Ezekiel 36:26 reads, "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh"
You said,
"Israel failed with the Law of Moses and the tradition of their fathers. Only in Christ shall they reach that state"
Israel wasn't able to reach that state under the Mosaic law. The Mosaic law wasn't given for that purpose!
Ezekiel and Jeremiah states that God was going to do something NEW!
Jeremiah 31:31-34.
Ezekiel 11:19-20.
Ezekiel 36:26-27.
The Spirit within represents a NEW birth. The Law and the Prophet's taught this
Jesus counseled Nicodemus on this in
John 3:5-10.
Nicodemus was expected to Know this being that he was a Teacher of Israel.
The interpretation of the sticks is in passage. Ezekiel 37:16-21.
The two sticks represent the southern and the Northern Kingdom as mentioned.
Also, they will be gathered from every side and brought back into their own land.
Let's take Ezekiel 36 and Ezekiel 37 and put them in its proper context.
There's mention of a new heart and new spirit.
The dry bones.
The two sticks.
Their gathering.
and their own Land.
Ezekiel is writing during the captivity of Babylon but his writings extends past the captivity on into the latter days as do Daniel and Jeremiah.
Judgment of Israel is of a much broader scope than the Babylonian captivity.
We find that in Deuteronomy 28:37 ,64-68.
It's important to note that this dispersion is global, Not Babylon.
Also the gathering Ezekiel is talking about is global and exceeds Babylon.
This is a second gathering! Isaiah 11:9-12.
Isaiah 43:5-6.
When you read this you'll see that it has never happened.
They still have a heart of stone.
Some look at Israel today and say this must be the Church but "in those days" there is more to consider here than just the New heart concerning this prophecy.
The dire/horrible/heinous/hair-raising picture of the current world of Devil,as you so well have described,it is the reflection the wicked and devilish nations of the Devil's world are already descending into hell as a whole,by the power of the Word of GOD,except the sons of GOD- John 1:12-13-of course,in LITERAL fulfilment of Malachi 4:1-3:->1For, behold,the Day cometh(seventh and last GOD's Day or seventh and last millennium),that shall burn as an oven;and all the proud,yea, and all that do wickedly,shall be stubble:and the day that cometh shall burn them up,saith the Lord of hosts,that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.
2But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings;and ye shall go forth,and grow up as calves of the stall( Isaiah 43:2) .
3And ye shall tread down the wicked;for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the Day(seventh)that I shall do this,saith the Lord of hosts( 1Corinthians 15:24-26).
As you know,JESUS in His prayer to the Father,said: John 17:9-10 and 15-17:
9I pray for them:I pray not for the world,but for them which thou hast given me;for they are thine.
10And all mine are thine,and thine are mine;and I am glorified in them.
15I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world,but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
16They are not of the world,even as I am not of the world.
17Sanctify them through thy truth:thy Word is Truth.
Malachi 3:16-18
16Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.
17And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that Day when I make up my JEWELS;and I will spare them,as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
18Then shall ye return,and discern between the righteous and the wicked,between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.
Jesus lived a sinless life by always choosing to exercise faith in God, never sinning, thus He did not deserve the curse of the law; yet took the curse upon himself and trade for humanity.
How many times have unbelievers and believers alike said, it is not fair that all of humanity would pay the price of eternal damnation because of one man's choice, Adam's decision.
Yet, the righteousness of God is seen in that Humanity is saved, with the penalty of sin paid for by one man's choice, Jesus decision to take our place.
There is both quality and justice in the trade; wherein God's righteousness is maintained, while at the same time displaying mercy and grace.
This is the reason for 1 Corinthians 15:22, which states: "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive."
And 1 Corinthians 15:45, which states:
"And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit."
The only way that God could save fallen man was by Jesus becoming our kinsman Redeemer, by both purchasing us with His blood; while at the same time killing death for the sake of His family, "humanity" (And in the second coming destroying the enemies of his people).
Jesus stated in John 5:39:
"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."
All of God's Word has one purpose, it is the glorification of God ("Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him." Isaiah 43:7), and His Son Jesus Christ ( Ephesians 1:20-22; Romans 11:36; Colossians 1:12-19).
It is Jesus that deserves preeminence in God's Word.
All of these Old Testament types and shadows ( Hebrews 8:5; 10:1; Colossians 2:17) and figures (Theologically referred to as "Expositional Constancy" meant as object lessons to paint the picture of the Messiah, so that He would be recognizable when He came.
John 10:34- seems to be a popular verse here. People want to believe they are a god, is that what's happening here? That would be a gross misinterpretation. You know this is a quote with a question mark at the end, right? Let's be honest about it. Here's the commentary for that:
Christ's argument is: If your law calls judges gods, why should I be held guilty of blasphemy for saying that I am the Son of God?
As per the other argument trying to discredit the word "one" sounds like your argument is that one doesn't really mean one, because Jesus used it to describe believers being one. I don't see how being one in unity as Christ's body somehow means that all the Bible verses about Jesus being God and divine suddenly don't apply? The verse about the Father and Son being one is only one of MANY verses competing the picture. The Bible already says Jesus the Word is God so how can you disregard that?
God: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1 KJV
You: Word was "NOT" God?
"Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also." John 8:19 KJV
Have you thought about how your belief reconciles with verses like this above?
Isaiah 7:14 -
Yes, Jesus is called Immanuel which means "God with us". People called Jesus "God". He's King of King and Lord of Lords. Alpha and Omega, first and last. Do you believe Jesus is Lord? I believe that is a requirement for even being a Christian. A Christ follower should know who Christ is.
1 John 5:7-8
John 10:30
John 8:19
Genesis 1:26
Genesis 11:6-7 (plural "us" which includes Jesus, as per John 1:1)
Thanks for the info. I do think that the Israelites were scattered among the nations of that time because God said in many places that He would do just that. At the time of their Assyrian captivity there were northern nomadic tribes that roamed the steppe regions of Russia, Mongolia, and some eastern lands. These were called Scythians and Cimmerians as you said. But the Scythians involved numerous Asiatic tribes and also Indo-European tribes as well. The tribes of Israel were included in this group as they did migrate north and west of south-east Turkey where they were settled initially by Assyria. But they also migrated south and east, too. As Ps. lo7:3 says that God will gather them from the north and west and east and south. Isaiah 43:5 also says pretty much the same thing, adding "from the ends of the earth" as well.
I do not think that there are more than a few places in the world that do not include those of Israelite DNA. Not only were the tribes of the northern kingdom scattered, but so the tribe of the southern kingdom were also scattered across the world with some having returned to Judah from the Babylonian exile, but most did not return.
This is what I have gleaned from researching this just this week before this topic came up. But we may not find out the truth on the migration until DNA shows the distribution among peoples and nations.
I also found out that the Lebanese people in general contain about 90% Canaanite DNA. But this is not true of the Palestinians who are a great mixture of Arab, Jewish, and peoples of Mesopotamia. The Levant has been a "melting pot" for millennia since the Israelites conquered and emaciated the Canaanites tribes of the land. Moab, Ammon, Edom, Elam, Arab, Persians, Syrians, Egypt, and other Mediterranean peoples have lived in this area since that time leading to many migrating in and out of the land for so long. Many Arabs from Saudi Arabia moved into the Levant due to wars and Islamic conquest.
Hi Jema. Thank you for your question. I'm amongst those who believe, according to God's Word, that Israel have been, presently is, & will ever be a special people appointed & preserved by God, and to whom all the promises of the OT were made & will be fulfilled. The Church stands only on the merits of God reaching out to the world with the Gospel of His Christ, that we too might receive the opportunity & blessing that was given to Israel, but they spurned God's Love, resting on their heritage & misunderstanding of the Scriptures. All Israel, as all unbelieving Gentiles rejecting the offer of Salvation are doomed - those saved from Israel & the Gentiles now, are received as God's special possession, incorporated in His Church. Yet, Israel as a people will be kept & will go into that time of "Jacob's Trouble": Jeremiah 30:7 (the Great Tribulation), to the end that God's Purposes for them will be fulfilled & those who turn to the Lord, will reign with Him in His Kingdom. In other words, another opportunity will be given them & also to the Gentiles during that time of Great Tribulation to turn to Jesus. Surely Israel will respond to the Messiah now, won't they?
The Bible indicates there would be two re-gatherings of Israel (the first was in Jeremiah 29:10 after a 70 year captivity). The second, would be from every nation where they had been dispersed ( Jeremiah 30:3; Jeremiah 16:14,15, Jeremiah 23:3,7,8; Jeremiah 29:14). For the last 120 years or so, more than 3.5 million Jews have returned back to their God-given land, from all points of the globe, fulfilling God's Promises ( Isaiah 43:5-7). See Page 2.
Hello prayer team! My name is Anika, and I am thoroughly grateful for any thoughtful prayer concerning my friend who has walked away from the Lord in a couple of regards.This friend, this dear, dear friend of minealso happens to be my very ownhusband. He has had a tumultuous year, and we are currently physically separated because of our colleges. He has had massive temptations with affairs because of the distance and has led many women on left and right deliberately. He is seeking God to restore our marriage but God doesn't seem to be "making a way in the wilderness" or "rivers in the desert" according to Isaiah 43:19. Please pray that the Lord will move in a great way that will do the unthinkable for us- to God be the glory alone. Thank you.
Six things determined upon Daniel's people and the holy city.
Part 2
To finish the transgression
To finish; to withhold something from someone. transgression "transgress," to overpass as any rule prescribed as the limit of duty, to break or violate, as a law, civil or moral, the act of transgressing, rebellion, revolt, offend, that a penalty for the transgression a payment is due for the offense. Debt and transgressions, that they/we cannot pay, and the animal sacrifices fall short.
The only way anyone can stand before a just and holy God is if somebody is worthy and spotless to pay the debt. And the only one who has earned the right to pay that debt is the Messiah the Son of God and we have justification through Christ alone.
Jesus with a perfect life gave up his body to death; he fulfilled the first covenant of sacrificial law. His sacrifice is the redemption of the transgressions and the fulfillment of the first covenant of sacrificial law.
He became sin for us, and with his blood made the new covenant being the only mediator of the New Testament that we through faith in Jesus Christ receive the promise of eternal inheritance. Offered first to the house of Israel for He came first only for the lost sheep of Israel then was offered to the rest of the world.
There is only ONE "ism": Bapt"ism" in(to) the NAME of Christ (submerged into LIVING WATER); your his wife, he has GIVEN YOU his NAME, you have BECOME ONE, as he and the Father are ONE.
Numbers 6:27 And they shall put MY NAME upon the children of ISRAEL (Christ is the promised SEED of Israel): and I will Bless Them.
2 Samuel 7:13 And He (Christ) shall BUILD a house for MY NAME, and I will establish the throne of the kingdom forever.
Isaiah 43:7 Everyone that is called by MY NAME; for I HAVE CREATED him for MY GLORY, I have formed him, I have made him.
John 17:22 The glory which thou gavest me I have given to them; that they may be ONE as we are ONE.
Hello Alex, I decided to begin a new thread for my response to you. I wish to be systematic in my response to your post to me, so this may be submitted in several parts.
Part 1 THERE IS BUT ONE GOD-NOW AND EVER
First of all, I would like to establish that there is only one God according to Scripture.
Deut. 4:35 says, "Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he is God, there is none else beside him."
Isaiah 43:10 says ,"Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen; that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He; before Me there is no God formed; neither shall there be after Me."
Isaiah 44:6,8 says, "Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the LORD of Hosts; I am the first and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.....Is there a God beside Me? Yeaw, there is no God, I know not any."
1Corinthians 8:4-6 says,, "...we know that an idol is nothing in this world, and that there is none other God but one. For though there may be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth (as there be gods many and lords many), 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."
So, the testimony of Scriptures clearly and explicitly states the truth that there is but One God and that no other gods exist beside Him nor will any more gods exist after Him. This is because from eternity to eternity, He is the only God who is self-existent, without beginning or end, and He alone created all things outside of Himself. Any created being is not God nor will ever become a god. Angels will always be angels, humans will always be humans, and God will always be God.
Part 2 THERE IS NO ONE LIKE GOD-HE IS UNIQUE AND ONE OF A KIND
Scripture also says that there is no other being who is like Him in essence, perfection, limitlessness, and infinity.
The Godhead (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) are all of one essence-Divinity. This essence is the very Being and nature of God. This Oneness in nature is "what" God is and only God possesses this essence. As One being in essence, God exists in three distinct Persons who have will, intellect, emotions, a mind, an Who interact with one another within this one essence. This is the "Who" of God.
Although this Oneness is impossible for us to completely understand, as God is infinitely Divine and the Persons of the Godhead are inseparably unified within the Godhead. It is not that each Person of the Godhead has the same mind, will, or love for each that makes them One. It is that there is only One Divine essence, which is eternal, infinite, totally unique and unlike anything else. There is none other like Him, nor will there ever be anyone else like Him because everyone else is a created being and cannot acquire this divine essence. This essence (or nature) cannot be added to nor subtracted from. It cannot be communicated (given) to any other being. God alone possesses this nature.
Also, as Jesus said, The Father Himself are one and that He is in the Father and the Father is in Him. ( John 14:9-11) ( John 14:19-20) Jesus came forth from the Father t become Man ( John 16:28) even though the Father and Himself remained One concerning the Divine nature. The Holy Spirit come forth from the Father and the Son to abide within us, but He also remained One with the Father and the Son concerning the Divine Nature.
As human creatures we can admit that the Godhead is beyond human understanding because His essential Being is completely "other" than anything else. This is called His "transcendency" because His Being is beyond our ability to comprehend or even describe as human words cannot fully describe His Being, His Oneness, and being three distinct Persons in One Being. We know what He has revealed to humanity about Himself, but cannot totally understand Him.
Hello M.M....GBU....Lemme give ya my slant on this Trinity kingdom...Its very simply a 5 yr old can understand it...If ya can understand Abraham Issac and Jacob and their being multiplied as the sands of the seas....They became a great nation simply b/c Abraham offered up his his only son Issac...Abraham offered up his only son of PROMISE....Just as Father God offered up his son of Promise Christ Jesus....This Abraham Issac and Jacob were all 3 related as Father Son and Granson without this Abrahamic trinity there cd not have been the 12 tribes that became as the sands of the seas
......Likewise this God the Father and God the Son and God the H.G...Are all 3 RELATED as FATHER SON AND GRANSON....3 Distinct beings, but the 1 singular Father of ISRAEL....They are 3 distinct beings but all 3 related by the same spirit of Godliness....Even in the natural a Father Son and Granson are all 3 related b/c thy are 1 blood line....But in the Spirit the God Head is all 3 that are related by 1 Kingdom Spirit Line..Of righteousness/Holiness/Godliness/Glory/Honor/Wisdom/Strength....
...M.M. Jesus came out of the Fathers bosum meaning God the Father's word...As John 1 tells us Jesus was Gods word made flesh and blood...This is my beloveth son in whom i am well pleased..And God the H.G. Comes out of Christ Loins..When he Breathe on them they were impregnated by Jesus Words ( his Seeds ) ..Jesus said b/c i have spoken these words sorrows have filled your hearts..Then he said when a woman is in travail she has sorrrows but after the Child comes her sorrows are turned into joy....She brought forth a man child that is gonna rule all nations and her Child was caught up to God and to his THRONE... A BABY GOD...That Child the H.G...which is spirit is the result of Jesus WORDS HIS SEEDS..Jesus is the Father of this Child which is the H.G...Thats y Isaiah refers to Christ as everlasting FATHER..HE is able to propagate very God with his Seed. Thus there is a Father/Son and Granson kingdom
I hope that you will know our Lord Jesus Christ more and more with each new day He give you to live in this life. It is Jesus Who leads us to the Father, and the Holy Spirit Who leads us to Jesus, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ that activates the working of salvation in one's life. Not Mary, not any saint, nor any other means. Jesus is the ONLY Mediator between the Father and us ( 1 Timothy 2:5. Jesus is our ONLY Savior ( Hosea 13:4; Isaiah 43:11) Mary attested to this in Luke 1:47 in the Magnificat.
Romans 10:8-12 says that if we confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. And in Romans 1:16 Paul say that he is not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.
Angela, you do not need to appeal to Mary or anyone else but Jesus for salvation and all of your spiritual needs. He is our all in all. Mary was a humble woman. She was eager to agree to being the mother of our Savior. God chose her. She is special for that. But she is not involved in saving us in any way. God could have chosen another woman to conceive our Savior. But there can be no other as our Savior but Jesus. I think Mary was a godly example for all of us. She no doubt was meek and did not wish to bring glory to herself. She knew her role and standing before God. She did not seek more than being an obedient servant of God. She would not wish to have all of the (misguided) adulation given to her. She knows that all of the glory, honor, and praise is reserved strictly for our Triune God. He alone is God and worthy of our worship. Turning to Mary for help is like turning to any other pagan idol, as the Israelites did with the golden calf or the cakes baked to the "Queen of Heaven" (Ishtar), or the Asherah poles to the idol similar to Ishtar.
Angela, much of what the Catholic Church teaches about Mary go back to very ancient times after the flood.....
Please Lord help Cesar by opening open up opportunities to have a deeper relationship with you and to be a better dad. Please Holy Spirit guide Cesar away from the foothold of the devil with this addiction and affections I pray in the name of Jesus Christ!!
Please consider reflecting on these Bible scriptures: Psalms 37, Psalms 91, Jeremiah 29:11-13, Ezekiel 36:26-27, Isaiah 43:2, I Corinthians 10: 13-14.
Let's see what else God's Word has to say in regards to your snarky comment against Jesus.
A few verses before in 2 Peter 1:11 it says "Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." Do you believe Jesus is your Lord and Savior?
Do you know what "Lord" means?
The same old straw man fallacy shows up again that God the Son isn't God the Father, but no one is claiming that. This attack on Jesus is repeated so much it seems to fall into the disingenuous and lie territory.
God is powerful enough to do what you don't comprehend as a man. Whether you comprehend that or not doesn't change reality or the truth. The Bible says that in John 1 the 'word was God' and was there at the beginning, so do you believe it?
More of God's truth about God:
Luke 4:34 - "Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God."
Luke 4:12 after satan put Jesus to the test Jesus says "Do not put the Lord your God to the test."
Isaiah 7:14 - Jesus is called Immanuel which means "God with us"
Isaiah 42:5 "Thus saith God the LORD..."
Isaiah 42:8 "I am the LORD: that is my name..."
Hebrews 1:8 "But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom."
Godhead:
Colossians 2:9
Acts 17:29
Romans 1:20
John 1:18
God is we and us plural:
Genesis 1:26
If the Bible flat out said Jesus is God like it does would you believe it?
Where are the verses that say Jesus isn't God the Son? (none)
Where are the verses saying Jesus IS God the Son (above, numerous)
And where are the verses where Jesus verbally denied being God? (none)
The first 12 verses describe a woman caught in adultery. The fact that the man wasn't brought as well was suspect. Jesus gave instructions for the man without sin to throw the first stone; and when He remained mercy triumphed over judgment. It should be noted; however that in verse 11 she was told to "go and sin no more". In verse 12; Jesus appeals to the fact that He is the light of the world.
Then; when disputing with the Pharisees and giving what seemed like a clear message of salvation and how He was connected with the Father; verse 27 shows that they really didn't know what He was referring to. Verses 31-32 describes what is often called "Perseverance of the saints". It makes clear that to produce good fruit; we must remain in Him; which of course is only possible for those sealed with the Spirit ( Eph. 1:13-14).
In verse 33; another lie is told; as we see elsewhere in John that they were never slaves. Then; continuing to verse 38; Jesus reveals whose father they have. They are thinking about physical ancestry; Jesus is talking about spiritual authority; and spells iit out continuing to verse 48. The situation deteriorates further when Jesus is accused of having a demon (v. 48; following v.52-53; then Jesus gives a clear statement that He is the "I am" or God Himself; and the last first shows yet another attempt to stone Him where He escapes. (See John 1:11 to summarize this book). They are spiritually blind; but held accountable having physical vision (see John 9:41; Isaiah 43:8)
I appreciate your respectul remarks and am ok with continuing to dialog as long as that remains.
I can offer a challenge to few of your points in your last comment.
1. John 1:1 says, "In the beginning", God does not have a beginning.
It sounds like you are using this as evidence to support your view. I don't view it that way at all. First, this says "in the beginning" not "in God's beginning" or "in the Word's beginning". So, this phrase doesn't suggest any limitation on God whatsoever, but is just marking for us in our own human terms that Jesus was always there.
Do you remember Jesus saying this: "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last." That doesn't mean He's limited, but the opposite, it means He spans everything! Revelation 22:13 - notice the words in red that Jesus said that.
It also says this in Revelation 1:8, notice it says "says the Lord". Lord is Greek word kurios which is supreme authority or God. Some translations say "says the Lord God" and is the same meaning. This is Jesus speaking about Himself, it too is in red.
Isaiah 44:6 "Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God." - notice this is the same claim Jesus made in Revelation. If there's only one and only one who makes that claim then it seems logical that the claim in both the New and Old Testament are from the same being.
Revelation 11:17 - This uses the same word Lord (kurios) of which Jesus is Lord ( Romans 10:9) and uses the word theos (God) with it, so it calls Jesus "Lord God." Do you agree? How do you feel about this verse?
Isaiah 43:11 - "I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour." So, it says Jesus is Lord and our savior in the New Testament and there's no other Lord. Here in the OT it also says the Lord is the savior and no one else. That is all in alignment with John 10:30. Yes?
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
Who is the Word?
John 1:14-15 says the Word is Jesus. Does anyone deny that the Word is Jesus?
If someone believes John 1:14, then do they believe John 1:1
"...the Word was God."
"...[Jesus] was God."
JESUS.
WAS.
GOD.
John 1:1
This is God's Word.
Some here are saying "Jesus was NOT God" despite John 1:1 clearly saying Jesus WAS God. I'd like to know exactly how someone can believe in all other verses of the Bible except this one? If something WAS something, that seems to offer little room for interpretation. It means it's the same, does it not? So, if something WAS something, how does someone twist this into believing it says something WAS NOT something?
It then must be asked: since it takes so much effort to take a sentence something WAS something to turn it into: something WAS NOT something, what is the true underlying motive here? Does God's Word carry the most weight and influence or does something else?
This is eerily similar to Gen 3:4 where satan denied what God said and claimed that they shall NOT surely die. Satan loves opposites and this seems to have his signature, does it not?
I welcome any perspective I'm missing, but do not consider anything other Bible verses as valid evidence. God's Word is all that matters and because there's already numerous verses supporting that Jesus is God like John 1:1 then that is what is true. Lastly, why not just pray and ask God directly to know the truth? Genuinely ask!
This is an interesting logical argument. I find that in 1 Peter 3:22. Let's assume for argument's sake that your conclusion is correct and you get 1 point for this.
But for every verse you cite, there are even more that say that Jesus IS God, like John 1:1 saying the "Word was God" and verse 14 that Jesus is the Word.
This could continue to play out and you can cite any number of verses to support your position, but again we don't run out of very compelling verses saying that Jesus is God.
Let's say that it's a dead even race. 30 verses suggesting Jesus isn't vs 30 verses suggesting He is.
Then what? Which do you choose to believe?
I don't know if you've gone through this exercise or not, but I now have a spoiler: someone will run out of verses supporting that Jesus "isn't" God long before the verses supporting He IS God. Not only that, but each of the verses commonly cited to claim that Jesus "isn't" God require some extra creative interpretation and human logic whereas the verses supporting the other side can be read and interpreted more literally. Not only that, but there's logical explanations for why Jesus called His Father God. The main reason is that He temporarily became a human being and limited His power. Phil 2:6-7. So, yes, as a man, He prayed to His Father and called Him God. So, all verses must be considered as a whole, not cherry picked in order to have understanding about the Godhead and I admit it is hard to comprehend as we don't have anything like it in on earth. But perhaps like an orange with seeds, pulp, skin. Someone calls pulp an orange, and it is.
Isaiah 9:6 - For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 43:10 - Ye [are] my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I [am] he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.
Isaiah 43:11 - I, [even] I, [am] the LORD; and beside me [there is] no saviour.
Isaiah 44:6 - Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I [am] the first, and I [am] the last; and beside me [there is] no God.
NEW TESTAMENT - OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECY FULFILLED
JESUS SHED BLOOD, DIED ON THE CROSS, RISEN FROM THE DEAD, ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN
John 1:1 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:2 - The same was in the beginning with God.
John 1:3 - All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
John 1:14 - And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
John 8:58 - Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
John 10:30 - I and [my] Father are one.
John 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Colossians 1:15 - 22 - Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist
Dear "Shaa Rei" u wrote: He that KNOWETH My name shall be saved. Is it a confusion with lowercase and uppercase letters here? And u wrote: So also, in trials and tribulations , we too must seek our new name. ???
If i am going to search and find my new name, a new rule? Can you please elaborate on this a bit more. It was a bit of a long search for me at least.
On righteous works yes and Revelation 2:17 and Revelation 3:12
God bless u, love u in Christ. Hebrew 10:7 Isaiah 43:7 Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.
Everything is for Jesus. We stand in the radiance of Jesus Christ.
God not only remains in the fire with us when we are in the fire like He was in the fire with the three Hebrews in the furnace mentioned in Daniel, but God often puts His children in the fire for their growth and perfection.
Please Lord Jesus Christ allow John's prayer request be answered. Please Holy Spirit continually enrich John with Your spiritual gifts through this process that he will be testimony for Christ I ask in Jesus's name!!
Please consider reflecting on Psalms 23, Isaiah 41:10-13, Isaiah 43:2.
Pt 1
Ezekiel 36:26 reads, "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh"
You said,
"Israel failed with the Law of Moses and the tradition of their fathers. Only in Christ shall they reach that state"
Israel wasn't able to reach that state under the Mosaic law. The Mosaic law wasn't given for that purpose!
Ezekiel and Jeremiah states that God was going to do something NEW!
Jeremiah 31:31-34.
Ezekiel 11:19-20.
Ezekiel 36:26-27.
The Spirit within represents a NEW birth. The Law and the Prophet's taught this
Jesus counseled Nicodemus on this in
John 3:5-10.
Nicodemus was expected to Know this being that he was a Teacher of Israel.
The interpretation of the sticks is in passage. Ezekiel 37:16-21.
The two sticks represent the southern and the Northern Kingdom as mentioned.
Also, they will be gathered from every side and brought back into their own land.
Let's take Ezekiel 36 and Ezekiel 37 and put them in its proper context.
There's mention of a new heart and new spirit.
The dry bones.
The two sticks.
Their gathering.
and their own Land.
Ezekiel is writing during the captivity of Babylon but his writings extends past the captivity on into the latter days as do Daniel and Jeremiah.
Judgment of Israel is of a much broader scope than the Babylonian captivity.
We find that in Deuteronomy 28:37 ,64-68.
It's important to note that this dispersion is global, Not Babylon.
Also the gathering Ezekiel is talking about is global and exceeds Babylon.
This is a second gathering! Isaiah 11:9-12.
Isaiah 43:5-6.
When you read this you'll see that it has never happened.
They still have a heart of stone.
Some look at Israel today and say this must be the Church but "in those days" there is more to consider here than just the New heart concerning this prophecy.
look at the previous verses. Isaiah 11:6-9.
See pt 2.
Greetings in Christ
The dire/horrible/heinous/hair-raising picture of the current world of Devil,as you so well have described,it is the reflection the wicked and devilish nations of the Devil's world are already descending into hell as a whole,by the power of the Word of GOD,except the sons of GOD- John 1:12-13-of course,in LITERAL fulfilment of Malachi 4:1-3:->1For, behold,the Day cometh(seventh and last GOD's Day or seventh and last millennium),that shall burn as an oven;and all the proud,yea, and all that do wickedly,shall be stubble:and the day that cometh shall burn them up,saith the Lord of hosts,that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.
2But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings;and ye shall go forth,and grow up as calves of the stall( Isaiah 43:2) .
3And ye shall tread down the wicked;for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the Day(seventh)that I shall do this,saith the Lord of hosts( 1Corinthians 15:24-26).
As you know,JESUS in His prayer to the Father,said: John 17:9-10 and 15-17:
9I pray for them:I pray not for the world,but for them which thou hast given me;for they are thine.
10And all mine are thine,and thine are mine;and I am glorified in them.
15I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world,but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
16They are not of the world,even as I am not of the world.
17Sanctify them through thy truth:thy Word is Truth.
Malachi 3:16-18
16Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.
17And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that Day when I make up my JEWELS;and I will spare them,as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
18Then shall ye return,and discern between the righteous and the wicked,between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.
Part 9.
His Role
Jesus lived a sinless life by always choosing to exercise faith in God, never sinning, thus He did not deserve the curse of the law; yet took the curse upon himself and trade for humanity.
How many times have unbelievers and believers alike said, it is not fair that all of humanity would pay the price of eternal damnation because of one man's choice, Adam's decision.
Yet, the righteousness of God is seen in that Humanity is saved, with the penalty of sin paid for by one man's choice, Jesus decision to take our place.
There is both quality and justice in the trade; wherein God's righteousness is maintained, while at the same time displaying mercy and grace.
This is the reason for 1 Corinthians 15:22, which states: "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive."
And 1 Corinthians 15:45, which states:
"And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit."
The only way that God could save fallen man was by Jesus becoming our kinsman Redeemer, by both purchasing us with His blood; while at the same time killing death for the sake of His family, "humanity" (And in the second coming destroying the enemies of his people).
Jesus stated in John 5:39:
"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."
All of God's Word has one purpose, it is the glorification of God ("Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him." Isaiah 43:7), and His Son Jesus Christ ( Ephesians 1:20-22; Romans 11:36; Colossians 1:12-19).
It is Jesus that deserves preeminence in God's Word.
All of these Old Testament types and shadows ( Hebrews 8:5; 10:1; Colossians 2:17) and figures (Theologically referred to as "Expositional Constancy" meant as object lessons to paint the picture of the Messiah, so that He would be recognizable when He came.
See Pt 10
Christ's argument is: If your law calls judges gods, why should I be held guilty of blasphemy for saying that I am the Son of God?
As per the other argument trying to discredit the word "one" sounds like your argument is that one doesn't really mean one, because Jesus used it to describe believers being one. I don't see how being one in unity as Christ's body somehow means that all the Bible verses about Jesus being God and divine suddenly don't apply? The verse about the Father and Son being one is only one of MANY verses competing the picture. The Bible already says Jesus the Word is God so how can you disregard that?
God: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1 KJV
You: Word was "NOT" God?
"Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also." John 8:19 KJV
Have you thought about how your belief reconciles with verses like this above?
Isaiah 7:14 -
Yes, Jesus is called Immanuel which means "God with us". People called Jesus "God". He's King of King and Lord of Lords. Alpha and Omega, first and last. Do you believe Jesus is Lord? I believe that is a requirement for even being a Christian. A Christ follower should know who Christ is.
1 John 5:7-8
John 10:30
John 8:19
Genesis 1:26
Genesis 11:6-7 (plural "us" which includes Jesus, as per John 1:1)
Philippians 2:5-8
2 Corinthians 5:19
John 1:3
Matthew 28:19
1 Peter 1:2
2 Corinthians 13:14
Deuteronomy 6:4
John 14:10
John 20:28
1 John 2:22-24
Matthew 1:23-25
Colossians 2:9
Acts 17:29
Romans 1:20
Isaiah 7:14
Hebrews 1:8
Isaiah 44:6
Isaiah 43:11
Thanks for the info. I do think that the Israelites were scattered among the nations of that time because God said in many places that He would do just that. At the time of their Assyrian captivity there were northern nomadic tribes that roamed the steppe regions of Russia, Mongolia, and some eastern lands. These were called Scythians and Cimmerians as you said. But the Scythians involved numerous Asiatic tribes and also Indo-European tribes as well. The tribes of Israel were included in this group as they did migrate north and west of south-east Turkey where they were settled initially by Assyria. But they also migrated south and east, too. As Ps. lo7:3 says that God will gather them from the north and west and east and south. Isaiah 43:5 also says pretty much the same thing, adding "from the ends of the earth" as well.
I do not think that there are more than a few places in the world that do not include those of Israelite DNA. Not only were the tribes of the northern kingdom scattered, but so the tribe of the southern kingdom were also scattered across the world with some having returned to Judah from the Babylonian exile, but most did not return.
This is what I have gleaned from researching this just this week before this topic came up. But we may not find out the truth on the migration until DNA shows the distribution among peoples and nations.
I also found out that the Lebanese people in general contain about 90% Canaanite DNA. But this is not true of the Palestinians who are a great mixture of Arab, Jewish, and peoples of Mesopotamia. The Levant has been a "melting pot" for millennia since the Israelites conquered and emaciated the Canaanites tribes of the land. Moab, Ammon, Edom, Elam, Arab, Persians, Syrians, Egypt, and other Mediterranean peoples have lived in this area since that time leading to many migrating in and out of the land for so long. Many Arabs from Saudi Arabia moved into the Levant due to wars and Islamic conquest.
Hi Jema. Thank you for your question. I'm amongst those who believe, according to God's Word, that Israel have been, presently is, & will ever be a special people appointed & preserved by God, and to whom all the promises of the OT were made & will be fulfilled. The Church stands only on the merits of God reaching out to the world with the Gospel of His Christ, that we too might receive the opportunity & blessing that was given to Israel, but they spurned God's Love, resting on their heritage & misunderstanding of the Scriptures. All Israel, as all unbelieving Gentiles rejecting the offer of Salvation are doomed - those saved from Israel & the Gentiles now, are received as God's special possession, incorporated in His Church. Yet, Israel as a people will be kept & will go into that time of "Jacob's Trouble": Jeremiah 30:7 (the Great Tribulation), to the end that God's Purposes for them will be fulfilled & those who turn to the Lord, will reign with Him in His Kingdom. In other words, another opportunity will be given them & also to the Gentiles during that time of Great Tribulation to turn to Jesus. Surely Israel will respond to the Messiah now, won't they?
The Bible indicates there would be two re-gatherings of Israel (the first was in Jeremiah 29:10 after a 70 year captivity). The second, would be from every nation where they had been dispersed ( Jeremiah 30:3; Jeremiah 16:14,15, Jeremiah 23:3,7,8; Jeremiah 29:14). For the last 120 years or so, more than 3.5 million Jews have returned back to their God-given land, from all points of the globe, fulfilling God's Promises ( Isaiah 43:5-7). See Page 2.
Part 2
To finish the transgression
To finish; to withhold something from someone. transgression "transgress," to overpass as any rule prescribed as the limit of duty, to break or violate, as a law, civil or moral, the act of transgressing, rebellion, revolt, offend, that a penalty for the transgression a payment is due for the offense. Debt and transgressions, that they/we cannot pay, and the animal sacrifices fall short.
The only way anyone can stand before a just and holy God is if somebody is worthy and spotless to pay the debt. And the only one who has earned the right to pay that debt is the Messiah the Son of God and we have justification through Christ alone.
Psalm 32:1 Psalm 89:32 Psalm 103:11-12 Isaiah 43:25 Isaiah 53:5-8 Isaiah 53:11 Galatians 3:19 Ephesians 2:4-5 Hebrews 9:15-18
Jesus with a perfect life gave up his body to death; he fulfilled the first covenant of sacrificial law. His sacrifice is the redemption of the transgressions and the fulfillment of the first covenant of sacrificial law.
He became sin for us, and with his blood made the new covenant being the only mediator of the New Testament that we through faith in Jesus Christ receive the promise of eternal inheritance. Offered first to the house of Israel for He came first only for the lost sheep of Israel then was offered to the rest of the world.
See Part 3
There is only ONE "ism": Bapt"ism" in(to) the NAME of Christ (submerged into LIVING WATER); your his wife, he has GIVEN YOU his NAME, you have BECOME ONE, as he and the Father are ONE.
Numbers 6:27 And they shall put MY NAME upon the children of ISRAEL (Christ is the promised SEED of Israel): and I will Bless Them.
2 Samuel 7:13 And He (Christ) shall BUILD a house for MY NAME, and I will establish the throne of the kingdom forever.
Isaiah 43:7 Everyone that is called by MY NAME; for I HAVE CREATED him for MY GLORY, I have formed him, I have made him.
John 17:22 The glory which thou gavest me I have given to them; that they may be ONE as we are ONE.
God Bless YOU!
Part 1 THERE IS BUT ONE GOD-NOW AND EVER
First of all, I would like to establish that there is only one God according to Scripture.
Deut. 4:35 says, "Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he is God, there is none else beside him."
Isaiah 43:10 says ,"Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen; that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He; before Me there is no God formed; neither shall there be after Me."
Isaiah 44:6,8 says, "Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the LORD of Hosts; I am the first and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.....Is there a God beside Me? Yeaw, there is no God, I know not any."
1Corinthians 8:4-6 says,, "...we know that an idol is nothing in this world, and that there is none other God but one. For though there may be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth (as there be gods many and lords many), 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."
So, the testimony of Scriptures clearly and explicitly states the truth that there is but One God and that no other gods exist beside Him nor will any more gods exist after Him. This is because from eternity to eternity, He is the only God who is self-existent, without beginning or end, and He alone created all things outside of Himself. Any created being is not God nor will ever become a god. Angels will always be angels, humans will always be humans, and God will always be God.
Part 2 THERE IS NO ONE LIKE GOD-HE IS UNIQUE AND ONE OF A KIND
Scripture also says that there is no other being who is like Him in essence, perfection, limitlessness, and infinity.
see next post
"I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour."
Since Jesus is the one and only savior as 1 John 4:14 and Acts 4:12 says, do you think its possible the uppercase LORD and savior is Jesus?
Verses considered thus far: Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 43:11, Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:29
The Godhead (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) are all of one essence-Divinity. This essence is the very Being and nature of God. This Oneness in nature is "what" God is and only God possesses this essence. As One being in essence, God exists in three distinct Persons who have will, intellect, emotions, a mind, an Who interact with one another within this one essence. This is the "Who" of God.
Although this Oneness is impossible for us to completely understand, as God is infinitely Divine and the Persons of the Godhead are inseparably unified within the Godhead. It is not that each Person of the Godhead has the same mind, will, or love for each that makes them One. It is that there is only One Divine essence, which is eternal, infinite, totally unique and unlike anything else. There is none other like Him, nor will there ever be anyone else like Him because everyone else is a created being and cannot acquire this divine essence. This essence (or nature) cannot be added to nor subtracted from. It cannot be communicated (given) to any other being. God alone possesses this nature.
Also, as Jesus said, The Father Himself are one and that He is in the Father and the Father is in Him. ( John 14:9-11) ( John 14:19-20) Jesus came forth from the Father t become Man ( John 16:28) even though the Father and Himself remained One concerning the Divine nature. The Holy Spirit come forth from the Father and the Son to abide within us, but He also remained One with the Father and the Son concerning the Divine Nature.
As human creatures we can admit that the Godhead is beyond human understanding because His essential Being is completely "other" than anything else. This is called His "transcendency" because His Being is beyond our ability to comprehend or even describe as human words cannot fully describe His Being, His Oneness, and being three distinct Persons in One Being. We know what He has revealed to humanity about Himself, but cannot totally understand Him.
......Likewise this God the Father and God the Son and God the H.G...Are all 3 RELATED as FATHER SON AND GRANSON....3 Distinct beings, but the 1 singular Father of ISRAEL....They are 3 distinct beings but all 3 related by the same spirit of Godliness....Even in the natural a Father Son and Granson are all 3 related b/c thy are 1 blood line....But in the Spirit the God Head is all 3 that are related by 1 Kingdom Spirit Line..Of righteousness/Holiness/Godliness/Glory/Honor/Wisdom/Strength....
...M.M. Jesus came out of the Fathers bosum meaning God the Father's word...As John 1 tells us Jesus was Gods word made flesh and blood...This is my beloveth son in whom i am well pleased..And God the H.G. Comes out of Christ Loins..When he Breathe on them they were impregnated by Jesus Words ( his Seeds ) ..Jesus said b/c i have spoken these words sorrows have filled your hearts..Then he said when a woman is in travail she has sorrrows but after the Child comes her sorrows are turned into joy....She brought forth a man child that is gonna rule all nations and her Child was caught up to God and to his THRONE... A BABY GOD...That Child the H.G...which is spirit is the result of Jesus WORDS HIS SEEDS..Jesus is the Father of this Child which is the H.G...Thats y Isaiah refers to Christ as everlasting FATHER..HE is able to propagate very God with his Seed. Thus there is a Father/Son and Granson kingdom
I hope that you will know our Lord Jesus Christ more and more with each new day He give you to live in this life. It is Jesus Who leads us to the Father, and the Holy Spirit Who leads us to Jesus, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ that activates the working of salvation in one's life. Not Mary, not any saint, nor any other means. Jesus is the ONLY Mediator between the Father and us ( 1 Timothy 2:5. Jesus is our ONLY Savior ( Hosea 13:4; Isaiah 43:11) Mary attested to this in Luke 1:47 in the Magnificat.
Romans 10:8-12 says that if we confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. And in Romans 1:16 Paul say that he is not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.
Angela, you do not need to appeal to Mary or anyone else but Jesus for salvation and all of your spiritual needs. He is our all in all. Mary was a humble woman. She was eager to agree to being the mother of our Savior. God chose her. She is special for that. But she is not involved in saving us in any way. God could have chosen another woman to conceive our Savior. But there can be no other as our Savior but Jesus. I think Mary was a godly example for all of us. She no doubt was meek and did not wish to bring glory to herself. She knew her role and standing before God. She did not seek more than being an obedient servant of God. She would not wish to have all of the (misguided) adulation given to her. She knows that all of the glory, honor, and praise is reserved strictly for our Triune God. He alone is God and worthy of our worship. Turning to Mary for help is like turning to any other pagan idol, as the Israelites did with the golden calf or the cakes baked to the "Queen of Heaven" (Ishtar), or the Asherah poles to the idol similar to Ishtar.
Angela, much of what the Catholic Church teaches about Mary go back to very ancient times after the flood.....
Please consider reflecting on these Bible scriptures: Psalms 37, Psalms 91, Jeremiah 29:11-13, Ezekiel 36:26-27, Isaiah 43:2, I Corinthians 10: 13-14.
A few verses before in 2 Peter 1:11 it says "Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." Do you believe Jesus is your Lord and Savior?
Do you know what "Lord" means?
The same old straw man fallacy shows up again that God the Son isn't God the Father, but no one is claiming that. This attack on Jesus is repeated so much it seems to fall into the disingenuous and lie territory.
God is powerful enough to do what you don't comprehend as a man. Whether you comprehend that or not doesn't change reality or the truth. The Bible says that in John 1 the 'word was God' and was there at the beginning, so do you believe it?
More of God's truth about God:
Luke 4:34 - "Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God."
Luke 4:12 after satan put Jesus to the test Jesus says "Do not put the Lord your God to the test."
Isaiah 7:14 - Jesus is called Immanuel which means "God with us"
Isaiah 42:5 "Thus saith God the LORD..."
Isaiah 42:8 "I am the LORD: that is my name..."
Hebrews 1:8 "But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom."
Godhead:
Colossians 2:9
Acts 17:29
Romans 1:20
John 1:18
God is we and us plural:
Genesis 1:26
If the Bible flat out said Jesus is God like it does would you believe it?
Where are the verses that say Jesus isn't God the Son? (none)
Where are the verses saying Jesus IS God the Son (above, numerous)
And where are the verses where Jesus verbally denied being God? (none)
"I AM" John 8:56-59
John 10:30
John 8:19
Philippians 2:5-8
2 Corinthians 5:19
John 1:3
Matthew 28:19
1 Peter 1:2
2 Corinthians 13:14
Deuteronomy 6:4
John 14:10
John 20:28
1 John 2:22-24
Matthew 1:23-25
Colossians 2:9
Acts 17:29
Romans 1:20
Isaiah 7:14
Hebrews 1:8
Isaiah 44:6
Isaiah 43:11
John 17:5
John 17:21
The first 12 verses describe a woman caught in adultery. The fact that the man wasn't brought as well was suspect. Jesus gave instructions for the man without sin to throw the first stone; and when He remained mercy triumphed over judgment. It should be noted; however that in verse 11 she was told to "go and sin no more". In verse 12; Jesus appeals to the fact that He is the light of the world.
Then; when disputing with the Pharisees and giving what seemed like a clear message of salvation and how He was connected with the Father; verse 27 shows that they really didn't know what He was referring to. Verses 31-32 describes what is often called "Perseverance of the saints". It makes clear that to produce good fruit; we must remain in Him; which of course is only possible for those sealed with the Spirit ( Eph. 1:13-14).
In verse 33; another lie is told; as we see elsewhere in John that they were never slaves. Then; continuing to verse 38; Jesus reveals whose father they have. They are thinking about physical ancestry; Jesus is talking about spiritual authority; and spells iit out continuing to verse 48. The situation deteriorates further when Jesus is accused of having a demon (v. 48; following v.52-53; then Jesus gives a clear statement that He is the "I am" or God Himself; and the last first shows yet another attempt to stone Him where He escapes. (See John 1:11 to summarize this book). They are spiritually blind; but held accountable having physical vision (see John 9:41; Isaiah 43:8)
I appreciate your respectul remarks and am ok with continuing to dialog as long as that remains.
I can offer a challenge to few of your points in your last comment.
1. John 1:1 says, "In the beginning", God does not have a beginning.
It sounds like you are using this as evidence to support your view. I don't view it that way at all. First, this says "in the beginning" not "in God's beginning" or "in the Word's beginning". So, this phrase doesn't suggest any limitation on God whatsoever, but is just marking for us in our own human terms that Jesus was always there.
Do you remember Jesus saying this: "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last." That doesn't mean He's limited, but the opposite, it means He spans everything! Revelation 22:13 - notice the words in red that Jesus said that.
It also says this in Revelation 1:8, notice it says "says the Lord". Lord is Greek word kurios which is supreme authority or God. Some translations say "says the Lord God" and is the same meaning. This is Jesus speaking about Himself, it too is in red.
Isaiah 44:6 "Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God." - notice this is the same claim Jesus made in Revelation. If there's only one and only one who makes that claim then it seems logical that the claim in both the New and Old Testament are from the same being.
Revelation 11:17 - This uses the same word Lord (kurios) of which Jesus is Lord ( Romans 10:9) and uses the word theos (God) with it, so it calls Jesus "Lord God." Do you agree? How do you feel about this verse?
Isaiah 43:11 - "I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour." So, it says Jesus is Lord and our savior in the New Testament and there's no other Lord. Here in the OT it also says the Lord is the savior and no one else. That is all in alignment with John 10:30. Yes?
John 5:23 - we must honor Jesus.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
Who is the Word?
John 1:14-15 says the Word is Jesus. Does anyone deny that the Word is Jesus?
If someone believes John 1:14, then do they believe John 1:1
"...the Word was God."
"...[Jesus] was God."
JESUS.
WAS.
GOD.
John 1:1
This is God's Word.
Some here are saying "Jesus was NOT God" despite John 1:1 clearly saying Jesus WAS God. I'd like to know exactly how someone can believe in all other verses of the Bible except this one? If something WAS something, that seems to offer little room for interpretation. It means it's the same, does it not? So, if something WAS something, how does someone twist this into believing it says something WAS NOT something?
It then must be asked: since it takes so much effort to take a sentence something WAS something to turn it into: something WAS NOT something, what is the true underlying motive here? Does God's Word carry the most weight and influence or does something else?
This is eerily similar to Gen 3:4 where satan denied what God said and claimed that they shall NOT surely die. Satan loves opposites and this seems to have his signature, does it not?
I welcome any perspective I'm missing, but do not consider anything other Bible verses as valid evidence. God's Word is all that matters and because there's already numerous verses supporting that Jesus is God like John 1:1 then that is what is true. Lastly, why not just pray and ask God directly to know the truth? Genuinely ask!
1 John 5:7-8
John 10:30
John 8:19
Genesis 1:26
Genesis 11:6-7
(plural "us")
Philippians 2:5-8
2 Corinthians 5:19
John 1:3
Matthew 28:19
1 Peter 1:2
2 Corinthians 13:14
Deuteronomy 6:4
John 14:10
John 20:28
1 John 2:22-24
Matthew 1:23-25
Colossians 2:9
Acts 17:29
Romans 1:20
Isaiah 7:14
Hebrews 1:8
Isaiah 44:6
Isaiah 43:11
This is an interesting logical argument. I find that in 1 Peter 3:22. Let's assume for argument's sake that your conclusion is correct and you get 1 point for this.
But for every verse you cite, there are even more that say that Jesus IS God, like John 1:1 saying the "Word was God" and verse 14 that Jesus is the Word.
This could continue to play out and you can cite any number of verses to support your position, but again we don't run out of very compelling verses saying that Jesus is God.
Let's say that it's a dead even race. 30 verses suggesting Jesus isn't vs 30 verses suggesting He is.
Then what? Which do you choose to believe?
I don't know if you've gone through this exercise or not, but I now have a spoiler: someone will run out of verses supporting that Jesus "isn't" God long before the verses supporting He IS God. Not only that, but each of the verses commonly cited to claim that Jesus "isn't" God require some extra creative interpretation and human logic whereas the verses supporting the other side can be read and interpreted more literally. Not only that, but there's logical explanations for why Jesus called His Father God. The main reason is that He temporarily became a human being and limited His power. Phil 2:6-7. So, yes, as a man, He prayed to His Father and called Him God. So, all verses must be considered as a whole, not cherry picked in order to have understanding about the Godhead and I admit it is hard to comprehend as we don't have anything like it in on earth. But perhaps like an orange with seeds, pulp, skin. Someone calls pulp an orange, and it is.
1 John 5:7-8
John 10:30
John 8:19
Genesis 1:26
, Genesis 11:6-7 (plural "us")
Philippians 2:5-8
2 Corinthians 5:19
John 1:3
Matthew 28:19
1 Peter 1:2
2 Corinthians 13:14
Deuteronomy 6:4
John 14:10
John 20:28
1 John 2:22-24
Matthew 1:23-25
Colossians 2:9
Acts 17:29
Romans 1:20
Isaiah 7:14
Hebrews 1:8
Isaiah 44:6
Isaiah 43:11
OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECY OF PROPET ISAIAH
SHEDDING OF BLOOD FOR REMISSION OF SINS
Isaiah 9:6 - For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 43:10 - Ye [are] my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I [am] he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.
Isaiah 43:11 - I, [even] I, [am] the LORD; and beside me [there is] no saviour.
Isaiah 44:6 - Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I [am] the first, and I [am] the last; and beside me [there is] no God.
NEW TESTAMENT - OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECY FULFILLED
JESUS SHED BLOOD, DIED ON THE CROSS, RISEN FROM THE DEAD, ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN
John 1:1 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:2 - The same was in the beginning with God.
John 1:3 - All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
John 1:14 - And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
John 8:58 - Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
John 10:30 - I and [my] Father are one.
John 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Colossians 1:15 - 22 - Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist
If i am going to search and find my new name, a new rule? Can you please elaborate on this a bit more. It was a bit of a long search for me at least.
On righteous works yes and Revelation 2:17 and Revelation 3:12
God bless u, love u in Christ. Hebrew 10:7 Isaiah 43:7 Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.
Everything is for Jesus. We stand in the radiance of Jesus Christ.
God not only remains in the fire with us when we are in the fire like He was in the fire with the three Hebrews in the furnace mentioned in Daniel, but God often puts His children in the fire for their growth and perfection.
When thou passest through the waters,
I will be with thee;
and through the rivers,
they shall not overflow thee:
when thou walkest through the fire,
thou shalt not be burned;
neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
Isaiah 43:2
Please consider reflecting on Psalms 23, Isaiah 41:10-13, Isaiah 43:2.