The Spirit uses the word continual in keeping with the Holiness in which both Power and Wisdom are at play. He sent forth his word that shall never return void. (Is.55:11) So continual is firmly is the order of the Father Son relationship. "My Father worketh hitherto, and I work," has events unseen as well as made to appear that owe to this continual action.
Consequently the Abstract presented in the Book of Genesis Ch. 1 refers to the Everlasting Covenant, which is unseen. Whereas the Abstract like 7 bullet points- and the Spirit calls them as day, refers to the generation of Jesus Christ. Why call it day? In Ps.2:7 God refers it as such, and "This day I have begotten thee," is part of the decree so it stands. The generation of Jesus Christ begins with the day as set down by the Spirit. "These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens."(Ge.2:4)
"In the beginning" refers to this day (Ge.1:1). Compare this with the verse where new heaven and the new earth are presented (Re.21:1), the adjective 'new' is the culmination of the continual action to which both heaven and the earth play their parts set forth in the Abstract.
The Spirit uses the word 'continual' in another sense. The devil sins from the beginning, which also have consequences till the day of Regeneration. 'He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world.'(1 John 4:4,18) His works are however subject to God purging from time to time. ( 1 John 3:8). Perfect love casts out fear.
Fear not according to a site online (I won't name it in case that is an issue) is listed 365 times in the Bible. I am aware of the message of the angels about Christ the Savior being born to the shepherds as the verse which Charles Schultz included in the famous Peanuts Christmas story when Linus dropped the security blanket as a symbolic gesture.
Of course Franklin Roosevelt gave the quote "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." That is true to some extent; because the enemy of our souls can only do what God allows; but of course the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; which is found in numerous scriptural passages as well. It has been said that the opposite of fear is faith; and of course true love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). This is something only the Lord can give; for Jesus Himself had martyrdom to face daily; and Revelation 2:10 is one example given for the church; as well as the verse where Christ said to not fear what can be done to the body but the one who can cast body and soul into hell. ( Matthew 10:28). The enemy also likes to remind us as the accuser of the brethern of our sins and our condemnation which Christ took at the cross for true believers. (see Revelation 12:10). The Lord will convict us when we grieve the Spirit but that is out of love. The power of sin is death ( 1 Cor. 15:56). Jesus overcame death and the grave and took our sins on Himself at Calvary. We need to be daily reminded of these basic Gospel truths as we can become hardened to it for various reasons.
There is hope for us after death and hope is for things yet unseen ( Hebrews 11:1). Surely with the world in the state it is today we need that future expectation for any joy to be maintained; whether emotionally or as a fruit of the Spirit. Being part of the BODY of Christ is imperitive as to our identity so that we may together strive for unity in fulfilling the Great Commission and prayer and fellowship with one another for strength.
The early Christians were loyal Jews; they worshiped daily in the Temple at Jerusalem; they attended services in the synagogue; they revered the law of Moses.
Notice in Acts 15 Paul did not try to persuade them to drop the Sabbath and start meeting on Sunday.
The dispute over the requirements of a Gentile Christian were resolved at the Council at Jerusalem and the Sabbath wasn't even brought up but the liberty we have in Christ for the Gentiles was on display. In other words, they weren't expected to be as zealous for the Jewish customs and rituals as the Jewish Christians were in the early Church.
Acts 15:22-24
Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:
Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: TO WHOM WE GAVE NO SUCH COMMANDMENT:
In Moses law breaking many of these commandments was a death sentence!
Why aren't we so passionate to execute that?
Who would be alive?
Colossians 2:14-17 shows us how we were freed from the sentencing of the penalty of these laws that brought death instead of life.
Today it is not where or when you worship. It is HOW you worship.
John 4:21-24.
If you are born of the spirit, you are sons of God and has joined him in his rest.
A question we should ask ourselves; Do we study it with a confirmation bias? I know I have in the past and I must fight it every time I open the Bible. It is part of our subconscious mind; confirmation bias is when we study the Bible, we look for verses to confirm our existing beliefs, without even knowing it we ignore any Bible verses that conflict with what we believe.
Our existing beliefs are deeply entrenched in our subconscious mind, and our subconscious mind blocks the true meaning unless we accept that we may be wrong and in prayer make a sincere effort to come to the Scriptures with an open mind as we know nothing, praying for the truth with open ears, that we may hear.
Like stories we have heard from childhood, only two, a male and a female of each animal and bird went into the ark with Noah, or the wise men went to the manger when Jesus was a baby. Is that the truth? We must not automatically defend our beliefs without ever really questioning them, if not, the truth becomes harder to find.
1 John 4:1, we are told to test the spirits and many other Scriptures tell us to be aware of false prophets, and false teachers, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15. It is easy to start with a doctrine, or something we have been taught, or what we believe to find Scripture that will confirm it, but is that the true meaning that God inspired the writer to write?
I read and study the KJV, but we must be honest it is a translation and if something feels wrong in our heart, we must not ignore it. Whatever version we have we must trust it is the word of God and His Spirit will give us the understanding of it and shine light on the truth, not from our mind.
We can study in two ways, exegesis, considering the context, and God's intent, and open to the truth given to us through the Holy Spirit, or eisegesis by reading into it with one's own presuppositions, ideas, or the traditions of man.
I had an interesting discussion with a friend of mine who is a young Pastor last week. In it; he was lamenting an individual who claimed that Christ died for him (or her). This was because the evidence of it through this person's behavior would indicate otherwise. It is indeed true and necessary that we all have a personal understanding and experience in regard to salvific faith and repentance granted in regard to being one of God's elect if indeed we are saved. Clearly "accepting" Christ as Lord isn't really doing anything beyond what demons do and shudder ( James 2:19). Confession with the mouth and belief in the heart must coexist ( Romans 10:9-10); it is more than just a verbal declaration of facts. Nonetheless there should be some understanding of the atonement; as well as evidence that the heart has been changed with the spirit convicting of sin; righteousness and judgment to come ( John 16:8). As the Lord states "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" ( Matt. 12:34 and other related verses in New and Old Testament). What John 3:16 is indicating is a state of belief; not merely a one time thing (as translated correctly). Enduring to the end shows that it isn't our own strength which brings about this result; since we all struggle with sin as long as we live ( 1 John 1:8). Nonetheless we have the capacity to live a life of Holiness; since greater is He within us than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).
There are variations of strengths and weaknesses that we all have; some are steeped in doctrines but rather cold in affection towards God; others seem to be caught up in experiences at the expense of wisdom from the Word; and often they seem to have little grasp of repentance or deem it not worthy in very much discussion. There is ample substance in the Word for the Spirit to enlighten us; and any personal vision or dream must be subject to the Word; if in variance then it must be discarded.
The following verse " Psalms 1:1-6 speaks volumes!
There's a lot of doctrine built around this.
Vs 3 "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, THAT BRINGETH FORTH HIS FRUIT IN HIS SEASON; HIS LEAF ALSO SHALL NOT WITHER; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
(HIS LEAF SHALL NOT WITHER!
Forever being fruitful!)
Jeremiah 17:7-8 is another one that picks up on this.
"Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, NEITHER SHALL CEASE FROM YIELDING FRUIT.
Jesus uses this idiom in John 7:37-39 "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water
(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Also see John 4:10.
THANK GOD FOR HIS HOLYSPIRIT THAT SEALS AND GUIDES US!
Psalms 1:1-6.
THE UNGODLY ARE NOT SO: but are like the CHAFF which the wind driveth away.
THEREFORE THE UNGODLY SHALL NOT STAND IN THE JUDGMENT,
(They will have their own Judgment)
NOR SINNERS IN THE CONGREGATION OF THE RIGHTEOUS.
For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
(THE CHAFF IS NOT BINDING TO THE TREE AND HAS NO ROOTS AND NO FRUIT.)
More on the chaff. Matthew 3:11-12
Praise the Lord!
This is why Psalms 1:1 says "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.
The twelve disciples by the Power of the Spirit were equipped so their tongue was as that of learned. Jesus had assured them, "For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you." (10:20). Isaiah says, "The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season tohim that isweary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned."(Is.50:4) They were his associates brought into the household of God.
Their names were written in heaven before the worlds began; so are the names of all those who were adopted as co-heirs to which the writer to the Hebrews address thus "But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,/To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect"(He.12:22-23)
"which bringeth out of his treasure"
Heart of every scribe is the treasure awaiting him and connects his physical life to the very presence of God. It is hidden, and the route map is the Scripture. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Ps.119:105). It is for this reason the Spirit has in many places compared the word of God to a lamp without which he cannot get his bearings or know what he is getting at. On the way he shall find many who make claim to know all the answers and do great wonders. It is impressive because the spirit that helps them is from some other source. How shall you know? "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.(1 John 4:4)".
Good question. John 4:24 is pretty clear saying God is a Spirit. We are made in His image too, however that works. Not sure if that means physical or otherwise.
My opinion of heart in this context is that it is a metaphor. According to Strongs Hebrew H3820 means both heart and feelings.
I think its similar to John 15:5 which is symbolic and doesn't mean Jesus is a literal vine and we are a literal branch instead of human being. And when we eat Jesus's body and drink His blood, it doesn't mean we're cannibals and actually doing it (I guess Catholics do though) but an important metaphor.
Wow! The situation with your friend is so sad and so serious. :( Your friend, even if she is imagining the ghost, doesn't realize that the devil has her held captive by this evil idea and, what can you expect from believing in such a terrible doctrine. I'll pray for her and you for this situation. Knowing what to do is concerning. Do you think she would be willing to listen to your advise and the bible as to how God sees this thing. If God is so against it perhaps she would realize it isn't her mother but a servant of the devil trying to deceive her with a false sense of security, deceiving her into false beliefs. Perhaps if you can help her to realize and accept that God is saying, through His true word, that her mother has passed on and is not there with her then she might give up on this idea. References that might help you: 1 Timothy 4:1 - Leviticus 19:31 - 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 - 1 John 4:1.
I know a lot of people believe their loved ones are watching them from heaven, even Christians. I have always wondered if they have ever thought that through to a conclusion. Why God would allow such a thing when heaven is a place of peace and joy, why let people look down on this cursed world after they have gone to be with Him and are in His wonderful Prescence. I suppose they think their loved ones would want to do that but that doesn't make any sense either. Do they think Jesus isn't enough for the ones they've left behind to be there for them? Do they think the loved one is actually able to touch them with a sense of comfort somehow and to desire that instead looking to Jesus for their comfort? To look to someone else, a dead person instead of Jesus, for help from above is idolatry. Even worldly people believe this, like their deceased loved ones automatically went to heaven and since religious people accept it they do too. I hope this has been a little bit of help to you and, again I will be in prayer for you and her. :) God Bless
Yes Hadassah, I believe that folk today who don't have English as their primary language/mother tongue, have no other option than to use the translation undertaken for their language. This maybe from Bible Societies or Bible translators, and I strongly suspect that these folk won't be using the KJB or another version taken from the Textus Receptus, rather from a more modern translation that would also make their job a lot easier.
A case in point, that I've shared here before: when ministering in Pakistan back in the late 80's, I was giving a Bible study to a small Church group & 1 John 4:10, "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins" was one of many references that was given. I had to use a Urdu translator (a brother in Christ) for this study, since my Urdu proficiency is woefully inadequate, & I had checked with him on some of our more 'difficult' biblical English words, e.g. 'propitiation'. He told me that in Urdu it is 'kafara' which in English is 'atonement'. But when I asked if 'kafara' could mean anything else to him (as we understand it in English), he replied, 'no other meaning at all'; they had no word in Urdu for 'propitiation', which meant that the translators made no effort to maybe give the proper meaning as a footnote, for example.
So Christians in Pakistan & parts of N. India actually miss out on receiving the full Truth & value of verses such as 1 John 4:10, thinking that the Gift of God's Son had atonement as its only message - they had no idea, because of a bad translation, that Jesus not only died for mankind's sins, but that He also bore the Wrath of God upon Himself that was actually destined for us. That by believing on Jesus, both our sins have been forgiven & God's Anger has been averted. Now not only lacking in Urdu, but I wonder how many other foreign language translations are denying Christians the full & accurate Words of God given for them.
You gave your understanding that in Hebrews 2:17-18Hebrews 14:2 1 John 4:2-3 to mean that Jesus was a living soul like you and me except He was anointed without measure with the Spirit of God?
Ronald, I don't hold the view that Jesus was a living soul.
Jesus wasn't born of Adam. He was of the seed of the woman! (That is very different and have meaning of specially done! Something I want have time to get into at the moment. Perhaps others would.
You mentioned Hebrews 2:17-18, Hebrews 2:14 and 1 John 4:2-3. Those scriptures say the Jesus came in the flesh.
Yes, he did!
1 Timothy 3:16 tells us who came in the flesh and where he returned.
"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
He came to condemn sin in the flesh as our Kinsman redeemer, something only he could do, "being of the seed of the woman" and not of Adam.
These are my beliefs Ronald.
I will speak on the kinsman Redeemer when time permits.
If I may ask, not to debate but just for my study and better understanding, Your reply to GiGi, It had to be the last Adam; A life-giving Spirit!! Not a living soul. This comes from 1 Corinthians 15, "the last Adam was made a quickening spirit". Forgive me if I misunderstood what you said (not a living soul).
I understand Jesus was made a quickening spirit when He was resurrected. What do you mean by not a living soul? My understanding is that in Hebrews 2:17-18Hebrews 14:2 1 John 4:2-3 would that not mean Jesus was a living soul like you and me except He was anointed without measure with the Spirit of God?
"But the importance is that everybody must settle it in their own hearts and minds about who Jesus is." So true. This has been discussed I think most know my understanding on this.
Was He just a great man? 1 Timothy 2:5Numbers 23:19 1 Hosea 11:19 Corinthians 15:21-22 Was He just a great teacher? John 3:2 Was He a great healer? Luke 4:18-19 Was He a prophet? Deuteronomy 18:18 Was He the brother of Satan? No, He is the only begotten Son, John 3:16 1 John 4:14. Was He Michael the archangel? No, Hebrews 1:5. Or was He God in the flesh? 1 Timothy 3:16 manifest, (make clear, make known) John 5:19. Did Peter give the right answer? Yes.
This doctrine was developed almost 400 years after Jesus's crucifixion, today in Christianity salvation is dependent on the belief in the Trinity doctrine. If that is true. Why is it not taught anywhere in the New Testament?
If Jesus is God why would God have to anoint Him with His Spirit? Did Jesus do the works and the miracles or did God the Father by His Spirit/Holy Spirit? Is salvation at the mercy of the belief in the Trinity doctrine? Did Jesus say the Father was His God? Could God fulfill the law that was made for man? Did God give Himself or His Son that we would not perish? If we say Jesus is God, do we deny the Son?
Jesus said this, John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
Thank you for sharing your understanding on this topic. I always enjoy my discussions with you. We are in agreement that God is love. In fact, God is Agape, the highest form of love that exists. We are in agreement that God does not have pleasure in the death of the wicked. That's why He has provided a way for the wicked to be redeemed. We are in agreement that God does not want us to perish. Some take this word perish to mean cease to exist completely. Some teach annihilation. That, I do not agree with. I also don't agree that Hell is only the grave because both believers and non-believers alike are going to end up in a grave (unless the Lord comes for us first).
I agree that the bible tells in Ezekiel Chapter 18 that the soul that sinneth shall die. I believe it is the soul that makes up our entire being. Can our fleshly body exist without a soul? As far as salvation goes, did Christ come to redeem our flesh, or did He come to redeem our soul? I say that my soul has been redeemed, not my flesh. My flesh is rotten to the core! I agree that there are different degrees of punishment, but as you know, I also believe that whatever the degree of punishment is, it will be forever.
In my studies of the Greek, I have come to learn that the word for death means separation. This is why I believe that when our physical body of flesh dies, our soul will separate from our fleshly body. The body will rot and decay in the grave, not cease to exist as some say. I do not believe in soul sleep.
I do agree with you that eternal life is a promise. However, what we differ on is when this eternal life begins. For me, I believe I have eternal life right now. There are several verses in scripture that speak of eternal life/salvation being present tense ( 1 John 5:11, 1 John 5:13, John 17:3, John 10:28-30, John 3:36, John 4:14, 1 Timothy 6:12). These are just some verses that speak of eternal salvation being present, not future.
35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth(JESUS sowed) and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth(JESUS was the sower of the Gospel of GOD's Kingdom), and ANOTHER reapeth.
Matthew 13:27 and 30:
27 ... Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
30 Let both grow together until the harvest(said JESUS around 2000 years ago): and in the time of harvest (the time arrived) I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together FIRST the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life ETERNAL: that both he that soweth(JESUS sowed) and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 combined with Revelation 14:14-20
I understand in delays in replies many work and have family responsibilities. This subject is being discussed by several people and I just wanted to share a few points of my understanding on it. The questions were not directed towards you, you can reply to them if you want but they were some of the questions I wrote down when I was studying this subject because some Scriptures seem to support both understandings if not deeply studied, not saying you have not.
Scripture tells us God is love, 1 John 4:8,16 and we have been told God does not have pleasure in the death of the wicked, Ezekiel 33:11 caries us to John 3:16 God does not want us to perish. The Bible tells us the soul that sinneth will die, Ezekiel 18:4 God preserves the souls of the saints Psalms 97:10 the faith and belief in Jesus by the grace of God can save our soul Hebrews 10:39.
Scripture tells us of various degrees of punishment like in Luke 12:46-48Revelation 21:8. In Genesis 2:7 man became a living soul/being, my understanding is the breath of God is the spirit of life which goes back to God when we die whether lost or saved and this body becomes a dead soul that sleeps in the dust until resurrection then the judgment Revelation 20.
To repeat, eternal life is our promise it is something we do not have, only by faith and belief in Jesus Christ by the grace of God we will receive this gift when we are resurrected not before. If we say our souls are immortal, we are saying we already have eternal life, and it is just where are we going to spend it?
My understanding is the lost and wicked punishment is eternal forever, not the punishing, Satan and the fallen angels the beast and false profit will be tormented day and night for ever and ever as we see in Revelation 20:10, but they are not mortal beings like we are, and we see in Matthew 25:41 it was originally prepared for them.
We use Brothern to loosely today. Everyone amongst us is not a Brother or a Sister!
Look at the example Jesus gives in Matthew 12:47-50.
"Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.
But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?
And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren.
For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
Romans 12:3 says not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
We all have flaws and we're all of one body ministering by the same Spirit, having gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us by "THE GIFT" (Christ Spirit.) We are to exercise those gifts by the power of Christ Spirit.
We are to Love one another; I've declared that on this site since I've been on it using John 13:34-35 as a springboard.
Also, 1 John 4:20-21 and Matthew 7:15-16.
We shall be known by our fruit, not our gifts!
CAN YOU GENERATE THIS ON YOUR OWN?
Love amongst the brothern is not partial.
It's not determined by race, wealth, political parties, Gender, status in the church, or one's eschatology.
Love at its highest level is Agape. It's caused by the Holyspirit that knits us as one. It's to be totally given over to.
I've seen where one says he have the gift of discernment but yet he shuns other Brothern.
If you have an issue with a brother, you restore him. Galatians 6:1-4.
We must look out for each other. James 5:20 says, "Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins." Confrontation may be difficult, but it is not loving to allow a professing Christian to continue in a sin that will bring God's consequences upon him.
Jesus was subject unto God his Father like anybody else
Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,.."
God was not Superman to come as a human being he sent his Son Jesus John 3:16. If Jesus was God he sure is the weakest one I ever read as Jesus can do nothing by himself without the spirit of God his Father in him. John 5:30
John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
No man can see God's face at anytime as people will die. Moses can never see God's face and neither can we, we only have the Son of God as an example who God his Father really is. Jesus preached God is a spirit John 4:24. Jesus never said that he was God in the whatever and if so nobody would be able to see his face.
John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
Exodus 33:20 And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
21 And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:
22 And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:
23 And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.
Jesus fulfilled the law, which means he died and did everything that was written of him to do. The testimony of two m((en)) is true John 8:7 and not one m((an)). God was not Superman to become flesh, it was his Son as all the prophets of old knew that God had a son.
Daniel 3:25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
God never left his throne he sent his Son Jesus and not himself Romans 8:3.
The word says that scripture has to be understood by applying other scriptures to it.
The NEW COVENANT, the gospel, was preached to THEM as well as unto US.
John 4:22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship, salvation is of the Jews.
Romans 2:29 For he is a JEW, which is one inwardly, and circumcision is in the heart, IN THE SPIRIT .....
Romans 8:2 For the LAW OF THE SPIRIT OF LIFE IN CHRIST, has made us free from the LAW of sin and DEATH ...
This same gospel was preached to them as well as us.
Psalms 119:1 Blessed are the UNDEFILED in the way ( John 14:6) who WALK in the LAW OF the LORD ( Romans 8:2).
Ezekiel 36:27 I will put my Spirit in you and cause you to WALK in my STATUTES, and keep my judgements and DO THEM.
Psalms 119:3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in HIS WAYS.
Psalms 119:5 Oh that my ways were directed to keep thy STATUTES!
The Spirit CAUSES us TO DO his will, the words that come out of our mouth, are his words, the works of our hands, are his works.
Isaiah 48:18 Come ye near unto me, hear ye this, I have not spoken in secret from the beginning, from the time that it was, there am I, and HIS SPIRIT HAS SENT ME ( Romans 8:2).
John 14:24 ...and the word ye hear are not mine, but the Father's which sent me ....
Mark 10:8 And they TWAIN shall be ONE FLESH: so they are no more TWAIN, but ONE FLESH ...
The same SPIRIT that sent Christ and raised him up, and we as JOINT HEIRS, abides in us, our words are not ours by the Father's that anoints us.
The wages if UNBELIEF is DEATH.
The GIFT of BELIEF is IMMORTAL LIFE.
1 Timothy 6:16 .... Christ ONLY hath IMMORTAL LIFE......
This statement about perfect love casting out fear follows Johns exposition on the amazing love of God for us manifested in sending His Son to suffer and die for our sins to set us free from the condemnation our sin deserves. And we can know that we have life in Jesus because of what He did for us. In verse 15 John speaks as Jesus did in the Luke passage, that any who confesses Jesus is the Son of God (which the Jewish leaders determined was blasphemy; that Jesus made Himself out to be God when He claimed to be the Son of God- Jn. 10:33) will be indwelt by the God and the person dwells in God. vs. 16.
verse 17 says that we can have boldness on the day of judgement. This is where our love is made perfect and we will have no fear of condemnation at that judgement. vs.18. Those who will fear at the judgement will be those who do not confess Jesus, who are in unbelief and do not have the indwelling of God nor do they abide in God, as believers do prior to the judgement.
On judgment day we will have boldness instead of fear like the unbelievers because the love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts through God's work of salvation, forgiveness of sins, and the imputed righteousness of Christ. We can stand before God on judgment day knowing we will enter into blessed eternity in the Presence of God without any fear or sense of disapproval from God. We will stand without blame because Jesus stood for us in our place to enable us to become sons of God, vessels of His mercy, not vessels of His wrath, as the unbelievers are.
So I think that both of these selections from Luke and 1 John are speaking about judgment day and how we who confess Jesus, even under threat of death by persecutors, will receive the crown of life, and victory, and acceptance by God who did not have to save us but chose to do so in the manifestation of His love for us in Christ.
I am interested in reading what others think on your concerns on this matter.
This statement about perfect love casting out fear follows Johns exposition on the amazing love of God for us manifested in sending His Son to suffer and die for our sins to set us free from the condemnation our sin deserves. And we can know that we have life in Jesus because of what He did for us. In verse 15 John speaks as Jesus did in the Luke passage, that any who confesses Jesus is the Son of God (which the Jewish leaders determined was blasphemy; that Jesus made Himself out to be God when He claimed to be the Son of God- Jn. 10:33) will be indwelt by the God and the person dwells in God. vs. 16.
verse 17 says that we can have boldness on the day of judgement. This is where our love is made perfect and we will have no fear of condemnation at that judgement. vs.18. Those who will fear at the judgement will be those who do not confess Jesus, who are in unbelief and do not have the indwelling of God nor do they abide in God, as believers do prior to the judgement.
On judgment day we will have boldness instead of fear like the unbelievers because the love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts through God's work of salvation, forgiveness of sins, and the imputed righteousness of Christ. We can stand before God on judgment day knowing we will enter into blessed eternity in the Presence of God without any fear or sense of disapproval from God. We will stand without blame because Jesus stood for us in our place to enable us to become sons of God, vessels of His mercy, not vessels of His wrath, as the unbelievers are.
So I think that both of these selections from Luke and 1 John are speaking about judgment day and how we who confess Jesus, even under threat of death by persecutors, will receive the crown of life, and victory, and acceptance by God who did not have to save us but chose to do so in the manifestation of His love for us in Christ.
I am interested in reading what others think on your concerns on this matter.
In 1 John 4:18, where it says "He that feareth is not made perfect in love," it would seem as though it is saying that it is bad to fear.
Here is my understanding of this verse:
He says there is no fear in love; but perfect love (that is, love brought to completion), casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect, or complete in love.
He's talking about the motive for obeying God. Some people obey God because they are afraid. Those who have the Spirit of God, and have matured and understand about the love of God, they do things because they love Him. It's like Jesus said in John 14:15 if you love me, you will keep my commandments.
In Luke 12:5, if we look at it with Verse 4, Jesus is showing contrast. All man can do to you is kill you, physically put you to death. And He's following this line of hypocrisy. We act a certain way so that we don't get rejected. We act a certain way so that we don't suffer the consequences.
Even as a Christian, sometimes we compromise with nonbelievers because we have a fear and a concern whether they are going to reject us or receive us. Jesus said all you need to do is fear God. That is the only one you need to fear.
Hello, I'd like to seek input from fellow believers on these 2 verses:
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." 1 John 4:18 KJV
To me this seems to make fear seem bad, and weak, like a character flaw if you have fear. However, the next fears says to fear God.
"But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him." Luke 12:5 KJV
The first one says someone that fears is not made perfect in love, but the other one says to fear God.
How do I reconcile these 2 verses? Thank you to anyone who replies.
In exercising the sword of Spirit we ward off many thrusts of the enemy even this moment. Ungodly world encourages a child of God to join with them in many hare-brained schemes be it Ponzi scheme or Pro-life marches or pro Israel. Palestine nation reduced to misery without basic amenities did not raise even a murmur from the Christian world against giving a better life to them. What hypocrisy is to take a march for the unborn? Here was a news item, "The fentanyl that killed a one-year-old child at a nursery in New York City was hidden in the nap room under a mat as he slept, police say.". Local churches turn a blind eye to the free flow of dangerous drugs falling into the hands of the vulnerable but they are most vocal for the rights of the foetus! These sort of activism are not from God but from Satan. The word of God is to be used for his glory and not from some worthless political causes.
There was war in heaven and in the Book of Daniel and Revelation we see bad actors spiritual darkness getting involved in the nations. Unknown to us we are engaged in a spiritual struggle against the powers of darkness. There are rules of engagement to which we have our roles, "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity."(1 Co.16:13-14)
"And they went out, they and all their hosts with them, much people, even as the sand thatisupon the sea shore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many." ( Josh 11:3-4) The Spirit gives us as total numbers from both worlds of the Spirit and of the body. Here is another passage, "And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them./And thus I saw the horses in the vision,..."(Re.9:16-18)
St. John heard the number and it is a vision given to him. The Spirit gives us a clue. 'Third of men killed''/ The number tag of Three sets in context of the of Son. ( John 16:33)
God a Spirit and has accordingly by his divine Power given us all things required for life and godliness. We are chosen generation and a peculiar people that he put all the details what makes us a holy nation on the simple article as trust. This faith is greater than the pomp and circumstance that the world flaunts. Many instances we have of those who came to nothing. Who wants such glory that Satan gives the foolish and takes away when is least expected? God does indeed make a distinction between children of light and of wrath. "To bring to nought things that are:/That no flesh should glory in his presence," is the divine rationale.
We are of God so God has in reserve for us the wherewithal to lead a holy life unmolested by spiritual darkness. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in highplaces."(Ep.6:12) we see in the life of Elisha, "And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them./And Elisha prayed, and said,Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And theLordopened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha."(2 Ki.6:15-23)
We have not counted the great congregation that we find associated with the Ancient of days.. There is no change in the numbers or in the divine will set before the worlds began."A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened."(Dan.7:10)
'Judgment was set' is by Jesus Christ the same yesterday today and forever. So we figure among the number mentioned in the vision which is our reality in the world of the Spirit. So when we refer to the whole armor of God faith we hold as shield even in the present hour.
"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. "
Apostle John speaks of our antecedents. "Ye are of God" We have ben called forth before the worlds began. We are a chosen generation. Because when God separated light from darkness (Ge.1:3-4) He set us apart to be with him in the light where we have his Son as the true Light. Before we were born it was a matter determined by Him and when we received Jesus Christ as our savior we became according to the word of God, a peculiar people. God also set our tasks which we cannot escape. We should show forth the praises as faithful servants.
"But yearea chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:"(1 Pe.2:9). In another epistle St Peter says,' to glory and virtue'. ("According as his divine power hath given unto us all things thatpertainunto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue."-2 Pe.1:3)
How peculiar are we that God should his glory invest in us? "And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:/That no flesh should glory in his presence." (1 Co.1:28-29)
The Spirit uses the word continual in keeping with the Holiness in which both Power and Wisdom are at play. He sent forth his word that shall never return void. (Is.55:11) So continual is firmly is the order of the Father Son relationship. "My Father worketh hitherto, and I work," has events unseen as well as made to appear that owe to this continual action.
Consequently the Abstract presented in the Book of Genesis Ch. 1 refers to the Everlasting Covenant, which is unseen. Whereas the Abstract like 7 bullet points- and the Spirit calls them as day, refers to the generation of Jesus Christ. Why call it day? In Ps.2:7 God refers it as such, and "This day I have begotten thee," is part of the decree so it stands. The generation of Jesus Christ begins with the day as set down by the Spirit. "These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens."(Ge.2:4)
"In the beginning" refers to this day (Ge.1:1). Compare this with the verse where new heaven and the new earth are presented (Re.21:1), the adjective 'new' is the culmination of the continual action to which both heaven and the earth play their parts set forth in the Abstract.
The Spirit uses the word 'continual' in another sense. The devil sins from the beginning, which also have consequences till the day of Regeneration. 'He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world.'(1 John 4:4,18) His works are however subject to God purging from time to time. ( 1 John 3:8). Perfect love casts out fear.
Of course Franklin Roosevelt gave the quote "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." That is true to some extent; because the enemy of our souls can only do what God allows; but of course the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; which is found in numerous scriptural passages as well. It has been said that the opposite of fear is faith; and of course true love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). This is something only the Lord can give; for Jesus Himself had martyrdom to face daily; and Revelation 2:10 is one example given for the church; as well as the verse where Christ said to not fear what can be done to the body but the one who can cast body and soul into hell. ( Matthew 10:28). The enemy also likes to remind us as the accuser of the brethern of our sins and our condemnation which Christ took at the cross for true believers. (see Revelation 12:10). The Lord will convict us when we grieve the Spirit but that is out of love. The power of sin is death ( 1 Cor. 15:56). Jesus overcame death and the grave and took our sins on Himself at Calvary. We need to be daily reminded of these basic Gospel truths as we can become hardened to it for various reasons.
There is hope for us after death and hope is for things yet unseen ( Hebrews 11:1). Surely with the world in the state it is today we need that future expectation for any joy to be maintained; whether emotionally or as a fruit of the Spirit. Being part of the BODY of Christ is imperitive as to our identity so that we may together strive for unity in fulfilling the Great Commission and prayer and fellowship with one another for strength.
The early Church.
The early Christians were loyal Jews; they worshiped daily in the Temple at Jerusalem; they attended services in the synagogue; they revered the law of Moses.
Notice in Acts 15 Paul did not try to persuade them to drop the Sabbath and start meeting on Sunday.
The dispute over the requirements of a Gentile Christian were resolved at the Council at Jerusalem and the Sabbath wasn't even brought up but the liberty we have in Christ for the Gentiles was on display. In other words, they weren't expected to be as zealous for the Jewish customs and rituals as the Jewish Christians were in the early Church.
Acts 15:22-24
Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:
Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: TO WHOM WE GAVE NO SUCH COMMANDMENT:
In Moses law breaking many of these commandments was a death sentence!
Why aren't we so passionate to execute that?
Who would be alive?
Colossians 2:14-17 shows us how we were freed from the sentencing of the penalty of these laws that brought death instead of life.
Today it is not where or when you worship. It is HOW you worship.
John 4:21-24.
If you are born of the spirit, you are sons of God and has joined him in his rest.
God bless.
A question we should ask ourselves; Do we study it with a confirmation bias? I know I have in the past and I must fight it every time I open the Bible. It is part of our subconscious mind; confirmation bias is when we study the Bible, we look for verses to confirm our existing beliefs, without even knowing it we ignore any Bible verses that conflict with what we believe.
Our existing beliefs are deeply entrenched in our subconscious mind, and our subconscious mind blocks the true meaning unless we accept that we may be wrong and in prayer make a sincere effort to come to the Scriptures with an open mind as we know nothing, praying for the truth with open ears, that we may hear.
Like stories we have heard from childhood, only two, a male and a female of each animal and bird went into the ark with Noah, or the wise men went to the manger when Jesus was a baby. Is that the truth? We must not automatically defend our beliefs without ever really questioning them, if not, the truth becomes harder to find.
1 John 4:1, we are told to test the spirits and many other Scriptures tell us to be aware of false prophets, and false teachers, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15. It is easy to start with a doctrine, or something we have been taught, or what we believe to find Scripture that will confirm it, but is that the true meaning that God inspired the writer to write?
I read and study the KJV, but we must be honest it is a translation and if something feels wrong in our heart, we must not ignore it. Whatever version we have we must trust it is the word of God and His Spirit will give us the understanding of it and shine light on the truth, not from our mind.
We can study in two ways, exegesis, considering the context, and God's intent, and open to the truth given to us through the Holy Spirit, or eisegesis by reading into it with one's own presuppositions, ideas, or the traditions of man.
Just a thought for the new year. Love you guys.
God bless,
RLW
John 4:24
GOD bless everyone on this forum, may we go forth as an army, and carry out HIS commandments for HIS glory.
Happy New Year, brethren! May we be spiritually prosperous as we await the coming of our LORD in the clouds.
December 26, 2023
I had an interesting discussion with a friend of mine who is a young Pastor last week. In it; he was lamenting an individual who claimed that Christ died for him (or her). This was because the evidence of it through this person's behavior would indicate otherwise. It is indeed true and necessary that we all have a personal understanding and experience in regard to salvific faith and repentance granted in regard to being one of God's elect if indeed we are saved. Clearly "accepting" Christ as Lord isn't really doing anything beyond what demons do and shudder ( James 2:19). Confession with the mouth and belief in the heart must coexist ( Romans 10:9-10); it is more than just a verbal declaration of facts. Nonetheless there should be some understanding of the atonement; as well as evidence that the heart has been changed with the spirit convicting of sin; righteousness and judgment to come ( John 16:8). As the Lord states "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" ( Matt. 12:34 and other related verses in New and Old Testament). What John 3:16 is indicating is a state of belief; not merely a one time thing (as translated correctly). Enduring to the end shows that it isn't our own strength which brings about this result; since we all struggle with sin as long as we live ( 1 John 1:8). Nonetheless we have the capacity to live a life of Holiness; since greater is He within us than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).
There are variations of strengths and weaknesses that we all have; some are steeped in doctrines but rather cold in affection towards God; others seem to be caught up in experiences at the expense of wisdom from the Word; and often they seem to have little grasp of repentance or deem it not worthy in very much discussion. There is ample substance in the Word for the Spirit to enlighten us; and any personal vision or dream must be subject to the Word; if in variance then it must be discarded.
MORE TO COME
The following verse " Psalms 1:1-6 speaks volumes!
There's a lot of doctrine built around this.
Vs 3 "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, THAT BRINGETH FORTH HIS FRUIT IN HIS SEASON; HIS LEAF ALSO SHALL NOT WITHER; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
(HIS LEAF SHALL NOT WITHER!
Forever being fruitful!)
Jeremiah 17:7-8 is another one that picks up on this.
"Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, NEITHER SHALL CEASE FROM YIELDING FRUIT.
Jesus uses this idiom in John 7:37-39 "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water
(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Also see John 4:10.
THANK GOD FOR HIS HOLYSPIRIT THAT SEALS AND GUIDES US!
Psalms 1:1-6.
THE UNGODLY ARE NOT SO: but are like the CHAFF which the wind driveth away.
THEREFORE THE UNGODLY SHALL NOT STAND IN THE JUDGMENT,
(They will have their own Judgment)
NOR SINNERS IN THE CONGREGATION OF THE RIGHTEOUS.
For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
(THE CHAFF IS NOT BINDING TO THE TREE AND HAS NO ROOTS AND NO FRUIT.)
More on the chaff. Matthew 3:11-12
Praise the Lord!
This is why Psalms 1:1 says "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
God bless.
Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.
The twelve disciples by the Power of the Spirit were equipped so their tongue was as that of learned. Jesus had assured them, "For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you." (10:20). Isaiah says, "The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season tohim that isweary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned."(Is.50:4) They were his associates brought into the household of God.
Their names were written in heaven before the worlds began; so are the names of all those who were adopted as co-heirs to which the writer to the Hebrews address thus "But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,/To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect"(He.12:22-23)
"which bringeth out of his treasure"
Heart of every scribe is the treasure awaiting him and connects his physical life to the very presence of God. It is hidden, and the route map is the Scripture. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Ps.119:105). It is for this reason the Spirit has in many places compared the word of God to a lamp without which he cannot get his bearings or know what he is getting at. On the way he shall find many who make claim to know all the answers and do great wonders. It is impressive because the spirit that helps them is from some other source. How shall you know? "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.(1 John 4:4)".
My opinion of heart in this context is that it is a metaphor. According to Strongs Hebrew H3820 means both heart and feelings.
I think its similar to John 15:5 which is symbolic and doesn't mean Jesus is a literal vine and we are a literal branch instead of human being. And when we eat Jesus's body and drink His blood, it doesn't mean we're cannibals and actually doing it (I guess Catholics do though) but an important metaphor.
I know a lot of people believe their loved ones are watching them from heaven, even Christians. I have always wondered if they have ever thought that through to a conclusion. Why God would allow such a thing when heaven is a place of peace and joy, why let people look down on this cursed world after they have gone to be with Him and are in His wonderful Prescence. I suppose they think their loved ones would want to do that but that doesn't make any sense either. Do they think Jesus isn't enough for the ones they've left behind to be there for them? Do they think the loved one is actually able to touch them with a sense of comfort somehow and to desire that instead looking to Jesus for their comfort? To look to someone else, a dead person instead of Jesus, for help from above is idolatry. Even worldly people believe this, like their deceased loved ones automatically went to heaven and since religious people accept it they do too. I hope this has been a little bit of help to you and, again I will be in prayer for you and her. :) God Bless
A case in point, that I've shared here before: when ministering in Pakistan back in the late 80's, I was giving a Bible study to a small Church group & 1 John 4:10, "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins" was one of many references that was given. I had to use a Urdu translator (a brother in Christ) for this study, since my Urdu proficiency is woefully inadequate, & I had checked with him on some of our more 'difficult' biblical English words, e.g. 'propitiation'. He told me that in Urdu it is 'kafara' which in English is 'atonement'. But when I asked if 'kafara' could mean anything else to him (as we understand it in English), he replied, 'no other meaning at all'; they had no word in Urdu for 'propitiation', which meant that the translators made no effort to maybe give the proper meaning as a footnote, for example.
So Christians in Pakistan & parts of N. India actually miss out on receiving the full Truth & value of verses such as 1 John 4:10, thinking that the Gift of God's Son had atonement as its only message - they had no idea, because of a bad translation, that Jesus not only died for mankind's sins, but that He also bore the Wrath of God upon Himself that was actually destined for us. That by believing on Jesus, both our sins have been forgiven & God's Anger has been averted. Now not only lacking in Urdu, but I wonder how many other foreign language translations are denying Christians the full & accurate Words of God given for them.
Part 2.
You gave your understanding that in Hebrews 2:17-18 Hebrews 14:2 1 John 4:2-3 to mean that Jesus was a living soul like you and me except He was anointed without measure with the Spirit of God?
Ronald, I don't hold the view that Jesus was a living soul.
Jesus wasn't born of Adam. He was of the seed of the woman! (That is very different and have meaning of specially done! Something I want have time to get into at the moment. Perhaps others would.
You mentioned Hebrews 2:17-18, Hebrews 2:14 and 1 John 4:2-3. Those scriptures say the Jesus came in the flesh.
Yes, he did!
1 Timothy 3:16 tells us who came in the flesh and where he returned.
"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
He came to condemn sin in the flesh as our Kinsman redeemer, something only he could do, "being of the seed of the woman" and not of Adam.
These are my beliefs Ronald.
I will speak on the kinsman Redeemer when time permits.
God bless.
If I may ask, not to debate but just for my study and better understanding, Your reply to GiGi, It had to be the last Adam; A life-giving Spirit!! Not a living soul. This comes from 1 Corinthians 15, "the last Adam was made a quickening spirit". Forgive me if I misunderstood what you said (not a living soul).
I understand Jesus was made a quickening spirit when He was resurrected. What do you mean by not a living soul? My understanding is that in Hebrews 2:17-18 Hebrews 14:2 1 John 4:2-3 would that not mean Jesus was a living soul like you and me except He was anointed without measure with the Spirit of God?
Thanks, brother,
God bless,
RLW
"But the importance is that everybody must settle it in their own hearts and minds about who Jesus is." So true. This has been discussed I think most know my understanding on this.
Was He just a great man? 1 Timothy 2:5 Numbers 23:19 1 Hosea 11:19 Corinthians 15:21-22 Was He just a great teacher? John 3:2 Was He a great healer? Luke 4:18-19 Was He a prophet? Deuteronomy 18:18 Was He the brother of Satan? No, He is the only begotten Son, John 3:16 1 John 4:14. Was He Michael the archangel? No, Hebrews 1:5. Or was He God in the flesh? 1 Timothy 3:16 manifest, (make clear, make known) John 5:19. Did Peter give the right answer? Yes.
This doctrine was developed almost 400 years after Jesus's crucifixion, today in Christianity salvation is dependent on the belief in the Trinity doctrine. If that is true. Why is it not taught anywhere in the New Testament?
If Jesus is God why would God have to anoint Him with His Spirit? Did Jesus do the works and the miracles or did God the Father by His Spirit/Holy Spirit? Is salvation at the mercy of the belief in the Trinity doctrine? Did Jesus say the Father was His God? Could God fulfill the law that was made for man? Did God give Himself or His Son that we would not perish? If we say Jesus is God, do we deny the Son?
Jesus said this, John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
Acts 4:12 God bless,
RLW
(Part 1 of 2):
Thank you for sharing your understanding on this topic. I always enjoy my discussions with you. We are in agreement that God is love. In fact, God is Agape, the highest form of love that exists. We are in agreement that God does not have pleasure in the death of the wicked. That's why He has provided a way for the wicked to be redeemed. We are in agreement that God does not want us to perish. Some take this word perish to mean cease to exist completely. Some teach annihilation. That, I do not agree with. I also don't agree that Hell is only the grave because both believers and non-believers alike are going to end up in a grave (unless the Lord comes for us first).
I agree that the bible tells in Ezekiel Chapter 18 that the soul that sinneth shall die. I believe it is the soul that makes up our entire being. Can our fleshly body exist without a soul? As far as salvation goes, did Christ come to redeem our flesh, or did He come to redeem our soul? I say that my soul has been redeemed, not my flesh. My flesh is rotten to the core! I agree that there are different degrees of punishment, but as you know, I also believe that whatever the degree of punishment is, it will be forever.
In my studies of the Greek, I have come to learn that the word for death means separation. This is why I believe that when our physical body of flesh dies, our soul will separate from our fleshly body. The body will rot and decay in the grave, not cease to exist as some say. I do not believe in soul sleep.
I do agree with you that eternal life is a promise. However, what we differ on is when this eternal life begins. For me, I believe I have eternal life right now. There are several verses in scripture that speak of eternal life/salvation being present tense ( 1 John 5:11, 1 John 5:13, John 17:3, John 10:28-30, John 3:36, John 4:14, 1 Timothy 6:12). These are just some verses that speak of eternal salvation being present, not future.
Part 2 to follow...
John 4:35-37 - JESUS said:
35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth(JESUS sowed) and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth(JESUS was the sower of the Gospel of GOD's Kingdom), and ANOTHER reapeth.
Matthew 13:27 and 30:
27 ... Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
30 Let both grow together until the harvest(said JESUS around 2000 years ago): and in the time of harvest (the time arrived) I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together FIRST the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life ETERNAL: that both he that soweth(JESUS sowed) and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 combined with Revelation 14:14-20
GOD bless
I understand in delays in replies many work and have family responsibilities. This subject is being discussed by several people and I just wanted to share a few points of my understanding on it. The questions were not directed towards you, you can reply to them if you want but they were some of the questions I wrote down when I was studying this subject because some Scriptures seem to support both understandings if not deeply studied, not saying you have not.
Scripture tells us God is love, 1 John 4:8,16 and we have been told God does not have pleasure in the death of the wicked, Ezekiel 33:11 caries us to John 3:16 God does not want us to perish. The Bible tells us the soul that sinneth will die, Ezekiel 18:4 God preserves the souls of the saints Psalms 97:10 the faith and belief in Jesus by the grace of God can save our soul Hebrews 10:39.
Scripture tells us of various degrees of punishment like in Luke 12:46-48 Revelation 21:8. In Genesis 2:7 man became a living soul/being, my understanding is the breath of God is the spirit of life which goes back to God when we die whether lost or saved and this body becomes a dead soul that sleeps in the dust until resurrection then the judgment Revelation 20.
To repeat, eternal life is our promise it is something we do not have, only by faith and belief in Jesus Christ by the grace of God we will receive this gift when we are resurrected not before. If we say our souls are immortal, we are saying we already have eternal life, and it is just where are we going to spend it?
My understanding is the lost and wicked punishment is eternal forever, not the punishing, Satan and the fallen angels the beast and false profit will be tormented day and night for ever and ever as we see in Revelation 20:10, but they are not mortal beings like we are, and we see in Matthew 25:41 it was originally prepared for them.
Just my understanding of Scripture thanks again.
God bless,
RLW
Part 4.
We use Brothern to loosely today. Everyone amongst us is not a Brother or a Sister!
Look at the example Jesus gives in Matthew 12:47-50.
"Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.
But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?
And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren.
For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
Romans 12:3 says not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
We all have flaws and we're all of one body ministering by the same Spirit, having gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us by "THE GIFT" (Christ Spirit.) We are to exercise those gifts by the power of Christ Spirit.
We are to Love one another; I've declared that on this site since I've been on it using John 13:34-35 as a springboard.
Also, 1 John 4:20-21 and Matthew 7:15-16.
We shall be known by our fruit, not our gifts!
CAN YOU GENERATE THIS ON YOUR OWN?
Love amongst the brothern is not partial.
It's not determined by race, wealth, political parties, Gender, status in the church, or one's eschatology.
Love at its highest level is Agape. It's caused by the Holyspirit that knits us as one. It's to be totally given over to.
I've seen where one says he have the gift of discernment but yet he shuns other Brothern.
If you have an issue with a brother, you restore him. Galatians 6:1-4.
We must look out for each other. James 5:20 says, "Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins." Confrontation may be difficult, but it is not loving to allow a professing Christian to continue in a sin that will bring God's consequences upon him.
See Part 5.
Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,.."
God was not Superman to come as a human being he sent his Son Jesus John 3:16. If Jesus was God he sure is the weakest one I ever read as Jesus can do nothing by himself without the spirit of God his Father in him. John 5:30
John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
No man can see God's face at anytime as people will die. Moses can never see God's face and neither can we, we only have the Son of God as an example who God his Father really is. Jesus preached God is a spirit John 4:24. Jesus never said that he was God in the whatever and if so nobody would be able to see his face.
John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
Exodus 33:20 And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
21 And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:
22 And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:
23 And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.
Jesus fulfilled the law, which means he died and did everything that was written of him to do. The testimony of two m((en)) is true John 8:7 and not one m((an)). God was not Superman to become flesh, it was his Son as all the prophets of old knew that God had a son.
Daniel 3:25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
God never left his throne he sent his Son Jesus and not himself Romans 8:3.
The word says that scripture has to be understood by applying other scriptures to it.
The NEW COVENANT, the gospel, was preached to THEM as well as unto US.
John 4:22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship, salvation is of the Jews.
Romans 2:29 For he is a JEW, which is one inwardly, and circumcision is in the heart, IN THE SPIRIT .....
Romans 8:2 For the LAW OF THE SPIRIT OF LIFE IN CHRIST, has made us free from the LAW of sin and DEATH ...
This same gospel was preached to them as well as us.
Psalms 119:1 Blessed are the UNDEFILED in the way ( John 14:6) who WALK in the LAW OF the LORD ( Romans 8:2).
Ezekiel 36:27 I will put my Spirit in you and cause you to WALK in my STATUTES, and keep my judgements and DO THEM.
Psalms 119:3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in HIS WAYS.
Psalms 119:5 Oh that my ways were directed to keep thy STATUTES!
The Spirit CAUSES us TO DO his will, the words that come out of our mouth, are his words, the works of our hands, are his works.
Isaiah 48:18 Come ye near unto me, hear ye this, I have not spoken in secret from the beginning, from the time that it was, there am I, and HIS SPIRIT HAS SENT ME ( Romans 8:2).
John 14:24 ...and the word ye hear are not mine, but the Father's which sent me ....
Mark 10:8 And they TWAIN shall be ONE FLESH: so they are no more TWAIN, but ONE FLESH ...
The same SPIRIT that sent Christ and raised him up, and we as JOINT HEIRS, abides in us, our words are not ours by the Father's that anoints us.
The wages if UNBELIEF is DEATH.
The GIFT of BELIEF is IMMORTAL LIFE.
1 Timothy 6:16 .... Christ ONLY hath IMMORTAL LIFE......
God BLESS YOU!
Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
I believe the scripture will open gates and doors for me.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
One of my favorite verses (I would call it my "life verse") is 1 John 4:10
"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son as a propitiation for our sins."
In fact, this whole section in 1 John 4:7-21is very near and dear to my heart.
As to 1 John 4:18
This statement about perfect love casting out fear follows Johns exposition on the amazing love of God for us manifested in sending His Son to suffer and die for our sins to set us free from the condemnation our sin deserves. And we can know that we have life in Jesus because of what He did for us. In verse 15 John speaks as Jesus did in the Luke passage, that any who confesses Jesus is the Son of God (which the Jewish leaders determined was blasphemy; that Jesus made Himself out to be God when He claimed to be the Son of God- Jn. 10:33) will be indwelt by the God and the person dwells in God. vs. 16.
verse 17 says that we can have boldness on the day of judgement. This is where our love is made perfect and we will have no fear of condemnation at that judgement. vs.18. Those who will fear at the judgement will be those who do not confess Jesus, who are in unbelief and do not have the indwelling of God nor do they abide in God, as believers do prior to the judgement.
On judgment day we will have boldness instead of fear like the unbelievers because the love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts through God's work of salvation, forgiveness of sins, and the imputed righteousness of Christ. We can stand before God on judgment day knowing we will enter into blessed eternity in the Presence of God without any fear or sense of disapproval from God. We will stand without blame because Jesus stood for us in our place to enable us to become sons of God, vessels of His mercy, not vessels of His wrath, as the unbelievers are.
So I think that both of these selections from Luke and 1 John are speaking about judgment day and how we who confess Jesus, even under threat of death by persecutors, will receive the crown of life, and victory, and acceptance by God who did not have to save us but chose to do so in the manifestation of His love for us in Christ.
I am interested in reading what others think on your concerns on this matter.
As to 1 John 4:18
This statement about perfect love casting out fear follows Johns exposition on the amazing love of God for us manifested in sending His Son to suffer and die for our sins to set us free from the condemnation our sin deserves. And we can know that we have life in Jesus because of what He did for us. In verse 15 John speaks as Jesus did in the Luke passage, that any who confesses Jesus is the Son of God (which the Jewish leaders determined was blasphemy; that Jesus made Himself out to be God when He claimed to be the Son of God- Jn. 10:33) will be indwelt by the God and the person dwells in God. vs. 16.
verse 17 says that we can have boldness on the day of judgement. This is where our love is made perfect and we will have no fear of condemnation at that judgement. vs.18. Those who will fear at the judgement will be those who do not confess Jesus, who are in unbelief and do not have the indwelling of God nor do they abide in God, as believers do prior to the judgement.
On judgment day we will have boldness instead of fear like the unbelievers because the love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts through God's work of salvation, forgiveness of sins, and the imputed righteousness of Christ. We can stand before God on judgment day knowing we will enter into blessed eternity in the Presence of God without any fear or sense of disapproval from God. We will stand without blame because Jesus stood for us in our place to enable us to become sons of God, vessels of His mercy, not vessels of His wrath, as the unbelievers are.
So I think that both of these selections from Luke and 1 John are speaking about judgment day and how we who confess Jesus, even under threat of death by persecutors, will receive the crown of life, and victory, and acceptance by God who did not have to save us but chose to do so in the manifestation of His love for us in Christ.
I am interested in reading what others think on your concerns on this matter.
In 1 John 4:18, where it says "He that feareth is not made perfect in love," it would seem as though it is saying that it is bad to fear.
Here is my understanding of this verse:
He says there is no fear in love; but perfect love (that is, love brought to completion), casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect, or complete in love.
He's talking about the motive for obeying God. Some people obey God because they are afraid. Those who have the Spirit of God, and have matured and understand about the love of God, they do things because they love Him. It's like Jesus said in John 14:15 if you love me, you will keep my commandments.
In Luke 12:5, if we look at it with Verse 4, Jesus is showing contrast. All man can do to you is kill you, physically put you to death. And He's following this line of hypocrisy. We act a certain way so that we don't get rejected. We act a certain way so that we don't suffer the consequences.
Even as a Christian, sometimes we compromise with nonbelievers because we have a fear and a concern whether they are going to reject us or receive us. Jesus said all you need to do is fear God. That is the only one you need to fear.
I hope this helps. God bless!!!
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." 1 John 4:18 KJV
To me this seems to make fear seem bad, and weak, like a character flaw if you have fear. However, the next fears says to fear God.
"But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him." Luke 12:5 KJV
The first one says someone that fears is not made perfect in love, but the other one says to fear God.
How do I reconcile these 2 verses? Thank you to anyone who replies.
In exercising the sword of Spirit we ward off many thrusts of the enemy even this moment. Ungodly world encourages a child of God to join with them in many hare-brained schemes be it Ponzi scheme or Pro-life marches or pro Israel. Palestine nation reduced to misery without basic amenities did not raise even a murmur from the Christian world against giving a better life to them. What hypocrisy is to take a march for the unborn? Here was a news item, "The fentanyl that killed a one-year-old child at a nursery in New York City was hidden in the nap room under a mat as he slept, police say.". Local churches turn a blind eye to the free flow of dangerous drugs falling into the hands of the vulnerable but they are most vocal for the rights of the foetus! These sort of activism are not from God but from Satan. The word of God is to be used for his glory and not from some worthless political causes.
There was war in heaven and in the Book of Daniel and Revelation we see bad actors spiritual darkness getting involved in the nations. Unknown to us we are engaged in a spiritual struggle against the powers of darkness. There are rules of engagement to which we have our roles, "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity."(1 Co.16:13-14)
"And they went out, they and all their hosts with them, much people, even as the sand thatisupon the sea shore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many." ( Josh 11:3-4) The Spirit gives us as total numbers from both worlds of the Spirit and of the body. Here is another passage, "And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them./And thus I saw the horses in the vision,..."(Re.9:16-18)
St. John heard the number and it is a vision given to him. The Spirit gives us a clue. 'Third of men killed''/ The number tag of Three sets in context of the of Son. ( John 16:33)
God a Spirit and has accordingly by his divine Power given us all things required for life and godliness. We are chosen generation and a peculiar people that he put all the details what makes us a holy nation on the simple article as trust. This faith is greater than the pomp and circumstance that the world flaunts. Many instances we have of those who came to nothing. Who wants such glory that Satan gives the foolish and takes away when is least expected? God does indeed make a distinction between children of light and of wrath. "To bring to nought things that are:/That no flesh should glory in his presence," is the divine rationale.
We are of God so God has in reserve for us the wherewithal to lead a holy life unmolested by spiritual darkness. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in highplaces."(Ep.6:12) we see in the life of Elisha, "And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them./And Elisha prayed, and said,Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And theLordopened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha."(2 Ki.6:15-23)
We have not counted the great congregation that we find associated with the Ancient of days.. There is no change in the numbers or in the divine will set before the worlds began."A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened."(Dan.7:10)
'Judgment was set' is by Jesus Christ the same yesterday today and forever. So we figure among the number mentioned in the vision which is our reality in the world of the Spirit. So when we refer to the whole armor of God faith we hold as shield even in the present hour.
"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. "
Apostle John speaks of our antecedents. "Ye are of God" We have ben called forth before the worlds began. We are a chosen generation. Because when God separated light from darkness (Ge.1:3-4) He set us apart to be with him in the light where we have his Son as the true Light. Before we were born it was a matter determined by Him and when we received Jesus Christ as our savior we became according to the word of God, a peculiar people. God also set our tasks which we cannot escape. We should show forth the praises as faithful servants.
"But yearea chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:"(1 Pe.2:9). In another epistle St Peter says,' to glory and virtue'. ("According as his divine power hath given unto us all things thatpertainunto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue."-2 Pe.1:3)
How peculiar are we that God should his glory invest in us? "And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:/That no flesh should glory in his presence." (1 Co.1:28-29)