Romans
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While the natural branches of the olive tree were cut off so that those who call upon the Name of Jesus, might be engrafted in ( Romans 11:16-20), the engrafted ones (the adopted children of God), are in no more favourable position than what Israel enjoyed as being the 'natural branches of the tree'. We can indeed call Him 'Abba', come to Him anywhere, anytime, anyhow, & enjoy His Gracious Presence through His Spirit, but if we hold Him in awe & wonder, we also demonstrate that through our treatment of His Glory & Holiness & with the Word which He has given us.
My reference to all this was to how we ought to read, understand & share God's Word. This is not a history book or novel that we can gloss over & give our impressions based on personal beliefs & sentiments, but the Word of God that requires careful, prayerful, & spiritual handling, both for our own exercises & for others. Given we have such a Book & such an Holy God, can we give them any less reverence & fear than those to whom God gave a sampling of His Glory ( Exodus 3:4-6; Isaiah 6:1-5; Ezekiel 1:28; Revelation 15:4-8). Israel could only approach God through the ministry of God's High priest & they enjoyed His blessings. We approach the same God through our High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ, providing us such an access. Yet, the God of Israel has never changed - His love is the same - our stance before Him & His Word must be the same: one of great seriousness & carefulness.
John 16:1-4, John 17:1-26, John 18:12-15,
Forgive our zeal for GOD's love for us. As adopted in, grafted in children. John 3:16,
Christ is a body, and his Father does the Fathers work through Christ.
Christ never spoke a word of himself nor did a work of himself, therefore he never sinned.
We are no different, we are just a body, we speak no words of our self nor do any works of our self.
All is of GOD. When we are brought to this truth, by judgement, being born again of truth, we cannot sin, because we are a body (vessel) and a body can do nothing (of itself) other than what the life in that body CAUSES it TO DO. And God doesn't sin. He uses EVIL to BRING ABOUT GOOD, therefore its not sin.
He makes some (his work) vessels of HONOUR and some (his work) vessels of DISHONOUR.
Romans 11:30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have NOW obtained mercy through THEIR UNBELIEF:
Romans 11:31 Even so NOW have these NOT believed, that through YOUR MERCY (when the elect judge the world) THAT THEY MAY ALSO OBTAIN MERCY.
SIN is UNBELIEF, the wages if UNBELIEF is DEATH, the WAGES of BELIEF is LIFE.
John 16:8 When he is COME (he is here NOW, in you) he will reprove the world of sin, of righteousness, and judgement:
John 16:9 Of SIN; because they BELIEVE NOT on me (The WORD, all the words).
( IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH HIDING ANYTHING IN SYMBOLIC FORM.)
-and that they which see might be made blind.
And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?
Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but ""NOW YE SAY, WE SEE;"" therefore your sin remaineth.
The Lord is pitting himself against the righteousness they trusted in, ( The law of Moses.)
John the baptist said "And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:" Israel was a degenerate vine. Jesus says in John 10 I AM the true vine. The blindness is all apart of Gods redemption plan. Here's the conclusion. Romans 11:30-32 (KJV) For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.
For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. Jesus came to open eyes for those who trust in him.
God bless
I felt lead to discuss this deeper with you. In context David was fleeing for his life from Saul : 1 Samuel 19:1,9,10,11,15, ( like 5 attempts? ),
1 Samuel 19:18, Saul then "sent messengers to take David" 1 Samuel 19:20,21, they prophesied
then Saul went himself, 1 Samuel 19:22 , 1 Samuel 19:24 it appears to me GOD supernaturally stopped Saul.
Interestingly Saul prophesied the 1st time after Samuel had anointed him king possibly 5 miles away from Ramah. 1 Samuel 10,
Romans 11:29 in NIV "irrevocable" replaces ' repentance '
Hopefully this informative in your study.
2 Timothy 2:19 Has CHRIST "Always 'Known' HIS members Of The Body Of CHRIST"?
Most Assuredly, He Is Omniscient; According To ALL God-Inspired Scriptures!:
"According as He Hath Chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love:" Ephesians 1:4
Chosen/Predestinated/Accepted Ephesians 1:4-6
God Predestinated HIS saints to obtain an inheritance Ephesians 1:11
Eternal Assurance Is ONE Of "The Unsearchable RICHES Of CHRIST" Which Are "...According To The ETERNAL Purpose Which HE Purposed In CHRIST JESUS our LORD!" Ephesians 3:8,11
God Justified/Predestinating us To Be Conformed To The Image Of HIS SON! Romans 8:29
And those Predestinated, Are Also Called, Justified, And Glorified! Romans 8:30
"...If God Be For us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31 Cancels ALL else, Correct?
"Who shall lay Any Thing to the charge of God's elect? It Is God Who Justifies us!" Romans 8:33
God Prepared vessels of Mercy, For HIS Glory! Romans 9:23
"God Hath Not Cast Away HIS people whom HE Foreknew!" Romans 11:2
"Who Hath Saved us, And Called us with a holy Calling, NOT according to our works, But According To HIS Own Purpose And GRACE, Which Was Given us In CHRIST JESUS Before the world began!" 2 Timothy 1:9
"In WHOM we Have Redemption Through HIS Blood, The Forgiveness Of sins, According To The Riches Of HIS GRACE!" Ephesians 1:7
we Have No condemnation, Because CHRIST Died, Is Risen, And Is At The Right Hand Of God, And Makes Intercession For us! Romans 8:34
In CHRIST JESUS we Are Free from the law of sin and death! Romans 8:2
The Spirit Of God Dwells In us! Romans 8:9
we Have Received The Spirit Of Adoption, Whereby we cry, Abba, Father! Romans 8:15
"The Spirit HIMSELF Beareth Witness with our spirit, that we Are the children of God!" Romans 8:16
God Establishes And Anoints us In CHRIST! 2 Corinthians 1:20
God Seals us And Gives us The Earnest Of The Spirit! 2 Corinthians 1:22
cont'd in Part II
Romans 2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
Romans 2:29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
romans 9:18 therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
romans 9:19 thou wilt say unto me, why doth he yet find fault (say we sin)? for who hath resisted his will?
no one has resisted his will; therefore, no one has free will.
philippians 2:13 for it is god (spirit) that worketh in you both to will (his will not your free will) and to do his good pleasure.
ephesians 1:11 in whom we also have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him, who worketh all things after the council of his will.
the father is at present calling out; only, the chosen (by his will; those to be priest and judges in the kingdom of god).
obadiah 1:21 and saviours (the elect) shall come upon mount zion to judge the mount of esau (at the resurrection of the dead), and the the kingdom shall be the lord's.
romans 8:19 for the earnest expectation of creation waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of god (the seed of christ, the elect, the chosen, the judges, the saviours).
romans 8:21 for the creature (creation) itself also shall be delivered (through judgement) from the bondage of corruption (flesh) into the liberty of the sons of god.
isaiah 26:9 ......for when thy judgements (at the resurrection of the dead) are in the earth the world will learn righteousness.
proverbs 16:6 by mercy and truth iniquity is purged ......
romans 11:31 even so have these (the vessels of dishonour that god hardened) also not believed, that through your mercy (at the judgement of the dead) they also obtain mercy.
god has a plan for all creation, god's will, will be done.
1) Concerns a kingdom: a political organization ( Daniel 2:44; Matthew 6:10)
Rightly Divided ( 2 Timothy 2:15) From {RDf} "Things That DIFFER!":
1) Concerns a body; a living organism ( 1 Corinthians 12:12; 1 Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 4:12-16)
2) The kingdom to be established on earth ( Jeremiah 23:5; Matthew 6:10)
RDf
2) The Body given a position in Heaven ( Ephesians 1:3; Ephesians 2:5-6; Colossians 3:1-3)
3) Christ to be its King ( Jeremiah 23:5; Isaiah 9:6-7)
RDf
3) CHRIST Is The Living Head ( Ephesians 1:19-23; Colossians 1:18)
4) The Body Chosen In CHRIST "Before the world began," but "kept secret since the world began" ( Romans 16:25; Ephesians 1:4-11; Ephesians 3:5-9)
RDf
4) The kingdom prophesied "since the world began" ( Luke 1:68-70; Acts 3:21)
5) Israel to be given supremacy over the nations ( Isaiah 60:10-12; Isaiah 61:6)
RDf
5) Jew and Gentile place on the same level before God ( Romans 10:12; Romans 11:32; Ephesians 2:16-17)
6)The Gentiles to be blessed by Israel's instrumentality ( Genesis 22:17-18; Zechariah 8:13)
RDf
6) The Gentiles blessed through Israel's obstinancy ( Acts 13:44-46, Romans 11:28-32)
7)The Gentiles to be blessed by Israel's rise ( Isaiah 60:1-3; Zechariah 8:22-23)
RDf
7) The Gentiles blessed through Israel's fall ( Acts 28:27-28; Romans 11:11-12; Romans 11:15)
I'd like to question one of your assumptions: "Children of God don't want to sin"
Is that true?
Do you believe is Paul a child of God? In my view, Paul became one of the strongest Christian evangelists in world history. He was absolutely dedicated to preaching the message of Jesus Christ, and wrote more books than anyone else in the Bible. He also wrote the following which he admitted to struggling with sin:
Rom 7:14-19
Do you have any evidence for where the belief that Christians don't want to sin or aren't tempted by sin comes from? Currently, without further Biblical support I tend to believe Paul and what he wrote. God bless.
I know dozens of Christians living in sin right now and they are enjoying it immensely. They are taught they don't have to try to avoid it- that human effort is 'bad', so they follow the world and its desires, assuming they're following Christ. I know some assume there's nothing to worry about since they assume they're 'saved', but I am worried for their souls based on what the Bible says. John 14:15-17, ROMANS 11:6, Hebrews 10:26, James 2:19, 1 Cor 9:24-27. Is it 'wrong' to take the Bible verses literally and be concerned for one's salvation? Is it 'wrong' to believe in the Bible?
Rightly Divided From ( 2 Timothy 2:15) From "Things That DIFFER!":
Gospel Of The GRACE Of God =
Gospel of the Uncircumcision ( Galatians 2:7; Galatians 6:15; Romans 4:9-11)
Preached first by Paul, then his companions ( Acts 13:38-39; Acts 20:24; Acts 16:31; Romans 3:24)
The Mystery Program for The Gentiles ( Ephesians 3:1-3; Colossians 1:25-27; Romans 16:25)
The preaching of The Cross as Good News ( 1 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 2:2; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4)
Gospel to be believed = Christ's Work ( Romans 5:6 Romans 5:8 Romans 5:10; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
Salvation By GRACE Through faith plus nothing ( Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 4:5; Titus 3:5)
Justification by faith without works emphasized ( Romans 3:28; Romans 4:5,16; Galatians 2:16)
Repentance as a synonym for faith ( Acts 17:30; Acts 20:21; Acts 26:20; Romans 2:4)
Involves reconciliation to God and man ( Romans 5:10-11; Romans 11:15; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Ephesians 2:16; Colossians 1:21)
Covers Paul's letters Romans - Philemon (Also Acts 9-28)
Not under the law ( Romans 5:20-21; Romans 6:14; Galatians 5:6)
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IMKane, hope this was helpful answering your Great questions.
Please Be Richly Encouraged, Enlightened, Exhorted, And Edified!
(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to ELECTION might stand, not of works, but OF HIM that calls)
Romans 11:5
Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the ELECTION OF GRACE.
Romans 11:7
What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the ELECTION hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded ((the Jews))
Romans 11:28
As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.
The law so designated by Paul ( Gal. 3:24, 25). As so used, the" "word does not mean teacher, but pedagogue (shortened into the" "modern page), i.e., one who was intrusted with the supervision" "of a family, taking them to and from the school, being" responsible for their safety and manners. Hence the pedagogue was stern and severe in his discipline. Thus the law was a "pedagogue to the Jews, with a view to Christ, i.e., to prepare" for faith in Christ by producing convictions of guilt and "helplessness. The office of the pedagogue ceased when "faith" "came", i.e., the object of that faith, the seed, which is" Christ.
GALATIANS 3
But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
24 Wherefore THE LAW was our SCHOOLMASTER to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
25 But after that FAITH is come, we are NO LONGER under a schoolmaster.
26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
***28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are ALL ONE in Christ Jesus.***
29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and HEIRS according to the promise.
Don't preach separatism. Mishael
Thank you.
I believe Paul "did baptize some" during God's Transition from Law (with water) to HIS PURE GRACE (Without water!). Most think that the great commission to the Twelve apostles of Israel, is 'exactly the same' as the commission to Paul, the apostle of the Gentiles. This does not make sense since CHRIST told the Twelve THEY "WERE SENT"
to baptize, while CHRIST told Paul he "WAS NOT SENT to baptize." {the same thing?}
I cannot reconcile that for today, because God Gave Paul A 'Different' Program, The Revelation Of The MYSTERY, With The Gospel Of GRACE, And the "commission of Reconciliation" Because of CHRIST's Finished Work on The Cross!
( Romans 16:25) ( Colossians 1:20) ( 2 Corinthians 5:17-21) + ( 2 Corinthians 6:2)
Thus, I believe This "Hid In God" Revelation ( Ephesians 3:9) Must Be:
Rightly Divided ( 2 Timothy 2:15) From "Things That DIFFER!":
Many 'assume' The Gospel Of GRACE was Immediately preached after the cross, but
closer Prayerful/Careful examination reveals:
1) LAW was preached, obeyed, and taught to "thousand of Jewish believers"
( Matthew 28:19-20) Notice: Christ Specifically Said "teaching them TO OBSERVE ALL things I HAVE COMMANDED you" - one of them was Matthew 23:1-3, Correct?
2) Water baptized Jewish believers OBEYED ALL CHRIST's Commands, SOLD EVERYTHING, And were "zealous of The LAW," even as late as Acts 21:20!
3) IF the great commission IS FOR US today, then I see NO ONE "obeying it as these were!"
Thus, Chris, I just cannot reconcile LAW "being Exactly THE SAME as" GRACE ( Romans 11:6)
More 'available' on church birthday, and The ONE Baptism {a 'verse for annulment of water'?} "study" of today, IF you wish... Thanks Again, and Be Well, Precious brother!
Romans 8:20 For the creature (CREATION) was made (by God through Christ) subject to vanity (to sin), NOT WILLINGLY (creation had no say in the matter). BUT by REASON (total knowledge and wisdom) of HIM (GOD) who hath subjected the same (CREATION) in HOPE (redemption and deliverance by the WORKS of God through Christ),
Romans 8 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature (CREATION) WAITETH (till the second resurrection) for the manifestation (first resurrection) of the sons of God (The SEED of GOD).
Romans 8:21 But the creature (CREATION) ITSELF also shall be DELIVERED from the bondage of corruption (the GRAVE) into the GLORIOUS LIBERTY of the children of God.
Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the FULNESS OF TIMES he might gather IN ONE all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even IN HIM:
Acts 3:21 Whom the HEAVEN (Son of God) must receive until the TIMES OF RESTITUTION OF ALL THINGS, which God hath spoken by the mouth of his holy prophets since the world begin.
John 3:13 And no man has ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is IN HEAVEN.
Colossians 1:27 ... this mystery...CHRIST IN YOU...
Romans 9:21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?
Romans 9:23 And that he might make know the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he hath afore prepared unto glory,
Romans 11:31 Even so have these now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.
Faith and Obedience essential for His rest to us-salvation
Hebrews 11:6 KJV - But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Romans 11:30 KJV - For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
Hebrews 3:12 KJV - Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
Hebrews 4:2 KJV - For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
Hebrews 4:3 KJV - For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
Hebrews 4:6 KJV - Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
Romans 16:26 KJV - But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV - Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
1 Peter 1:2 KJV - Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
1) When someone "truly" believes in Christ Jesus, he automatically receives the Holy Spirit (see Acts 10:44) and is attached to the vine, Jesus Christ. This is nicely explained in the parallel account of John 15:1-6 at:
Romans 11:19-21 "Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be GRAFFED IN. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and THOU STANDEST BY FAITH. Be not highminded, but fear: For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest HE ALSO SPARE NOT THEE.
Notice, the "gentile" believer, like a branch, is graffed into the olive tree because of his faith in Christ Jesus. But, Paul says to fear - why? Because God can "spare not thee" as he "spared not" the unbelieving Jews.
2) The apostle Peter was writing to faithful believing Christians. See 2 Peter 1:1. He is giving them a warning against false prophets. See 2 Peter 2:1. He specifically says about these ones that they "have forsaken the right way". See 2 Peter 2:15. So, at one time, they were on the right way. At 2 Peter 2:20, he says that they "had escaped the pollutions of the world" but, unfortunately, "they are again entangled therein". They have returned to the world.
Thus, they are likened to a dog who has vomited out his vomit and left it for good. But, then, he returns. Or, the sow (pig) who used to role in the mud. Then he leaves the mud and is cleansed. But, unfortunately, he then returns. In a similar way, these ones who believed in Christ Jesus and received the Holy Spirit and were cleansed of their old, sinful ways, have now returned to their sinful practices. Peter says "too bad for them". Jude says they have "died twice". See Jude 14.
3) As for Hebrews, Paul is speaking to believers.
Hebrews 6:4 "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made PARTAKERS OF THE HOLY GHOST,". This happened when they believed. See again Acts 10:44.
I invite your further thoughts."
Thank you for your comments.
1) When someone "truly" believes in Christ Jesus, he automatically receives the Holy Spirit (see Acts 10:44) and is attached to the vine, Jesus Christ. This is nicely explained in the parallel account at:
Romans 11:19-21 "Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be GRAFFED IN. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and THOU STANDEST BY FAITH. Be not highminded, but fear: For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest HE ALSO SPARE NOT THEE.
Notice, the "gentile" believer, like a branch, is graffed into the olive tree because of his faith in Christ Jesus. But, Paul says to fear - why? Because God can "spare not thee" as he "spared not" the unbelieving Jews.
2) The apostle Peter was writing to faithful believing Christians. See 2 Peter 1:1. He is giving them a warning against false prophets. See 2 Peter 2:1. He specifically says about these ones that they "have forsaken the right way". See 2 Peter 2:15. So, at one time, they were on the right way. At 2 Peter 2:20, he says that they "had escaped the pollutions of the world" but, unfortunately, "they are again entangled therein". They have returned to the world.
Thus, they are likened to a dog who has vomited out his vomit and left it for good. But, then, he returns. Or, the sow (pig) who used to role in the mud. Then he leaves the mud and is cleansed. But, unfortunately, he then returns. In a similar way, these ones who believed in Christ Jesus and received the Holy Spirit and were cleansed of their old, sinful ways, have now returned to their sinful practices. Peter says "too bad for them". Jude says they have "died twice". See Jude 14.
3) As for Hebrews, Paul is speaking to believers.
Hebrews 6:4 "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made PARTAKERS OF THE HOLY GHOST,". This happened when they believed. See again Acts 10:44.
I invite your further thoughts.
PG 3
Matthew 7:24-27 (KJV) Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man,"WHICH BUILT HIS HOUSE UPON A ROCK:"
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
And every one that "HEAR" these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which "BUILT HIS HOUSE ON SAND:"
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. ( ONE MAN BUILT HIS HOUS UPON JESUS FINISH WORK ON THE CROSS.) Parallels to Hebrews 10:26-29.
( You can know the way, that doesn't mean you believe in it. you trying to climb up some other kind of way.)
2 Peter 1:8-11. Parallels with 2 Corinthians 13-5. Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, "except ye be reprobates?" (FRUITLESS)
2 Peter 1:8-9"For if these things be in you," and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. IF WHAT THINGS BE IN YOU? ANSWER IN VERSES 5-7. "FRUIT" IF YOU LACK IT YOUR NOT SAVED. YOU KNOW THEM BY THER FRUIT. MATHEWS 7:16.
Romans 11:20-21 (KJV) Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Why were they broken off ? "Because of unbelief?
( Well if you're broken off because of unbelief and it takes belief to be saved then you're not saved, because you didn't believe whom he sent. John 5:38. And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. ( So how can you loose what you didn't have?)
Thank you for asking me to share my thoughts. Here they are:
In John 15:6, the word abide (MENO) denotes permanency. There are branches that are in the tree but are dead branches, and there are those branches that abide permanently in the tree or vine. It says if a man abide not in me. So this is talking about someone who is not saved. A saved person is a person who is abiding in Him, and that person is the one who abides permanently. It's the dead branches (Unsaved) that are cast into the fire. These branches do not produce fruit because they are dead.
I can't take Romans 11:21 without considering Verses 19 and 20 also. Why were the natural branches not spared? These branches were broken off because of their unbelief. This is referring to the Jews who rejected their Messiah. No salvation there.
2 Peter 2:20-22 does not tell me they were saved. Having knowledge of the Lord does not mean they were saved. In Verse 21, the emphasis is on what they know. They haven't surrendered their life to Christ. Verse 22 would indicate to me that they were never saved. They had the knowledge of the truth, but never surrendered to Christ.
There has to be a transformation and a change because a pig will always go back. You can wash it, put a bow around its neck, spray it with perfume, and you know what's going to happen. It's going to dive right back into that mud hole again.
Both verses in Hebrews are referring to Jews who were following along with the teachings and were being enlightened to the truth, but never surrendered their life to Christ because of the persecution they would face if they were to do so. Do you realize what it would cost a Jew, even today if they were to give up Judaism to receive Christ as their Messiah? These Jews were being enlightened to the truth but instead of surrendering to Christ, they decided to return back to Judaism.
The Bible warns many times that a person can lose their salvation. Here are a few places.
John 15:6 "If a man abide (remain) not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned."
Romans 11:21 "For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee."
2 Peter 2:20-22 "For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
Hebrews 6:4-6 "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
Hebrews 10:26-29 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
I welcome your thoughts.
Good day.