2 Peter states in verses 7-9: 7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
Taking a view of Lot's life from the beginning; we see a stark contrast on his mindset from that of Abraham. They were apparently related to each other but the decision of Lot to go the fertile plain as opposed to Abraham's decision to be in the desert area as a nomad shows several things. First of all; despite the fact that they had som many possessions that they needed more space; continuing to remain wealthy must have been a greater factor for Lot. It is not known how much he was aware of the wickedness of the inhabitants of Sodom initiallly. Clearly though (as my next point) these verses show that he was greatly disturbed by it. Thirdly; however in seeing the story of his narrow escape he was willing to sacrifice his daughters in order to appease the wicked crowd attempting to attack the angelic visitors. This was clearly no place to remain in raising a family; hence the men who were pladged to marry his daughters were not sincere and didn't heed God's warning. I would surmise that likely they were the ONLY ones not Sodomites in the area hence very low standards were adhered to in finding suitable husbands. Hence that contributed to their attitude in Genesis 19:31 where they decided it was better to get their father drunk and sleep with him to have children than not since they felt no other men on earth were available for such a task. It was likely that they assumed all men left were of that persuasion that remained on the entire planet.
In the end Lot was so compromised only God could probably recognize he was truly saved.
Matthew 13:30-32 state: 30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.31 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.
There are numerous studies on the explanation of wheat and tares; it boils down to plants that appear the same when they spring out of the ground; but only at the harvest time can useless nonnutritive plants be differentiated from the edible ones used for food. In the end Matthew 13:30 states "Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn."
This would be; I surmise an indication that during the Tribulation the wicked are gathered together eventually in Armageddon to fight God and the rest of the firstfruits and wheat will be translated or Resurrected in heaven.
The real question here may be WHY does God allow this to happen in the first place? First of all; there needs to be an awareness that the battle isn't merely between the Christian attendng church and the rest of the world outside the church who don't profess Christ. In fact it is within the house of God that Satan no doubt desires to impact; the rest of the lost pose no threat to his kingdom. There is no doubt a primary reason for this is to TEST His children to see if they will indeed be zealous for His Name's sake or be as cowards and retreat accepting every wind of doctrine. ( Eph 4:14). Our lamps need to shine ( Matt. 5:16) unashamedly!
"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death." ( 2 Cor. 7:10).
Hebrews 6:4-9
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,5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come 6 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.7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
Perhaps the second set of verses from Hebrews helps to explain the first passage. In some sense; the wicked wish to turn away from all they have been enlightened with which in some sense explains why they can't be renewed into repentance since they have decided with all the evidence given to turn back to their sins. They have in some sense repented from committing to God and turned back to the world; flesh and the Devil being ashamed of what they consider foolish ways of ignorance apart from their own wisdom. Whether repentance can mean turning from God back to wickedness may be questionable; what is scary here is that much like Lucifer all the evidences of God's glory is seen and because of pride is rejected. As Jesus Himself said in John 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. WE MUST NOT BE ASHAMED OF GOD'S METHOD to be admitted into heaven; it is the narrow way to life that must be followed ( Matthew 17:13-14). More in next post.
All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
Isaiah 35
The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God. Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes. And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there: And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
"He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works (Ps.33: 15)". This heart is not any anatomical part of the body of man but defines a spiritual place. Truth is written inward parts. This being the case the people, events and places are set in direct frame of reference to Jesus Christ who is the way, the truth, and the life."
What is a sign? Rainbow is a natural phenomenon. But after the great flood God sets the sign that gives it a spiritual underpinning. For Noah whenever he saw a rainbow it held a special significance of divine Judgment and His great mercy in delivering from the antediluvian world. A sign is the spiritual shadow to the natural world. It is thus we need understand the role heart plays in instruction in righteousness.
Word as a sign necessitates that we treat the worlds- heaven and the earth as a closed system. Hence symbolism of numbers does play a great part. For example we have this verse, "Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars." (Pr.9: 1). Seven in the lexicon of the Spirit is to denote completeness or set forth in the will. So it denotes the house as coming from heaven. God completed the creation in seven days (Ge.2:1) is not simply a matter of seven days as we know the term.
The word of God renders the will of the Father into a visible world just as Jesus Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. (Col.1:15). He is the true Light. Thus God commands, 'Let there be light" And it was so. Truth as was in heaven is made visible. God created the worlds of heaven and the earth by His word. Both heard alike meaning faith is the pure language , the lingua franca. Wisdom and Power of God the Father and God the Son must be freely available to man according to the Word, which is eternal and forever settled in heavens. Is it not?
'Deep calls unto deep' as the Spirit puts it and the wisdom of heaven and heart of man cannot be speaking at cross-purposes. Faith is the pure language, which Prophet Zephaniah tells is what God looks for. "For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent."(Zep.3:9). For the three wise men the star was more than a celestial object but a sign and as we shall see that their faith was borne out to be true.
"Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven (Ps.119: 89-NKJV)". Word is made up letters, which can be written down as well as sounded. It means a symbol or sign, which does not change. It is thus we need infer its spiritual significance from the word settled in heaven. Coming back to the three wise men they were led by the star. Their rational mind tripped them at first since they went to Jerusalem assuming the king of the Jews must be found in a palace than elsewhere. "And, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was./ When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy."(Matt.2:9-11) The Spirit elevates human speech, as a star is shown to be a sign. The scholarly mind of the Magi rejoiced because it was faith that led them all the way. For this reason our approach to the Bible must be treated as God document organized by the Spirit and inerrant.
King Nebuchadnezzar having seen the dream forgot it altogether. When Daniel brought it to light and ended the interpretation he said, "The great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure (Dan.2: 45)". Truth was self-evident so the Gentile king fell prostrate before the seer: "of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret. (2:47)."
"Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. (Matt.2: 2)." How did a star connect with the king of the Jews so some pagan stargazers should set out in search from one end of the world? William Barclay in his commentary on St Matthew, for an example, writes: "We do not know what brilliant star those ancient Magi saw. Many suggestions have been made." How does it help to be left into a limbo of doubt?
Without faith in its soundness, scholarship is dubious as carnal wisdom is. For Daniel interpreting the king's dream was to lay bare the thoughts of the king's heart fully trusting in God. ("And that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart"-Dan.2: 31). The Spirit annotating whatever topics that require clarity is addressing the heart rather than reason.
Man brings his scholarship, which is his word against the Word, which was with God from the beginning. Where the Spirit presents certainties man is relying on carnal wisdom, which thrives in controversies. There are no buts and ifs with wisdom from heaven, which is freely given. Besides this wisdom is Person specific.
Bible is the God document and is inerrant. Jesus is the Word become flesh so we have him as the standard. "I am the truth" is one single standard about which God framed the worlds 'by the word of His power'. (He.1:3). So Christ is the standard for a child of God who wishes to be made perfect.
Heaven and the earth have a single standard. "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption."(1 Co.1:30).
: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:/ That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works (2 Ti.3: 16-17)". This being the case what if the teacher himself is in doubt? What it is doing to the pupil's heart. Like the proverbial tares it shall slowly find is own niche.
Faith is absolutely insisted upon in order to prepare a child of God to quit him like a man in this age of lawlessness. He sorely needs solid food from the word of God.
The adage 'child is the father of man' is very much true also in the making of a man of God. It is reasonable that a pedagogue relies as much on truth he knows by experience, and the trusting nature of the child does the rest. This is evident in the preceding verse of St Paul's epistle: 'And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (v.15)'. Hearing the word of God is not simply a matter for the ear. The sound one hears is processed elsewhere so it makes sense to him. "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." This time St Paul writing to the believers in Rome says this sound has been heard. Hearing and meditating upon the word of God is fine and good. But doubt like the tares are always crouching at the door as God told Cain,"and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him."(Ge.4:7)
Sound over the distance it covers is running what with doubt as an obstacle course, and it is all about us.
Let's get to what matters and prevails.True believers know that according Ro.14:11 every knee shall bow before the Lord, and every tongue shall confess to GOD,but they will NOT bow before you establishing your Universal satanic religious kingdom,O spirit of lie. Although you manifest yourself as God-2Thes.2:4-,as is revealed by the author of Ro.14:11,and you shall oppose and exalt yourself above all that is called GOD or that is worshipped;so that as God you shall sit in Jerusalem,GOD's Temple,showing yourself that is God,but you are a man,not GOD, you are the son of perdition,man of sin,to be manifested and revealed.
Indeed,you will establish your ephemeral Universal and satanic religious kingdom as it is written,but you shall be cast down into the bottomless pit,that you should deceive the nations no more-Rev.20:3. I know you,it from the beginning,O deceiving spirit.I know who you are,O deceiving spirit.
You say "God will Save Everyone including demons",it's what the father of lie says,a former querub.But what does the Spirit of Truth say? 2Pe.2:4-6-->4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned,but cast them down to hell,and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto(the current)Judgment; 5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness,bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; 6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow,making them an ENSAMPLE unto those that after should live ungodly.The Word is GOD, self-executing,understand?
Now,O spirit of lie,you are destined to the bottomless pit.But in the END of this seventh and last Day,or seventh and last millennium,you will be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone,where the Beast and the false prophet will be-Rev.20:10.
The battle is against three unclean spirits like frogs that come out of the mouth of the Dragon,and out of the mouth of the Beast,and out of the mouth of the FP.
You are Absolutely Right that God is JUST! Yet, I ask this question: who is responsible for sin? Answer: satan. Justice demands that the one responsible Pays for what he has done. We are vessels, is a vessel responsible for what someone put inside of it? Satan is responsible for evil, John 8:44 ; and God is Responsible for good, Mark 10:18.
Ronald, your faith is your faith. Whether you believe or don't believe is up to you and God but I ask you to LOOK! What I proclaim is MERCY, what is being used to combat MERCY? Hatred and wrath. I say "God is GOOD!" And the response is "NO!" I've explained and am willing to continue to explain, but just as Christ had to bear the hatred BECAUSE He taught mercy, I as His servant will have to bear hatred and wrath for proclaiming MERCY.
The Message that I proclaim is that sinners WILL go to hell and Suffer, yet there is Salvation for them also!
When Christ says, "Depart from Me, ye cursed" could it be that He is speaking to the demons that are inside that Made them act evilly?
And, yes there are some who will go to the lake of fire, but I point to, Psalms 104:4. For the lake of fire is eternal, yet God is able to make His ministers a flaming fire; can you think of the one thing that fire doesn't burn? Answer: Fire.
Romans 8:35-39. Nothing can separate us from The Love of God.
Indeed sir, quite sobering to consider.. "We did many works in your name".. depart from me I never knew you.. reminds us to "examine ourselves to see if we be in the faith". Important points indeed.
I didn't say I was of the Universalist religion, I said I'm a universalist because I believe that God will Save all His creatures at His appointed time. Furthermore, when you say things like "mainstream Christian religions" I'm glad I'm on the other side of them because, James 3:1; in other words preachers and teachers will receive a more strict Judgment. Thus, if a preacher or teacher gets something wrong AND teaches it, that misinterpretation will lead them into sin and that teacher will receive a portion of all those sins
Nothing "diminishes" Christ's Work, if a person doesn't understand something, does that misunderstanding somehow nullify that which is misunderstood? If a man doesn't understand what Christ did, it takes away NOTHING from Christ; that misunderstanding takes away from the one who misunderstands and for that we must pray.
I'm glad you brought up eternal punishment. Why does God punish? Answer: for correction. God doesn't abuse, He corrects. Hell is not Eternal, I've shown this but, I'll show you more! We should all know of the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Luke 16:19-31. We can see that the rich man (Jew) went to hell and begged Abraham to help him, but Abraham said that he couldn't! Now, add to this the other half of The Message, 1 Peter 3:19-20. You see, Christ went to MINISTER to souls in hell (prison) for He is a Savior, ALWAYS and FOREVER! And, He is still down their Saving souls. To "put it together" a Jew dies unbelieving of Christ, hell is the result. The Jew asks for help from Abraham and is denied. Now, a person who knew of Christ but never Fully gave in to Him (false Christian, maybe), is also in hell and now they are in torment and in a final desperate PLEA call out to Christ Jesus! Psalms 139:7-12. And He Saves in front of all in there, truthfully, do you think the people there will be calling to their idols? Or, will they Cry Out to Christ? Instant Conversion to The Truth! Think about it, He is a WONDERFUL GOD!!!!!!
I thought I would start in the Old Testament; realizing of course that the Holy Spirit didn't remain with a man as it does in the New Testament era. There are; nonetheless principles here that need to be addressed. Perhaps an appropriate start is with the story of Saul and the prophets. 1 Samuel 10:10 states "the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them." A similar event happened in 1 Samuel 19:24. When we see the last state of Saul; who the night before his death consulted with a witch to seek his fate ( 1 Samuel 28) and other things that happened once he started pursuing David; we see a man who probably died lost.
The principle here is that God COULD allow certain true manifestations in the Spirit to occur with someone (as we see with Judas Iscariot going out and healing/casting out demons along with the other 11 Disciples in Luke 9:1-2.) The manifestation of the Spirit therefore doesn't guarantee FRUIT of the Spirit which is in all those who have true faith (again as illustrated with the Parable of the Sower and the seed in Matthew 13; and as we see listed in Galatians 5:22-23. We see quite the opposite in Saul; we see jealousy; strife; and a murderous intent; and presence of a tormenting spirit or demon.
Suffering for His name's sake and prioritizing the Lord over everyone and everything else was a challenge the Lord used on many would be disciples such as in Luke 9:57-62 with three men in a row who apparently walked away after being challenged.
Jesus chose His 12 Apostles as Disciples carefully; the 11 who truly believed along with the 12th in the Book of Acts chosen would rule and reign with Christ someday ( Matthew 19:28). This would cost them their lives; however as martyrs except for John. A crown is promised for martyrs ( Rev. 2:10). Others are for pastors; those patiently waiting for His coming; evangelists; and apparently for self control. Many variations exist; let the reader study all passages
Your use of Matthew 7:14 is misinterpreted because TRUE, few will find The Way but what does finding the way have to do with Election? For Election is NOT about works (finding The Way), but Election is ALL about God Choosing! Look at Rom. Ch.11, the whole chapter. It's all about God "cutting off" His Chosen for the sake of those NOT chosen. There are two types of elect; there are those Chosen before the foundation of the world, Ephesians 1:4. And those chosen, only because His Chosen were "cut off"! Romans 11:11-12. The Jews (Hebrew) for the Gentile, the vessels of wrath for the vessels of mercy, Romans 9:21-23 and Christ for the world, Matthew 27:46. This is a Pattern, a plummet line, a way for us to "measure" the things of God.
Ok, so I see I stirred up a "hornet's nest", and that's a good thing! Like acid, deadly by itself yet when it's used in the right mixture it becomes a catalyst, a necessary agent for change.
Universalism! It's TRUTH. I'll do a quick overview to try to explain it. God will one day SAVE all His creatures, even the demons. Why you ask, actually why is easy because He is God and God is GOOD! How, is the more pertinent question. I'll start off by using the same scripture God opened my eyes with, Isaiah 45:23, and confirmed again in Romans 14:11. God has NEVER said a frivolous thing, ever! And if a person came up to us and said,"I have bowed my knee to God and confessed to Christ!" We, as messengers of truth would have to say, "Amen, welcome brother/sister!" The Key is Truthfulness, if this is done in Truth then it is done and has been done since The Cross of Christ. Therefore, we Understand that God said that He will bring it about, thus, if He brings it about then we can be SURE that it was done in TRUTH.
I'll try to answer as many questions as possible, the first was from Bro Dan and an astute point was made, namely, " Most will be to late, as it will be after they are dead, and standing before Jesus on Judgement Day." To this I point to, Psalms 139:7-12 and Romans 8:35-39. Proof that Nothing can stand in the way of God Almighty! I'll reveal another revelation that refutes the doctrine of demons, hell is NOT Eternal! Revelation 20:13-14 confirms this and we can see that those in hell will be Called before The White Throne of Judgment. This is important because we go there to see if our name is in The Lamb's Book of Life, the FACT that people that were in hell are there is Awesome because do you know who won't be there? Revelation 20:10-13. Notice how these are cast into the lake of fire BEFORE we are go to The Great White Throne. Can you see who else will not be there because they are Already judged? Revelation 19:20, them that receive the mark of the beast.
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
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.
Romans 6:16-23
16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
One can have all the enteral security they want, if they stayed secured. But not when they sin.
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
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.
Romans 6:16-23
16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
One can have all the enteral security they want, if they stayed secured. But not when they sin.
Christ is the CHURCH, you are either IN CHURCH (in Christ, in TRUTH) or you're not IN CHURCH, it has nothing to do with buildings made with the hands of men.
Revelation 21:22 And I saw no CHURCH therein (the Holy city): for the LORD God Almighty and the LAMB are the CHURCH .....
2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through subtilty, so your (carnal) minds should be corrupted FROM THE SIMPLICITY that is in Christ.
I am so glad that your health has improved and that God does indeed hear our prayers for one another. It is a blessing to hear back from you about this past prayer request and how God answered your need.
Also, thanks for reading the commentary I have written as I am going along through the Pentateuch. I have just begun Deuteronomy this past week or so. I am taking it slow. Writing the commentary really helps me to digest what I am reading in Scripture. I may not always interpret a passage correctly, but I certainly am learning so much along the way. I love it when people do correct me on any errors I make in the commentary because I know how imperfect I am.
It is good to know that others are reading what I have written. My hope is that people will read the chapter I comment on and check to see if what I have said is sound or not. I hope these commentaries are helpful to those who take the time to read it, especially if they do open their Bible and read what I have commented on.
Bob, be blessed today. I am glad you remain with us on this forum. Many people who were here when I first came on in Nov. 2021 are no longer participating here. I pray for those I remember, knowing that God will lead them in the way they should go.
"In regards to Romans 14:11, here is the rule of reading scripture. Any verse in scripture must be interpreted within the context of the chapter wherein it is found, and the chapter wherein the book it is found, and that entire book within the scope of the entire bible.
Cherry-picking a single verse or a few verses from the Bible to support a theological theory or argument while ignoring the broader context of the scripture is often referred to as "proof-texting" or "proof-texting fallacy." This practice can be misleading because it doesn't take into account the full context, historical background, and intended meaning of the verses being cited. It can lead to a DISTORTION of the Bible's message and can be used to support almost any viewpoint when taken out of context. Responsible biblical interpretation involves considering the entirety of a passage, as well as the overall teachings and themes of the Bible, to arrive at a more accurate understanding of its theological implications."
OSAS and the family of God and how we are saved to be part of the Body of Christ as well as individually
Revelation 19:14 states: "and the armies in heaven, clothed in [b]fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses".
Revelation 2:26-27 says 26 "And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father."
Perhaps a reminder of the exhortation of 1 John 2:10 is needed at this point. "He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him." The next verse states the opposite state of a soul who hates his brother; that is being in darkness. We are adopted sons and daughters ( Ephesians 1:5 and many other verses) and part of something vastly bigger than ourselves. If we are saved we are no longer our own ( 1 Cor. 6:19) and bought with a price. Therefore our commission and omission of transgressions affects not only us but others in our midst as well; particularly true in regard to the body of Christ. Salvation itself; therefore in order to be genuine begins to give the true convert a sense of being "seated in heavenly places" ( Eph. 2:6). That verse shows how we are in that state together as well in the Body of Christ not just as individuals.
What matters to those who the Godhead dwells ( John 14:23) is the Lord's concerns. Note that keeping God's Word is a part of the verse indicating those who are truly possessed by the Holy Ghost. God gets all the glory and does all the work; but we are responsible to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Phillipians 2:12) demonstrating our inner heart through our outer actions and works. The persevering is part of God's work of sanctification; but of course we need to be demonstrating good works predestined for us to do from the foundation of the world ( Ephesians 2:10).
My previous post touched on church doctrine. These days we cannot have assurance that a literal hell is something that is taken seriously; or that only Christ is the way to eternal life. A catechism SHOULD state what a core belief is of such matters; if it is not being adhered to disciplinary action should be taken and if it is some spurious statement we have no business remaining there.
Many megachurches seem to want to cater to the nonbeliever and rather than aking them tremble at the fear of God and His presence they want to present Christianinty as something that fits into a music venue; social activities and other things that appeal to the flesh. Rather than making coming to Christ the beginning of a death sentence all the verses that Jesus spoke such as Matthew 10:22-24 and numerous other admonitions such as 1 Peter 4:12-19 have to be ignored with such techniques.
The prosperity gospel shouldn't have to be dissected to show the error; looking at the life of Christ and the Disciples should suffice to show it is utter rubbish. An honest assessment shows that leadership at such places doesn't want to lose parishioners; thus "filthy lucre" and the love of such things ( Titus 1:11) is a deadly vice. Sadly though we see others who are caught up in emotional sentimentality. It is easy of course to be convinced one's girlfriend or boyfriend will turn their affections to God since they show partiality to us. Making Christ appeal to youth with attractive women dressed in worldly apparel or cheap gimmicks will at best cause a few predestined to come to faith to wake up; just as someone who is in a congregation with false doctrines can hear enough of the true Word to be convicted; in other words despite the bad approach rather than because of it. But counting the cost of being a Disciple can't be ignored; as well as challenging those who would bring in error and restricting membership to those who truly believe
2 Peter states in verses 7-9: 7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
Taking a view of Lot's life from the beginning; we see a stark contrast on his mindset from that of Abraham. They were apparently related to each other but the decision of Lot to go the fertile plain as opposed to Abraham's decision to be in the desert area as a nomad shows several things. First of all; despite the fact that they had som many possessions that they needed more space; continuing to remain wealthy must have been a greater factor for Lot. It is not known how much he was aware of the wickedness of the inhabitants of Sodom initiallly. Clearly though (as my next point) these verses show that he was greatly disturbed by it. Thirdly; however in seeing the story of his narrow escape he was willing to sacrifice his daughters in order to appease the wicked crowd attempting to attack the angelic visitors. This was clearly no place to remain in raising a family; hence the men who were pladged to marry his daughters were not sincere and didn't heed God's warning. I would surmise that likely they were the ONLY ones not Sodomites in the area hence very low standards were adhered to in finding suitable husbands. Hence that contributed to their attitude in Genesis 19:31 where they decided it was better to get their father drunk and sleep with him to have children than not since they felt no other men on earth were available for such a task. It was likely that they assumed all men left were of that persuasion that remained on the entire planet.
In the end Lot was so compromised only God could probably recognize he was truly saved.
Matthew 13:30-32 state: 30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.31 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.
There are numerous studies on the explanation of wheat and tares; it boils down to plants that appear the same when they spring out of the ground; but only at the harvest time can useless nonnutritive plants be differentiated from the edible ones used for food. In the end Matthew 13:30 states "Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn."
This would be; I surmise an indication that during the Tribulation the wicked are gathered together eventually in Armageddon to fight God and the rest of the firstfruits and wheat will be translated or Resurrected in heaven.
The real question here may be WHY does God allow this to happen in the first place? First of all; there needs to be an awareness that the battle isn't merely between the Christian attendng church and the rest of the world outside the church who don't profess Christ. In fact it is within the house of God that Satan no doubt desires to impact; the rest of the lost pose no threat to his kingdom. There is no doubt a primary reason for this is to TEST His children to see if they will indeed be zealous for His Name's sake or be as cowards and retreat accepting every wind of doctrine. ( Eph 4:14). Our lamps need to shine ( Matt. 5:16) unashamedly!
"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death." ( 2 Cor. 7:10).
Hebrews 6:4-9
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,5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come 6 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.7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
Perhaps the second set of verses from Hebrews helps to explain the first passage. In some sense; the wicked wish to turn away from all they have been enlightened with which in some sense explains why they can't be renewed into repentance since they have decided with all the evidence given to turn back to their sins. They have in some sense repented from committing to God and turned back to the world; flesh and the Devil being ashamed of what they consider foolish ways of ignorance apart from their own wisdom. Whether repentance can mean turning from God back to wickedness may be questionable; what is scary here is that much like Lucifer all the evidences of God's glory is seen and because of pride is rejected. As Jesus Himself said in John 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. WE MUST NOT BE ASHAMED OF GOD'S METHOD to be admitted into heaven; it is the narrow way to life that must be followed ( Matthew 17:13-14). More in next post.
All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
Isaiah 35
The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God. Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes. And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there: And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
It is a sign as well.
"He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works (Ps.33: 15)". This heart is not any anatomical part of the body of man but defines a spiritual place. Truth is written inward parts. This being the case the people, events and places are set in direct frame of reference to Jesus Christ who is the way, the truth, and the life."
What is a sign? Rainbow is a natural phenomenon. But after the great flood God sets the sign that gives it a spiritual underpinning. For Noah whenever he saw a rainbow it held a special significance of divine Judgment and His great mercy in delivering from the antediluvian world. A sign is the spiritual shadow to the natural world. It is thus we need understand the role heart plays in instruction in righteousness.
Word as a sign necessitates that we treat the worlds- heaven and the earth as a closed system. Hence symbolism of numbers does play a great part. For example we have this verse, "Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars." (Pr.9: 1). Seven in the lexicon of the Spirit is to denote completeness or set forth in the will. So it denotes the house as coming from heaven. God completed the creation in seven days (Ge.2:1) is not simply a matter of seven days as we know the term.
The word of God renders the will of the Father into a visible world just as Jesus Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. (Col.1:15). He is the true Light. Thus God commands, 'Let there be light" And it was so. Truth as was in heaven is made visible. God created the worlds of heaven and the earth by His word. Both heard alike meaning faith is the pure language , the lingua franca. Wisdom and Power of God the Father and God the Son must be freely available to man according to the Word, which is eternal and forever settled in heavens. Is it not?
'Deep calls unto deep' as the Spirit puts it and the wisdom of heaven and heart of man cannot be speaking at cross-purposes. Faith is the pure language, which Prophet Zephaniah tells is what God looks for. "For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent."(Zep.3:9). For the three wise men the star was more than a celestial object but a sign and as we shall see that their faith was borne out to be true.
"Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven (Ps.119: 89-NKJV)". Word is made up letters, which can be written down as well as sounded. It means a symbol or sign, which does not change. It is thus we need infer its spiritual significance from the word settled in heaven. Coming back to the three wise men they were led by the star. Their rational mind tripped them at first since they went to Jerusalem assuming the king of the Jews must be found in a palace than elsewhere. "And, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was./ When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy."(Matt.2:9-11) The Spirit elevates human speech, as a star is shown to be a sign. The scholarly mind of the Magi rejoiced because it was faith that led them all the way. For this reason our approach to the Bible must be treated as God document organized by the Spirit and inerrant.
King Nebuchadnezzar having seen the dream forgot it altogether. When Daniel brought it to light and ended the interpretation he said, "The great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure (Dan.2: 45)". Truth was self-evident so the Gentile king fell prostrate before the seer: "of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret. (2:47)."
A sample shall suffice:
"Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. (Matt.2: 2)." How did a star connect with the king of the Jews so some pagan stargazers should set out in search from one end of the world? William Barclay in his commentary on St Matthew, for an example, writes: "We do not know what brilliant star those ancient Magi saw. Many suggestions have been made." How does it help to be left into a limbo of doubt?
Without faith in its soundness, scholarship is dubious as carnal wisdom is. For Daniel interpreting the king's dream was to lay bare the thoughts of the king's heart fully trusting in God. ("And that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart"-Dan.2: 31). The Spirit annotating whatever topics that require clarity is addressing the heart rather than reason.
Man brings his scholarship, which is his word against the Word, which was with God from the beginning. Where the Spirit presents certainties man is relying on carnal wisdom, which thrives in controversies. There are no buts and ifs with wisdom from heaven, which is freely given. Besides this wisdom is Person specific.
Bible is the God document and is inerrant. Jesus is the Word become flesh so we have him as the standard. "I am the truth" is one single standard about which God framed the worlds 'by the word of His power'. (He.1:3). So Christ is the standard for a child of God who wishes to be made perfect.
Heaven and the earth have a single standard. "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption."(1 Co.1:30).
: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:/ That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works (2 Ti.3: 16-17)". This being the case what if the teacher himself is in doubt? What it is doing to the pupil's heart. Like the proverbial tares it shall slowly find is own niche.
Faith is absolutely insisted upon in order to prepare a child of God to quit him like a man in this age of lawlessness. He sorely needs solid food from the word of God.
The adage 'child is the father of man' is very much true also in the making of a man of God. It is reasonable that a pedagogue relies as much on truth he knows by experience, and the trusting nature of the child does the rest. This is evident in the preceding verse of St Paul's epistle: 'And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (v.15)'. Hearing the word of God is not simply a matter for the ear. The sound one hears is processed elsewhere so it makes sense to him. "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." This time St Paul writing to the believers in Rome says this sound has been heard. Hearing and meditating upon the word of God is fine and good. But doubt like the tares are always crouching at the door as God told Cain,"and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him."(Ge.4:7)
Sound over the distance it covers is running what with doubt as an obstacle course, and it is all about us.
No I do not believe God is a universalist. I was referring to the prior comment above that one wondering what sin Daruled has been entertaining.
Beware the man who calls Truth a lie, for that man's ways are folly.
Let's get to what matters and prevails.True believers know that according Ro.14:11 every knee shall bow before the Lord, and every tongue shall confess to GOD,but they will NOT bow before you establishing your Universal satanic religious kingdom,O spirit of lie. Although you manifest yourself as God-2Thes.2:4-,as is revealed by the author of Ro.14:11,and you shall oppose and exalt yourself above all that is called GOD or that is worshipped;so that as God you shall sit in Jerusalem,GOD's Temple,showing yourself that is God,but you are a man,not GOD, you are the son of perdition,man of sin,to be manifested and revealed.
Indeed,you will establish your ephemeral Universal and satanic religious kingdom as it is written,but you shall be cast down into the bottomless pit,that you should deceive the nations no more-Rev.20:3. I know you,it from the beginning,O deceiving spirit.I know who you are,O deceiving spirit.
You say "God will Save Everyone including demons",it's what the father of lie says,a former querub.But what does the Spirit of Truth say? 2Pe.2:4-6-->4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned,but cast them down to hell,and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto(the current)Judgment; 5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness,bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; 6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow,making them an ENSAMPLE unto those that after should live ungodly.The Word is GOD, self-executing,understand?
Now,O spirit of lie,you are destined to the bottomless pit.But in the END of this seventh and last Day,or seventh and last millennium,you will be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone,where the Beast and the false prophet will be-Rev.20:10.
The battle is against three unclean spirits like frogs that come out of the mouth of the Dragon,and out of the mouth of the Beast,and out of the mouth of the FP.
Is God a universalist?
Isaiah 48:16 ...and HIS Spirit has SENT ME ......
1 John 4:14 And we have seen and do testify, that the Father SENT his son to be SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD....
ONLY the carnal mind of man refuses to BELIEVE that Christ will not do what his Father SENT him TO DO.
Can one be the saviour of the world UNLESS he saves the world.
Hebrews 2:8 ... we see NOT YET all things put under him .....
Ephesians 2:8 .... that in the AGES TO COME ......
Is one foolish enough to believe this age is all there is, why is it so hard to believe Christ will save most in the AGES TO COME.
Your SAVED from DEATH.
God Bless YOU!
You are Absolutely Right that God is JUST! Yet, I ask this question: who is responsible for sin? Answer: satan. Justice demands that the one responsible Pays for what he has done. We are vessels, is a vessel responsible for what someone put inside of it? Satan is responsible for evil, John 8:44 ; and God is Responsible for good, Mark 10:18.
Ronald, your faith is your faith. Whether you believe or don't believe is up to you and God but I ask you to LOOK! What I proclaim is MERCY, what is being used to combat MERCY? Hatred and wrath. I say "God is GOOD!" And the response is "NO!" I've explained and am willing to continue to explain, but just as Christ had to bear the hatred BECAUSE He taught mercy, I as His servant will have to bear hatred and wrath for proclaiming MERCY.
The Message that I proclaim is that sinners WILL go to hell and Suffer, yet there is Salvation for them also!
When Christ says, "Depart from Me, ye cursed" could it be that He is speaking to the demons that are inside that Made them act evilly?
And, yes there are some who will go to the lake of fire, but I point to, Psalms 104:4. For the lake of fire is eternal, yet God is able to make His ministers a flaming fire; can you think of the one thing that fire doesn't burn? Answer: Fire.
Romans 8:35-39. Nothing can separate us from The Love of God.
I didn't say I was of the Universalist religion, I said I'm a universalist because I believe that God will Save all His creatures at His appointed time. Furthermore, when you say things like "mainstream Christian religions" I'm glad I'm on the other side of them because, James 3:1; in other words preachers and teachers will receive a more strict Judgment. Thus, if a preacher or teacher gets something wrong AND teaches it, that misinterpretation will lead them into sin and that teacher will receive a portion of all those sins
Nothing "diminishes" Christ's Work, if a person doesn't understand something, does that misunderstanding somehow nullify that which is misunderstood? If a man doesn't understand what Christ did, it takes away NOTHING from Christ; that misunderstanding takes away from the one who misunderstands and for that we must pray.
I'm glad you brought up eternal punishment. Why does God punish? Answer: for correction. God doesn't abuse, He corrects. Hell is not Eternal, I've shown this but, I'll show you more! We should all know of the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Luke 16:19-31. We can see that the rich man (Jew) went to hell and begged Abraham to help him, but Abraham said that he couldn't! Now, add to this the other half of The Message, 1 Peter 3:19-20. You see, Christ went to MINISTER to souls in hell (prison) for He is a Savior, ALWAYS and FOREVER! And, He is still down their Saving souls. To "put it together" a Jew dies unbelieving of Christ, hell is the result. The Jew asks for help from Abraham and is denied. Now, a person who knew of Christ but never Fully gave in to Him (false Christian, maybe), is also in hell and now they are in torment and in a final desperate PLEA call out to Christ Jesus! Psalms 139:7-12. And He Saves in front of all in there, truthfully, do you think the people there will be calling to their idols? Or, will they Cry Out to Christ? Instant Conversion to The Truth! Think about it, He is a WONDERFUL GOD!!!!!!
I thought I would start in the Old Testament; realizing of course that the Holy Spirit didn't remain with a man as it does in the New Testament era. There are; nonetheless principles here that need to be addressed. Perhaps an appropriate start is with the story of Saul and the prophets. 1 Samuel 10:10 states "the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them." A similar event happened in 1 Samuel 19:24. When we see the last state of Saul; who the night before his death consulted with a witch to seek his fate ( 1 Samuel 28) and other things that happened once he started pursuing David; we see a man who probably died lost.
The principle here is that God COULD allow certain true manifestations in the Spirit to occur with someone (as we see with Judas Iscariot going out and healing/casting out demons along with the other 11 Disciples in Luke 9:1-2.) The manifestation of the Spirit therefore doesn't guarantee FRUIT of the Spirit which is in all those who have true faith (again as illustrated with the Parable of the Sower and the seed in Matthew 13; and as we see listed in Galatians 5:22-23. We see quite the opposite in Saul; we see jealousy; strife; and a murderous intent; and presence of a tormenting spirit or demon.
Suffering for His name's sake and prioritizing the Lord over everyone and everything else was a challenge the Lord used on many would be disciples such as in Luke 9:57-62 with three men in a row who apparently walked away after being challenged.
Jesus chose His 12 Apostles as Disciples carefully; the 11 who truly believed along with the 12th in the Book of Acts chosen would rule and reign with Christ someday ( Matthew 19:28). This would cost them their lives; however as martyrs except for John. A crown is promised for martyrs ( Rev. 2:10). Others are for pastors; those patiently waiting for His coming; evangelists; and apparently for self control. Many variations exist; let the reader study all passages
Your use of Matthew 7:14 is misinterpreted because TRUE, few will find The Way but what does finding the way have to do with Election? For Election is NOT about works (finding The Way), but Election is ALL about God Choosing! Look at Rom. Ch.11, the whole chapter. It's all about God "cutting off" His Chosen for the sake of those NOT chosen. There are two types of elect; there are those Chosen before the foundation of the world, Ephesians 1:4. And those chosen, only because His Chosen were "cut off"! Romans 11:11-12. The Jews (Hebrew) for the Gentile, the vessels of wrath for the vessels of mercy, Romans 9:21-23 and Christ for the world, Matthew 27:46. This is a Pattern, a plummet line, a way for us to "measure" the things of God.
Universalism! It's TRUTH. I'll do a quick overview to try to explain it. God will one day SAVE all His creatures, even the demons. Why you ask, actually why is easy because He is God and God is GOOD! How, is the more pertinent question. I'll start off by using the same scripture God opened my eyes with, Isaiah 45:23, and confirmed again in Romans 14:11. God has NEVER said a frivolous thing, ever! And if a person came up to us and said,"I have bowed my knee to God and confessed to Christ!" We, as messengers of truth would have to say, "Amen, welcome brother/sister!" The Key is Truthfulness, if this is done in Truth then it is done and has been done since The Cross of Christ. Therefore, we Understand that God said that He will bring it about, thus, if He brings it about then we can be SURE that it was done in TRUTH.
I'll try to answer as many questions as possible, the first was from Bro Dan and an astute point was made, namely, " Most will be to late, as it will be after they are dead, and standing before Jesus on Judgement Day." To this I point to, Psalms 139:7-12 and Romans 8:35-39. Proof that Nothing can stand in the way of God Almighty! I'll reveal another revelation that refutes the doctrine of demons, hell is NOT Eternal! Revelation 20:13-14 confirms this and we can see that those in hell will be Called before The White Throne of Judgment. This is important because we go there to see if our name is in The Lamb's Book of Life, the FACT that people that were in hell are there is Awesome because do you know who won't be there? Revelation 20:10-13. Notice how these are cast into the lake of fire BEFORE we are go to The Great White Throne. Can you see who else will not be there because they are Already judged? Revelation 19:20, them that receive the mark of the beast.
1 John 4:16 KJV
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
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.
Romans 6:16-23
16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
One can have all the enteral security they want, if they stayed secured. But not when they sin.
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
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.
Romans 6:16-23
16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
One can have all the enteral security they want, if they stayed secured. But not when they sin.
What is CHURCH doctrine?
It certainly is not what man teaches.
Christ is the CHURCH, you are either IN CHURCH (in Christ, in TRUTH) or you're not IN CHURCH, it has nothing to do with buildings made with the hands of men.
Revelation 21:22 And I saw no CHURCH therein (the Holy city): for the LORD God Almighty and the LAMB are the CHURCH .....
2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through subtilty, so your (carnal) minds should be corrupted FROM THE SIMPLICITY that is in Christ.
God Bless YOU!
Thank you for the kind reply.
I am so glad that your health has improved and that God does indeed hear our prayers for one another. It is a blessing to hear back from you about this past prayer request and how God answered your need.
Also, thanks for reading the commentary I have written as I am going along through the Pentateuch. I have just begun Deuteronomy this past week or so. I am taking it slow. Writing the commentary really helps me to digest what I am reading in Scripture. I may not always interpret a passage correctly, but I certainly am learning so much along the way. I love it when people do correct me on any errors I make in the commentary because I know how imperfect I am.
It is good to know that others are reading what I have written. My hope is that people will read the chapter I comment on and check to see if what I have said is sound or not. I hope these commentaries are helpful to those who take the time to read it, especially if they do open their Bible and read what I have commented on.
Bob, be blessed today. I am glad you remain with us on this forum. Many people who were here when I first came on in Nov. 2021 are no longer participating here. I pray for those I remember, knowing that God will lead them in the way they should go.
"In regards to Romans 14:11, here is the rule of reading scripture. Any verse in scripture must be interpreted within the context of the chapter wherein it is found, and the chapter wherein the book it is found, and that entire book within the scope of the entire bible.
Cherry-picking a single verse or a few verses from the Bible to support a theological theory or argument while ignoring the broader context of the scripture is often referred to as "proof-texting" or "proof-texting fallacy." This practice can be misleading because it doesn't take into account the full context, historical background, and intended meaning of the verses being cited. It can lead to a DISTORTION of the Bible's message and can be used to support almost any viewpoint when taken out of context. Responsible biblical interpretation involves considering the entirety of a passage, as well as the overall teachings and themes of the Bible, to arrive at a more accurate understanding of its theological implications."
Revelation 19:14 states: "and the armies in heaven, clothed in [b]fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses".
Revelation 2:26-27 says 26 "And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father."
Perhaps a reminder of the exhortation of 1 John 2:10 is needed at this point. "He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him." The next verse states the opposite state of a soul who hates his brother; that is being in darkness. We are adopted sons and daughters ( Ephesians 1:5 and many other verses) and part of something vastly bigger than ourselves. If we are saved we are no longer our own ( 1 Cor. 6:19) and bought with a price. Therefore our commission and omission of transgressions affects not only us but others in our midst as well; particularly true in regard to the body of Christ. Salvation itself; therefore in order to be genuine begins to give the true convert a sense of being "seated in heavenly places" ( Eph. 2:6). That verse shows how we are in that state together as well in the Body of Christ not just as individuals.
What matters to those who the Godhead dwells ( John 14:23) is the Lord's concerns. Note that keeping God's Word is a part of the verse indicating those who are truly possessed by the Holy Ghost. God gets all the glory and does all the work; but we are responsible to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Phillipians 2:12) demonstrating our inner heart through our outer actions and works. The persevering is part of God's work of sanctification; but of course we need to be demonstrating good works predestined for us to do from the foundation of the world ( Ephesians 2:10).
Agape
My previous post touched on church doctrine. These days we cannot have assurance that a literal hell is something that is taken seriously; or that only Christ is the way to eternal life. A catechism SHOULD state what a core belief is of such matters; if it is not being adhered to disciplinary action should be taken and if it is some spurious statement we have no business remaining there.
Many megachurches seem to want to cater to the nonbeliever and rather than aking them tremble at the fear of God and His presence they want to present Christianinty as something that fits into a music venue; social activities and other things that appeal to the flesh. Rather than making coming to Christ the beginning of a death sentence all the verses that Jesus spoke such as Matthew 10:22-24 and numerous other admonitions such as 1 Peter 4:12-19 have to be ignored with such techniques.
The prosperity gospel shouldn't have to be dissected to show the error; looking at the life of Christ and the Disciples should suffice to show it is utter rubbish. An honest assessment shows that leadership at such places doesn't want to lose parishioners; thus "filthy lucre" and the love of such things ( Titus 1:11) is a deadly vice. Sadly though we see others who are caught up in emotional sentimentality. It is easy of course to be convinced one's girlfriend or boyfriend will turn their affections to God since they show partiality to us. Making Christ appeal to youth with attractive women dressed in worldly apparel or cheap gimmicks will at best cause a few predestined to come to faith to wake up; just as someone who is in a congregation with false doctrines can hear enough of the true Word to be convicted; in other words despite the bad approach rather than because of it. But counting the cost of being a Disciple can't be ignored; as well as challenging those who would bring in error and restricting membership to those who truly believe