Discuss Hebrews 10 Page 6

God is telling us simply that, If YOU if hear his word (Jesus) and believe on him that sent me, (The Father sent the Son Jesus Christ), hath everlasting life ( Romans 10:9), (those whom believe this fact have everlasting life, no ending this is only accomplished by Christ whom is our saviour which is eternal) and shall not come into condemnation; (condemnation from sin being removed by Jesus Hebrews 10:10 it is the devil that condemns, God convicts), but is passed from death unto life (when we were without Jesus we were dead, but were we now believe on him and his testimony, we have a new life, remembering life is in and with God).

I hope that helps God bless.

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The writer exalts Jesus Christ above all others throughout this letter, yet he deals with the fact that there were amongst the mainly converted Jews & Gentiles, those who were either not true believers, or at least, influencing those that were, by introducing aspects of Judaism that would attempt to nullify the efficacy of Christ's Blood & the New Covenant in it, e.g. by bringing in the obedience to the Law or aspects of it.

This then is a word of encouragement ( Hebrews 10:35, Hebrews 13:22) to them to endure & to live by faith & not as those who "draw back unto perdition" ( Hebrews 10:38). I believe those who were truly saved amongst them, would be saved to eternity, but as in every letter by the various writers, words of warning & encouragement were always given that they might stay strong & true to the Lord & not suffer under His Hand (such as those who suffered sickness or death because wilful sin - but their souls might be preserved, e.g. 1 Corinthians 11:27-32). I hope this short study helps you somewhat.

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Hello Janet. Unfortunately, I don't consider Hebrews 10:26 in exactly the same way as the good doctor. It is true, that Israel suffered badly because of their unbelief, whether in regards to Moses or from the report of the spies sent into the Promised Land, but God was ready to forgive them if they turned back to Him & purposed in their hearts to follow Him. The doctor probably wanted to show how Israel also behaved by committing 'wilful sin', but looking at Hebrews, we see a different application.

In Hebrews chapter 10, it is an entirely different matter - nothing to do with the events in Numbers (though the matter of Israel's sins can be seen). The essence of this chapter is the finality (or, completeness/perfection) of Christ's Sacrifice when contrasted with the lack of finality of the OT system of Laws & Sacrifices. The redemption accomplished in Christ has no more need of a repetition or any supplementation of it.

I can't take you right through the chapter, but to focus on verse 26. The essential question is, 'what is this wilful sin(s)?' The Hebrews writer goes on to explain it. It is a sin that is committed after "receiving the knowledge of the truth". Then in verse 29, the writer explains it: it's when that sinner "hath trodden under foot the Son of God..counting the blood of the covenant..an unholy thing..doing despite unto the Spirit of grace". The writer uses very strong language here, showing the devastating effects of unbelief & perversion of the Truths of Christ's Sacrifice. I can hardly put those words into any other contemporary expressions, as the Scriptures show the gravity of their sins.

Beware of anyone giving you answers that aren't in the Bible. For example if someone says yes to your question and if the Bible doesn't say that, then that sounds more like one person's opinion rather than anything from God. But we are trying to learn God's position on this not mans, right? The Bible doesn't specifically address this question, but it does say that even people who expect and feel entitled to get to heaven won't get in. Matthew 7:21. So, many people will be horrified to learn that they put their hope and trust in the wrong thing, or that they weren't even real followers of Jesus to begin with. They should have been following Jesus and His teachings and taking it to heart, not the teachings of the world (satan). So, given that most people will not make it to heaven, is it likely that someone who commits such a defiant sin against God will be warmly welcomed with great rewards? So, someone wants to intentionally destroy God's creation right in front of His face then the next moment beg for mercy and forgiveness from the intentional act of defiance? I don't see these two things as being congruent. My answer is "not yes" to your question and someone considering this act should deeply search what his or her priorities are. God likely has greater plans and purposes for the person they are not even remotely aware of. For someone to blatantly sin, disobey and defy God and His Will is evil. Grace is not an excuse to commit intentional sin. Hebrews 10:26-31, Hebrews 6:4-6, James 2:14-26, John 14:15, Romans 6:1-2. God bless.

Amen. In Jesus mighty name. Alleluia.

Psalm 5:12 kjv, Hebrews 10:19.

How Precious you both are in His sight. I thank Him for Your marriage.

Be strong in the Lord. He is mighty in battle.

God bless you both in Jesus name.

Thanks brother. Your words, from the Word of God, ought to strike our hearts with a searing iron. It certainly does mine especially when I read some comments that are so far removed from the Truth, prompting others to believe a lie.

Many forget that the Gospel of the Cross is two-fold: one of propitiation ( 1 John 2:2: to provide a means for atonement & forgiveness by God, as well as to avert God's Anger against the sinner); and one requiring a response ( Romans 10:13,14). If the Gospel fails in both conditions, then there can be no salvation - we are forever lost in our sins. Though I've sought an answer to this several times in the past, without a response, I can only understand that there are some who believe in the first part (of God's Forgiveness), but the second part is almost inconsequential. And why so? For God is All-Loving, All-Forgiving, & all men will eventually be saved (a Universalism teaching). Why then the need for repentance in this life? Why did the apostles hazard their lives, even laying them down for the Gospel, if those enemies of the Cross would be changed & accepted by God in the last day? Where does the Bible ever speak about a 'second-chance salvation'? Why should the believer ever be called upon to live holy separated lives unto God if even the unrepentant will be saved?

And then some consider us as believers in a vengeful angry God. And yet we have the Scriptures: Matthew 7:13; John 3:36; Hebrews 10:31; Hebrews 12:25,29; & many more showing that here is a God Who is to be feared & none can stand guiltless in His Presence. Thank you again for bringing this to light brother - it may be that others will be able to differentiate between the true & false Gospels.

Please read the following

Hebrews 10:1-31, Hebrews 9:1-28,

The law of Priests, regarding the Ark of The Covenant & Holy of Holies : Exodus 25:8-22, Exodus 26:33,34, Leviticus 16:1-34, Deuteronomy 10:8,

note: Hebrews 9:3-5,

1Samuel 3:1-3, 1Samuel 3:19, * 1Samuel 3:20, 1Samuel 7:15,16,17, 1Samuel 8:1, doesn't call Samuel or his sons priests, 1Samuel 9:9,10,15,19,

* 1Samuel 4:3-11, 1Samuel 4:22, 1Samuel 5:1, 1Samuel 7:2, The Ark of The Covenant was taken,

1Samuel 8:5,6,7,19,22,

David didn't become King until after Samuel passed on. 1Samuel 25:1, while David was still hiding from Saul. 2Samuel 6:1-9, is David's 1st attempt to retrieve the Ark of The Covenant, 2Samuel 6, * 1Chronicles 13:3, Please also read 1Chronicles 15,

Significant note: Luke 1:5-23, Matthew 27:51, Mark 15:38, Luke 23:45,

The Bible is divided into a old testament (will) and the new testament (will). The new testament is God's current will. When someone makes a new will the old one is replace by, or subject to the new . Hebrews 1:1 God spoke in times past by the prophets but in these last days spoken to us by his Son. The old law came through Levi but Jacob prophesied that the lawgiver would proceed out of Judah. David prophesies Christ would be after the order of Melchisedec. In Hebrews 7 it states that the "the priesthood being changed there is made of necessity a change in the law. The law can be for a shadow of the new, but not the very image ( Hebrews 10:1) 1 Timothy 1:8 The law is good if a man use it lawfully implies that the old testament can be used if it complies with the new testament. Romans 3:31 Do we make void the law through faith? God forbid, yea, we establish the law. 2 Cor. 3 has numerous verses that the old testament was to be "done away". The new testament is referenced as the "law of liberty" and the "law of Christ" which is the true lawgiver. Christ in Mat. 7 said in several places "ye have heard that it was said by them of old time" but "I said unto you" indicating that some old testament laws were not according to the "new will".

George,

I meant to place Hebrews 10:26 in the third category, not the second. Sorry about that!

George,

The inscription added to this letter in the 2nd century was "The Letter to the Hebrews." This letter was written to Hebrew Christians. We know this because of the emphasis on the Levitical priesthood and sacrifices, and an absence of any reference to Gentiles.

The purpose of the letter was to warn against apostasy during persecution. It's when believers suffer that believers consider stop following Christ, or consider compromising in their walk with the Lord when things get tough. The Hebrew people would suffer severe persecution for identifying with Christ as the Messiah. Instead of surrendering their lives to Christ, many of them were turning away and going back into Judaism because life was so much easier for them that way. Nothing in the book of Hebrews speaks about losing salvation.

In order to understand the various passages and the various sections of Hebrews, we have to understand that there are three separate groups to whom it was written:

1) To Hebrew believers.



2) To Hebrews who have an intellectual understanding of Christ but have not been saved, and they are considering going back to the religious system of Judaism because of the persecution for identifying with Hebrew believers. ( Hebrews 6:4-6). So these are Hebrews who understand what's being taught, and they intellectually agree with it, but they have never received Christ. ( Hebrews 10:26).

3) There were also Hebrew unbelievers. These were those who were at these meetings, those who were in the crowd that just did not believe.

So by understanding these three groups, we can better understand some of the scriptures that are being presented, and why some of these Hebrew people were turning away and going back into Judaism. There are sections of scriptures to each one of these three groups in the book of Hebrews.

Hi Rick.

I believe there's two tabernacles, an Earthly one and an Heavenly one.

I believe they're looking for the Earthly one. Who knows? They may have found it.

Hebrews 8:1-2. Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;

A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man......

.

Hebrews 8:5. Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

Hebrews 9:2-9. .....

Verses 8-9. The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:

Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;"

Hebrews 9:24. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

I've heard it was seen in the basement at a Church in Ethiopia.

Who knows? perhaps it will be used in the literal Millennium kingdom here on earth.

I don't think we "the Church" have to concern our selves it.

Hebrews 10:19. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

God bless.

Mishael, Thank you for reminding me to go out being more prepared than I often find myself to be. We are often in such a rush to

get things done. At times when there is someone in need outside of a restaurant or grocery store, I invite them to come in and I

will buy them lunch or dinner. I try to have water in my car to give out. I need to add some food to my water supply, as you

suggested, to give out. When I am driving by one who is needy and cannot stop, I stretch out my hand and pray for God to

send someone to help them. We may not be called to do great things, but can make the best of occasions to help the "least of

these".

Thank you for the reminder and nudge. We are called to spur one another on to love and good deeds ( Hebrews 10:24)

Mishael,

God bless your tender heart! When someone is asking for money outside a restaurant of grocery store, I have asked them to

come in with me and I will buy them a lunch or dinner. I should do this more often. We are in such a hurry so much of the time,

it seems. But your response reminds me to be more conscious about this and respond more often to those in need. We may not

be ones to do "great" things in this world, but can humbly be obedient to God and do good to "the least of these" as often as the

Spirit leads us to do. Many times when I do not have any water or food in my car as I drive and see such needy ones, I stretch

out my hand to them and pray.

Thanks for the reminder and nudge, Mishael. We are to spur one another on to love and good works. ( Hebrews 10:24)

But that trust takes action Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 7:20-27, James 2, Revelation 2:19-29, Hebrews 10:23-31, John 13:34, 1John 4:20, Matthew 5:43-48,

Yes, it all has to start with trust in Jesus CHRIST & His name for Salvation! If someone truly trusts in Jesus they will love others

Hi again Ravina.

To put it in context with the verse you supplied and to be direct.

I begin with "Sin" separates us from God.

Jesus is to you, me and the WHOLE world the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 2:2.

Here's the definition for Propitiation.

Greek:

Transliteration: hilasmos

Pronunciation: hil-as-mos'

Definition: atonement that is (concretely) an expiator: - propitiation.

KJV Usage: propitiation.

To expiate is to make amends or reparation for; atone for: expiate one's sins by acts of penance. To make amends; atone.

"The penalty of sin has been paid"

Here's how John the baptist describes him.

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. John 1:29.

Now, to put my first reply in harmony with this post,

Though Jesus is our propitiation for our sins, we must accept him and believe this good news.

"The Gospel".

1 Corinthians 15:3-4.

Romans 10:9-10. ect...

If we reject this good news here's our fate.

Hebrews 10:26-27. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

When we have been truly born again we're given the a new nature and power over sin.

Romans 6:20-22. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.

What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.

But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

I hope this helps.

God bless.

Lord Jesus I thank You for all You are doing right now for Jackie, John and Patrick.

All by Your grace. All for Your glory.

Hebrews 10:19.

Praying for Republicans to take power to save us from ungodly Democrats is folly. Both sides are sowing and reaping violence and lawlessness now and justifying it in service of politicial ambitions. Love is growing cold.

Factionalizing the church along worldly political power divides that demonize one side in blind service to the other is the last thing it needs. What is needed is repentance.

Hebrews 10:24-25

24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

As has been the case for the last number of days, the 'Remember Lot's Wife" topic has been on my mind.

In my quiet time this morning, the Lord reminded me of Israel when they were in bondage in Egypt.

The Lord came along, in the fullness of time, and delivered them...but in such a grand way, that it HAD to

be breath-taking - and that is an understatement!

They saw 10 horrid plagues, sent by the hand of God, afflict the Egyptians - but they were wonderfully

kept from those same plagues!

They saw God leading them out to the Red Sea...and then the Lord opening up the sea that they might

pass through on dry ground!

They saw the Egyptian army swallowed up in the same sea that they easily maneuvered THROUGH.

As they progressed on their journey, they saw the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire, leading them

and guiding and protecting them.

What an experience!

One would think that they would be wholly devoted to such a great, kind, loving, faithful, powerful God and

Savior, with hearts that longed after Him, and were willing to follow Him wherever He would lead.

But no.

They had an inclination.....BACKWARD!

Several times the Bible tells us that they were longing for EGYPT, and hankering after 'the way it was' there, especially the PHYSICAL pleasure ofFOOD...even if it meant to HAVE that food, they would be slaves!!

SUCH is the POWER of our corrupt nature! Those inner 'passions', our inclinations and desires

of our flesh war against the spirit, and draw us BACKWARD. We must, by God's grace and Spirit, RULE OVER

those inclinations and FACE FORWARD towards OUR promised land!

Hebrews 10:38,39 comes to my mind:

38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Let us set our faces to our heavenly Jerusalem, and by God's grace, reach our Promised Land! Amen!

Blessings!

Romans 9, Romans 12,

Hebrews 7:17-28, Hebrews 9, Hebrews 10, references Exodus 39, Exodus 40, Leviticus,

Note Hebrews 10:12 "But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down at the right hand of God." also John 19, Isaiah 53, Luke 23,

I believe the differences comes from these scriptures : Matthew 5:16, Matthew 7:21-29, Revelation 2:23, Revelation 20:13, Matthew 25:31-46,

Even Jesus did works: Matthew 11:2, Luke 19:37, & said greater works we shall do. John 14:20,

Matthew 16:27,

Matthew 23:3,5,23, hypocrisy not ok, you can read whole chapter & those chapters around it for context. John 8:39,

Romans 3:27-28, helps clarify, 'law of faith' Romans 4, Romans 9:30-33,

What is argued is: Romans 11:6, but in context it's the grace extended to Gentiles Romans 11:16-27, also read whole chapter Romans 11,

& Galatians 2:16, "knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.'' the works of the law are in Gen. Exodus, Deuteronomy, Leviticus. Galatians 3,

& Galatians 2:8,9, but we can't ignore Galatians 2:10,

& 2Timothy 1:9 , Titus 3, Hebrews 4, Hebrews 4:11,

However again we can't ignore 2Timothy 3:16-17, Titus 1:15,16, Titus 2, Hebrews 10:24, James 3:13, 1Peter 2:12, Revelation 2:26,

* James 2,

1Corinthians 4, understanding 1st pray & read: James 1:5,

1Corinthians 4:1 "Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of CHRIST, and the stewards of the mysteries of GOD." references: Mark 4:11, in context Mark 4:1-34, Romans 11:25, Romans 16:25-27, Ephesians 3, Revelation 10:7, some Old Testament references: Isaiah 53, Psalms 22, Zechariah 13:6, Leviticus 16:17, John 19,



Romans 14:12 : reference for several

1Corinthians 4:2, references: Titus 1:7,

1Corinthians 4:3-4, ref: Romans 8:33, Isaiah 50:8, Jude 1:24-25, Romans 14:13, Psalms 98:9,

1Corinthians 4:5, ref: Matthew 25:31-46, Hebrews 10:30, 2Thessalonians 2,

1Corinthians 4:6,7,8, ref: 1Corinthians 12, Deuteronomy 8:18, Psalms 75:6-7, John 19:11,

1Corinthians 4:9-14, Hebrews 11,

Hopefully these are helpful

Hi Kenaket.

There's something I believe we have often missed is a passage in the book of Hebrews concerning Christ ministry and that is his priesthood had no beginning or ending.

Note what John the baptist has to say here in John 1:29. The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

The old testament had rituals and services amongst many other things that pointed to the Lord Jesus Christ. You see this throughout the book of Hebrews.

God spoke to them in many ways. Hosea 12:10.

We look back at the cross, they looked ahead at the cross.

Here's Jesus in John 5:39. "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."

Hebrews 10:5-10. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:

In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.

Then said I, Lo, I come (IN THE VOLUME OF THE BOOK IT IS WRITTEN OF ME,) to do thy will, O God.

Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;

Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

( Jesus is referring to old testament scripture )

1 Peter 1:18-20. Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

WHO VERILY WAS FOREORDAINED BEFORE THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE WORLD,...( BUT WAS MANIFEST IN THESE LAST TIMES FOR YOU,...)

I hope this helps.

God bless.

It should have for believers, but with all things involving people change was difficult and many Jews had difficulty leaving it behind. Social pressures, rejection by families and being put out of the synagogues brought challenges and the temptation to go along to get along. That is why the book of Hebrews was written. The author was trying to prevent Jewish believers from turning back to the sacrificial system and showing them Jesus was superior in every way to that system.

Here is my attempt to summarize Hebrews:

Jesus superior to the prophets: Hebrews 1:1-3

Jesus superior to angels: Hebrews 1:4-14, Hebrews 2:1-8

Jesus able to represent humanity: Hebrews 2:9-18

Jesus superior to Moses: Hebrews 3:1-6

Warnings about hardening our hearts to God's calling: 3:7-19

Warnings about missing God's rest provided by faith in Jesus: 4:1-13

Jesus provides bold access as our high priest: 4:14-16, Jesus meets high priest requirements: Hebrews 5:1-10

Warning about being dull of hearing and unprepared for a deeper teaching: Hebrews 5:11-14, 6:1-8

Encouragement to believe that they are ready for deeper teaching: Hebrews 6:9-12

Teaching about the importance of God giving His oath to Christ He would be a priest forever: Hebrews 6:13-20

Teaching the superiority of the order of Melchisedek that Christ belongs to over the Levitical priesthood order: Hebrews 7:1-28

Christ's priesthood serves the heavenly reality that the law only was an earthly copy of: Hebrews 8:1-5

The superiority of the New Covenant over the Old: Hebrews 8:6-13,

The superiority of Christ's complete sevice over the incomplete Levitical service: Hebrews 9:1-28

The superiority of Christ's sacrifice: Hebrews 10:1-22

Warnings about drawing back: Hebrews 10:23-39

Importance of and examples of faith: Hebrews 11:1-40

Exhortation to submit to chastisement: Hebrews 12:1-29

Exhortation to practically live out their Christian faith and benediction: Hebrews 13:1-25

Jesus superior to

Mark,

I agree. The key is that these are "religious individuals," not saved believers because like you say, a saved believer is someone who Jesus knows. Jesus knows all those who belong to Him (Saved individuals). And you are correct in that He will never say to us "Depart from me, I never knew you."

People today still take those verses in Hebrews, mainly Hebrews 6:4-6, and Hebrews 10:26 to show that salvation can be lost. But that cannot be because Jesus cannot say He knows us now and then later on say depart, I never knew you. Those verses in Hebrews are talking about religious Jews who were turning back to Judaism because of what it would cost them to surrender their life to Christ as their Messiah, not saved people losing their salvation.

You make a great point. Thanks for sharing!

* Psalms 34:18,

1John 3:20, Hebrews 4:12, Hebrews 10:22, Matthew 6:19-21,

Hopefully these are helpful

Hebrews 6:11, Hebrews 10:22, Deuteronomy 28,

Deuteronomy 28:66

And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life:

Isaiah 32:17

And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.

Acts 17:31

Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

Colossians 2:2

That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

1 Thessalonians 1:5

For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

Hebrews 6:11

And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:

Hebrews 10:22

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

By consenting to become a born again Christian ( John 3)

To let go and receive the salvation of Jesus Christ;

To be filled with the Spirit of Jesus, the Holy Spirit.

An exchange is made in Heaven as your name is recorded in the BOOK OF LIFE. Jesus takes your sins (past, present, future) upon Himself. He becomes your Lord; but it takes some Bible reading to discover that.

You have assurance that FAITHFUL IS HE THAT PROMISED. All your sin is washed away with his blood. Isaiah 1:18. (Past, Present, Future)

If we have failures (we all do) then mark in your Bible,

1 John 1:8-10. Pray and confess. Jesus throws it as far as East is to west (infinity).

This is why we sing Blessed Assurance at Church. :)

Build Christian friendships.

The Results of His Work:

(1) He ascended to His Father ( Luke 24:49-53; Acts 1:6-11).

(2) He is our eternal Mediator ( 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 8:6; 1 John 2:1.

(3) He is our Savior: "Thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins" ( Matthew 1:21, KJV). "Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins" ( Acts 5:31, KJV).

He is the only Savior. "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" ( Acts 4:12, NIV).

He is a complete Savior. "Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them" ( Hebrews 7:25, KJV).

He is a personal Savior. "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" ( Romans 10:9, 10, KJV).

The Consummation of His Work:

(1) He shall return again to this earth ( Acts 1:11; Hebrews 10:37; John 14:3).

(2) Believers in Christ shall be bodily resurrected to begin a new, undying life ( 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58).

(3) He will reign as King of kings and Lord of lords over His new creation ( 2 Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 22:3-5).

God Bless

JC

(1) His miraculous birth was prophesied 800 years before His coming: "Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel" ( Isaiah 7:14, KJV).

(2) The prophecy was fulfilled to the letter. "Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus" ( Luke 1:30, 31, KJV).

(3) Jesus demonstrated human characteristics: He became tired ( John 4:6). He thirsted ( John 19:28), He ate food ( Luke 24:40-43), He showed feelings ( Mark 6:34), He wept ( John 11:35), He knew temptation ( Hebrews 4:15), and He died ( John 19:30).

Jesus Christ Accomplished the Works of His Father:

(1) He died on the Cross. This is the fundamental theme of the Gospel.

The fact of His death-One-fourth of the Gospels are dedicated to His Passion and Resurrection. (a) For this purpose He came into the world ( John 12:27). (b) His death was prophesied hundreds of years before He came ( Isaiah 53:3-8).

The meaning of His death. (a) It was a ransom for sin ( Matthew 20:28; Romans 3:24; 1 Peter 1:18). (b) It was to pay the penalty for sin ( Romans 3:24; 1 John 2:2; 4:10). Man is the object of God's wrath because of rebellion and sin, but God took the initiative in satisfying His wrath by sending His own Son to Calvary. (c) It is a reconciliation. The enmity between us and God has ended ( Romans 5:10), and we are restored to God ( 2 Corinthians 5:18, 19). (d) It is a substitution: He died in our place ( 1 Peter 3:18; 2 Corinthians 5:21). (e) In summary, the matter of sin has been completely dealt with ( 1 Peter 2:24; Hebrews 9:26; Hebrews 10:12).

(2) He was resurrected from the dead: This is unique and fundamental to Christianity.

The reality of the Resurrection ( John 20:1-10; 1 Corinthians 15:4).

The credibility of the Resurrection: (a) Jesus predicted it: Matthew 13:39-41; Luke 24:1-7. (b) The tomb was empty: John 20:11-13. (c) Many witnesses saw Him alive: the women ( Luke 23:55, 56); Mary Magdalene

Dear Charley, I understand your holy anger for the errors promulgated by the Roman Catholic Church, and there are many, as you noted. There is also error in Protestant churches and Eastern Orthodox, so we cannot just aim our anger at the Catholic Church. If you would happen to be blessed to know some practicing Catholics, you may find that not every Catholic believes every error taught by this church. For 500 years or so, Catholics as well as Protestants have had the Bible to read in their own language and can read it for themselves or have someone read it to them if they were illiterate. The Word has a way of flushing out error for what it is. And many Catholics today read the Bible for themselves, do personal or group Bible study, not just with other Catholics, but with Protestants, too.

We should be loving, as FREE says, and instead of seething with disgust or anger, reach out to those we know who are Catholic and invite them to pray and discover God's truth in His Word with you. You will be amazed at what God will do in such a situation, and, you also may be very amazed at how much truth Catholics do know and how some of them indeed are truly saved by grace through faith. It is rarely wise to put everyone in the same basket and judge them. We should want to build upon the truth that they already possess with more of the Word, since it is a cleansing power.