David0921. I didn't say that Hebrews 11 spoke about Hades. I referred to Abraham (in Hebrews 11); that when he died, that he went to Hades ( Luke 16:19-31).
Here are some Scriptures for you that speak about Hell (Hades, as opposed to Gehenna or Tartarus): Matthew 11:23, Matthew 16:18; Luke 10:15, Luke 16:23; Acts 2:27,31; Revelation 1:18, Revelation 6:8, Revelation 20:13,14. Yes, Hades is a very real place where the dead pre-Cross went, both the righteous & unrighteous. And they had to go there when they died, for the Work of the Cross was not completed & their salvation was not secured. Only the shed Blood of Jesus could save them & us - they had to wait for it & their release from Hades.
The picture of mankind in Romans 3 (of Jew & Gentile) tells us that all are sinners & that circumcision or the Law gave no profit to the Jew. Only the "faith of Jesus Christ" & by His Redemptive Work can a sinner be justified by faith. I see nothing in this chapter about the "Salvation of OT Believers" - only of 'faith vs the law', for instruction to the Church in Rome, and by extension, believers beyond them in space & time.
Again: Isaiah 9:6KJV - 6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 you quoted was LITERALLY fulfilled around 2000 years ago because the Word is GOD, and literally materialized in flesh and blood. It's the Power, understand? GOD's Power, well, the Word is GOD, GOD the Father, self-executable, understand? Great mystery.
In fact, The Word is GOD, GOD the Father, the same was made flesh, and the NAME of GOD made flesh is JESUS, the EXPRESS IMAGE of the PERSON of GOD- Hebrews 1:3. Take a look. The Word-GOD the Father-and the Word made flesh-GOD the Son- are One, and without GOD the Son was not made any thing that was made, says the Word, GOD the Father.
The mystery above is very hard to discern and understand, but why? JESUS explains the why: Matthew 11:27- No man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, AND HE TO WHOMSOEVER THE SON WILL REVEAL HIM. (It's impossible to know the Person of GOD the Father, except if it be revealed by JESUS, as He said, otherwise is impossible to know GOD.
By the way, John the Baptist, the angel of the Lord, clearly said that "No man hath seen GOD at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him." It's it. Hallelujaaa!!!
No, absolutely no, only who really follows JESUS and believe in Him understand of this I'm testifying. Keeping the sabath is a mere human formality of those who bear false witness through an evil and sectarian spirit, and insists on contradicting what JESUS said.
JESUS said(I also speak like Him)- Matthew 11: 12-15: -> 13 For all the prophets and the LAW prophesied until John (the Baptist).
15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the Kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
That said, who really follows JESUS and believe in Him speaks as He speaks because has the Spirit of Christ. JESUS said: John 7:38 - He that believeth on me, as the SCRIPTURE hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. By the way, "if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His"- Romans 8:9.
Actually, JESUS worked on the Sabbath and the Father also worked- John 5:17.
The Jews sought the more to kill JESUS, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that GOD was His Father, making himself equal with God- John 5:18.
Now, in the current time, in this end of the times, the contradicting preachers of the Sabbath keeping sects, try to lead astray and kill the true believers in JESUS by replacing the spirit of Christ that is in them by their sectarian spirit, evil and hypocrite, and they compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, they make him twofold more the child of hell than themselves, as we can see in this present time in those which atend the temple of sects in this current time.
Be careful or then get ready, for "the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in this latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils- 1Timothy 4:1. (devils? John 6:70-71 and Luke 22:3. Take a look.).
What does the Word of GOD say? The Word is GOD, I mean, is a Person, self-executable. Hebrews 1:1-3:
1 GOD, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
2 Hath in these last days (last two days or last 2.000 years) spoken unto us by His Son-JESUS-, whom GOD hath appointed heir of all things, by WHOM also He made the worlds;
3 Who being the brightness of His glory, and the EXPRESS IMAGE of GOD's PERSON (the Word made flesh), and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:
According to the Word of GOD above we can see two Persons. GOD the Father, the Word, and GOD the Son, the Word made flesh. By the way, the Word made flesh-JESUS-, He said: I and my Father Are One- John 10:30. And John 14:8-10 reveals:
8 Philip saith unto JESUS, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?
10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me?
The Word made flesh-JESUS-, He said: ...no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him- Matthew 11:27.
And John the Baptist,the angel of the Lord,said:No man hath seen GOD at any time,the only begotten Son,which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.
But who is the 3rd Person? What does the Word of GOD say, besides 1John 5:7?
JESUS said: When the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you FROM the Father-the Word-,even the Spirit of Truth, which proceeds from the Father, HE shall testify of me-John:14:26
When he,the Spirit of truth,is come,he will guide you into all truth:for he shall not speak of himself;but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall He speak
We cannot forget what our Lord JESUS said: Matthew 11:27, combined with John 1:18, and 14:8-9
The Word is GOD. Great and deep mystery - The Word is GOD.
JESUS said: ... No MAN knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any MAN the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him. Matthew 11:27KJV
John the Baptist, the angel of the Lord, said: No MAN hath seen GOD at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him - John 1:18KJV. (Hallelujah! Very very deep)
Philip saith unto JESUS, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. JESUS saith unto Philip, "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? John 14:8-9KJV (Here we see the Word made flesh speaking to Philip that who see Him, see the Father-the Word-. In fact, the mystery of GOD the Father is very very deep. Hebrews 1:1-3KJV reveals us: --> 1 GOD, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
2 Hath in these last days (last two days or last 2.000 years) spoken unto us by His Son(the Word made flesh), whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds;
3 Who being the brightness of His Glory, and the EXPRESS IMAGE of GOD's Person(expressed as is written in the Word of GOD, the Bible, the Scriptures, the Word of GOD), and upholding all things by the Word of His Power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. - Hallelujaaaah!!!
Jesus by His blood entered once into the holy place not made by hands having obtained eternal redemption everlasting, never to fade, and in Jesus, we have everlasting righteousness and salvation, through faith, given by grace from God, by the blood of the Lamb freely offered for us. To look for everlasting righteousness to be brought in the future is to deny the work of Christ, which he claimed was finished. We have no righteousness apart from Jesus Christ.
5 To seal up vision and prophecy; seal up, affix a seal, a seal in biblical times as today, is used to guarantee security, or indicate ownership, fulfill a vision of God's communication with man, prophecy w-n-, the same word for prophet, the word of God given to us through a prophet. The greatest prediction, which runs through the whole Old Testament, is that regarding the coming and work of the Messiah, Jesus. Daniel 9:23John 6:27Mark 1:14-15Acts 3:18John 5:36-40Matthew 11:11-15 Romans 3:21.
All through the New Testament, it shows the fulfillment of the prophets and the law; fulfilled on the cross at Calvary. Gabriel was sent to help Daniel understand the matter, and consider the vision.
6 To anoint the Most Holy. Anoint, the theological meaning of mashach to smear, anoint. The Most Holy qa-da-sm qo-des, most holy, most holy place, Set apart from the rest for a special function. This was done by Jesus after he ascended to heaven before the destruction of the temple made by man. It is the anointing of the holy of holies in the temple not made with hands. Hebrews 8:1-12Hebrews 9:6-14
Jesus went in once and anointed the Holy of Holies not made with hands. Jesus anointed the Holy of Holies once and made it possible for man through him and the Holy Spirit to enter the most holy and God can dwell in us. When Jesus cried out and said it was finished and gave up the ghost, the veil of the temple rent in half.
Gi Gi.....Jesus says in Matthew 11:25.....I thank you Father Lord of heaven and earth that you HAVE HID THESE THINGS from the Wise and Prudent and only revealed them to babes and sucklings.....Thus every thing has a hidden meaning that only the babes can understand......Who are the babes.....the H.G. our new innerman.....That New Creature that has to be born in us....As that which is born of the spirit is spirit which is the H.G. the Children of Promise.....That New Born babe desiring the sincere milk of the word is the H.G. That Child of promise....Which answers to our new hearts and new spirits...So plz don't tells folks there is no hidden knowledge.....ok gbu
Acts 4:11-12KJV reveal there is none other NAME under heaven EXCEPT JESUS whereby we must be saved :
11 JESUS is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other NAME (except JESUS-the Word made flesh-the Word is GOD) under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
JESUS explained : Matthew 11:27KJV - ... No man knoweth the Son, but the Father; NEITHER KNOWETH any MAN the FATHER, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him. (As said John the Baptist, angel of the Lord : "No man hath seen GOD at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the BOSOM of the Father, He hath declared Him (made Him known) . John 1:18KJV
I would be sadly remiss if I didn't emphasize how we should fear the Lord who can send both body and soul to hell ( Matt. 10:28).
This; in my opinion should elicit a response in the souls of all true believers; as we should be ever greatful for what He did for us on the cross; taking the punishment of God the Father on Himself for our benefit.
What we can do now; however is be ambassadors for the truth; and allow God to make us vessels of reconciliation ( 2 Cor. 5:19).
We cannot save anyone; but are held responsible for the death of others if we don't sound the alarm (see Ezekiel 33). Notice there that they may or may not heed the warning.
One cannot separate the love of God for fear of the Lord; and one cannot appreciate the joys of heaven without realizing the horrors of hell they have been delivered from.
We also have to understand predestination in that regard; if we disagree on certain aspects it is clear that in the end a certain number are saved and sadly it is only "few" according to Christ Himself. ( Luke 13:23 among other verses).
Another thing which needs consideration is the reports of children being in hell. Matthew 18:10; as well as Matthew 21:16 tied to Psalm 8:2; and the testimony of David in 2 Samuel 12:23 should dispel this; there are other verses as well which I may elaborate on in a future posting. Those scenes where people seem baffled or confused as to what is happening to them isn't scriptural; and we also must ponder Hebrews 9:27; and understand that judgment comes first immediately after death (although before the Great White Throne one at the end of the Millennium). The punishment is justly given in different levels depending on the crime. I need to be careful here; but will say that punishment will be no more or less than deserved; more "tolerable" for some as in Matthew 11:22.
In conclusion; God's Word should make us tremble; the subject matter should never be looked at as entertaining.
The bigger picture: Brothers and sisters in Christ and the armies of heaven.
Revelation 2:27 has a cross reference somewhere but it is hard to find...in Psalms regarding the inheritance of the saints and ruling with an iron rod. Of course Christ Himself will do this as shown in Psalm 2:7-9 and elsewhere.
There are numerous other verses such as in Ephesians on inheritance and what as sons of light we will have someday ( Eph. 5:8; 1 Thess. 5:5). There is also the reference in the Book of Hebrews to the "cloud of witnesses" ( Heb. 12:1) with specific references in the previous chapter to those who lived lives of faith and are in God's "hall of fame" so to speak. Psalm 8:2 even talks of God's strength in the praise of infants; which was quoted in Matthew 11:25 (also see Matthew 21:15-16 for fulfillment).
Ephesians 6 gives us instructions to be victors on the battlefield with only one offensive weapon; the sword of the Spirit ( Eph. 6:17). This is something only effective when we have the entire defensive mechanism set up to stop the fiery darts of the evil one in the previous verse.
We often are quick to point out the persecution; wars; famines and other trials that believers go through which is no doubt an essential concern in prayer. The fact is that there is a battle raging all the time for the souls of men; Christ has won the war and ultimately all He has called and chosen will be saved. This doesn't by any means lessen the conflict but gives us assurance that the Lord will direct those who He wills in our paths to minister to; and pray for. 1 Peter 4:19 discusses prosperity and trials as they come and go in our lives; and Ecclesiastes 7:14 shows God's Providence. I would state that it appears when things are going well it is a more accurate test to determine faithfullness as that is when sin in most likely to take root. In adversity many will fear the Lord; but the faithful will not forget His benefits ( Deuteronomy 8:10-18). Also read Eph. 2:10
In Luke 1:16-17 an Angel tells Johns father, "Zacharias". That he would have a son And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
John the baptist had a great crowd and devout followers and he preached the coming of their expected Messiah and King.
The pressing multitudes that had followed John continued to follow Jesus' ( Luke 5:15, Luke 12:1).
In the context of this chapter we have Jesus authenticating John's ministry.
SO THAT BRINGS US TO THE TEXT.
Mathew 11:12.
And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
Let's look at the word violence in this text.
Greek:
Transliteration: biaz
Pronunciation: bee-ad'-zo
Definition: From G970; to force that is (reflexively) to crowd oneself (into) or (passively) TO BE SEIZED: - PRESS SUFFER VIOLENCE
The pressing multitudes that had followed John continued to follow Jesus' ( Luke 5:15, Luke 12:1).
This is what Jesus is saying "The kingdom of God suffers violence." Pointing to the huge crowds that followed John and that were now following Him, Jesus likens them to an invading army surrounding a city to capture it.
Look at Luke's account.
Luke 16:16.
The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.
( From the days of John the Baptist until now," there has been an extraordinary rush of people pressing in from all sides eager to hear the gospel that they resembled an army trying to besiege a city.)
Matthew 11:14 he says;
"And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come."
Matthew 11:12 Until the days of John the baptist till NOW the kingdom of heaven suffereth VIOLENCE, and the VIOLENT shall take IT by FORCE.
Yesterday was NOW, yesterday: Today is NOW, TODAY; and tomorrow will be NOW when it gets here.
The last day in God's word: IS ALWAYS NOW, it's been going on NOW for 2000 years. When you read and study God's Word, it is always in the sense of NOW.
The kingdom of heaven is CHRIST IN YOU, this was possible by the VIOLENCE Christ suffer for ALL mankind on the cross.
Violence has been happening "NOW" for 2000 years; NOW, today, earthquakes, pestilence, wars, death and destruction; NOW, today.
This is THE WAY God causes his people to TURN TO HIM, no one seeks him when things are going good.
Psalms 72 :14 He shall redeemer their body from DECEIT and VIOLENCE (by death on THE CROSS: you and Christ DIED THERE): and precious shall be their blood in his sight.
Revelation 18:21 The mighty angel (Christ is the angel of the Lord) and he shall take up a STONE (Christ is that stone), and cast IT (Christ) into the SEA (of humanity), saying, WITH VIOLENCE shall that great city of Babylon (your held captive in BABYLON) be thrown down (you and Christ) were crucified, and shall be found no more at all (you and Christ were resurrected as ONE NEW CREATION.
There was ONLY ONE BODY raised at the resurrection. Christ's BODY; by the spirit of the Father, was RESURRECTED.
You were married to Christ by that resurrection, you became ONE, you are NOW the body of Christ.
When you depart this body of DUST:
1 Corinthians 15:54 ... this mortal (body of dust) SHALL PUT ON IMMORTALITY .....
1 Timothy 6:16 ..... Christ ONLY hath IMMORTALITY ..... dwelling in the light ......
Death is SWALLOWED UP in VICTORY .....you have become the IMAGE of CHRIST: to be forever a SON OF GOD.
The KINGDOM of God is not a religion, it's not a place called heaven, it is a PERSON, and that person is CHRIST,
And that person is going to CAUSES all creation to COME TO TRUTH what HIS resurrection did for them.
All creation; at some point, will bow before Christ, and CONFESS his WORDS are TRUE, that everyone was made in the IMAGE of Christ BY HIS RESURRECTION.
1 Corinthians 15:28 ...and GOD will be ALL IN ALL.
When 1 Corinthians 15:28 --- has COME TO PASS ----the KINGDOM will be a FAMILY OF gods ---- whither you believe it of NOT
God will do to all creation what he did to PAUL, NO ONE can stand in the LIGHT when it is shined on them, they will fall to their knees and CONFESS: what will you have me do LORD.
Matthew 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth VIOLENCE, and the VIOLENT take it (the KINGDOM) by FORCE.
There is a time coming when the screws on the wine press will be screwed tighter and tighter, and God's WORDS WILL; WILL BE DONE on earth as it is in heaven.
Matthew 17:12 says, but I say unto you, that Elijah is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they willed. Likewise shall they do to the Son of man, He shall suffer these things.
So Jesus said, indeed Elijah shall come first and restore all things, and that Elijah is come already. Very confusing, and that doesn't answer any questions. He will come and he has come. I'm sure the disciples are going Huh?
In John 1:21, the religious leaders sent delegates out to John's baptism and they asked him who are you? John says I'm not the Christ. In Verse 21, they said are you Elijah? And he said, no.
In Matthew 11:14, we see that John sent his disciples to ask Jesus a question, are you the Messiah or do we look for another?
And after His disciples left, He told the crowd that if you can receive it, John the Baptist is Elijah which was to come. What a lot of confusion here!
The key is found in Luke 1:17 when the angel Gabriel was speaking to Zacharias and he said that when John comes, he will come in the spirit and power of Elijah.
So he will not be Elijah the person, but he will have the same spirit and the same ministry as Elijah. Now what that means is that Elijah has come, but he as a person will come in the future.
And many, including myself, hold that in the book of Revelation, one of the two witnesses that witness in Jerusalem during the tribulation is Elijah coming to introduce the coming of Christ.
Both he and the other witness perform the same miracles and signs as Moses and Elijah did. But Elijah the person will come first.
That's why every year at the Passover meal, a Jewish family will leave an empty chair at the Passover table. It's because they believe that Passover time is when Elijah is going to come and announce the second coming of Christ. So they leave a chair vacant for him.
Very interesting how Jewish customs line up with things we study in scripture!
Six things determined upon Daniel's people and the holy city.
Part 5
To seal up vision and prophecy
Seal up, affix a seal, a seal in biblical times as today, is used to guarantee security or indicate ownership. Vision, God's communication with man, prophecy (w-n-), the same word for prophet, a divine vision, a vision spoken of a divine vision or dream, Isaiah 29:7 God spoke in times past through the prophets, but these last days spoke to us by his Son, Heb. 1:1-2.
The Mosaic Law and covenant pointed to Jesus. He sealed them up, that is, he fulfilled them. The greatest prediction, which runs like a golden thread through the whole contents of the Old Testament, is that regarding the coming and work of the Messiah, Jesus; and the greatest use of prophecy was to perpetuate faith in his coming and to prepare the world for that event.
Daniel 9:23John 6:27Mark 1:14-15Acts 3:18John 5:36-40Matthew 5:17Matthew 11:11-15
The Bible shows Jesus fulfilled the prophets, and the Mosaic law the first covenant fulfilled, sealed and His ministry was confirming the New.
Hi Ani. GiGi has shared accurately with you and I would like to add some more thoughts for your study & consideration.
I'm unsure where you obtained this particular Bible study book from, as it's clearly slanted towards 'keeping of the Law'. Does your Church support this teaching or are you doing this study by personal choice?
Firstly, the Jewish Sabbath has always been the Saturday (from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday) & was given to Israel as part of the other commandments for them to observe ( Exodus 20:8-11). Why was this particular Command given? It was the seventh day when the LORD ceased from His Work of creating & it was for a remembrance when God brought out His people "with a mighty hand & a stretched out arm": i.e. from the perennial state of bondage & hard labor in Egypt to a time of liberty & rest. Even when Israel collected their food (Manna) while in the desert, they were not allowed to gather it on the seventh day ( Exodus 16:19-30), indicating the sanctity of the Sabbath Day.
Secondly, the Christian observance of Sunday, is not a redefining of the Jewish Sabbath - it is what is termed, the Lord's Day ( Revelation 1:10), or the First Day of the Week ( Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2) - never the Sabbath.
Thirdly, the Church is not required to observe the Jewish Sabbath as we were never in bondage in Egypt & brought into Canaan. We were however, once in bondage to sin & the flesh & now given a glorious forgiveness & release into the Lord's Rest. See Matthew 11:28-30 and Hebrews 4:1-11. Not only is the Christian given Christ's Peace in his heart, but also a resulting rest that comes only from Him. And yet, there is also a coming rest ( Hebrews 4:9), where the word here is 'sabbatismos', or Sabbath Rest: a rest in God's Presence that will be one continual Sabbath Rest, when our earthly toils & hardships are finally over.
The basic situation in this world is that man is under the bondage of the law ( Romans 3:19-20; also see Galatians). Therefore; the universal application of the old covenant of works essentially is expected for all who wish to come to the one true faith. Christ; of course has allowed us to be "grafted in" to the promises of Israel. We see this in the second half of Romans 13.
We have been called and chosen to be God's children. Nonetheless; we are just as required to follow the stipulations of Christ; namely loving God and obeying His commandments. ( John 14:21). Our love; of course only comes from the Lord; as any who love the law of God ( Psalm 119). The flesh abhors the law as it cannot obey it.
The church therefore; once again doesn't sign any paperwork with God but is held accountable to God's terms for calling themselves a believer. Greater punishment for those who have knowledge of the law is seen in Matthew 11:21 and the following verses. This is why churches that want signed agreements as to membership requirements aren't a failsafe method. God isn't fooled by those who say "Lord, Lord" but don't do what He says. ( Luke 6:46). God knows man's heart and that is what He gets to the bottom of in terms of man's attitudes and actions which is the focus of the New Testament and new covenant as the Lord Himself explained and of course is further discussed in the Epistles. We should be careful not to call ourselves Christians if we are not; it is better not to know the truth than to follow Christ in this way ( 2 Peter 2:21). We see the two classes of people who are either unbelievers or reprobate in many scriptures. More on that later.
Alex1939...William this Matthew 21:16 is prophetic of the Manchild the H.G. that has to be born in us...Rev.12:5 she brought forth a manchild that is gonna rule all nations...Thats y the sower wants to sow his precious seed in our hearts that we might birth a baby Christ the Son of Man...The H.G...That Children of Promise...Thats y he cannot speak of him self simply b/c he has to be born in us via the seed of the sower, he is just an infant spiritually speaking...Jesus said unless you receive the Kingdom of God as a lil Child ( the H.G. ) that Child of Promise That New BIRTH you will in no wise enter there in...We need a new heart and a new spirit a new innerman...Which is the H.G...Our biggest enemy is our carnal minds...And nothin can still this demon without Christ in us...Which is the wheat from his good seed but satans sows a Tare in us ...Then we are in a war with satan...Its gonna be Kingdom against Kingdom...The only way we can win this war is by the babes and sucklings...which are baby Christ, Jesus offspring from his good seed the living word that is gonna be sown in humanity the opening of the BOOK ...The Kingdom does not come till the woman births the manchild the H.G.....Read Rev.12v10
......The world is gonna have a Baby....Thats y Jeremiah 30:6 Tells us all men are gonna travail in birth pains...The Child is the H.G. THE Children of PROMISE...I will Multiply thy seed as the stars of heaven...Thus the Children of PROMISE the H.G... Joel 2:28 I will pour out of my spirit on all flesh...Jeremiah says he saw all men with their hands on their loins as woman in travail with birth pains... Jeremiah 30:6...The Child is the H.G. that heavenly Jacob that is now in a warfare with the Tares...Satans seed...A time of Jacobs troubles...Jacob was the 3 rd person but the H.G. is also the 3 rd person...The wheat Jesus's seed the H.G.
But these things are hid from the wise and prudent but revealed unto babes.... Matthew 11:25...William this is for spritually minded.
Baptism: Acts 2:38-47, Matthew 28:18-20, these are the same baptism, Ephesians 4:5, context Ephesians 4:1-13, please read all the scriptures I've included even the scriptures surrounding the ones you're asking about. They're very important on what Jesus our Christ =(the Messiah) is saying & the Scripture is saying about Him.
Origin of Baptism: Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 3, John 1, John 3 - John 4:1,2, ; Matthew 21:25, Mark 11:30, Luke 7, Luke 20:4, Acts 13:24,25,26,
Acts 1,
Symbolism of baptism: Matthew 20:22-28, Matthew 11:10,11,12,13, Mark 10, note these scriptures in Mark 10:21,29,30,31,32,33,34,38,39,42,43,44,45, Mark 16:16, Luke 12:49-59, in context Luke 12, John 3:3,5, Romans 6, Colossians 2:12, 1Peter 3:21,
Predestination part 3. (eternal fate heaven or hell).
When we are "conformed to the image of His Son" ( Romans 8:29) we see the concept of predestination and "first fruits" there; which would foreshadow a Rapture/Resurrection event. Another way to put it is that those who read the Beatitudes on a surface level or human level of understanding see a humanitarian sort of principle of for instance; how to be "peacemakers"; feed the poor; etc. ANYONE; even an atheist can do such things but it is only the Holiness of God through the Spirit after true conversion that gives us the reality of that in our souls. No amount of penance; self sacrifice or other actions can give us more of a desire for God's Holiness if it doesn't already exist in someone's soul! Nonetheless "faith without works is dead." ( James 2:17). Poducing fruit is essential for a true believer as we see with the Parable of the Sower and the seed.
There are also various levels of suffering in hell as well as rewards in heaven. We see this in Matthew 11:20-24 with several cities in mind. Also we see this in Matthew 13:8 as to the 30 fold and 100 fold producers (also see 1 Cor. 15:41).
I am fairly dogmatic as to those before the age of accountability not being punished for their sin NATURE since they haven't acted out the sin knowing that they are rebels against God. When we look at Romans 7:9-11; we understand this concept; and when we see the story of David and his son who died ( 2 Samuel 12:23) we see evidence of this amongst other places ( Psalm 8:2 for example).
Another way of looking at is is the verse "we will not have this man to rule over us." ( Luke 19:14). This is what all say who go against the Man who God has given all authority to in heaven and earth ( Matt. 28:18). If we disbelieve the living Word ( Heb. 4:12 etal) then we reject His authority and preservation as well as 2 Timothy 3:16 which states all scripture is breathed of God..
The disciples were looking for the Messiah to set up the kingdom hereonearth. ( which is yet future)
As mentioned Isaiah 40:1-5 is one of the scriptures is why they expected this order of events.
"Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.
Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins.
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:
AND THE GLORY OF THE LORD SHALL BE REVEALED, AND ALL FLESH SHALL SEE IT TOGETHER: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
( This haven't happened yet. )
This concerns the restoration of Israel when Christ sits on David's Throne.
Matthew 17:11-12 "And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. ( Still future. )
But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. ( John the baptist was the forerunner. He was to announce the King.) They rejected John and they rejected their King. ( John 19:15.)
During the tribulation they will be driven to seek their Messiah and he shall come. ( Matthew 23:37-39.)
alex1939...Hi Lollyman 7...Good question But i don't think that Jesus was refering to any man being a 2 nd Elijah...Or another John the baptist...God cannot put any trust in man...John the baptist doubted in the end sending 2 of his disciples to ask Jesus if he were the Christ or look for we for another...John doubted...And i dont judge that great man of God...But this last Elijah has to be the H.G. As Jesus said in John 16:13 When he the spirit of truth is come ( the H.G. ) he will guide you into all truth...He cannot speak of himself simply b/c he has to be born in us...He is just a spritual infant and infants cannot speak for a while...Only God the HG. can lead us into all truth Thus this 2 nd Elijah has to be the Spirit of truth...As Jesus is saying in John 16:13 that is gona lead the whole world....Reprove the whole world of sin and Righteousness and judgement...No man cd fulfill that task it wd have to be God himself...Isaiah said he looked this way and that way but he found no man thus his own arm brought him salvation etc
Fierce opposition may be something in this country that we are not normally accustomed to but one has to ask why in light of 2 Timothy 3:12-17; John 15:18-21; 2 Corinthians 11:26 etc.
Perhaps I made this statement earlier in the Psalms discussion; but we need to distinguish between unconditional love and the fact that "enemies" still exist. Romans 5:10 and apparently 29 other verses show that indeed we all are enemies of God prior to our conversion; hence all unregenerate remain in that state.
There is something to be said for the O.T. times when the mindset was more "an eye for an eye"( Exodus 21:24). In terms of today; Christ demonstrated no personal condemnation for a particular individual; but He certainly spent chapters excoriating the Pharisees and others which caused multiple attempts at His life along the constant persecution.
Again as I stated in other Psalms regarding David's multiple hiding periods from Saul he showed respect for him by preserving his life multiple times when he could have ended it; and also he mourned over his death when the Lord finally made Saul reap what he sowed. When someone tries to kill you 21 times as Saul was said to do (not to mention other enemies of his); then we can understand a desire to see justice. Christ alluded to judgment with unbelief among the places that had seen mighty works such as Matthew 11:21 (the "woe to you" term was also used with the Pharisees).
Individual judgment to come or the fate of nations is not something we should gloss over. We as watchmen are responsible to sound the alarm ( Isaiah 52:8 and other verses in Jeremiah; etc). In evangelism warning of a national fate seems to be generally disregarded as opposed to warning individuals as to the wrath to come. I can't see studying how Christ preached that it can be ignored. We can study scripture and history to see how Isaiah and Jeremiah for instance were martyred for such messages.
alex1939..Hi Lollyman 7..Good Question..But i think they are both right...Jesus was speaking in the Spiritual realm of a heavenly Elijah which is the H.G. that is gonna turn folks hearts to the Children which are spirits...Jesus said that the good seed are the Children of the Kingdom...And that which is born of the spirit is spirit which are the Children of Promise which are born in us via his good seeds...Thats y he has to know us...Our hearts need to be turned to the H.G. the Child of Promise...Jesus was still on the cross when he was calling for Elijah... Matthew 27:46...But some said he was calling for God...Which is the H.G. that heavenly Elijah that will lead us into all truth...When he that spirit of truth is come ( the H.G. ) He will lead you into all truth...
..... Zechariah 13:7...Smite the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered...The Cross ...His death..Then i will turn my hand to the little ones his Children...When a seed dies it multiplies thus his Children of Promise...Behold me and the Children the Lord has given me...Are they not for signs and wonders Which are spirits as he said that that which is born of the spirit is spirit which are his Children...Our New Heart and New spirit...Its God himself that wants to turn our hearts to the Children which is the H.G...God swore by his very self when he made that promise of multiplication...Thus the Children the H.G. that is gona be born in our hearts and minds...But all this was hid from the wise and prudent but is gona be revealed unto babes...the H.G...When that BOOK is opened that has the words of life...That he wrote with his own blood...Plz note the Kingdom does not come till the Woman is in Child birth ( the Children that are gona be born in our hearts)...Unless you receive the KINGDOM as a lil Child you will in no wise enter there in...And whosoever receiveth one such child in MY NAME receiveth me...There is a CHILD in your future which is the H.G. That Child of Promise...An Israel of God The H.G..
Hi Lollyman7. There are several Scriptures that speak of this 'coming of Elijah'. Those which you quoted: John 1:19-28 and Matthew 11:14. You can also see this in the earlier prophecy of Elijah, found in Malachi 4:5,6, & then we see Elijah with the Lord & Moses in Matthew 17:1-8, with the answer to this dilemma found in Luke 1:13-17. And to quote this in part: "And he (John) shall go before him (Jesus) in the spirit and power of Elias (Elijah), to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."
So, as we consider these Scriptures in entirety, we should conclude that John the Baptist wasn't the physical Elijah who was earlier translated instead of dying & then in those days appeared with the Lord Jesus. But John was the one selected & prepared of God to receive the same spirit that was found in Elijah to speak to the people with prophetical authority & drive & to be the "voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias (Isaiah)." ( Isaiah 40:3). So, John the Baptist could never say that he was a resurrected Elijah, whom the leaders were expecting, but his message & authority came with the same strength & prophetical voice as that of Elijah.
Hello James. Sorry to read of your poor health & the confusions & contradictions that are overwhelming you. I would hold onto the Lord Jesus' Words: to 'come to Him if you're over-laden with the cares, concerns & burdens of this life - He promises His rest to all who come.' ( Matthew 11:28). Even in ill-health & hopelessness, Jesus' Peace can over-rule our hearts & minds & give us a certainty of His involvement in our lives & a future where heart-ache & pain will be no more. ( John 14:27; John 16:33; Philippians 4:6,7; Revelation 21:3,4).
And that is wonderful, that you are persisting in reading God's Word, for therein are the words of Truth & Life. The Promises of God are "yea & in Him Amen" (i.e. they are certain & will not fail); I pray that you will really come to the point of placing your complete trust & hope in Jesus, for He truly is the Answer, the only Answer, to all of our sins, sorrows, hopes & dreams.
To your questions:
a. I think you're quoting Revelation 22:4, "And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads." I picked this verse, as the verses that give the mark of the beast don't apply to the believer in Christ, for if he were present at that time & faithful to the Lord & not to Satan, he would refuse that mark and bear the consequences. In Revelation 22:4, I can't be sure whether there is a physical imprint of Jesus' Name there, or this verse speaks metaphorically. Just as how the mark of the Anti-Christ will be made to appear on all those who wish to follow him & continue to live & not die under his rule.
Just a few thoughts on what you've shared GiGi. I'm considering the three passages: Matthew 16:24,25; Matthew 11:28-30; Galatians 2:20.
a. Matthew 16:24,25. "Discipleship". Discipleship is costly, more costly than most of us can imagine or have even experienced. To put everything pertaining to life behind one (family, possessions, ambitions, reliance on the material), equates to denying oneself. And to take up one's cross, would be the cumulative effect of that denial/casting aside which one must be prepared to carry for the journey ahead. And this must also include whatever unknowns may lie ahead (of hunger, shelter, loneliness, rejection & persecution). I would think that very few have submitted so fully to the Lord, though the disciples, to whom these words were directly spoken, joyfully apprehended it when "endued with power from on high".
b. Matthew 11:28-30. "Under Grace". Though this passage can accurately be applied to the Lord's gracious Ministry to all, I believe that He is particularly referring to the religious leaders who exacted much much more from the people than what the Law demanded. In Matthew 23:1-4, Jesus spoke of those leaders who correctly brought out Moses' Law, but then He chided them because they added their own "heavy burdens" upon the people, making obedience to the Law wearisome coupled with fear for the penalty if their rules were broken. Therefore, Jesus calls all those that are so burdened & yoked to pharisaical rules to turn to Him, He Whose "yoke" is undergirded with Grace & Truth.
Here are some Scriptures for you that speak about Hell (Hades, as opposed to Gehenna or Tartarus): Matthew 11:23, Matthew 16:18; Luke 10:15, Luke 16:23; Acts 2:27,31; Revelation 1:18, Revelation 6:8, Revelation 20:13,14. Yes, Hades is a very real place where the dead pre-Cross went, both the righteous & unrighteous. And they had to go there when they died, for the Work of the Cross was not completed & their salvation was not secured. Only the shed Blood of Jesus could save them & us - they had to wait for it & their release from Hades.
The picture of mankind in Romans 3 (of Jew & Gentile) tells us that all are sinners & that circumcision or the Law gave no profit to the Jew. Only the "faith of Jesus Christ" & by His Redemptive Work can a sinner be justified by faith. I see nothing in this chapter about the "Salvation of OT Believers" - only of 'faith vs the law', for instruction to the Church in Rome, and by extension, believers beyond them in space & time.
Greetings in Christ JESUS
You are right.
Again: Isaiah 9:6KJV - 6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 you quoted was LITERALLY fulfilled around 2000 years ago because the Word is GOD, and literally materialized in flesh and blood. It's the Power, understand? GOD's Power, well, the Word is GOD, GOD the Father, self-executable, understand? Great mystery.
In fact, The Word is GOD, GOD the Father, the same was made flesh, and the NAME of GOD made flesh is JESUS, the EXPRESS IMAGE of the PERSON of GOD- Hebrews 1:3. Take a look. The Word-GOD the Father-and the Word made flesh-GOD the Son- are One, and without GOD the Son was not made any thing that was made, says the Word, GOD the Father.
The mystery above is very hard to discern and understand, but why? JESUS explains the why: Matthew 11:27- No man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, AND HE TO WHOMSOEVER THE SON WILL REVEAL HIM. (It's impossible to know the Person of GOD the Father, except if it be revealed by JESUS, as He said, otherwise is impossible to know GOD.
By the way, John the Baptist, the angel of the Lord, clearly said that "No man hath seen GOD at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him." It's it. Hallelujaaa!!!
Veronicagt7
No, absolutely no, only who really follows JESUS and believe in Him understand of this I'm testifying. Keeping the sabath is a mere human formality of those who bear false witness through an evil and sectarian spirit, and insists on contradicting what JESUS said.
JESUS said(I also speak like Him)- Matthew 11: 12-15: -> 13 For all the prophets and the LAW prophesied until John (the Baptist).
15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the Kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
That said, who really follows JESUS and believe in Him speaks as He speaks because has the Spirit of Christ. JESUS said: John 7:38 - He that believeth on me, as the SCRIPTURE hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. By the way, "if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His"- Romans 8:9.
Actually, JESUS worked on the Sabbath and the Father also worked- John 5:17.
The Jews sought the more to kill JESUS, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that GOD was His Father, making himself equal with God- John 5:18.
Now, in the current time, in this end of the times, the contradicting preachers of the Sabbath keeping sects, try to lead astray and kill the true believers in JESUS by replacing the spirit of Christ that is in them by their sectarian spirit, evil and hypocrite, and they compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, they make him twofold more the child of hell than themselves, as we can see in this present time in those which atend the temple of sects in this current time.
Be careful or then get ready, for "the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in this latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils- 1Timothy 4:1. (devils? John 6:70-71 and Luke 22:3. Take a look.).
Greetings in Christ JESUS
What does the Word of GOD say? The Word is GOD, I mean, is a Person, self-executable. Hebrews 1:1-3:
1 GOD, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
2 Hath in these last days (last two days or last 2.000 years) spoken unto us by His Son-JESUS-, whom GOD hath appointed heir of all things, by WHOM also He made the worlds;
3 Who being the brightness of His glory, and the EXPRESS IMAGE of GOD's PERSON (the Word made flesh), and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:
According to the Word of GOD above we can see two Persons. GOD the Father, the Word, and GOD the Son, the Word made flesh. By the way, the Word made flesh-JESUS-, He said: I and my Father Are One- John 10:30. And John 14:8-10 reveals:
8 Philip saith unto JESUS, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?
10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me?
The Word made flesh-JESUS-, He said: ...no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him- Matthew 11:27.
And John the Baptist,the angel of the Lord,said:No man hath seen GOD at any time,the only begotten Son,which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.
But who is the 3rd Person? What does the Word of GOD say, besides 1John 5:7?
JESUS said: When the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you FROM the Father-the Word-,even the Spirit of Truth, which proceeds from the Father, HE shall testify of me-John:14:26
When he,the Spirit of truth,is come,he will guide you into all truth:for he shall not speak of himself;but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall He speak
We cannot forget what our Lord JESUS said: Matthew 11:27, combined with John 1:18, and 14:8-9
The Word is GOD. Great and deep mystery - The Word is GOD.
JESUS said: ... No MAN knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any MAN the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him. Matthew 11:27KJV
John the Baptist, the angel of the Lord, said: No MAN hath seen GOD at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him - John 1:18KJV. (Hallelujah! Very very deep)
Philip saith unto JESUS, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. JESUS saith unto Philip, "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? John 14:8-9KJV (Here we see the Word made flesh speaking to Philip that who see Him, see the Father-the Word-. In fact, the mystery of GOD the Father is very very deep. Hebrews 1:1-3KJV reveals us: --> 1 GOD, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
2 Hath in these last days (last two days or last 2.000 years) spoken unto us by His Son(the Word made flesh), whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds;
3 Who being the brightness of His Glory, and the EXPRESS IMAGE of GOD's Person(expressed as is written in the Word of GOD, the Bible, the Scriptures, the Word of GOD), and upholding all things by the Word of His Power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. - Hallelujaaaah!!!
GOD BLESS
Part 3.
Jesus by His blood entered once into the holy place not made by hands having obtained eternal redemption everlasting, never to fade, and in Jesus, we have everlasting righteousness and salvation, through faith, given by grace from God, by the blood of the Lamb freely offered for us. To look for everlasting righteousness to be brought in the future is to deny the work of Christ, which he claimed was finished. We have no righteousness apart from Jesus Christ.
5 To seal up vision and prophecy; seal up, affix a seal, a seal in biblical times as today, is used to guarantee security, or indicate ownership, fulfill a vision of God's communication with man, prophecy w-n-, the same word for prophet, the word of God given to us through a prophet. The greatest prediction, which runs through the whole Old Testament, is that regarding the coming and work of the Messiah, Jesus. Daniel 9:23 John 6:27 Mark 1:14-15 Acts 3:18 John 5:36-40 Matthew 11:11-15 Romans 3:21.
All through the New Testament, it shows the fulfillment of the prophets and the law; fulfilled on the cross at Calvary. Gabriel was sent to help Daniel understand the matter, and consider the vision.
6 To anoint the Most Holy. Anoint, the theological meaning of mashach to smear, anoint. The Most Holy qa-da-sm qo-des, most holy, most holy place, Set apart from the rest for a special function. This was done by Jesus after he ascended to heaven before the destruction of the temple made by man. It is the anointing of the holy of holies in the temple not made with hands. Hebrews 8:1-12 Hebrews 9:6-14
Jesus went in once and anointed the Holy of Holies not made with hands. Jesus anointed the Holy of Holies once and made it possible for man through him and the Holy Spirit to enter the most holy and God can dwell in us. When Jesus cried out and said it was finished and gave up the ghost, the veil of the temple rent in half.
See Part 4
11 JESUS is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other NAME (except JESUS-the Word made flesh-the Word is GOD) under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
JESUS explained : Matthew 11:27KJV - ... No man knoweth the Son, but the Father; NEITHER KNOWETH any MAN the FATHER, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him. (As said John the Baptist, angel of the Lord : "No man hath seen GOD at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the BOSOM of the Father, He hath declared Him (made Him known) . John 1:18KJV
Hallelujaaa!!!
I would be sadly remiss if I didn't emphasize how we should fear the Lord who can send both body and soul to hell ( Matt. 10:28).
This; in my opinion should elicit a response in the souls of all true believers; as we should be ever greatful for what He did for us on the cross; taking the punishment of God the Father on Himself for our benefit.
What we can do now; however is be ambassadors for the truth; and allow God to make us vessels of reconciliation ( 2 Cor. 5:19).
We cannot save anyone; but are held responsible for the death of others if we don't sound the alarm (see Ezekiel 33). Notice there that they may or may not heed the warning.
One cannot separate the love of God for fear of the Lord; and one cannot appreciate the joys of heaven without realizing the horrors of hell they have been delivered from.
We also have to understand predestination in that regard; if we disagree on certain aspects it is clear that in the end a certain number are saved and sadly it is only "few" according to Christ Himself. ( Luke 13:23 among other verses).
Another thing which needs consideration is the reports of children being in hell. Matthew 18:10; as well as Matthew 21:16 tied to Psalm 8:2; and the testimony of David in 2 Samuel 12:23 should dispel this; there are other verses as well which I may elaborate on in a future posting. Those scenes where people seem baffled or confused as to what is happening to them isn't scriptural; and we also must ponder Hebrews 9:27; and understand that judgment comes first immediately after death (although before the Great White Throne one at the end of the Millennium). The punishment is justly given in different levels depending on the crime. I need to be careful here; but will say that punishment will be no more or less than deserved; more "tolerable" for some as in Matthew 11:22.
In conclusion; God's Word should make us tremble; the subject matter should never be looked at as entertaining.
Revelation 2:27 has a cross reference somewhere but it is hard to find...in Psalms regarding the inheritance of the saints and ruling with an iron rod. Of course Christ Himself will do this as shown in Psalm 2:7-9 and elsewhere.
There are numerous other verses such as in Ephesians on inheritance and what as sons of light we will have someday ( Eph. 5:8; 1 Thess. 5:5). There is also the reference in the Book of Hebrews to the "cloud of witnesses" ( Heb. 12:1) with specific references in the previous chapter to those who lived lives of faith and are in God's "hall of fame" so to speak. Psalm 8:2 even talks of God's strength in the praise of infants; which was quoted in Matthew 11:25 (also see Matthew 21:15-16 for fulfillment).
Ephesians 6 gives us instructions to be victors on the battlefield with only one offensive weapon; the sword of the Spirit ( Eph. 6:17). This is something only effective when we have the entire defensive mechanism set up to stop the fiery darts of the evil one in the previous verse.
We often are quick to point out the persecution; wars; famines and other trials that believers go through which is no doubt an essential concern in prayer. The fact is that there is a battle raging all the time for the souls of men; Christ has won the war and ultimately all He has called and chosen will be saved. This doesn't by any means lessen the conflict but gives us assurance that the Lord will direct those who He wills in our paths to minister to; and pray for. 1 Peter 4:19 discusses prosperity and trials as they come and go in our lives; and Ecclesiastes 7:14 shows God's Providence. I would state that it appears when things are going well it is a more accurate test to determine faithfullness as that is when sin in most likely to take root. In adversity many will fear the Lord; but the faithful will not forget His benefits ( Deuteronomy 8:10-18). Also read Eph. 2:10
I will share my view.
In Luke 1:16-17 an Angel tells Johns father, "Zacharias". That he would have a son And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
John the baptist had a great crowd and devout followers and he preached the coming of their expected Messiah and King.
The pressing multitudes that had followed John continued to follow Jesus' ( Luke 5:15, Luke 12:1).
In the context of this chapter we have Jesus authenticating John's ministry.
SO THAT BRINGS US TO THE TEXT.
Mathew 11:12.
And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
Let's look at the word violence in this text.
Greek:
Transliteration: biaz
Pronunciation: bee-ad'-zo
Definition: From G970; to force that is (reflexively) to crowd oneself (into) or (passively) TO BE SEIZED: - PRESS SUFFER VIOLENCE
The pressing multitudes that had followed John continued to follow Jesus' ( Luke 5:15, Luke 12:1).
This is what Jesus is saying "The kingdom of God suffers violence." Pointing to the huge crowds that followed John and that were now following Him, Jesus likens them to an invading army surrounding a city to capture it.
Look at Luke's account.
Luke 16:16.
The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.
( From the days of John the Baptist until now," there has been an extraordinary rush of people pressing in from all sides eager to hear the gospel that they resembled an army trying to besiege a city.)
Matthew 11:14 he says;
"And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come."
I hope this helps.
God bless.
Matthew 11:12 Until the days of John the baptist till NOW the kingdom of heaven suffereth VIOLENCE, and the VIOLENT shall take IT by FORCE.
Yesterday was NOW, yesterday: Today is NOW, TODAY; and tomorrow will be NOW when it gets here.
The last day in God's word: IS ALWAYS NOW, it's been going on NOW for 2000 years. When you read and study God's Word, it is always in the sense of NOW.
The kingdom of heaven is CHRIST IN YOU, this was possible by the VIOLENCE Christ suffer for ALL mankind on the cross.
Violence has been happening "NOW" for 2000 years; NOW, today, earthquakes, pestilence, wars, death and destruction; NOW, today.
This is THE WAY God causes his people to TURN TO HIM, no one seeks him when things are going good.
Psalms 72 :14 He shall redeemer their body from DECEIT and VIOLENCE (by death on THE CROSS: you and Christ DIED THERE): and precious shall be their blood in his sight.
Revelation 18:21 The mighty angel (Christ is the angel of the Lord) and he shall take up a STONE (Christ is that stone), and cast IT (Christ) into the SEA (of humanity), saying, WITH VIOLENCE shall that great city of Babylon (your held captive in BABYLON) be thrown down (you and Christ) were crucified, and shall be found no more at all (you and Christ were resurrected as ONE NEW CREATION.
There was ONLY ONE BODY raised at the resurrection. Christ's BODY; by the spirit of the Father, was RESURRECTED.
You were married to Christ by that resurrection, you became ONE, you are NOW the body of Christ.
When you depart this body of DUST:
1 Corinthians 15:54 ... this mortal (body of dust) SHALL PUT ON IMMORTALITY .....
1 Timothy 6:16 ..... Christ ONLY hath IMMORTALITY ..... dwelling in the light ......
Death is SWALLOWED UP in VICTORY .....you have become the IMAGE of CHRIST: to be forever a SON OF GOD.
God bless YOU!
Thank you
I concur with D.
To look towards Christ.
You can trust that he's merciful.
and all knowing therefore you can't catch him by surprise so you can't disappoint him.
Stay in his word for spiritual growth.
cast your burden upon him.
The moment Jesus took upon flesh he was on his way to the cross.
Look at him here after getting rejected and ever so close to the cross.
He has time to think about you and I.
Matthew 11:28-30.
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
You can trust him.
God bless.
The KINGDOM of God is not a religion, it's not a place called heaven, it is a PERSON, and that person is CHRIST,
And that person is going to CAUSES all creation to COME TO TRUTH what HIS resurrection did for them.
All creation; at some point, will bow before Christ, and CONFESS his WORDS are TRUE, that everyone was made in the IMAGE of Christ BY HIS RESURRECTION.
1 Corinthians 15:28 ...and GOD will be ALL IN ALL.
When 1 Corinthians 15:28 --- has COME TO PASS ----the KINGDOM will be a FAMILY OF gods ---- whither you believe it of NOT
God will do to all creation what he did to PAUL, NO ONE can stand in the LIGHT when it is shined on them, they will fall to their knees and CONFESS: what will you have me do LORD.
Matthew 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth VIOLENCE, and the VIOLENT take it (the KINGDOM) by FORCE.
There is a time coming when the screws on the wine press will be screwed tighter and tighter, and God's WORDS WILL; WILL BE DONE on earth as it is in heaven.
God Bless YOU!
Matthew 17:12 says, but I say unto you, that Elijah is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they willed. Likewise shall they do to the Son of man, He shall suffer these things.
So Jesus said, indeed Elijah shall come first and restore all things, and that Elijah is come already. Very confusing, and that doesn't answer any questions. He will come and he has come. I'm sure the disciples are going Huh?
In John 1:21, the religious leaders sent delegates out to John's baptism and they asked him who are you? John says I'm not the Christ. In Verse 21, they said are you Elijah? And he said, no.
In Matthew 11:14, we see that John sent his disciples to ask Jesus a question, are you the Messiah or do we look for another?
And after His disciples left, He told the crowd that if you can receive it, John the Baptist is Elijah which was to come. What a lot of confusion here!
The key is found in Luke 1:17 when the angel Gabriel was speaking to Zacharias and he said that when John comes, he will come in the spirit and power of Elijah.
So he will not be Elijah the person, but he will have the same spirit and the same ministry as Elijah. Now what that means is that Elijah has come, but he as a person will come in the future.
And many, including myself, hold that in the book of Revelation, one of the two witnesses that witness in Jerusalem during the tribulation is Elijah coming to introduce the coming of Christ.
Both he and the other witness perform the same miracles and signs as Moses and Elijah did. But Elijah the person will come first.
That's why every year at the Passover meal, a Jewish family will leave an empty chair at the Passover table. It's because they believe that Passover time is when Elijah is going to come and announce the second coming of Christ. So they leave a chair vacant for him.
Very interesting how Jewish customs line up with things we study in scripture!
I hope this helps!
Part 5
To seal up vision and prophecy
Seal up, affix a seal, a seal in biblical times as today, is used to guarantee security or indicate ownership. Vision, God's communication with man, prophecy (w-n-), the same word for prophet, a divine vision, a vision spoken of a divine vision or dream, Isaiah 29:7 God spoke in times past through the prophets, but these last days spoke to us by his Son, Heb. 1:1-2.
The Mosaic Law and covenant pointed to Jesus. He sealed them up, that is, he fulfilled them. The greatest prediction, which runs like a golden thread through the whole contents of the Old Testament, is that regarding the coming and work of the Messiah, Jesus; and the greatest use of prophecy was to perpetuate faith in his coming and to prepare the world for that event.
Daniel 9:23 John 6:27 Mark 1:14-15 Acts 3:18 John 5:36-40 Matthew 5:17 Matthew 11:11-15
The Bible shows Jesus fulfilled the prophets, and the Mosaic law the first covenant fulfilled, sealed and His ministry was confirming the New.
See Part 6
Hi Ani. GiGi has shared accurately with you and I would like to add some more thoughts for your study & consideration.
I'm unsure where you obtained this particular Bible study book from, as it's clearly slanted towards 'keeping of the Law'. Does your Church support this teaching or are you doing this study by personal choice?
Firstly, the Jewish Sabbath has always been the Saturday (from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday) & was given to Israel as part of the other commandments for them to observe ( Exodus 20:8-11). Why was this particular Command given? It was the seventh day when the LORD ceased from His Work of creating & it was for a remembrance when God brought out His people "with a mighty hand & a stretched out arm": i.e. from the perennial state of bondage & hard labor in Egypt to a time of liberty & rest. Even when Israel collected their food (Manna) while in the desert, they were not allowed to gather it on the seventh day ( Exodus 16:19-30), indicating the sanctity of the Sabbath Day.
Secondly, the Christian observance of Sunday, is not a redefining of the Jewish Sabbath - it is what is termed, the Lord's Day ( Revelation 1:10), or the First Day of the Week ( Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2) - never the Sabbath.
Thirdly, the Church is not required to observe the Jewish Sabbath as we were never in bondage in Egypt & brought into Canaan. We were however, once in bondage to sin & the flesh & now given a glorious forgiveness & release into the Lord's Rest. See Matthew 11:28-30 and Hebrews 4:1-11. Not only is the Christian given Christ's Peace in his heart, but also a resulting rest that comes only from Him. And yet, there is also a coming rest ( Hebrews 4:9), where the word here is 'sabbatismos', or Sabbath Rest: a rest in God's Presence that will be one continual Sabbath Rest, when our earthly toils & hardships are finally over.
The basic situation in this world is that man is under the bondage of the law ( Romans 3:19-20; also see Galatians). Therefore; the universal application of the old covenant of works essentially is expected for all who wish to come to the one true faith. Christ; of course has allowed us to be "grafted in" to the promises of Israel. We see this in the second half of Romans 13.
We have been called and chosen to be God's children. Nonetheless; we are just as required to follow the stipulations of Christ; namely loving God and obeying His commandments. ( John 14:21). Our love; of course only comes from the Lord; as any who love the law of God ( Psalm 119). The flesh abhors the law as it cannot obey it.
The church therefore; once again doesn't sign any paperwork with God but is held accountable to God's terms for calling themselves a believer. Greater punishment for those who have knowledge of the law is seen in Matthew 11:21 and the following verses. This is why churches that want signed agreements as to membership requirements aren't a failsafe method. God isn't fooled by those who say "Lord, Lord" but don't do what He says. ( Luke 6:46). God knows man's heart and that is what He gets to the bottom of in terms of man's attitudes and actions which is the focus of the New Testament and new covenant as the Lord Himself explained and of course is further discussed in the Epistles. We should be careful not to call ourselves Christians if we are not; it is better not to know the truth than to follow Christ in this way ( 2 Peter 2:21). We see the two classes of people who are either unbelievers or reprobate in many scriptures. More on that later.
......The world is gonna have a Baby....Thats y Jeremiah 30:6 Tells us all men are gonna travail in birth pains...The Child is the H.G. THE Children of PROMISE...I will Multiply thy seed as the stars of heaven...Thus the Children of PROMISE the H.G... Joel 2:28 I will pour out of my spirit on all flesh...Jeremiah says he saw all men with their hands on their loins as woman in travail with birth pains... Jeremiah 30:6...The Child is the H.G. that heavenly Jacob that is now in a warfare with the Tares...Satans seed...A time of Jacobs troubles...Jacob was the 3 rd person but the H.G. is also the 3 rd person...The wheat Jesus's seed the H.G.
But these things are hid from the wise and prudent but revealed unto babes.... Matthew 11:25...William this is for spritually minded.
Origin of Baptism: Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 3, John 1, John 3 - John 4:1,2, ; Matthew 21:25, Mark 11:30, Luke 7, Luke 20:4, Acts 13:24,25,26,
Acts 1,
Symbolism of baptism: Matthew 20:22-28, Matthew 11:10,11,12,13, Mark 10, note these scriptures in Mark 10:21,29,30,31,32,33,34,38,39,42,43,44,45, Mark 16:16, Luke 12:49-59, in context Luke 12, John 3:3,5, Romans 6, Colossians 2:12, 1Peter 3:21,
HOLY Ghost HOLY Spirit Baptism: Acts 8, Acts 10, Acts 11, Acts 19:2-7,
In one Spirit 1Corinthians 12:13,
Hopefully these are all helpful
When we are "conformed to the image of His Son" ( Romans 8:29) we see the concept of predestination and "first fruits" there; which would foreshadow a Rapture/Resurrection event. Another way to put it is that those who read the Beatitudes on a surface level or human level of understanding see a humanitarian sort of principle of for instance; how to be "peacemakers"; feed the poor; etc. ANYONE; even an atheist can do such things but it is only the Holiness of God through the Spirit after true conversion that gives us the reality of that in our souls. No amount of penance; self sacrifice or other actions can give us more of a desire for God's Holiness if it doesn't already exist in someone's soul! Nonetheless "faith without works is dead." ( James 2:17). Poducing fruit is essential for a true believer as we see with the Parable of the Sower and the seed.
There are also various levels of suffering in hell as well as rewards in heaven. We see this in Matthew 11:20-24 with several cities in mind. Also we see this in Matthew 13:8 as to the 30 fold and 100 fold producers (also see 1 Cor. 15:41).
I am fairly dogmatic as to those before the age of accountability not being punished for their sin NATURE since they haven't acted out the sin knowing that they are rebels against God. When we look at Romans 7:9-11; we understand this concept; and when we see the story of David and his son who died ( 2 Samuel 12:23) we see evidence of this amongst other places ( Psalm 8:2 for example).
Another way of looking at is is the verse "we will not have this man to rule over us." ( Luke 19:14). This is what all say who go against the Man who God has given all authority to in heaven and earth ( Matt. 28:18). If we disbelieve the living Word ( Heb. 4:12 etal) then we reject His authority and preservation as well as 2 Timothy 3:16 which states all scripture is breathed of God..
Or; Luke 10:16 rejecting you is rejecting me.
I concur with Brother Chris.
The disciples were looking for the Messiah to set up the kingdom hereonearth. ( which is yet future)
As mentioned Isaiah 40:1-5 is one of the scriptures is why they expected this order of events.
"Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.
Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins.
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:
AND THE GLORY OF THE LORD SHALL BE REVEALED, AND ALL FLESH SHALL SEE IT TOGETHER: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
( This haven't happened yet. )
This concerns the restoration of Israel when Christ sits on David's Throne.
Matthew 17:11-12 "And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. ( Still future. )
But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. ( John the baptist was the forerunner. He was to announce the King.) They rejected John and they rejected their King. ( John 19:15.)
During the tribulation they will be driven to seek their Messiah and he shall come. ( Matthew 23:37-39.)
God bless.
.....Thats all i had to say thank you lollyman 7
Fierce opposition may be something in this country that we are not normally accustomed to but one has to ask why in light of 2 Timothy 3:12-17; John 15:18-21; 2 Corinthians 11:26 etc.
Perhaps I made this statement earlier in the Psalms discussion; but we need to distinguish between unconditional love and the fact that "enemies" still exist. Romans 5:10 and apparently 29 other verses show that indeed we all are enemies of God prior to our conversion; hence all unregenerate remain in that state.
There is something to be said for the O.T. times when the mindset was more "an eye for an eye"( Exodus 21:24). In terms of today; Christ demonstrated no personal condemnation for a particular individual; but He certainly spent chapters excoriating the Pharisees and others which caused multiple attempts at His life along the constant persecution.
Again as I stated in other Psalms regarding David's multiple hiding periods from Saul he showed respect for him by preserving his life multiple times when he could have ended it; and also he mourned over his death when the Lord finally made Saul reap what he sowed. When someone tries to kill you 21 times as Saul was said to do (not to mention other enemies of his); then we can understand a desire to see justice. Christ alluded to judgment with unbelief among the places that had seen mighty works such as Matthew 11:21 (the "woe to you" term was also used with the Pharisees).
Individual judgment to come or the fate of nations is not something we should gloss over. We as watchmen are responsible to sound the alarm ( Isaiah 52:8 and other verses in Jeremiah; etc). In evangelism warning of a national fate seems to be generally disregarded as opposed to warning individuals as to the wrath to come. I can't see studying how Christ preached that it can be ignored. We can study scripture and history to see how Isaiah and Jeremiah for instance were martyred for such messages.
Let us preach truth in love.
..... Zechariah 13:7...Smite the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered...The Cross ...His death..Then i will turn my hand to the little ones his Children...When a seed dies it multiplies thus his Children of Promise...Behold me and the Children the Lord has given me...Are they not for signs and wonders Which are spirits as he said that that which is born of the spirit is spirit which are his Children...Our New Heart and New spirit...Its God himself that wants to turn our hearts to the Children which is the H.G...God swore by his very self when he made that promise of multiplication...Thus the Children the H.G. that is gona be born in our hearts and minds...But all this was hid from the wise and prudent but is gona be revealed unto babes...the H.G...When that BOOK is opened that has the words of life...That he wrote with his own blood...Plz note the Kingdom does not come till the Woman is in Child birth ( the Children that are gona be born in our hearts)...Unless you receive the KINGDOM as a lil Child you will in no wise enter there in...And whosoever receiveth one such child in MY NAME receiveth me...There is a CHILD in your future which is the H.G. That Child of Promise...An Israel of God The H.G..
So, as we consider these Scriptures in entirety, we should conclude that John the Baptist wasn't the physical Elijah who was earlier translated instead of dying & then in those days appeared with the Lord Jesus. But John was the one selected & prepared of God to receive the same spirit that was found in Elijah to speak to the people with prophetical authority & drive & to be the "voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias (Isaiah)." ( Isaiah 40:3). So, John the Baptist could never say that he was a resurrected Elijah, whom the leaders were expecting, but his message & authority came with the same strength & prophetical voice as that of Elijah.
is Elijah (or the Prophet or the Christ). Yet in Matthew 11:14, Jesus says that John the Baptist
is the "Elijah who is to come," Who was right?
Hello James. Sorry to read of your poor health & the confusions & contradictions that are overwhelming you. I would hold onto the Lord Jesus' Words: to 'come to Him if you're over-laden with the cares, concerns & burdens of this life - He promises His rest to all who come.' ( Matthew 11:28). Even in ill-health & hopelessness, Jesus' Peace can over-rule our hearts & minds & give us a certainty of His involvement in our lives & a future where heart-ache & pain will be no more. ( John 14:27; John 16:33; Philippians 4:6,7; Revelation 21:3,4).
And that is wonderful, that you are persisting in reading God's Word, for therein are the words of Truth & Life. The Promises of God are "yea & in Him Amen" (i.e. they are certain & will not fail); I pray that you will really come to the point of placing your complete trust & hope in Jesus, for He truly is the Answer, the only Answer, to all of our sins, sorrows, hopes & dreams.
To your questions:
a. I think you're quoting Revelation 22:4, "And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads." I picked this verse, as the verses that give the mark of the beast don't apply to the believer in Christ, for if he were present at that time & faithful to the Lord & not to Satan, he would refuse that mark and bear the consequences. In Revelation 22:4, I can't be sure whether there is a physical imprint of Jesus' Name there, or this verse speaks metaphorically. Just as how the mark of the Anti-Christ will be made to appear on all those who wish to follow him & continue to live & not die under his rule.
Just a few thoughts on what you've shared GiGi. I'm considering the three passages: Matthew 16:24,25; Matthew 11:28-30; Galatians 2:20.
a. Matthew 16:24,25. "Discipleship". Discipleship is costly, more costly than most of us can imagine or have even experienced. To put everything pertaining to life behind one (family, possessions, ambitions, reliance on the material), equates to denying oneself. And to take up one's cross, would be the cumulative effect of that denial/casting aside which one must be prepared to carry for the journey ahead. And this must also include whatever unknowns may lie ahead (of hunger, shelter, loneliness, rejection & persecution). I would think that very few have submitted so fully to the Lord, though the disciples, to whom these words were directly spoken, joyfully apprehended it when "endued with power from on high".
b. Matthew 11:28-30. "Under Grace". Though this passage can accurately be applied to the Lord's gracious Ministry to all, I believe that He is particularly referring to the religious leaders who exacted much much more from the people than what the Law demanded. In Matthew 23:1-4, Jesus spoke of those leaders who correctly brought out Moses' Law, but then He chided them because they added their own "heavy burdens" upon the people, making obedience to the Law wearisome coupled with fear for the penalty if their rules were broken. Therefore, Jesus calls all those that are so burdened & yoked to pharisaical rules to turn to Him, He Whose "yoke" is undergirded with Grace & Truth.