Discuss Romans 8 Page 13

According to Christ; "His sheep hear His voice." ( John 10:27). 2 Tim. 2:24-26 indicate that repentance indeed is a gift from God.

The basic premise is that we are all "children of wrath" by nature under condemnation apart from Christ. ( Eph. 2:3). If we cannot understand that man's heart is estranged from God; and that at best we try to avoid the consequences of sin rather than have any true remorse for offending a Holy; righteous and just God then we simply are living out a works based theology. Titus 1:15 shows further how our best actions are contaminated and defiled.

Human love only shows true affection for those who love us ( Matthew 5:46-48). To love those who "despitefully use us" ( Matthew 5:44) takes a change of heart; a Divine intervention and infusion of the Holy Spirit again which is given by God ( Ezekiel 36:26).

From OUR perspective we see ourselves drawn to the one from all eternity who created all things. ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). This verse shows again how even THIS is instigated in man's conscience by God. We need to realize that there is a process involved; as the parable of the seed and the sowers indicates. The seed from God (again planted on His initiative) is introduced; and ultimately must progress until "fruit is produced" (see also Matthew 3:8). TRUE repentance will overcome temptations that the Lord uses to prune us; as He "chastises all those He loves" ( Heb. 12:6; etc). God therefore initiates salvation; and the whole sanctification process ultimately leading to glorification ( Romans 8:17).

When we are saved; we have new desires to serve God and rejoice in the thought of service to Him now and in eternity. We begin a process of mortification of the deeds of the flesh ( Romans 8:13). From our perspective; we need to accept the truth about ourselves and our utter hopelessness apart from Christ in our own strength. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom ) Proverbs 9; Psalm 111; etc). Jeremiah 32:40 shows God gives that

Amen Thank you Our Father

Part 3.

In Acts 15 the Disciples have a counsel on whether the Gentiles should be circumcised and keep the law, then Peter stands up to address the matter. Acts 15:7-11. Here you have the apostle Peter "A Jew" saying in verse 11, we Jews shall be saved in the same manner as the Gentiles! (By faith) "He's declaring "we jews have to come to the Lord by a new covenant".

This is the new birth spoken by Jesus in John 3:5 when speaking to Nicodemus. This is that which is spoken in

Jeremiah 31:31-34.

So here we have a new birth that provides a new nature that is generated by the Holyspirit. You see aspects of this in

Romans 6:1-23. Also, this is what is meant in John 4:21-24.

Here we have the quickening spirit by the second Adam that gives life under a new covenant where the old covenant brought death to the fleshly descendants of the first Adam. 1 Corinthians 15:45-50. and 2 Corinthians 5:1-6.

Ephesians 2:1-5 sums it up.

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

"AGAIN We're not talking about "Justification" we're talking about sanctification. Romans 5:1-21 handles justification.

GRAFTED INTO THE VINE BY THE RESURECTION OF CHRIST.

John 15:1-5.

Romans 6:6.

Now take these chapters in order-

Romans 6:1-23.

Romans 7:1-25.

Romans 8:1-39.

We are Justified and Sanctified by the blood of Christ and given a new nature under a new covenant that bares fruit by the power of the Holyspirit.

God bless.

Part 2.

Let me pause for a second to say this is not a message on whether we keep the commandments or not. This is about the nature of the Un generated heart of man apart from Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit by those who are in Christ.

When speaking of the law we think of the writings of Moses and the commandments, etc.

Let's take a look at the purpose of the law and the effects and condition of those under it.

THE PURPOSE OF THE LAW.

Galatians 3:24.

Also take a look at Romans 7:7 .... (I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.)

THE EFFECTS AND CODITION OF THOSE UNDER THE LAW.

Here in Romans 7:23. we have Paul describing the warring of the old nature and the new nature in a believer.

"But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members."

Here in Romans 8:3-7. we have a picture of the flesh held captive by the curse of the law.

(For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh,)

God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, NEITHER INDEED CAN BE.

THE LAWS CONCLUSION.

So, the law showed us our fallen and sinful condition, and the law also couldn't change the heart of man that's why we have to be born from above. This is what the new birth does and how it is in relationship to baptism. As seen Galatians 3:24-27.

See Pt 3.

Part 1

Here is a very important truth that is not discussed often and one that can tie a lot of loose ends.

What does works of the flesh and the works of law have in common? And how does it contrast Fruit of the Spirit. And what does baptism "Not water baptism" has to do with it?

When talking about salvation we like to consider verses like John 3:16. Romans 10:9. and others. But what does born from above spoken by Jesus in John 3:7 means and how should the new birth effect the believer in a way the old nature could not?

Here's just a few reference verses.

Galatians 2:16. Galatians 5:19-21.

Galatians 5:22-24. John 15:1-6.

John 3:7.

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

So, then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Romans 8:1-11.

I believe that Psalm 51 are the words of David, his cry to God for forgiveness for his great sin. If these were the Holy Ghost's Words, then they were as a result of the Spirit's conviction upon David bringing him to the point (via the prophet Nathan, 2 Samuel chapter 12) of deep contrition, repentance, & seeking forgiveness. Yes, all of Scripture is Holy Spirit inspired: sometimes as direct words (verbatim) to God's prophets & other times, by filling the heart & guiding the steps of those who need to receive God's Truth.

But the Psalm is clearly not a prophecy of the coming Christ. If Psalm 51:13 is attributed to Jesus as One Who would "teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee", then Jesus was also "shapen in iniquity...needed to be purged with hyssop...have his sins hidden from God...needing a new heart & a right spirit...etc. So, this won't make sense. It is David speaking, that after he is forgiven & restored, will he then be able to bring God's Laws to the people without hypocrisy & sinners may be converted.

Jesus came "in the LIKENESS of sinful flesh and for sin" ( Romans 8:3), but He remained pure throughout His Life unlike David who failed God many times - of whom this Psalm is about.

Kenneth,

Jesus did not say it in those exact words, but it is true that a person must repent and ask for forgiveness in order to be saved. Romans 10:13 says, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." That's a promise! If a person with a repentant heart genuinely calls out to Him and cries out to Him for mercy and to save them, He will do it. Jesus said in John 3:3 that "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." The word "again" in the Greek text is literally the word above. It is not PALIN, which is the word for again. It is the word ANOTHEN, which means "from above." What Jesus is saying is that if a person is not born from above (A Spiritual birth), he is not able to see the Kingdom of God.

Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that you become a new creation when God's Spirit comes into your spirit. You become a new person. So a person must be born of God's Spirit in order to enter into heaven. In fact, Romans 8:9 tells us that if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. The connection here is that a person must belong to Christ in order to enter into heaven, and the evidence that a person belongs to Christ is that they have His Spirit living in them. A person belongs to Christ if they have His Spirit literally dwelling in them (Permanently). I enter into heaven not because of who I am, or what I've done. I enter in because one day when I stand before God, He will see His Son in me.

God Bless!!!

Hello Fabian TAIMABRI,

Genesis 1:27, notice: Genesis 1:26,28,29,

Genesis 2:7, interestingly here "formed, breathed life" is this symbolic of the Church the body of Christ to come? John 12:25, Genesis 3:22, John 5:26, John 5:24, John 3:36, John 6:48,54, Titus 1:2, Romans 8:6, John 5:39,

Is chapter 2, symbolic of the stewardship of GOD's Church? Genesis 2:15, Matthew 20:8, Luke 12:42, Mark 12,

Back to Genesis 1, "man appears to be collective for both" yes in name like human, humanity, humankind "man"

see even more interesting = Genesis 5:2,

GOD says distinctly female & male Genesis 1:27,

It appears it could be those created to multiply, fill the earth, subdue were away from the presence of GOD, again seeming to point to the symbolism in the garden "in the presence of GOD " His church. Genesis 3:8, Genesis 3:23-24, Genesis 4:14-16,

Genesis 2:17, spiritual death? Matthew 8:22, Luke 9:60, Matthew 22:32, Matthew 23:27,

In the forming of Eve, it appears also specific, spiritual & special with symbolism, Genesis 2:21-25, Genesis 6:1-3, Mark 10:4-9, 1Corinthians 6:15, Revelation 21:2,9, Isaiah 62:5, John 3:29-36, Matthew 22, Luke 12:36, Ephesians 5:30-32,

1Corinthians 13:9-12, James 1:5, Ephesians 3:4,

Hopefully these are all helpful

"Once saved always saved" just like the english word "rapture" are not mentioned in scripture per se. There are verses about being sealed with the Spirit until the day of redemption ( Eph. 1:13-14). Actually the verse states our inheritance in KJV v. 14.

John 6:39 indicates that Christ will lose none that the Father has given Him. As to the rapture/Resurrection from the dead; we of course can read in Thessalonians and Corinthians on the event. The latin word comes from "rapturo" which means to snatch out; quickly remove.

A fundamental misunderstanding comes when the doctrine of Predestination is ignored in scripture; and God's initiation of salvation based on those of His choosing. Romans 8:30 makes this pretty clear and many other verses; particulary the Gospel of John are helpful (read John 10). Our repentance and sanctification as well as good works are all things the Lord has prepared in His Providence (see Ephesians 2:10). On our end; we are responsible to make a public confession; repent and live a Godly life; but if we attempt to do so without being regenerated we are trying to be saved on our terms. In the flesh; we can do as Judas Iscariot did; who was BTW called and chosen; but predestined to be the "son of perdition" as prophesied in Psalm 41:9. What is known as "decisional regeneration" by those who truly become Born Again must change our avoidance of consequences of our actions to that of a new regenerated heart which loves God. The Lord chastises all He loves ( Heb. 12:6).

These verses sort of fit together. It appears many are left behind to endure the Tribulation who were either tares or perhaps who thought they were saved. If they are to be saved; they will endure martyrdom and finally produce fruit to "make their garments white". Whether that includes backslidden believes now; I can't give a certain answer. We should all keep Luke 21:36 in mind as certainly all believers aren't in that mindset today. Agape; Rich P

I believe it's a daily decision effort. Referring to "pick up your cross daily & follow" Jesus, "dying to self", being "born again " we have to go from a symbolic crawling to walking. Luke 9:23, Luke 14:27, Matthew 10:38, John 8:24,

Learn to :

Deuteronomy 17:19, Isaiah 1:17,

Even fruit, isn't automatic, it takes time to grow.

Pruning, is there habits that need to be cut off? Even if it starts growing back, to trim again.

Luke 17:33, John 8:34, Romans 6, Romans 7, Romans 8:2,

Hopefully these are helpful

Romans 8 is how the born again experience happens: by the law(governing of the Spirit of Life). There is nothing that I am aware of in Roman 8 that refers to the blood. Study the verse you quoted "there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh by after the Spirit". I would think that returning to immoral sin is walking after the flesh. Ponder this simple verse. Romans 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live." If we miss the transition from Romans 7 (the old life) to Romans 8 (the new life) we have missed the meaning and goal of the Bible. Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

Ruth, you picked up a spirit of fear. He has friends named torments. Copy paste the scriptures in your Notes App on your phone or PC. Pray them out loud as often as you need to.

1 John 4:18

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment (an evil spirit) He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

2 Timothy 1:7

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, love and of a sound mind.

1 Samuel 12:24

Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he has done for you.

Proverbs 19:23

The fear of the LORD leads to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.**

Romans 8:15 - For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Hebrews 13:6 - So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

You as a Christian have the authority in Jesus Name to make these things leave you forever. So say this as often as needed:

In the Name of Jesus of Nazareth, I bind up the spirits of fear and torments and loose their bands of oppression in my life. I bind your evil works in my life. In Jesus Name and the Power of His Authority, I command you to go into outer darkness and dry places. GO NOW in Jesus Name.

I release healing, joy in my salvation, and soundness and peace over my mind__in the Name of Jesus I receive it in my born again spirit.

I am free! Hallelujah to my Lord and Savior.

A teaching by Jesus. Matthew 12: 43-44

We are to keep our house garnished with the Bible. They can't ever come back__as we are faithful to read New Testament and fill our soul and spirit with Gods Word. Our reading and prayer time takes precedence over less worthy activities.

May God bless you and carry you to happier times in your life and fellowship on here if you have time.

Love to you,

Sons of GOD defined = John 1:12, Romans 8:14,

Example = Philippians 2:15,

1John 3:1,2

In my opinion dear Robin, nobody can get rid of bad habits/passions/sins unless God frees him. i.e. just think of a guy who is a drug addict who believes in Jesus sometime in his life. How is he going to get freed from his passion? On his own? Is that possible? Of course not. Nomatter how hard he tries he will never succeed. He needs God's strentgh/grace to do that. The same happens with all habits/passions/sins.

Apostle Paul in Romans 8:13 makes a very significant statement.

"For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live"

What does he mean with "deeds of body"? The answer is in Galatians 5:19-21

"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, AND SUCH LIKE: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God"

The above works of flesh/deeds of body are what we call bad habits/passions/sins. Is smoking or any other addiction mentioned? They are all included in "THE SUCH LIKE"

So what do you need to get freed? The answer is the Holly Spirit. It is sometimes impossible for men to "mortify the deeds of the body". This what God's Spirit does.

So go to the Lord and ask Him to free you, ask for His strength, His grace, His Spirit to work in/on you. But when you go to God you have to make sure that you really want to get freed, you have to be honest with the Lord, and sincere about it. Will God answer back? He will definitely do that. I have seen so many examples in my life, people that get freed from smoking, drugs, alcohol, adultery, fornification, gambling...anything that has enslaved them. So go to God.

And a verse especially for you:

John 8:36 "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."

GBU

Hi Lynne,

There have been many discussions about this. People differ in opinion. James 1:5, I ask you pray for wisdom & discernment of truth.

Why do you ask, this question like this?

1st we have Luke 16,

Then we have Paradise mentioned 3 times, in: Luke 23:39-46, 2Corinthians 12:2-4, Revelation 2:7,

Out of the Grave: Ezekiel 37:12,13, Matthew 27:52,53, John 5:28,

Judgement : Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 7, Romans 14:12, 1Peter 4:1-5, Matthew 12:36,

Jesus being the 1st born: Romans 8:29-39,

Hopefully these are helpful

Dear Leslie, take the following verses to heart, read God's Word, and never cease praying.

Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

Romans 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

Romans 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 16:33 ...In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

James 4:7 Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

God bless and keep you!

Douglas Borchard,

This prophecy gives the precise time of the first coming of the Messiah. You will receive different understandings of this, it is a study that will take much time. this is just a little information you may use to help your study.

Many put the last week of this prophecy at the end times. It is used for the 7 years of tribulation, a peace treaty with the antichrist (he in verse 27) for 3 1/2 years then 3 years of great tribulation with the taking of the church somewhere between (pre, mid, post).

"Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, (70 weeks, 70 x 7 = 490 solar years or 483 prophetic years) on the house of Israel (Daniel's people) and the holy city (Jerusalem). It started from "the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem", make a note, that the rebuilding of the temple is not in this prophecy.

Here are a few verses that may help your study and if this prophecy has been fulfilled or not.

1. To finish the transgression Isaiah 53:5, 8 Isaiah 53:11 Hebrews 9:15-18

2. To make an end of sins Matthew 1:21 Hebrews 10:8-11 John 1:29 1 Corinthians 15:3

1 John 3:5 Psalm 32 Romans 8:3

3. To make reconciliation for iniquity Colossians 1:20-22 Isaiah 53:6 Isaiah 53:11 Ephesians 2:16 ( Titus 2:14 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

4. To bring in everlasting righteousness Romans 5:17-21 Romans 3:21-26 1Peter 2:24

2 Corinthians 5:21 Isaiah 61:10-11

5. To seal up vision and prophecy Daniel 9:23 John 6:27 Mark 1:14-15 Acts 3:18

John 5:36-40 Matthew 11:11-15

6. To anoint the most holy Hebrews 8:1-12 Hebrews 9:6-14

The six things that were determined on Daniel's people and the holy city in this 70-week prophecy; did the Messiah/Jesus fulfill?

God bless,

RLW

Dear Godwin: If you have been born again ( Romans 10:9-13), God is there with you whether you feel His presence or not. Matthew 28:20 "...lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

Our walk in Christ is by faith, not by sight or by feelings or sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

"(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)"

God Bless you!

Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

Hi my friend John, thank you for praying for me and everyone else as well. We pray for you, and the Holy Spirit sighs over us to the Lord night and day. Romans 8:26-27

To do an witness/ evangelistic deed for the Lord is to be out among the people, help, comfort and then i mean and help everyone, do not discriminate. Remember that it is the Lord who will reward you. All the love God has given you must work where you are. Where you, in consultation with the Lord, feel that you should be. And there you have the essence: You can do anything for the Lord. There is real love in it! So thank you Jesus Christ for enabling John to be in this service Lord, he will make a difference. Fill him with the Holy Spirit so that he will be able to, pray for the unsaved for salvation. To and free people from bonds and diseases. Let John also have a companion on the road so that they can alternate and do good in the service of the Lord.

God bless u and yours in Jesus Holy Name, love u in Christ. Matthew chapter 5 and 6

Sons of GOD : Genesis 6:2, Job 1:6, Job 2:1, Job 38:7, Revelation 12:10, John 1:12 "But as many as receive him, to them gave he power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that believe on his name:"

Romans 8:14 "For as many as are led by the Spirit of GOD, they are the sons of GOD."

Philippians 2:15 "That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of GOD, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world."

1John 3:1 "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of GOD: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not."

Matthew 5:16, Luke 8:19, Matthew 23:9, John 20:17, John 4:23, John 16:28, Matthew 6:7-34 did you notice how many times GOD is referenced as "our, your Father " in that portion of chapter 6? Matthew 7:11,

Mark 3:33-35,

1John 3, Romans 8:29,

Contrast = John 8:41-47, 1John 2:23, Matthew 3:9

Hopefully these are all helpful in your study

Dear Edward

This is how I know this parable.

PART 1

The lamp is us, the oil is the Holly Spirit, the light ( Matthew 5:15-16) is our pure life. But an introduction is needed first.

How does one have spiritual fruit in his life? The answer is that that fruit is a result of the work of the Holly Spirit in him, that is why in Galatians 5:22 the scripture talks about the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT. It is not due to our struggles to aquire that fruit in our lives, it would be impossible to aquire love, peace, joy...on our own, it it smt given to us by God through His Spirit. How does one gets rid of the works of flesh ( Galatians 5:19-21) in his life The answer is by the HS ( Romans 8:13). In simple words how can somebody who comes to Jesus can change his character to be similar to Christ's, how can he be changed from a sinful person full of what the scripture calls deeds/works of flesh (sins,faults,passions,bad habits etc) and become a person with clean and pure life? The answer is due to the work of the Holly Spirit in him. That is why a person that never comes to Jesus can never become a saint no matter how hard he tries. There are certain limits we humans have. On our own we can never, say, love our enemy no matter how hard we try, we can never give up smoking, drugs, drinks, swearing, adultery, fornication no matter how hard we try. All these are results of the work of the HS inside us. So what is needed to supply our lamps with to have light/pure life? The answer is with God's Spirit. How do we fill ourselves with the HS. By reading the Word of God, going to church, have communion with other christians, have Holly Communion and mainly by PRAYING IN SPIRIT. In other words by living a decent christian life.

Thanks Ronnette.

I'm very familiar with the scriptures you have shared, and they must harmonize with Romans 6:1-12 and also Romans 8:7-14. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

The scriptures you have shared accompanied with the ones I've shared suggest that Sanctification follows Salvation.

"IF" we are connected to the vine we WILL bare fruit.

God bless.

Page 2.

Romans 10:2-5: "For I bear them record that they (Israel) have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them."

Again, "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth". To all who put their trust in Jesus, Christ's coming ended the Law that should have brought righteousness but failed. Nothing wrong with the Law - the problem was with man. The Law failed to achieve it - but faith in Christ & a new birth did, ending the demands of the Law that only brought death.

And there can't be any syncretism, coming under both the Law & under God's Grace. We cannot be justified by the Law - even keeping or trying to keep one Law & still claim Grace. Galatians 5:4; Romans 4:13,14. And the keeping of the Sabbath is just one of the ten Laws. Whoever wants to keep the Law is bound to keep them perfectly (all ten of them) James 2:10 - and there remains no avenue to claim Grace when under the Law.

May we walk in the Spirit, obeying the Spirit, that the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us ( Romans 8:4) and not bound to the letter ( Romans 7:6; 2 Corinthians 3:6). The Sabbath Rest is not found in a day set aside for physical rest, but in a Person Whom we have sanctified in our hearts & lives. Blessings.

Fully agree bro Giannis. In respect to Colossians 2:14, "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross", I would also add Ephesians 2:15, "Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace".

Whether referring to the "handwriting of ordinances" or "the law of commandments contained in ordinances", you would know that the same word is used, 'dogmasin' (decrees, edicts, ordinances). It's sometimes claimed that only those 'other' commandments have been abolished by virtue of the Cross & not the Decalogue. Though there was nothing wrong or at fault with any of God's Commandments ( Romans 7:12), it's present application & implications have ceased, because Christ's Sacrifice has nailed it ALL on the Cross. If they were still applicable & to be obeyed to prove obedience, then it shows that Jesus' Death didn't work towards salvation & God's Gift of Grace is a non-event & the whole Plan was a failure. ( Romans 8:3).

But our only attendance now is to Jesus & to His Spirit Who brings out the fullness of God's Requirements for His Blood-bought, giving us both the desire & power to learn & apply them to every situation in life. Therefore, sins of murder, theft, adultery, etc. are no longer clear finite physical acts of transgression, but now the Spirit tells us that they find their root in the heart & can even encompass a much wider range of applications than what is implied in the Decalogue. Jesus came to deal with the heart of sin, not the head knowledge of it. Using any of the commandments as a yardstick of our obedience has limited use for knowledge of Jewish laws & requirements. They have no bearing on the Jew or Gentile who has come to the Cross & under the New Covenant ( Hebrews 8:6,7,13). Blessings brother.

Dear Mary,

I welcome you to this site. I just want to assure you that You can pray to our God directly.

1 Timothy 2 :5-6 tells us that there is one Mediator between God and man, the Man Jesus Christ, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."

Jesus, at the Last Supper, instructed His disciples this way: "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you."

John 15:16

And in Hebrews 8:1 it says:

"Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of throne of the Majesty in the heavens."

And in Hebrews 7:24 it speaks of the priests of the Old Covenant compared to Jesus' priesthood:

"Also there were many priests because they were prevented by death from continuing. But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood Therefore He is able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them."

Mary, you do not need to pray to Mary or anyone else but God according to these Scriptures. Mary or any other saint would not receive your prayers because they know that Jesus is the only Mediator. They honor only Jesus. We can certainly ask other believers to pray for us, but this is a request we make to those who are still alive in this life. '

Do not be discouraged, trust in Jesus. Our Great God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, hears all of our prayers and we have Jesus' promise that our prayers are heard and answered by the Father according to His prefect will. Jesus is always making intercession for us to the Father. He is the best and foremost person we are to make our requests known to. The Holy Spirit even helps us in our praying ( Romans 8:26-27)

Therefore , the whole Godhead works to answer our prayers.

I encourage you to stay with us and continue learning from God's Word.

Amen Brother Chris.

God bless you.

Thanks brother S. Spencer for that great article which clearly describes why the 'evil' we face in the world is actually God's opportunity for the demonstration of His Love; that in one sense, evil should be welcomed that we might both prove & delight ourselves in that all-surpassing Power of His Love towards us to overcome it & have peace going through it. Paul expressed this same thought when afflicted with that 'thorn in his flesh' ( 2 Corinthians 12:7-10).

But would the skeptic see it this way? Some might as they genuinely seek to understand the matter at this deeper level. Though I dare say, that most skeptics would rather believe in & desire a god of their own making - one that resembles a Father Christmas, with plenty of Ho, Ho, Ho, giving gifts & removing all pain & sorrow. But the quick fix they seek for their ills can never fix the far greater evil of sin - only a loving God can do that, giving hope in this life and a sure promise for the next.

Brother Don:

Ephesians 1:11 In whom (in Christ) we (all creation) have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the PURPOSE of him who worketh all things after the counsel of HIS WILL.

Part of God's will is that ONLY a FEW will receive their inheritance in the first resurrection.

The rest will receive their inheritance after the second resurrection.

Romans 8:19 For the earnest EXPECTATION of the creature WAITETH (till the second resurrection) for the manifestation of the Sons of God (first resurrection).

Romans 8:21 Because the creature ITSELF shall be DELIVERED from the BONDAGE OF CORRUPTION (the grave, second resurrection) into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Why are they waiting until the second resurrection, the resurrection to JUDGEMENT.

Psalms 149:9 To execute upon them (second resurrection) the JUDGEMENT WRITTEN (their inheritance), this HONOUR hath all his saints (first resurrection).

Isaiah 26:9 ....for when thy JUDGEMENTS are in the earth (second resurrection) the inhabitants of the world (second resurrection) will LEARN RIGHTEOUSNESS.

1 Corinthians 15:28 .....that God may be ALL IN ALL.

God Bless YOU!

Part 7.

Why does a God of love allow evil? Because He is a God of LOVE.

So Great a Salvation

So, how practical is Christianity? The Bible presents an infinite Creator with the very attributes we would expect when we examine the things that are made. And God, as a personal Being, in order that He might have a love relationship with us, gave us the capacity of choice. In order that we might have a practical revelation of His love, His wisdom, His power, His glory, He became one of us in the person of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

In order that we might not suffer the penalty of our evil choices (sin), He, like a loving father, paid the penalty for our sins. He allowed his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to be murdered on a Roman cross (arguably the most evil act in the history of the universe, if He is indeed God's Son). But this act of great evil gave rise to an even better state of affairs, and the greatest act of love in the universe: paying the penalty for the wrong choices we make, which were the result of the way He created us in the first place! In the cross of Christ He has provided a full pardon from the consequences of the evil in our lives. Consequently, we cannot look to God and declare that He is unfair. Far from being a devil, in this examination of the problem of evil, God becomes the hero of the plot and the solution to the problem of evil. And it all hinges on LOVE. Indeed, God is love.3 What must we do to receive this pardon?

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9.

God bless.

Part 6.

In the hypothetical scenario I presented to this woman, with the advantage of hindsight (foreknowledge in this case) she was in a position comparable to God's before He created humankind. Because He is outside time and knows all things, He knew that there would be tremendous pain and suffering as a result of His decision to create a people with the capacity of choice and, consequently, the capacity to sin (moral evil).

But God, like this mother, knew that the love He and his human creatures would experience would outweigh the pain and suffering that would result from His decision to create us as He did. But the consequences of God's decision were not unforeseen. They were foreknown!

The Incredible Answer

The skeptic that emailed me stated, in effect, that if an all-powerful God did not eliminate evil, then He was a devil! The implication is that the removal of all evil would permit a better, more loving world. A truly loving God, the skeptics assert, would have desired and created such a world because it is clearly superior to the one we have. Any God that did not follow this logic was not a God of love, but an evil tyrant.

As we have seen, this logic crumbles under its own weight. The existence of evil is the "side effect" of creating a world with love. But as we have seen, there are compelling arguments that a world possessing both evil and love is superior to a world where neither is possible. For God to eliminate evil, He would have to eliminate our capacity of choice and thus our capacity to do both evil and good. And such a world is inferior to the one we have: one where love is possible, despite its inherent evil. What kind of God would do this? Only one kind. A God of love.

See Part 7.