Hebrews
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As well, those Words uttered by God will never change & will never be lost - again showing us the abiding nature of what God has spoken & given. What has now been produced centuries later is the best we have, given how documents & fragments were preserved, collected, & translated. No translation, past or present, can ever reflect perfectly what God spoke to His prophets & servants (& then their recording) - we just need to satisfy ourselves that what we read now does align in the best possible way to the texts that were gathered.
So some turn & hold to the KJB, others reject it, even by many well-studied in biblical history & in document & text analysis, refuting our claim of the superiority of the KJB over other works, giving their preference to other versions. So to answer your last question: the "preserved" Words of God are what we have now. Preserved to the very letter? Never - but preserved in the essence of what God wants to tell us, with that Word being Spirit-generated (as it was given to the prophets of old), able to cut deep into our soul & spirit ( Hebrews 4:12).
And as I wrote, to address each of your other points would take too long & I see no value in doing so anyway, knowing how we read the Scriptures on this matter particularly. As well, I will be on vacation for about six weeks, so thank you for your time brother & may you daily experience His blessings.
The Acts 2 passage (and also in Acts 13) are teaching us something about the Nature of Salvation in Paul's and Peter's preaching. In doing so they are referencing Psalm 16 and providing a commentary on this Psalm and it is very clear that The Holy One spoken of in these verses is Christ Himself, not David the man.
Christ endured the Wrath of God, eternal death, in full payment for the sins of His Elect and then rose from that death. It is Christ's soul, not David's soul that is in view.
I have always understood the Soul to be the Spirit essence of an individual, and therefore synonymous. So mankind has a physical BODY and a Spirit essence, his SOUL. But the Hebrews 4:12 verse is interesting. I have some thoughts about that verse but not prepared to share yet.
But I'm puzzled by your differentiating between the Soul and the Spirit of man. So are you saying that mankind has a Body, a Soul, and a Spirit? Perhaps you could elaborate on that idea a bit. Are you aware of any other verses that teach that three-way differentiation?
And how do you understand what it means to be Born Again? Does that occur in the Spirit or the Soul?
And what is the Spiritual Body in 1 Corinthians 15:40-44? There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a NATURAL BODY; it is raised a SPIRITUAL BODY. There is a NATURAL BODY, and there is a SPIRITUAL BODY.
Father we are men and if we speak as men then all our words is in vain but if you touch this words, each one of us may be edified and glorify you amen.
I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ who is is the son of the living God and he died on the cross for my sin and rose on the third day and sit on the right hand hand of poor Amen.
-The law or the commandment of Moses was given to man to obey and if anyone obeyed he was made righteous by it. and in the New Testament at the cross by The Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ the son of the living God, the righteous requirement of the law was abolished and when Jesus Christ son of the living God gave up His ghosts at the cross the temple vail was torn in two signifying the way to the Holy of Holiest was open that thus
it is written
Hebrews 4:16
16.Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
-it is required of Christians who been redeem by Grace and faith alone and not by corruptible things like silver, gold or tradition bought by our father but by the preciouse blood Of out Lord Jesus Christ to be obedient to the Commandment of God and not only to obey but to be doer of the the WORD OF GOD.
as it is written in
James 1:22-25
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed
and in
read part 2.
You state: "I think there is a difference between trying to obey the commandments and believing that we need to obey them in order to be acceptable to God." Jesus doesn't agree with you Jema, and He is telling you that we must do this to be acceptable - to Him. I previously gave you the verse below spoken by Jesus, He is telling us point blank:
Revelation 22:14"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
Jesus leaves no wiggle room in the above verse. Hebrews 4:12 False teachers are very prevalent today, they are out amongst us, they believe and teach others that they can ignore tons of scripture like this regarding the commandments and sin. They live worldly lives almost indistinguishable from the secular/atheists. They try to convince themselves, and others that they can have this world and still receive salvation. Jude 1:10
Jema, I remember FrankieJ previously gave you some good spiritual advice, I will also. We must withdraw from the world. Put God first, including His Commands/Commandments.
Stop telling yourself and others that you can NEVER stop sinning. If you have God's Holy Spirit anything is possible! Have Faith! Believe!!!
Encourage yourself and others to stop sinning. Similar to alcohol and drugs, Sin is a Addiction. If you don't acknowledge it - it will control you and ultimately bring you to destruction.
3 John 1:11 "Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God."
And please remember if you want God to dwell in you: 1 John 3:24 "And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us."
GBU
I am sharing with you my introduction to the book of Revelation, the final introduction. And right off the bat, you want to know just by the name of the book, it is not the book of Revelations. It's the book of Revelation, singular. Some call it the book of Revelations, but that is not what it is. It is the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
After the teaching section of Paul's letters, Romans through Philemon, comes the Jewish Literature section, Hebrews through Revelation. All of these books (Hebrews through Revelation) were written to Hebrew believers. It was also for the whole church, but it had to be understood through a Jewish perspective of the writings that were written to them.
For instance, in the vision of Christ, as John sees Him, He has a sharp two-edged sword coming out of His mouth. We know that in Hebrews 4:12, it says that the word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword. We quote it all the time. But that is a Jewish phrase that comes from Jewish literature. It originated in Isaiah Chapter 49. And we quote it. But to actually have the realization from the Jewish use of it, it's interesting and fascinating.
Always remember to keep the Jewish literature separate as far as application goes. For instance, we will see what Peter said in 1 Peter Chapter 1, that God has made us a kingdom of priests. And you've probably heard people say that God has made us priests, but that's a fulfillment of God's promise to Israel in Exodus Chapter 19, that He's going to make them a kingdom of priests.
It's not making reference to Gentiles. It's making reference to Jews. After His second coming, He will make the Hebrew and Jewish believers the priests that rule from out of Jerusalem. They will not be Gentiles.
We have to be careful of our applications. We have to know what phrases are only found in the Jewish literature, and not found in other places. It has to be understood from a Jewish point of view.
To the puzzle as to "why the KJV translators preferred gospel preached", my suspicion is that they, as you've pointed out, understood that the Gospel was indeed the 'good news'. But when we (post-Cross) had the Gospel preached to us, it clearly was the Good News of Christ's redemptive Work. But the Gospel preached unto them was also wonderful news, but to them it was the news of their future rest (first temporarily in Canaan, & then with the Lord forever).
So why did that Gospel not profit them? The verse states that it was because of a lack of faith. So, though the word 'Gospel' (good news) might be common in both thoughts, also the word 'Faith' is common as well; the former that they must have faith in what God had promised them in assuring them of a future Rest - and for us, that we must have faith in what God has promised us in Christ Jesus for salvation & rest.
The problem that arises when using the word 'Gospel' in this verse, is that if one believes that OT Israel also received the same Gospel as we have been given, then of course, they too must get saved as we do. But I simply do not see such a promise & provision given to them, and I don't think the KJV translators anticipated that confusion could arise later by their using the word 'Gospel', which was an apt word, though maybe perplexing to some today.
I do not equate the gospel preached to the Israelites mentioned in Hebrews 4:2 with the Law of Moses. The Law of Moses is not the gospel at all. It is the Law that brings us condemnation because no one but Christ could keep it fully.
It seems like you have misunderstood what I posted.
An example in Acts 7:38, "This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us". Here is a classic example of how a word, with the same spelling can have another meaning (known as 'homonyms'). E.g. in English (current; ring; spring; etc. are such examples). And I understand, the same in Hebrew & Greek (Giannis/Jesse can enlighten us on this). So, if we come to Acts 7:38 with a firm belief that Luke is speaking of the Church we know today as also applying to Moses' day, then we would greatly err. Luke (in v37), was clearly referring to Deuteronomy 18:15, when Moses spoke to the people, but Luke says, "this is he (Moses), that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in mount Sina...". So what is this 'church' comprised of? Can we assume that it must also be the same Church as we have today since 'Israel was saved as well by virtue of Christ's Sacrifice from the Earth's foundation', or, is the 'church' an homonym having another meaning? In Greek, 'ekklesia' is the word for 'church', however, it can also apply to an assembly or gathering of people. And when Luke refers this to the Hebrew rendering, 'qahal', we find that it isn't the Church we know of today, but indeed a 'gathering of God's people, Israel' ( Judges 21:8, 'assembly'; 1 Chronicles 29:1, 'congregation'). So maybe the word 'Gospel' needs similar treatment.
Then what about Abraham? Abraham was dead & buried, how could he being dead rejoice to see Jesus' Day, this is the Day of Jesus' Coming? This wasn't a situation of (the Genesis) Abraham knowing about Jesus & waiting patiently with joy, for Jesus' Sacrifice & Redemption. This dialogue with the Jews was to show that Abraham was alive in Hades all this time, but NOW rejoicing to see the Messiah finally come (in Jesus' Day) Who would give full atonement to him & all others waiting in hope.
Yes, Abraham, as those many others, 'who looked for a heavenly city', expected it (in faith) & died (in faith), "not having received the promises, but seeing them afar off" ( Hebrews 11:13,16). Their faith/faithfulness to God was vibrant even to this point in their death & confinement in Hades, but until the Atonement was completed at Calvary, they remained in limbo, waiting, in expectation of the promised eternal rest that awaited them, to have Christ's Blood applied to them as well.
Now the Gospel was complete for them (what they once knew imperfectly); the eternal Rest they longed for was now realized in Christ Jesus, in Whose Blood there is Peace with God ( Colossians 1:20) & eternal Rest in Christ ( Hebrews 4:9). GBU.
Thank you, God, who cannot be tempted of evil, James 1:13 or lie, Titus 1:2. God could not fulfill the law, flesh had to fulfill it because the curse of sin was on flesh. How could you fulfill a law if you were not capable of breaking it? We are told Jesus the Son of God was tempted as we are, Hebrews 4:15. He was made flesh for the suffering of death, Hebrews 2:9.
2 Cor. 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Jesus had a will of his own but was obedient to the Father, Luke 22:42. Jesus did the works of the Father, John 5:36. Jesus was sent by the Father, John 4:34 John 7:16. Jesus did all the miracles by the Spirit of God that was given to Him without measure, Matt. 12:28 John 3:34, when He was anointed at the Jordan, Mark 1:10 Luke 4:18.
I hope this is correct forgive me if I am wrong. The Father is God but is not the Son and is not the Holy Spirit. The Son is God but is not the Father and is not the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God but is not the Father and is not the Son. One God is three coexistent, co-eternal, and co-equal Persons.
If I may ask. If they are three persons, who is the Father of Jesus the Son of God? Matt. 1:18 Luke 1:35. Jesus many times said He has a God and a Father, Matt. 7:21 Matt. 12:50 John 20:17 2 Cor. 11:31 Ephesians 1:3 1 Peter 1:3. Jesus came in His Father's name, John 5:43.
My understanding, this is not a mystery that cannot be understood. God is a Spirit, John 4:24 It is His Spirit that dwelleth in us, 1 Cor. 3:16 1 Corinthians 2:10-12. God is Spirit, God is Holy. It is the Spirit of God that is the Holy Spirit.
Paul never used the Holy Spirit in his salutations. Jesus was begotten by His Father, Heb. 1:5. Jesus said His Father was greater than He John 14:28. Rev. 21:22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
God bless,
RLW
Probably I didn't make it clear in my previous post that we may be misled to a wrong conclusion about Hebrews 4:2 and it is not our fault. To put it plainly the translation is wrong here.
Lets do some greek first, it will be useful as far as that verse is concerned. You must be a bit patient to follow me.
The phrase in KJV in Heb 4:2 "the gospel was preached" in grk it is "esmen evengelismenoi". The word "evengelismenoi" comes from the verb "evagelizomai" which is in Engl. "to evangelize". It comes from "Evangelion" (Evangelium in Latin) which means "a good message, good news". From "Ev" which in anc gtk means "good" and "angelia" which means "message" (the word "angel" comes from this word. "Angel" in anc grk means "messenger"). The word Evangelion (good message/news, gospel) today means the gospel of Christ. But that was not the case in ancient times. During Jesus' time it meant any good news, ie a message of a victory in a battle against an enemy was an evangelion(gospel), a message from the Emperor was an evangelion(gospel), even the Emperor's birthday was an evangelion(gospel), any good news actually was an evangelion(gospel).
In that context we must examine that verse. The literal/right translation is "the good message/news they were told". It has nothing to do with the gospel of Christ, and this is how this specific verse is translated in all other English translations which I searched.
So what was the good news for the Hebrews when they went out of Egypt? It was the message of a promised land where they could rest and be protected from their enemies. That is why it says that they didn't have faith in those good news. If we assume that Paul talks about Jesus' gospel, it doesn't make sense. Those Hebrews that went out of Egypt didn't believe Christ's gospel? What that gospel had to do with them, especially at the time of escaping from Egypt?
1 Cor 2:7, "But we speak the wisdom of God in a MYSTERY, even the HIDDEN wisdom, which God ordained ..."
I have been reading your conversation and I will have to go by David's view since Hebrews 4:2 says that the gospel was preached to us as well as the OT Israelites. This wording implies that the gospel is the same gospel, not two types of gospel.
We do not know all of what God told the OT saints (Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, the prophets) we know just what was recorded in Scripture. But if the Word in Hebrews says that those in the OT had the gospel preached to them, then I think we should believe that it is the one true gospel of Jesus our Savior and His work for our salvation.
Christ was the "Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." Rev 13:8
Hebrews 4:2,3 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
Hebrews 10:4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
Romans 3:10,11 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
Genesis 6:8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
But those sacrifices could not bring cleansing of the heart & conscience, which only Christ's shed Blood could. They remained in limbo - God accepting their sacrifices, pleased to abide with them, yet looking ahead when His Own Sacrifice would bring full cleansing, new life, & a permanent rest for their souls.
The Gospel of 'Rest' that was promised to them, was not just of entering Canaan ( Deuteronomy 12:9-11; Joshua 22:43-45), but was spoken of a future Rest ( Hebrews 4:8,9; Isaiah 11:10 (both in the first & second comings of Jesus)). This was always God's Plan, even to include Gentiles in such blessing - and Jesus only could be the Sacrifice that would bring true & lasting rest for all. All the sacrifices pointed to Him & the temporary rest that Israel enjoyed (when they were faithful), could only be fully realized when Christ's Blood also applied to them, yet future. Present-day Israel is in turmoil (spiritually, physically, nationally), having rejected their Messiah. They will never have God's Rest whilst in this state. But when they see their Messiah coming in the clouds, come to Him in brokenness & repentance, having their hearts cleansed by His Blood not by sacrifices, then Hebrews 4:9 will be fully realized, "There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God."
Thanks again David0921 for these Scriptures, & of course, I don't share in your understanding of them. I will look at the main one: Hebrews 4:1-3.
You understand this passage as referring to the Gospel that was delivered to us, that it was the same as they (OT Israel) also received. However, this passage is not talking about the Gospel of Salvation through a Redeemer, but about the Gospel that was ordained before the worlds were framed together - and that is, that God's Plan was for all (Jew & Gentile) to enter into HIS REST. And that is what the Gospel is: for us, we know that perfect rest (from our struggle with sin, of certain judgement for it, of being accepted by God & receiving His Peace) can only be attained through the Cross & looking unto it.
The Gospel that was 'preached as well unto them' contained nothing of Christ's Sacrifice. To force the word 'Gospel' in the OT to mean the same as in the NT, is to misapply the meaning & understanding of Scripture. When the Gospel came to us, we were dead in our sins & in desperate need of redemption & only through Christ's death we could have any hope. When the Gospel came to them, they were already the elect, chosen of God, to remain faithful to God, obeying His Commands, & observing the Sacrifices & associated laws. If they exercised faith & looked only unto God & none other, they would be saved; just as Abraham, Moses, & others were. Which also agrees with the translation of Enoch & Elijah, where these men were counted faithful & for God's Own purpose, were removed from the Earth. But then the question: 'weren't these also sinners, though being the Elect, needing cleansing; how could faith & sacrifice only save them?' Hebrews 9:13,14: these sacrifices only sanctified the people to the "purifying of the flesh"; God instituted this that they may be forgiven & He could dwell in the midst of them & be their constant Guide, providing them that temporary covering for their sin. Onto Page 2.
Any understanding of the Salvation of OT Believers must take into account these verses.
Matthew 17:1-3 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold THERE APPEARED UNTO THEM MOSES AND ELIAS TALKING WITH HIM.
Genesis 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; FOR GOD TOOK HIM.
2 Kings 2:11 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and ELIJAH WENT UP BY A WHIRLWIND INTO HEAVEN.
These things could happen because the EFFICACY of Christ's Atonement, the payment for their sins, existed from the FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD, i.e. from CREATION. As we read in Rev 13:8 that Christ was THE LAMB SLAIN FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD.
Additionally we read in Hebrews 4:1-3 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. FOR UNTO US WAS THE GOSPEL PREACHED, AS WELL AS UNTO THEM {OT Israel}: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: ALTHOUGH THE WORKS { Rev 13:8} WERE FINISHED FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD.
And this is the reason that OT Believers could be and were BORN AGAIN just like NT Believers. And when they died physically they went to be with Christ in Heaven in their soul existence, exactly like NT Believers. And they did not go into the never never land of someplace called Hades for centuries.
One Gospel; One Salvation; One application of Salvation; One Destination upon physical death. For OT and NT Believers ALIKE.
I can't tell you how Dan would answer that question,
but here's mine
It's not a work of our self-efforts in our own strengths or our own understanding, it following the Light of Christ in our hearts, the still small Voice of Conscience that convicts us of our wrong doings & directs us to do what is just, good & holy, Titus 2:11
Micah 6:8 , its the Treasure we have in these earthen vessels, enlightening us in the power of Holy Spirit, picking up the Cross & denying self, & causing us to will & do of His good pleasure, which works were finishes from the foundation of the world, Hebrews 4:3 Acts 15:18 We enter into His works, coming to a place of rest from our own works
Then there some that are persuaded they don't have to do anything, but believe, without becoming a doer of the Word, thats more like being a demon, for they believes, but they do not obey.
Consider all that Scriptures, beginning with Abraham, Gen 18:19 by his obedience Abraham proved his faith & his love for God
John 15:10 he abided in God's love & received all that God had promise him, through his obedience to God's commands.
Today's Christianity says you can be a Christian without keeping His commandments, God loves you & His grace got you covered. This is a changing of the definition of Grace, which is defined in Scripture as Titus 2:12 Grace is the power of God to reveal our sins & to takes us out of them, not to encourage or pamper us in our sins.
Friends, God salvation is a free gift, but faith without works is dead. James 2:17-26 this is clearly seen & understood in the whole of Scriptures. Jesus Himself learn obedience by the things that He suffer, & became perfect, perfected our salvation, all for our sakes, that we may follow Him. John 14:31
in love & truth
In my vision, and I'm sure of this, the day of Christ's return is the day 1.335 - Daniel 12:12. GOD said: 12 Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. Why GOD said that? Exactly 75 days after the END of the last week, week 70th Daniel 9:27, and 45 days after the END of the Abomination of Desolation.
The question is: How to know by the calendar what day the day 1335 will fall on? Impossible, for now. Anyway, get ready, because it's very close.
GOD BLESS YOU, AND ALL
Right. Very soon there will be TWO DISTINCTS MAN Beasts operating or reigning in the Earth in this current time of Apocalypse, time of the END( 1Corinthians 15:24-28.Take a look.) Let us be ready to face them with the Sword, the Word of GOD- Hebrews 4:12-13KJV-. As you said, they are:
1 - the Beast of sea
2 - the Beast of the earth
1 - The very old and serial Gentilic MAN Beast of sea - Rev.13:1-10- , has seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy, and whose very ancient roots are described in the verse 2.
2 - The MAN Beast of the earth having two horns like a lamb, a false lamb, in fact a false and ruthless messiah, Rev.13:11-18 combined with John 5:43-47 and 2 Thessalonians 2:2-4 and 9-12. Terrible. Terrible.
Let us prepare to enter and face the final environment of the last week of the Devil's world, and the establishment of the FIFTH universal Devil's kingdom, the Antichrist's kingdom, and also in the middle of this last week the Abomination of Desolation- Daniel 9:27-, this satanic Kingdom is represented and described allegorically in the feet and ten toes of the statue of Nebuchadnezzar, part of iron and part of clay, according to Dan.2:41-45.Take a look.
In that fifth universal empire of the Devil, the universal empire of Antichrist, two satanic Beasts will be reigning on Earth, a Gentile Beast and a Jewish Beast, both represented literally in Rev.13, first as the Beast that rose out of the sea, rose from among the nations, from among the peoples, it rose precisely in Italy more or less 2.000 years ago still in the Roman Empire, and the second Beast, the Beast that will still rise from the Earth in this current time, precisely in Israel -Jerusalem- the holy city- this Beast will sit on his own throne as if he was God, claiming to be the messiah, actually an IMPOSTER, a false Christ,-Matt.24:23-, as JESUS warned us, and will exalt himself as if he were God, but he is MAN and not God.
Part 2.
The Foundation and Corner stone.
Jesus being the corner stone and the Apostles being the foundation signifies the beginning of a groundbreaking plan to erect a building and that building is the Church.
As I mentioned previously, the commission to carry the Gospel to the world came right after the resurrection, as shown in the Gospels " Luke 24:42-49 and Matthew 28:19-20."
I agree with you that the scripture says to the Jews first, and then the Gentiles,
However, I would suggest that the Gospel was preached to them before the cross as well as Abraham.
Hebrews 3:17-19 - Hebrews 4:1-6.
"But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?
And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?
So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. FOR UNTO US WAS THE GOSPEL PREACHED, AS WELL AS UNTO THEM: BUT THE WORD PREACHED DID NOT PROFIT THEM, NOT BEING MIXED WITH FAITH IN THEM THAT HEARD IT.
For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.
And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, AND THEY TO WHOM IT WAS FIRST PREACHED ENTERED NOT IN BECAUSE OF UNBELIEF:
Also;
And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, PREACHED BEFORE THE GOSPEL UNTO ABRAHAM, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. Galatians 3:8.
More about this blindness in part 2.
Trusting relationships and prayers with individuals who are our "accountability partners" certainly is helpful. As stated before things meant to be in confidence should remain that way unless the safety of someone is in jeopardy. There are times when things are pretty evident; which can be shared with a small group but still not be discussed with others; we need to be wise and discerning in those matters.
When we observe sin such as anger; we are often responsible to confront our brother; if necessary. Offering prayer in that situation is usually better in an impromptu request; even if we can't meet up with them until later. We should desire others to be real; to open up about the real issues bothering them; as well as being free to express what the Spirit is leading us to pray about. Hebrews 4:12 talks about the "thoughts and intentions of the heart." In that sense; I believe prayer should at times be uncomfortable; exposing things we need to submit to the Spirit; breaking through spiritual strongholds; etc. Sadly; it seems 9 times out of 10 people want to have casual conversation about all their issues without committing it to prayer rather than the other way around. Maybe when people plan to meet even socially in church events prayer should be the introduction and concluding remarks.
As to prayer for our nation; revival is a common theme. I question WHY this is the case; risking whatever controversy that ensues. Even in true ones in the past the enemy often wreaks havoc; hence they tend to be rather brief; and there seems to be little regard for the risk of a false one and prayer against such things. It certainly begins with the believers ( 2 Chronicles 7:14) but of course we can't neglect the part of turning from our wicked ways. Man in general apart from the Spirit's prompting has NO DESIRE to be Holy; and hates God. Many will fall away in the last days; and anyone God draws will be saved.
Amen!
to your questions;
1.Can you generate this height of Love on your own? No, the exhortation that Jesus gives us in these Scriptures creates a desire within us to please Him, which is a breaking up of the fallow ground of our hearts Hosea, 10:12 to the planting of this Seed, & as we are not a forgettful hearer of the word, but an exerciser of it, the Seed grows as God gives the increase according to our integrity & sincerity of heart towards Him. Hebrews 4:12,13
2.Is it not a fruit of the Spirit given once one IS saved? No, it to is an exercising of these virtues in the same manner describe above, Philippains 1:11, being filled 2 Cor 9:10 increasing; denoting a work in process, as we remain faithful, steadfast & true in His great work of regeneration within us.
in love & truth
When did Christ, eternal God Himself, the Lamb of God, complete the payment required for the sins of every True Believer, those whom God would save throughout time?
When was Christ, eternal God Himself, the "Son of God", eternal God Himself Begotten of the Father, eternal God Himself?
Is there any difference in God's Salvation of Old Testament Believers versus New Testament Believers?
How does what we read in Revelation 13:8 that Christ is "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" and Hebrews 4:4 "For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did REST the seventh day from ALL his works."influence our understanding about these questions?
My purpose in raising these questions is the Hope that God might cause us all to search the scriptures afresh regarding God's Judgment and Salvation plan for mankind, praying constantly that God Himself would open our understanding and lead us into truth.
Philippians 2:2-11 goes through a detailed synopsis of how Christ; a member of the infinite Godhead came to earth and humbled himself to live as a man and to die on a cross. We often focus on how Christ's intimacy with the Father was affected; with the peak of course being at the crucifixion ( Matt. 27:46). The reverse; no doubt would have been excruciating for God the Father as well. For Christ to die for His enemies is beyond our comprehension; but for the Father in His eternal plans to plan on crushing the Son ( Isaiah 53:10) is also beyond our understanding. Yet God was "pleased" to do this!
The victory was complete; when He said "it is finished" and gave up his spirit at death. ( John 19:30). Death could not overtake Him ( Acts 2:24-32).
Looking at the entire earthly existence of Christ we see how profoundly He humbled Himself as a servant. One who created the heavens and the earth chose to live with total abandon to the cause; He had no place to rest His head ( Matt. 8:20). No doubt there were transient lodgings as recorded in scripture; the only place where it mentioned Him sleeping was on the boat ( Mark 4:38). Often He was up before dawn praying; and before He chose the 12 Disciples He was up all night ( Luke 6:12). Being the Son of God of course He knew all things; but nonetheless prayer was a key factor indicating communion with God. In the case of Peter Jesus prayed against the Devil's schemes ( Luke 22:32); in that case He knew about Peter's eventual restoration and strengthening of His brothers before the denial at Christ's trial took place. Doubtless He also prayed similar ways for the others; and clearly in these passages He knew all would betray Him as the prophecies indicate ( Matt. 26:31 from prophecy in Zech. 13:7). He also demonstrated the ultimate care for His mother ( John 19:25-29); but always put God above men's desires ( Matt. 12:46-50).
Hebrews 4:15 allows Him to intercede ( Heb. 7:25).
I do not normally respond to you since your beliefs seem to be so contrary to what the Bible is teaching. You seem to believe that God the Holy Spirit is communicating directly with you in some articulated form, perhaps in a dream or a vision or a voice or a tongue, apart from the Bible. And that belief runs absolutely counter to what God very clearly declares in Rev 22:18, which is a very dangerous place to be and I would never want to be in that position.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
1 John 2:1-6 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
2 Peter 3:16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
Once the Bible was completed, God the Holy Spirit only communicates to mankind via the scriptures and He opens our understanding as we search the scriptures "comparing spiritual with spiritual". "Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God", the Bible.
The True Gospel is circumscribed by the Bible alone and in its entirety. And that is the only Gospel I want to be following.
3. The word of God the Bible is either it has happened, or it is happening, and it is for us set as an example for how we should live before the Lord our God. it is also very current and accurate. See Malach 3:16 and Jude 1:7. thus
it is written in Hebrews 4:12
12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
and in 2 timothy 3:16
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work
-And There are prophecy which will come to be fulfilled like the coming of the ant-Christ but remember there are many anti-Christ today.
as it is written in 1 John 2:18
Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour
4. anyone who turns away from sins makes himself a prey it is written in.
Isaiah 59:15
Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the Lord saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment.
-So the devil does not care for anyone who calls himself Christian but is not committed. But if anyone is committed and obeys Gods word and does all is written in the bible then Satan shifts all his attentions to them and hence the wiles of the devil. Therefore, put all the Armour of God not one but all. as it is written in Ephesians 6:11
11Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Please read part 3.
Amen
Continuing the thought of the invisible realm (see John 20:29); we begin to understand the promises of God's protection of His saints ( Psalm 91:11; Isaiah 52:12) through the angels; we see how to correctly "bind and loose" ( Matt. 16:19); how to align more closely to what Christ is interceding in our behalf in seeking His will ( Heb. 7:25); and of course see those in bondage loosed from Satan's grip ( Luke 4:18-19) taken from Isaiah 61:1.
Those who love Him keep His commandments ( John 14:21) and originally found in Deuteronomy 7:9. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom ( Proverbs 9:10 but found many other places in scripture).
For a case study; let us examine 1 Corinthians 14:22-25 where we have tongues and prophecy as applying to unbelievers in one verse then switch to believers in the next verses. This means that evidence of the power of God needs to be present AND a clear message relatable to the sinner or saint present given. In reality there cannot be a supernatural manifestation of the Spirit WITHOUT a piercing of the soul ( Hebrews 4:12) that is of course accompanied by the Gospel as the rest of the verse indicates. It also shows how a church must be corrected as He chastises all His own (found further on in Hebrews 12 verse 6).
The fact that some spiritual activity is occuring isn't evidence that God is at work; it could be demons. The fact that this was still a place where His Spirit was at work was evident in the fact that Paul's severe discipline had results; and that right quick (as the Brits like to say). This is clear from chapter 7 of 2 Corinthians. As I started off this discourse; I mentioned the Ephesians. They were threatened with total removal of their candlestick in Revelation 2. Therefore; being dead would be worse than immature; even with all the correct doctrines and outer actions; ceremonies; etc.
John 16:8 shows how the true Spirit of God works.
Thanks for the provided summary on Israels failure to entering into the promise land.
I would like to share something based on your last statement.
( It is a very sad time for the people God had delivered from bondage. Though they were chosen as a people to receive great promises and benefits from being God's covenant people. They blew it royally at the time they were closest to entering in.)
When we look at Genesis 15:7-18 we learn that God covenant was unconditional, In fact Verse 18 shows us that God has already gave them the land.
vs 18) "In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, UNTO THY SEED HAVE I GIVEN THIS LAND, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:
They had to possess it by faith!
That's the lesson and example for all the world to see!
Also what's important to note is God's word is at stake. Moses makes mention of that later in scripture.
Israel couldn't enter in because of unbelief.
Hebrews ch's 3 and 4 hammers away at this.
But notice Hebrews 4:7-9. Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
God bless