Discuss John 3 Page 47

God will make a way. He is merciful, and can do all things, we think impossible. My words , my faith like all believers will convince those who do not believe , of his salvation. This is why you and I must proclaim the name of Jesus! This is the reason we believe in Him. We are not saved by the letter of the law. We are saved by faith in Jesus Christ. Just believe on his name!

To Fred and Joanne we will never stop private interpretation 2 Peter 1:20+21 because people choose to believe what they have been taught right or wrong or what they think it means, they aren't shown the bible is an eastern book and has eastern culture and thought in it or as long as it agrees with them their fine. All these things are an uphill battle that the apostle Paul new well most of his followers got to the point where they no longer believed he was a man called of God and walked away.

No everything in balance.

According to the church. All things that come out of it! There are way, way, too many interpretations. Since we live in a free nation we will be subject unto these . However ,Prior to the fall of Rome, mediately before and after, the word became the truest and most convincing. The Holy Spirit will always do the the work , we are remiss too do! God is merciful, and will finish the work that needs to be done! His ways are past understanding. Pray, I say Pray, that His will be done! We have a beautiful new church whos doors are closed? When can I see IT!

There will be harmony! This is why we have the old testament! The same spirit of forgiveness found in the blood of Christ. The hope found in the promises to Abraham, to Isaac, Jacob, Are and will be the same hopes that will live in the heart and soul of GODS people! Heaven and earth ,what else would you say about it!

Is it a sin to drink?

Through focus and prayer, you can obtain understanding. Ask God to help you understand.

If you add 2 Corinthians 5:19 ("God was in Christ"), to give further support to 1 John 3:16. Thank you.

How to understand the Bible

Page 2.

God did send out His Word by the prophets but lastly sent His final message through that same Word ( Hebrews 1:1,2), now clothed in flesh for not just in bringing out God's Word in Person, but for the main purpose, that this Word (of God, from God, as God) would lay down His Life as a full substitutionary payment for our sins.

So here is the difficulty that you have, implying: the Son of God was only that, a special separate creation, holy & sinless, Who would sacrifice His Life in our stead. Yes, He was a special creation, not out of nothing, but from God's very Being. Though the requirement of a spotless Sacrificial Lamb offering would have been met in such a (separate) creation by God, it would lack the most important aspect of such a sacrifice: that God Himself would make the payment for man's sins. This is the true & fullest expression of God's Love (1 John 3:16: "Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he (God) laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren."). God had to come down to the realm of sinful man, taking on his flesh & ultimately becoming the sin offering that gives full pardon to all who come to Him by faith & unequivocal love in response. If God did not take this initiative, or He (in Jesus) failed to rise from the dead, we would remain hopeless, unredeemable, consigned to hell fire for all eternity.

I pray Rob, that you & any other who is at variance to what the Scripture teaches on this important matter, might know that your salvation hangs onto the fact that God had to lay down His Life to redeem you, & that He accomplished that by coming down, sending His Word, in the Person of Jesus Christ, Who then rose again to the Father, to Whom He once prayed: "And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was" ( John 17:5). A very compelling Statement of Truth.

Linda, to answer your question simply put, no. Jesus said in ( John 3:3) "Verily, verily I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he can not see the kingdom of God." meaning that we must some how be reborn to go to heaven. Some will assert that ( John 3:5) shows that we must be baptized by water, and receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit to be saved, This is easily refuted with scripture. Remember God cannot lie ( Titus 1:2) Therefore, Scripture cannot contradict itself. If God required baptism for salvation, then Jesus Christ lied to the thief on the cross. ( Luke 23:43) Jesus IS God ( John 1:1). He CANNOT lie. God made the way to heaven very simple, so easy that even a child can understand and accept. It is not based on our works ( Ephesians 2:8-9) but on our faith in Christ and His FINISHED work on the cross. We must first understand that we are a sinner in need of a Savior. ( Romans 3:23) ... When we see that there is a penalty for our sin. ( Romans 6:23) That we cannot pay the penalty on our own, but Jesus Christ, loved us so much that He came, lived the perfect life, fulfilled the law, and became sin for us on the cross to pay our sin debt for us. ( Romans 5:8) Then believing the gospel by faith, we accept the GIFT of God, confess our belief in Him, and ask Him to save us. ( Romans 10:9-13) There are MEN who will take God's gift and want to say that in order to receive it you will need to do this or that, but whenever we add WORKS to the equation the GIFT ceases to be a gift. Repentance is a turning from self and a turning toward Christ.

Well First the Renewal starts in your Mind. You have to be reborn and understanding the true meaning of repentance. ( Acts 17:30). Then After He requires of us to be baptized by water and of the holy spirit. ( Matt 4:17, John 3:5)

Mild Bill.

The resurrection spoken of in the Bible is physical not spiritual. As Christ had a physical resurrection Luke 24:39 so will we be resurrected physically with a new body as stated in 1 John 3:2. The soul as I previously stated is the whole person body and breath ( Genesis 2:7) that will be raised to eternal life, Or raised to eternal destruction.

The doctrine of an immortal soul states that our spirit lives on immediately after death and either acsends to heaven or descend to hell. This is all spiritualistic and not Bible based as I previously stated.

That was a great statement of Truth & your belief on salvation & the Christian life that you shared, & it certainly augers well for your Pastor Bryce in his clear ministry to each of you who meet there. And we can take confidence in the fact that its "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost" ( Titus 3:5). There was nothing, absolutely nothing, we could do to contribute to this great Work of Salvation gifted to us through Jesus Christ. It's all of Grace made effectual by faith: and this whole 'deal' (i.e. grace through faith) is God's Gift to us. We needed both from Him: His Grace & His Gift of Faith - nothing we could generate from our corrupt sinful selves - it's all from Him and all for Him.

Walk confidently & in holiness, in the joy of your Lord, my dear sister.

What I believe about salvation is this. It's like what my pastor said, which you can look him on YouTube or Facebook, Bryce Vandiver, unless you live in Granbury then go visit Bible Baptist Church in Granbury on Wednesday nights and Sunday morning s at 10 An Sunday school, 11 AM morning service and 2pm in the afternoons and 7pm on Wednesday nights, but it's like he said that we can not earn our way into heaven by our good works. I believe when I was a sinner that The Holy Spirit, God, or Jesus told me I wasn't saved and I believed I wasn't and came to Christ. Then, as a newborn baby in Him, I wanted to do everything Godly and righteous. I do believe there is no such thing as a second chance, but I do believe God gives us so many opportunities to accept His son and then there comes one last opportunity that He speaks to our hearts and we either take it or don't. I can say I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, but it doesn't mean anything unless on purpose I act on faith by saying what I believe. The scriptures says It is by faith through grace we are saved. But it also says to be a doer and not hearer only. Now, we are not perfect because we are not God, but I believe we should try to make ammends with God and the people we have failed. And people we love fail us too. So let's forgive, forget, move ahead and remember God is judge.

John 3:16

For God so loved THE WORLD that he gave his only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Last time I checked, that scripture still stands prominently in the Bible. Jesus was crucified for everyone. He suffered the wrath of God for everyone. Willingly. And He was raised up on the 3rd day. Victorious!

What you mentioned about pre-Genesis is called, "Old Earth Theory". It is a Cult of people that teach something that is not recorded in the Bible. "In Beginning" is when God created TIME. That is when the story began.

The whole ENTIRE BIBLE is about a PERSON. His name is Jesus.

John 1:1-5

1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2. The same was in the beginning with God

3. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

4. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

5. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

If God had included a Book and Chapters about pre-Genesis; it would be in the Bible. But they didn't do that. The Book of John clearly explains that. God gave us archaeology, astronomy, and science to find HIM; to SEE HIM.

Romans 1

17For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from FAITH TO FAITH: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

19Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and GODHEAD, so that they are WITHOUT EXCUSE.

21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him NOT as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Anonymous, PG 3, Hebrews 6;17-20, Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath; That by two immutable things in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us; Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both "SURE" and stedfast, and which entered into that within the vail; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. The conclusion; we have Eternal Security based on Gods promise, not our achievements; and as the scripture says; For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Now that takes us to John 3:16-17, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world ; but the world through him might be saved. I hope that helps. I'm sorry that took so long.

If you had experienced conversion and received the life-changing gift of the Holy Ghost, would you need a second chance?

"I once was, but now I am." There is no 30 day "Free Trial" period.

I am putting together a study on Matthew 5-7, the Sermon on the Mount. As I did a cut and paste I removed the verse numbers and am in the process of adding an outline to the text. Chapter numbers are retained.

The addition of verse numbers has had a negative effect on learning the teachings of Jesus we are missing much when we are presenting a verse.

Right on Rickey! It is LOVE created by GOD that saves us!!

John 3:16

To Stan, read what Jesus said in John 3:3-5. Read also Luke 24:47. This was fulfilled in Acts 2:38. It is for everyone in the world. In the book of Acts, they were water baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. From the book of Romans - Jude, these are the saints that came from the book of Acts & were Water baptized & filled w the Holy . Ghost Many chapters are in the New Testament on water baptism. We need water baptism (blood is applied; as well as receiving the Holy Ghost (Spirit). In Matthew 26:28 Jesus said, "For this is my blood of the New testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins". Acts 2:38 is the new testament salvation as we follow Christ in all his ways. Praise his name.

Thanks for the clarification, Robynn. My last comment pertained to yours: "Who were these spirits Jesus preached to and freed?" I took this to mean that those spirits imprisoned had the Gospel preached to them & subsequently freed (whether by virtue of the message given them or the need for their response to it). I don't believe either took place. We generally assume that the Gospel was preached, but could it be something else? That is, the event may not have happened at Christ's death but at another occasion? That it wasn't the Gospel that came to them, but another announcement &/or pronouncement? That the caged spirits might still be in chains after Christ's Word to them?

My fear is that so often we ascribe an understanding & teaching to a passage that gives us very little detail to properly form a correct understanding, whether we've heard a sermon or read a book about it. If something isn't clear, then it does take quite an effort to just leave the matter & say, "We just don't know".

And no apology needed. You have every right to share your thoughts so that those who read them may also contemplate, assess & respond if necessary. Thank you for what you shared & the Lord bless you.

Reply to Robynn John 3

Good day

Romans 8:35-39 who shall seperate us from the Love of God. God is Love. Most people love with conditions, where God's love on unconditional. We even treat God that way ,if we don't get what we ask from God,He becomes none existant.

Grace is love,Ephesians 2v8 we are saved by Grace through faith. We don't deserve this Grace,but gave it because of His incredible Love for us.

Read Luke 24:47 then in the New Testament it is fulfilled in Acts 2:38. "Repent & be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins & ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost". It is both water baptism & the Holy Ghost. Jesus spoke what was needed to enter into the kingdom of God in John 3:5. Water baptism is in Mark 16:16. Romans 6:3-8. Colossions 2. And 1st Peter3:18-21. Even in the old testament, the parting of the Red sea was a type of water baptism. Same as Noahs ark. Pls read it in the Bible. Jesus said in Matthew 28 "For this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins". Acts 2:38 is the New Testament salvation as we love the Lord w all our heart, soul, & mind; & we must love our neighbor as thyself. Those 2 are commands. Without love for one another we will not make it to the kingdom. We must love as he does. We must crucify the flesh daily. Allow the Spirit to lead us. God is Spirit & those that worship him must worship him in Spirit & in truth.

Thanks Chris for your reply. I agree with you on what the scriptures state. I was not implying that there is in fact a purgatory or a second chance. No sir, the Bible does not state that. My comment was more along the line of deep thinking of things that make you go hmmm...in an effort to stir up the spiritual mind of our Christian family. That is why I advised to seek the Holy Spirit's input on the matter. I would never teach people will have a second chance at repentance if they reject the gospel here. Again, as you stated, there are things we are just uncertain about.

I may have been out of line for making my statement on a public forum, I apologize. Please charge it to my head and not my heart.

Thank you for your response. I agree, the Jews that chose to reject our Savior have condemned themselves

Luke being a medical doctor described a great divide. The way I interpret this, those that accepted Christ are on one side of this divide with Christ in Heaven and those that rejected him are on the other side waiting judgment along with those that have never heard waiting on their opportunity to hear and either accept or reject him. Remember when Christ was crucified he went to where those that hadn't heard about the plan of salvation, because it hadn't happened yet and they were still under the law and he witnessed to them giving them the opportunity to accept or reject salvation. I don't believe anyone gets a second chance but I do believe the Gospel teaches all will have the opportunity to accept or reject Salvation. God Bless !

Thank you Robynn for your comments/questions & if I may respond.

1. Indeed, God's Love for all mankind is so immense & unfathomable that He continued to engage with us even when everything about us warranted our complete extermination. But that Love persisted as we read in Romans 5:8; 2 Peter 3:9.

2, 3, 4. 1 Peter 3:18-20. The focus in this passage is on 'the Spirit'. The same Spirit that brought Jesus back alive from the dead was also by the same means (i.e. the Spirit) that Jesus went to the spirits held in prison.

Now, this is the only passage we have on this visit by Jesus, though there are references to spirits in chains ( Jude 6; Revelation 20:1-3). And I realize that many Christians attempt to place the event in 1 Peter 3, to Jesus' visit at the time of His death. It could well be but we cannot be certain of this as we are simply given very limited detail. And in the context of Peter's writing, this visit was not his focus. All we know is that Jesus did visit at some point & specifically to those who were disobedient in the days of Noah; when that took place is not revealed.

And "how much does God love people?" As mentioned, His Love knows no bounds. But His pure Love equates to His pure Justice. And if we think that God's Love must also allow for sinners, whether they've come under the sound of the Gospel or not, to have a second chance to hear, repent & receive, then what is the point of preaching the Gospel now, why did the apostles & myriads of other faithful saints suffer brutally & horrible deaths, if there was a second opportunity for lost souls? "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." - no second chances, no purgatory.

Pat, if I may direct you to Romans 2:12-16:

"For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel."

Here we see the Apostle Paul's teaching on those who have sinned "in the Law" (i.e. the Jews who were given God's Law to abide by & to judge themselves as those who failed in keeping the Law perfectly), and those who 'perish' (note: not 'sinned', since sin is effected, accountable & punishable by God by the giving of a Law, Romans 3:20) without having received the Law.

So to the Jew who remains under the burden of the Law & not in receipt of God's Grace in Christ, they will be judged by the Law, & they will fail, for none could ever keep the Law perfectly ( Galatians 2:21b:"for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.").To the Gentile (non-Jew) who in days past never received or even heard of God's Laws & therefore never subject to its conditions, Paul says that these may not have the written Law in stone/parchment, but by nature perform the Law as written upon their hearts; it's now their conscience that accuses them of doing wrong or excuses their sins, that God sees & thus judges. Certainly not like getting God's Commands directly, but when both Jew & Gentile have to stand before God, the judgement meted to them will be based on the Law whether given directly or written in their hearts/consciences.

And that's why the Gospel is so important: it is salvation to all.

Hello Brooke,

I like your question because it is the same thing I used to think. In my belief. Once you are saved by the Lord Jesus Christ and have a personal relationship with God there is no more need to fear Him. As pure love, for Him, will take over and your entire life with everything you do surrounds Him. In living your life after the foot steps of Christ. Living a life that makes God happy. After repentance from things of this world and living a life of Holiness, grace, and truth. Actually doing our best seriously to stay away from the sins of this world because that is what makes God happy.

Another way to look at it is the Hebrew word "yirah" for "fear" can also mean "respect, reverence, or piety". Hopefully people won't take this the wrong way and that I don't think there should be fear of God. As one of the verses states, that Adam posted, how God is Almighty and can destroy the body and soul of the evil and wicked. Sometimes fear is what may drive people toward God. Of coarse you have to believe in Him first which is a big problem in this world today.

So if you truly have an intimate relationship with God. There is no need to fear Him as love overcomes fear. Of coarse your respect and reverence for Him will be through your love. Living your life for Him. Your true love will shine to Him. Here's a couple verses you may like. God Bless you sister.

Psalms 31:23

Psalms 91

Psalms 97:10

Psalms 145:20

Proverbs 8:7

2 Timothy 1:7

2 Corinthians 7:1

1 John 4:7-19. All of, 1 John is a good book on the love of God.

This is a reply on Chris's comment about judgment & hell. But I'm going to comment on it in a series of questions that I believe many bible believing Christians should think and pray on.

1) How much does God love people?

2) Where did Jesus Spirit go during the three days His body was in the earth?

3) Consider this: 1 Peter 3:18-20 NKJV "For Christ also suffer once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared..."

4) Who were these spirits Jesus preached to and freed?

Finally, I'll ask again, how much does God love people? I encourage everyone to think on this, and converse with the Holy Spirit.

does that mean that we do not have a second chance at forgivness