Romans
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The serpent has always had legs, the serpent is not a snake.
The serpent is the carnal mind of the beast, MAN.
Revelation 13:18 Here is wisdom ....for it is the number of a MAN
Job 1:17 .....the Lord said to Satan, Whence cometh thou .....from walking (on legs) up and down on the earth
Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field God made ...
Psalms 73:22 I was so foolish, and ignorant, I was as a beast before thee.
Romans 8:20 For the creature (man) was made subject to vanity (a carnal mind), NOT WILLINGLY, but by reason of him (God) ......
Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman .....enmity between the carnal mind and the bride of Christ ....
Romans 8:7 For the carnal mind is enmity against God .....
God Bless YOU as you study and Christ reveals himself to you.
Sons of GOD: John 1:12, Romans 8:14, Philippians 2:15, Psalms 82,= John 10:34-42, John 3:1,2,
The Hebrew word for Angel is "mal'ak" Sons of GOD in Hebrew "ben elohiym"
James 1:5, Colossians 2:8, 2Timothy 2:15,
Hopefully these are helpful
Most people will be saved after the second resurrection.
Those in the first resurrection are saved in the feast of the passover, they will never see death, death passes over them, they are translated into the kingdom: all else will die, be raised back to their flesh, judged by the words of God, just as the firstfruits were, brought to truth, in the feast of the ingathering, the feast of tabernacles, the second resurrection, AND when they come to truth, they will die a second time, and be translated into the kingdom, just like the firstfruits.
The second can't take place till all the firstfruits are gathered. The firstfruits are the ones that will judge the earth and give those in the second resurrection the same inheritance as they were given, eternal life.
Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creation WAITETH for the MANIFESTATION of the SONS OF GOD.
Romans 8:21 For the creation itself ALSO shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption (death) into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
God Bless YOU, I will answer any questions and show you were to find the answers, most answers are in Mosses and the prophets, just ask, if i miss a question ask again.
Fourthly, the Ten Commandments were given to Israel & were binding upon them. Some of their objectives were:
a. to reveal the Holiness of the Eternal God to His people, Israel: Leviticus 19:2; Leviticus 20:7-8.
b. to set Israel apart as distinct from all the other nations: Exodus 19:5.
c. to reveal man's sinfulness: Galatians 3:19. Although the Law is "holy, just & good ( Romans 7:12), it did not provide salvation for the nation of Israel; and it cannot provide salvation to anyone who wants to or tries to keep the Law. No one will be declared righteous in God's sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin ( Romans 3:20; Acts 13:38-39).
d. to show to humanity that not one person can fully keep the Law but everyone falls short of God's Standard of Holiness. Realizing that, should cause us to cast ourselves upon a Merciful God for His Forgiveness. When Jesus came, He fulfilled the requirements of the Law completely and by His death fully paid the penalty for their breaking it ( Galatians 3:24; Romans 10:4). Therefore, by His Obedience, He was qualified to be the accepted Sacrifice for all mankind, for all of our sins ( Hebrews 10:10-12). If Jesus failed in fully keeping the Law, He would have been disqualified as a Savior - all mankind would be forever stuck in the quagmire of their sins & hell would be the destiny. But He was raised from the dead to show His Father's acceptance, our justification & deliverance ( Romans 4:23-25).
I hope you can see Ani, that even though there was nothing wrong with the Law, even keeping the Sabbath by Israel, anyone who puts themselves under the Law (i.e. to find forgiveness or acceptance by God by it), is doomed to fail. Our Rest - continual rest (Sabbath) is now found in Jesus & not in Law-keeping & we can only be subject now to the Holy Spirit who enables us to fulfil both the spirit of the Law & finding the true rest in Christ Jesus ( 2 Corinthians 3:6-9; Romans 8:1-4).
Prayer (continued) I have seen a couple times how the Lord was able to be glorified in difficult marriage situations. One case involved a client where I used to be employed who was going through a divorce apparently from a very abusive man who wasn't seeking it but because of the pressure from her estranged husbnad was going through the proceedings. She asked to pray with me about it and I asked for God's will to be done. Eventually within a couple years the man passed from this earth unexpectantly. This lady demonstrated unconditional love toward this man despite what had been a long history of threatenings and troubles. Admittedly she seemed to have some issues of her own; but nonetheless it seems the prayer was answered according to His will.
The second situation involved an alcoholic husband who last summer was back into rehab after a relapse. It appears that he wasn't violent toward his wife; but nonetheless she requested prayer at the time. He also died shortly after with the damage to his liver. Her joyful countenance throughout these struggles that also involved other family members and grandchildren was a great demonstration of faith in difficult circumstances.
Sadly there are cases where tragic events happen even for those who we pray for regularly. There is no doubt; however that prayer affects things; most notably in scripture when prayer was given all night for Peter in jail in Acts 12:5-17. Of course that worked for Paul and Silas during their midnight prayer and praise as well in Acts 16. My point is that we may or may not know the results of those who we don't know or aren't present with physically; but we are like minded with those who are suffering for His Name's sake.
Of course in order to give thanksgiving for all things we need to have a TRUST in God that He works out all things for the good for those who LOVE HIM. ( Romans 8:28). That holds true to our death in whatever form He chooses.
Agape
Keep in mind also the difference between physically being preserved for a time and spiritual deliverance. These are both realities for the children of God in reverse order. In New Testament times as with Old many are called but few chosen ( Matt. 22:14). There are other verses showing how some experience some of the benefits of being in God's presence ( Hebrews 6:4) are still not ultimately saved. The parable of the sower and the seed illustrate this fact showing how the seed of truth must eventually not only take root but produce fruit. God enables that His Spirit reproduces good fruit in our lives as evidence that it is indwelling; not merely an external event. Hence all true believers are "sealed" until the Day of Redemption ( Ephesians 4:30).
In God's Providence there are some; such as the 1/3 that are preserved "going through the fire" ( Zechariah 13:9) who appear to make it physically through the Tribulation to repopulate the earth in the Millennium. That will include the handful of Gentiles that make it; although man is said in general to be "rarer than the gold of Ophir" who makes it through that way ( Isaiah 13:12).
Thus; these verses and a multitude of others makes it imperative that we "test ourselves to see if we are in the faith". ( 2 Corinthians 13:5). I personally believe that through God's sanctification process we all must get beyond our initial excitement over being a new believer as well as the trials of persecution AND temptations of the world to be "tested and approved" as true believers as part of the process of chastisement as God's adopted children. ( Romans 12:2; etc). The end of all those called and chosen in Him is glorification (read all of Romans 8:30).
Hope this helps.
This type of relationship is best described as God loving us DESPITE who we are which is unlike seemingly endless Christian songs that somehow lead us to believe that He loves us no matter what we do or who we are. Ultimately; God did rescue us from sin and sacrificed His Son even though we were "enemies of God" (Phillipians 3:18 and many other references). But He foreknew us as being "conformed to the image of His Son" ( Romans 8:29 and again numerous other verses on that subject). He only "knows" us therefore if He can see His Son in us and we are truly "seated in heavenly places" ( Eph. 2:6). As I have said many times recently; He chastises all those He loves (see Proverbs 3:12; Hebrews 12:6-7). What many don't read is the following verse ( Heb. 12:8) that states in that we are illegitimate children (I will avoid the harsher term KJV has as I don't want to be flagged but it pays to read it). We are; in fact either children of God or of the Devil. That was made quite clear to the Pharisees ( John 8:44).
Such passages shouldn't be foreign to us as parents. If we truly love our own offspring we don't want them flailing about in this world of endless dangers; toils and snares without discipline and guidane although sadly many parents even in the church are sorely deficient in parenting skills.
In our personal lives; and I am speaking to myself here-we need to be aware of our weaknesses (with me it tends to be obsessiveness with hobbies; music etc) and learn to trust Him to guide us so that we can do all things for the glory of God. ( 1 Cor. 10:31). Such is the case with this site as well. It is not just for my ranting.
First, I am sorry to hear this. But yes, Romans 8:28 tells us that the Lord will work things out for the good. We must trust that His ways are better than ours, no matter what we ask of Him.
In Romans 8:28, the word good is the word AGATHOS, spiritual good. Human good is KALOS. Spiritual good is AGATHOS.
That makes a big difference because if I'm looking at it religiously, humanly, and on a horizontal physical plain, when it says "all thing work together for good," that means in the human, God's going to work things out good for me in the human and in the flesh.
But no, this is spiritual good. Also, notice that it doesn't say all things are good. It says that all things are going to be worked out for the good.
What's good and bad in the human, that's our judgment system. To God, everything is good because He's doing everything. And when we have things "go wrong," in God's vocabulary, that's not even in there. When we say "Lord, things are going wrong," to Him everything is going right.
We know that all things work together for good, and look at the two descriptions of the people for whom everything is working out for the good: It is to those who love God, and to those who are called according to His purpose.
Why? Because everything's going to work out according to the will of God, so that when we do pray for the Lord's will to be done, we can know because this is a promise right from God, that all things work together for the good.
Continue to trust in the Lord that He will work things out for the good according to His will.
Scripture; of course is our guide to all truth ( 2 Tim. 3:16). The overarching theme of the Bible is God's big picture from the Creation to the downfall of man; to final restoration of both body and soul of mankind; as well as nature and in the end the whole universe. We certainly can look at God putting Satan on a string who puts men on a string. When our identity is in Christ as His adopted sons and daughters ( Romans 8:14-17 etc) then we are part of the whole army of God and hence we shall rule and reign with Christ someday ( 2 Tim. 2:12; and parts of Revelation). We are part of those who are of the great "cloud of witnesses" ( Hebrews 12:1 which summarizes Hebrews 11 the "heroes" of the faith. What is done to us in some sense is done to Christ Himself ( Matt. 25:40). Whoever destroys the Temple of God will himself be destroyed ( 1 Corinthians 3:17); and blessed are those saints who die in the Lord ( Psalm 115:16; again see Revelation)
Hence; death itself is to be something looked forward to ( Philippians 1:23). It is indeed the "last enemy that shall be destroyed" ( 1 Cor. 15:26). In the meantime; as Paul also stated "I die daily" ( 1 Cor. 15:31). In Christ we can appreciate the experience of a slow death of the outer man so that the inner man can reach glorification. Keep in mind that it is the health and vitality of our soul that counts for eternity; all men will be Resurrected but it is the TYPE of resurrection that is important.
None of this; certainly takes away from the wisdom that we should have in regard to avoiding problems when we are able and it doesn't contradict God's plans for us; or of course for troubles that result from our own sin ( James 1:14-15). May it be that it won't happen to us as believers but sadly that's what it takes for some ( 1 Cor. 11:30 for the extreme example of an early earthly demise in certain cases). Better saved through the fire than not at all ( 1 Cor 3:15
Understanding "God works all things out for the good for those who love Him" ( Romans 8:28) needs to be taken; of course in context with the end of the verse "who have been called according to His purpose". Deuteronomy 29:29 states that certain things in the "hidden counsel of God" are not for us to try to comprehend. We can be assured; however that through our own sin God's people are chastised as well as through those done against them. I have cited references to these concepts before.
To take a couple examples from y own personal acquaintances; I know of a friend who was born out of his mom being raped. He recently has seen his mother converted to the faith and they live together under the same roof (she is in her 70's). The other person I know is also in her seventies; and had a child after being raped. The mother is a believer (if still alive she has been in hospice care and unfortunately I am not sure of her status after having to move from Pittsburgh in 2021). Her daughter is the only friend she has basically; apparently other members of the family are deceased or there were issues. I was able to help facilitate communication between them after her daughter in Canada moved to a new address through a phone call and mail.
There are certainly other people who have chosen abortion or remaining incommunicado with their own offspring after these events (although in all fairness the adoption agencies may have prevented it).
There are several things to consider. God Himself declares "I create both good and evil." ( Isaiah 45:7). This; of course can be defined as a calamity; or perhaps in David's case the better choice when God dealt with the repercussions of sin ( 2 Samuel 24:12). Certainly Satan was used for God's purposes and is the major theme of the entire book of Job. Another viewpoint is that we are never free to "save ourselves" but certainly it appears God lets men freely decide things in this life
In my last segment I got into how the enemy affects our old nature and has legal authority when we have unconfessed sin to mess with us to some extent. The Lord; in contrast is working with the Spirit to change the state of our souls; and to render the old man null and void despite our frequent attempts to resurrect the beast within. His yoke is easy and burden is light ( Matt. 11:30); yet for His sake we are as sheep for the slaughter ( Romans 8:35-37); in fact "killed all the day long". How can this be? It is a change of Masters from Satan to God which allows our souls not to be in bondage to our desires and tormented by the "prince of the power of the air" ( Eph. 2:2). We can have the confidence our souls are "seated in heavenly places" ( Eph. 2:6). This and many other promises are our heritage as adopted children of God.
To the unregenerate; a spiritual "experience" may seem one and the same whether from God or the fallen realm. Emotions are stirred when something empowers our minds or bodies that is foreign to our experience as humans. Often those who are into "Recreational drugs" have the same sort of experience listening to certain psychodelic type music and in fact don't need the drugs at times after a while. We can be possessed with the Holy Spirit as well; it is no less or should be no less contolling; it is just that natural man repels at the thought of such a thing; despite the absurdity that they are denying the very Creator in being Lord and Master over their individual "freedom".
It may take time to find out what actually is going on. Sometimes God indeed will use a dream or vision or experience to wake up the unregenerate. Also those who call themselves "Christian" may or not be saved. Once we know scripture we are held to be accountable therefore any spirit violating Biblical truth must be denied access into our lives or we invite evil.
Probably a basic distinction that can be made stems off from the previous discussion. Spirit beings whose source are from fallen angels and demonic entities rely on human sins to establish a foothold and more or less have men as puppets on a string. This becomes crucial in understanding why Christians must have an Ephesians 6 mentality. I have been affected myself in sleep particularly when whatever I think is God's protection seems to be of no avail from attacks. God is; in reality determining how much He will discipline us at all times; but if God could use a "messenger from Satan" against Paul ( 2 Cor. 12:7) and in fact allow Satan to affect Peter's mind to teach him to utterly depend on God ( Matthew 16:23); we certainly should be proactive ourselves. Our sinful nature as well as expressions of such give Satan and his minions legal action to either oppress or in some cases possess individuals. I am not about to debate if a Christian can be possessed outright but we certainly will be attacked.
The Holy Spirit of course confirms with our spirit that we are indeed "children of God" ( Romans 8:16 roughly translated).
Of course the obvious distinction of God is His "omni" everything (time; presence and authority). God in Isaiah 40:28 makes it clear that He never grows weary. Of course Christ did when He was in human form but in the Spirit He was always awake and alert; but now as in Psalm 121:4 "He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep."
I had thought that 1 Peter 5:8 says Satan doesn't sleep but it advises us to be ever vigilant. Spirit beings; however show no evidence of being tired in scripture. More in my nest installment.
And Ephesians 1:5,11: ("Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will...In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will").
In both these Scriptures, the Apostle Paul speaks about God predestining lives according to His Foreknowledge. Since every life that comes into the World has been given by the Creator of life, He also has all knowledge of how that life will be lived & how & when that life will be extinguished. For those who have come to faith in Christ Jesus, those verses assure us that according to God's foreknowledge of that person's life's path, He predestined some to come into His family, increasingly being conformed to His Son's Person (i.e. by the Power of the Holy Spirit).
But does God predestine lives to live & behave in a certain way, even if we don't want to go down that path? I would say No. God leaves us to live according to our determination & we will be responsible for our decisions. We are a free moral agency & the Bible is replete with examples. Such as Cain in Genesis 4; he had a choice about the type of offering or his manner of offering it. God told him that it was his decision - though God knew the outcome with him.
In Deuteronomy 30:19, the Israelites were told to make a choice; they were encouraged to choose the right one, but it was their decision. God doesn't force His Hand upon us - we are all responsible for our choices in life. But if we belong to God, then His Spirit will always guide us to what is right - yet we can still disobey Him.
Hopefully this is helpful
Psalms 34:19
Luke 21:12-15, context Luke 21, Matthew 10:16-20, context Matthew 10, Mark 13:9-11, context Mark 13,
Luke 12:8, 2Timothy 3:12, Romans 8:22-39
Hopefully these strengthen you
I will give my understanding,
Your first question; is there anywhere in the heavens or the earth that God cannot be, Psalm 139:7-10 Proverbs 15:3 Jeremiah 23:23-24 Hebrews 4:13 Isaiah 6:3. But is the universe, the earth, and everything on the earth a manifestation of God? NO that is Pantheism and is forbidden in the Bible as idol worship, if everything is God it can be worshiped.
His dwelling place is in heaven that is above heaven (universe) and earth, beyond and outside of the physical universe, 1 Kings 8:30 1 Kings 8:43 2 Chr. 20:6 Psalm 11:4 Daniel 2:28 Matt. 5:16 Matt. 6:9. God gave His only begotten Son to die for us, John 3:16 God by the Holy Spirit can dwell in us if we accept Jesus as our savior we are cleansed by His blood, Romans 8:9-11 1 Cor. 3:16
God can see everything and take action anywhere, Prov. 15:3 Heb. 4:13 but God is everywhere at once? He is in that he is aware of everything in the physical universe both past, present, and future, and he can turn his attention to anyone or anything at any time.
Has anyone seen God? Moses came the closest, God showed him His backside, Exodus 33:12-23. No man in the flesh can see God's face and live, John 1:18 John 4:12 1 Tim. 6:16. We will see His face after the resurrection in our immortal and incorruptible body, Rev 22:4.
How can one Know that God exists? The Bible: He has revealed things to us, and the evidence is convincing if anyone is willing to consider the evidence. History also confirms many things that were prophesied in the Bible long before they happened. The word of God is the truth, and the Holy Spirit will reveal it to those with an open mind and open heart who honestly want the truth.
This is my understanding in love may it help, search and pray for yours.
God bless,
RLW
Hopefully these are encouraging & helpful
Somewhere I have discussion here on the entire book of John focusing on Predestination. I thought this particular verse needed emphasis. This verse shows how those who are in darkness spiritually can't understand the Spirit and how Christ is distinct from the world in Holiness as well as being its Creator. Therefore; the standard set is according to man's interpretation of a "righteous man or a Prophet" ( Matt. 16:15). Such a question this late in the game really boggles the mind; and it is clear early on with John the Baptist ( John 1:33) that the Spirit revealed to him who Christ was. Keep in mind this was BEFORE any miracles were performed by Christ Himself at the onset of the ministry. Jesus went immediately to the wilderness to be tested of the Devil BEFORE His onset of public outreach. This should reveal to us all those world powers and principalities that rule in high places and how hard the enemy will fight those who are potentially dangerous to his world system ( Eph. 6:12). It is interesting to examine this in light of our salvation experience; it seems rare that people take on a fast immediately after conversion but we see Paul for instance in a forced fast after his blindness ( Acts 9:9) after God struck him down.
We need to ensure that the light in us isn't darkness ( Luke 11:35). Satan comes as an angel of light ( 2 Cor. 11:14). This is why we are to test ourselves to see if we are in the faith ( 2 Cor. 13:5). Hence the verse of the day ( John 15:16) demonstrates that we are chosen AND ordained to bear fruit. This is slightly different as to Judas Iscariot who was called and chosen but didn't bear good fruit. In God's presence miracles would happen but he was only interested in how it benefited him. This should be a warning to anyone attempting to do good works in their own strength. True fruit only comes from above as the Spirit abides in a man ( John 15:4). We must therefore abide in Him (see Romans 8:16).
Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, Acts 19:1-12, Ephesians 4:5,
I think the main point is the outward living life, dead to the flesh ( selfishness, bad actions, etc. ) resurrection in the last days, is the goal. Mark 10:38, Luke 12:50, Colossians 2:12-14, 1Peter 3:18-22,
* Romans 6:3,4, please read all of Romans 6, chapter, Colossians 3:1-17,
John 12:23-36, Romans 8:13, Luke 14:27-33,
Hopefully these are helpful
If you have trouble understanding pray for wisdom: James 1:5
Thank You Lord!
Use this for Your glory. Make a way for Ruth to be a witness and a light to all involved.
Romans 8:28
I agree with Helene in giving you
1 John 4:4 "YE ARE OF GOD, little children, and have overcome them: because "GREATER IS HE THAT IS IN YOU", than he that is in the world.
"YE ARE OF GOD" There is your protection. You are born of God's Spirit.
You have more protection than what any man or Angels can provide!!
I would also like to add these verses.
Romans 8:31-39. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us ALL THINGS? ( Protection from the evil one included )
Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, NOR ANGELS, NOR PRINCIPALITIES, NOR POWERS, NOR THINGS PRESENT, NOR THINGS TO COME,
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.
Not even ourselves can separate us from the love of God.
I hope this helps.
God bless.
Thank you for all the prayers and encouraging words through out this year. Some situations changed with The Lord's blessing and power, some I'm still praying for. I do firmly believe in Romans 8:28 and have several sins to confess much like
Jonah. I still need strength to hope and wait.
My blessings this year: I have read through the entire New Testament and all but 4 books of the Old Testament
My father in law's panarctic cancer has not grown or spread but chemo therapy is still a concern.
My husband new job has been very good for him in a lot of ways, And I have learned three new hobbies that I can use for craft shows and met a lot of nice friends to instruct me. He also gave me the strength and endurance to work two jobs.
(One is with dementia patients and these drama queen mangers are running the facility into the ground, finically and policy discernment. I am mentally empty.)
PLEASE EVERYONE make me a part of your New Year Prayers. I am applying for a govt. position tomorrow. I know it is a long shot. I just can't live through another failed attempt of hope, wrong or non-working prayers. This position would combine the income of my two current jobs, I would be home more. My mental state and self perception would heal. If I'm turned down I calling it quits with job applications.
I believe in our God, His power and His promises. I just wavier in my belief that I am not a chosen one or it works for every one else.
PLEASE, PLEASE pray over or for this. I'm 55 and need the benefits of this job for retirement.
We therefore; lose our old affiliations and at times family and friends when coming to faith. There are some cases; when these acquaintances can be transformed and the relationship becomes a new dynamic and it becomes better understood how God originally designed them and why.
We also become adopted sons and daughters ( Romans 8:14-17). We are also "grafted in" to the olive branch ( Romans 11:24).
We are now therefore part of that great Body of saints and tied in with those in Hebrews 11. Whatever loss we have now; as Paul stated is rubbish; or as KJV puts it "dung" compared to the surpassing greatness of Christ (Phillipians 3:8).
Amen.
The battle for self identity isn't too profitable when we understand that as sinners; we are in a helpless; hopeless state with the wrath of God abiding on us. ( John 3:36). Once our lives are under the authority of Christ rather than the prince of the power of the air ( Eph. 6:12); but now we have the King of Glory as Lord; Savior and yes; Master. Or; alternatively; as the popular Sting song lyric states our servant has become our master if we remain in our sinful state. God promises that although unworthy servants we are called "friends" and His yoke is easy; and burden is light ( Matt. 11:28). Satan is a brutal taskmaster; coming to "steal; kill and destroy." ( John 10:10). Such basically is the state of youth in America today; and sadly many of those who give testimony of their children dying of drug (usually Fentinal) overdoses see nothing getting better in the near term.
So the question comes up; what is a more profitable state; our old self or our identity in Christ? We are still; in some sense uniquely "us" but with our spirit testifying with His Spirit ( Romans 8:16) that we indeed are "God's children." Somehow; we naturally tend to hold onto our old nature as long as we live; we are still subject; of course to the effects of the fall with the flesh eventually passing away but the new man growing (see 1 Cor. 4:16). We literally are crucified to the flesh in Christ and already in the new life in the spirit ( Colossians 3:3). In reality then; our old selves are redeemed to be all they would have been if they had never been corrupted by th effect of sin; and in fact are in much better glory. (See 1 Cor. 15). What we DON'T realize before salvation is that we are never autonomous and able to go beyond the set limits God has; and we are held accountable for our actions. With faith we can begin to comprehend that we are "seated in heavenly places" ( Eph. 2:4-6).
And; "to live is Christ; to die gain" ( Phil. 1:21).
I will let you find the verse where Jesus was "amazed" at the faith of the Centurion. There are other verses where God is hot with anger as well as being called a "jealous" God. And perhaps that explains why only God can hate with a "perfect" hatred; for anyone else to try it would be sin.
Perhaps the idea in the verse that "no suitable" mate was found was more of an exercise for Adam to discover this truth about the animal Kingdom. In any event; man uniquely came from Adam's rib as stated in the scripture. Eve means this; as "woman" came out of "man". This brings a soul connection to men which the animal kingdom wouldn't possess; hence rules exist for us as to being equally yoked; nonetheless a marriage vow before God is still classified as a marriage. To have the Lord in the relationship is the only way that our spirit in that sense ( Romans 8:16) as to unity among men; the marriage however is still seen as one in soul. That's the best I can see it. It also explains why we can't just mess around before marriage either as that involves only a fleshly union; and I am convinced any soul connection as it were is in reality a demonic deception. d
It is also to remember that Lucifer also was created perfect in his ways ( Isaiah 14). Pride brought him down; as it did with man.
I hope you will consider the fact tht God only draws those the Father has given Him. ( John 6:44). Thus; our eternal fate was already decided among the Godhead before time began; He will not lose anyone of His sheep. I'm not sure a long Calvanist dissertation will be helpful here but I thought searching the scripture as with all things would.
Evil within the garden is an interesting point. We can look to Rev. 12:10 and see it appears until the midpoint of the Trib those in heaven are accused; they are certainly blasphemed from earth ( Rev. 13:6). So good can evil can be nearby.
2. 2 Corinthians 13:5. "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith..." This verse should be a warning given after any profession of faith. Warnings need to be associated with that in regard to producing good fruit ( Gal. 5:22-23). We of course don't want to present a "hyper-grace" type message in any form that we are now free to sin since grace "abounds" as stated in Romans 5:20 and subsequent verses. Here are several things one should look for after a genuine salvation experience and are evidences of SANCTIFICATION; the next stage in the process leading to GLORIFICATION. Romans 8:17; however talks about part of the necessary process "provided we suffer for Him."... This is not to suggest that we are all going to be martyred; but it DOES assume that we are crucified with Christ ( Galatians 2:20) and our life is now in Him. This means a death to our PRIDE; which of course is based on a whole bunch of subpoints (materialism; self grorification; esteem; reputation; status; etc.)
There used to be a song by Amy Grant "you've got to count the cost if you want to be a believer." as one of the lyrics. I could say more here; but I will leave it at this: such advice is sorely needed today if someone seeks God; and we must live it out ourselves.
3. Warnings of specific things the enemy is likely to place in your path to make you fall. I don't know how I could write this without reference to a primary target Satan is going after; namely marriages and family. If such things as personal vows taken in God's name (such as a marriage Covenant) are NOT taken as being DEADLY serious; then we can certainly understand why the confessing church has about 50 percent divorce rate par with the rest of the "pagan" world. I cannot understand how a covenant with God where the specific vow "until death do us part" can be violated. I don't wish to be flagged for the debate here on the "escape clause" in 2 places in Matthew
Romans 8:29-30 is a mouthful; and clearly demonstrates predestination along with the process of going from salvation to glorification as a "done deal" seen through the corridors of time in God's Omnipresent viewpoint. We also are given the idea of being "conformed to the image of His Son."
Consider for a moment what the world is looking for. It is; as Joni Mitchell said in her "Woodstock" song looking to "going back to Eden." It is well presented in Brandon Heath's song "leaving Eden" as to how we as believers can't go back; as well as the decay of the mind; body and souls of those in the world because of the effects of sin. The enemy; who succeeded in usurping the authority of God and man over the earth (allowed; of course by His foreknowledge and planning) now plants the thought in all men of some fantasy that there is still some good remaining; some hope of a return to a state of innocence. We can see the fruit of the sixties "free love" movement and the resulting riots later on; as well as the long term consequences today with the forced acceptance of all sorts of "alternative" lifestyles. Even the Millennium when Satan is locked up still won't be able to bring a repentant heart to some; if one can imagine Christ Himself ruling and reigning and man still rebelling in the end when Satan is released one last time leading them to war against God and His camp.
However much true saints of God want to see a world free of violence; disease and other calamities; they recognize that going back to innocence is only accomplished by looking to Christ (see Numbers 21:5-7). The curse had to be placed on Christ; the Son of God Himself; there is no other way to remove the sin. True believers recognize therefore that they are "aliens" to this world ( 1 Peter 2:11-12). The war has been won; but many battles remain especially the consummation at Armageddon.
Let us be in the supper of the Lamb instead of BEING the supper ( Rev 19:17
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.
"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
Paul and Silas's jailer asked them in ACTS 16:30 ..."Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Their answer was as simple as this in ACTS 16:31 ..."Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved..." Simple as that.
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.-- Romans 10:9-13.
If you have been saved, dig deeper into God. Study His Word, pray without ceasing, serve others, continue to take your medication, and have faith. No force on earth or hell can keep you from God.
ROMANS 8:34-35, 38-39 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 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.