircumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Ephesians 1:5
Having predestinated us unto theadoptionof children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Romans 8:15
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit ofadoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Romans 8:23
And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for theadoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1CORINTHIANS 15:1-4 believe only
Galatians 4:5 - To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
He did this to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. Did you catch that? Adoption, HUIOTHESIAN, has to do with putting a person in place to be the inheritor. That's what the HUIOS is. There are different Greek words for the term son.
The word Son, in the title Son of God doesn't have anything to do with someone who is a son by birth. It is a legal term that means the person, who through the legal system, has been placed into a position to inherit all things. So, He came to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
Galatians 4:9 - But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
But now, after that ye have known God, and I want to point this out to you because it's very subtle. He did it in Colossians, but he also did it here. He says but after you have known God, (or rather) are known of God. He corrected himself in Colossians as well. And we do it all the time. We ask people "Do you know the Lord?" The scripture says does the Lord know you?
The bible says a relationship with Christ is not based on me knowing Him, but Him knowing me, which is a relief because, before He saved me, He knew me!
Galatians 4:12 - Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all.
Where it says, "I beseech you," it is literally I appeal to you.
Here I will attempt to parallel the context of the passages previously mentioned in Romans 9 the references in the passages in the OT and these passages in Galatians.
Galatians 4:22-31
For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman
But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.
Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.
For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.
Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.
So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.
More to come later.
God bless.
We find that the unfolding of God's salvation plan is in no sense haphazard or random, but that every aspect of that plan is worked out in time. We can't separate time from the law, they are inextricably linked together. Galatians 4:4 declares
"4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons."
Today there are a number of people who are saying they know the timing of Christ's return. Whether God shall reveal the timing remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Christ's return is imminent, and the time to make our calling and election sure is now.
Hebrews 2:3,4
"3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; 4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?"
2 Corinthians 6:2 "(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)"
Romans 9:27,28 "27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: 28 For he will finish the [Greek: logos, proclamation of the gospel], and cut it short in righteousness: because a short [Greek: logos, proclamation of the gospel] will the Lord make upon the earth."
May the LORD open our spiritual eyes and ears as we search the scriptures, applying the principals that God Himself has laid out in His Word, the Bible. Praying that God, in His Mercy, might open our understanding. And that He might give us an earnest and ongoing desire to be obedient to that Word.
2 Timothy 3:16,17
I agree with you that our all powerful God can give his spirit to a vessel and make him a sinless being.
But that sinless being
/Vessel would still be born of Adam and can only inherit what Adam has to offer. Death!
Adam was "MADE" a living soul, He didn't become one!
A living soul could never give life even if he was sinless.
Christ was a quickening (Life giving) Spirit. He didn't have to become one. HE WAS, AND "IS ONE"
Only the Son of God can make us Sons of God.
Any other person wouldn't be a Son of God!
Jesus had no Earthly Father.
So we should consider these scriptures to perhaps understand "Why a Son?"
Galatians 4:4-6.
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
To redeem them that were under the law, THAT WE MIGHT RECEIVE THE ADOPTION OF SONS.
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
John 1:12-13.
But as many as received him, TO THEM GAVE HE POWER TO BECOME THE SONS OF GOD, EVEN TO THEM THAT BELIEVE ON HIS NAME:
WHICH WERE BORN, ((NOT OF BLOOD, NOR OF THE WILL OF THE FLESH, NOR OF THE WILL OF MAN)), ""BUT OF GOD"".
Romans 8:19-23. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
God bless.
Galatians 4:9 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again, till Christ be formed IN YOU.
Philippians 3:18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often and now tell you weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ.
God Bless YOU
Yes, Jesus is of the tribe of Judah and the line of David who was of the tribe of Judah, you can read the genealogy in Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:21-38. Jesus the Son of God was made of a woman, made under the law, Galatians 4:4. Not sure about your question was Jesus a Jew? Today when we hear the word Jew it is taken to mean anyone who is of the religion of Judaism regardless of their genealogy.
The same when we hear the word Gentile or Gentiles, we think of anyone who is not a Jew but there are more to these words. After Soloman died the tribes of Israel divided into the northern and southern kingdoms. The southern kingdom was the tribes of Judah and Benjamin and the Levites tended to the temple; it is called the kingdom of Judah. When they were taken captive by Babylon, the slang term began to be used. Jew is an abbreviated slang term for Judahite, a resident of the southern kingdom of Judah.
Hope this helps.
God bless,
RLW
Part one.
Thank you for continuing the discussion, I also tremble at His word we are just a spec compared to our God. Deuteronomy 18:15-19 This to me is fulfilled in John 1:1 the word of God in Jesus the Messiah. When Jesus was anointed the Messiah every word that Jesus said was the word of God the word of God in the flesh of His Son. Everything that was created was created by the word of God, not His Son. God said let there be, and it was.
If we read Isaiah 66:1 we cannot imagine how large God can be. He can overwhelm all of what we can imagine. In my human mind, I see His Spirit cover the earth like a dome, omnipresent, it is like an electrical grid that believers plug into, I know that may sound weird.
John 17 I will do my best to show my understanding, this is just before Jesus was going to be nailed to the cross. Verses 1-5 Jesus is praying to the Father about Himself, the Father is God, when we pray, we pray to our Father, and we relate to God as Father, through the Bible Father means God and Jesus said to His Father He is the only true God. In and through Jesus Christ we become sons and daughters of God, so we cry out Abba, Father, Galatians 4:6.
Jesus said He had finished the work the Father had given to Him and Jesus glorified His Father on earth. Jesus is now ready to face death on the cross and fulfilling the law and the prophet's, all of what Scripture had said what He would become, and Jesus was ready to take His place on the right hand of His Father, Isaiah 53:12 Jeremiah 23:5-6 2 Samuel 7:12-13 Psalm 110:4 Psalm 16:10, these are just a few verses that Jesus would have known about Himself.
In Daniel 7:13-14 Daniel had a prophetic vision of Jesus's ascension and God the Father giving His Son Jesus dominion and glory overall and giving Him the kingdom. God showed Daniel this was with God in the beginning, in God's plan but did not come to fruition until Jesus ascended in Acts 1:9.
See part 2.
In Galatians, Paul says:
Galatians 4: 8-11, 8Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. 9But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? 10Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. 11I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain."
It is obvious that Paul asks us not to observe days.
In Galatians 5:1-2, Paul also says, "1Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. 2Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing."
In the epistle to Galatians Paul makes clear that we are not saved by the Law. We are freed from its rule.And in the Law he includes observing days and months and times and years and all those that the Law commanded the Israelites to obey.
In Romans, chapter 14, Paul talks about days and meat and drink
Verse 5, "One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind."
Does that mean that it is OK to observe days? Although in verse 6, he says, "He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks." in verse 1 he calls those who consider some days as holy, also avoiding specific meats and drinks, as weak in faith.
Verse 1 "1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs."
And in verse 14 he goes on "14I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is"
Part 1.
Hi everyone, I would like to comment on the Sabbath rest mentioned in Exodus 20:10 and entering in that rest mentioned in Hebrews 4:10-11.
Israel as a Nation and under the Law did not enter in that rest and I will attempt to explain why.
There still remains a rest for the people of Israel. This speaks volumes on several topics; However, I would like to focus on one.
Now this is not the Church, we have joined him in his rest as mentioned here in Hebrews 4:3
Israel as a Nation stumbled as that Rock of offence by nonbelief. Yet for the most part they kept the Sabbath rest. Which was ritual pointing to one that could give them rest.
THE LAW WAS THE VIHICLE WHICH BROUGHT US TO THE ONE THAT CAN GIVE US REST!
Galatians 4:1-5. Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
We join him in his rest by way of sonship.
So, what about the written articles of God? I will speak on that in a moment.
See Part 2. The early Church.
Galatians 4: 9-11 Again this deals with the corruption of the laws, statues and ordinances that Moses gave; the Laws of Moses, not the Commandments of God. Moses' laws were done away with through the Cross, Jesus summed up the Commandments of God into 2, Matthew 22: 37-40 "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. (First 4 of God's commandments) And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. (Last 6 of God's commandments). On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Verse 40 is referring to the real laws and words from the prophets that God gave, not the corrupted versions of the people. Just like today as most people use the modern translations of the bible written by men instead of the one true translation written by the Holy Spirit. Those true believers who go to church on Sunday and read modern versions of the bible are doing NO wrong, not unless God has revealed the truth to them and they deny it. I'm not talking about these discussions I am presenting to this group, as being revealed to you, I am talking about a real conviction of the Holy Spirit as I have received. Those experiences are between the believer and God, but I won't remain silent on the subjects either. God Bless :)
PS As I said, these postings were premature. They need corrections. More later."
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Galatians 4: 9-11 Again this deals with the corruption of the laws, statues and ordinances that Moses gave; the Laws of Moses, not the Commandments of God. Moses' laws were done away with through the Cross, Jesus summed up the Commandments of God into 2, Matthew 22: 37-40 "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. (First 4 of God's commandments) And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. (Last 6 of God's commandments). On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Verse 40 is referring to the real laws and words from the prophets that God gave, not the corrupted versions of the people. Just like today as most people use the modern translations of the bible written by men instead of the one true translation written by the Holy Spirit. Those true believers who go to church on Sunday and read modern versions of the bible are doing NO wrong, not unless God has revealed the truth to them and they deny it. I'm not talking about these discussions I am presenting to this group, as being revealed to you, I am talking about a real conviction of the Holy Spirit as I have received. Those experiences are between the believer and God, but I won't remain silent on the subjects either. God Bless :)
PS As I said, these postings were premature. They need corrections. More later.
It was not the Catholic church that established Sunday instead of Sabbath. Untill 1054 AD when the scism/split between the Western Catholic Church and the Eastern Ortodox Church occured, the church was a united universal church. That church came as continuation of the first church and kept many of the traditions and ordinances of that early church. Apart from the Bible there are many other writtings of early christians who wrote about Sunday. Some of them are: Justin the Martyr (100-165 AD), Ignatius of Antioch (50-120/140 AD), The Epistle of Barnabas (70-130 AD), The Teachings of the 12 Apostles (Didascalia Apostolorum) 70-200 AD
Galatians 4:9-11, "But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain."
Thank you, there is no reason to post more you have answered my questions. I have studied John and all the New Testament and as you see this doctrine, I do not see it was taught in any of the books of the New Testament that we must believe it for salvation. What I do see is the only way of salvation is belief in Jesus our Lord Messiah the Son of God sent by the Father. Galatians 4:4
In John, I see a loving Son obedient to the Father who Jesus says is greater than Him. When Jesus was anointed with the Spirit of God without limit or measure the Father who dwelt in Jesus is the one who did the works. John 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
All that Jesus had was given to Him from the Father, John 17:1-3 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: 2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
Thank you for discussing this with me may our love for each other overcome any disagreement.
God bless,
RLW
Thank you Valmar. To respond & also I'm in agreement with you, No, the Triune God never changes - as well as His requirement of faith to please Him & be acceptable to Him. The OT folk were accepted by God because of their faith in Him for Who He was (as revealed to them) & they were confident that He would fulfill all that He had promised to them. Those who died in their sins were the disobedient & faithless & could never please Him & suffered under His Hand. So, the essential requirement was Faith & when the Law & Commandments came to them, they were to obey fully in their strength, looking unto their Maker only.
So, what changed with the coming of Jesus Christ? Faith was still the requirement ( Hebrews 11:6), but it was no longer a human faith, based on human works, to be acceptable to God. The OT faithful (looking forward) would have their sins paid for at Calvary, just as those who would believe from Israel & Gentiles post-Calvary. But now, we don't receive a set of rules to follow to please God - we don't muster up (our) faith to be acceptable - and we contribute nothing in works (sacrifices, feasts, sabbaths, washings, etc.) towards our salvation.
For this reason, I sought your thoughts on the work of the Holy Spirit, He Who was sent by Jesus ( John 15:26; John 16:7; Galatians 4:6), a Spirit that the OT faithful never received for the renewing & enlivening of their hearts - only at Pentecost such a mighty Work of God took place. God indeed has not changed, but the Cross has changed how man stands before God. To Page 2.
Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,.."
God was not Superman to come as a human being he sent his Son Jesus John 3:16. If Jesus was God he sure is the weakest one I ever read as Jesus can do nothing by himself without the spirit of God his Father in him. John 5:30
John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
No man can see God's face at anytime as people will die. Moses can never see God's face and neither can we, we only have the Son of God as an example who God his Father really is. Jesus preached God is a spirit John 4:24. Jesus never said that he was God in the whatever and if so nobody would be able to see his face.
John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
Exodus 33:20 And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
21 And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:
22 And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:
23 And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.
Jesus fulfilled the law, which means he died and did everything that was written of him to do. The testimony of two m((en)) is true John 8:7 and not one m((an)). God was not Superman to become flesh, it was his Son as all the prophets of old knew that God had a son.
Daniel 3:25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
God never left his throne he sent his Son Jesus and not himself Romans 8:3.