The function of the Trinity. The function of sanctification is how Christ works in us through the Spirit to complete dying to self and also to demonstrate that our new nature is indeed due to His Spirit something that will and must result in glorification. We see in this chastisement for His own and also Christ's intercession for us. God the Father without Christ's involvement would no doubt kill us immediately anytime we sinned in His presence and none of us would be able to live even a day after being saved (let alone if we aren't). God therefore always sees His Son in us if we are saved and His sacrifice is sufficient for us to eventually enter into glory. Understanding how intimately the whole Trinity is involved in our everyday existance helps us be sensitive to the mind of God and know Him better.
Man is in the image of God. Man; therefore can only act out what is more or less a true reflection of God's own emotions or act out a sinful way with emotions that are self centered. (see 2 Cor. 7:10).
Finally before we go any further a caveat: Clearly to define the manifestation of an aspect of expression of any member of the Trinity as "emotion" is lowering His Divinity to a level or denominator we can somewhat comprehend. It is a poor description of His reactions but I find no other word at present to make this conversation make sense. May the Spirit guide these posts and those who consider these things!
Our best example; of course is Christ Himself during His earthly ministry as to how we are to function with our own emotions on this earthly journey. It is of course more popular in today's church culture to point out His love and compassion (such as when He wept hearing of the death of Lazarus; or perhaps over Jerusalem right before the cross). His angry outbursts taking up a whole chapter in Matthew were always against a group of people not individuals; nonetheless were intense.
Scripture and the argument of God's "emotional tirades"
Introduction. In today's churches a problem with irreverent worship in emotionally charged services (often tied in with the Charismatic or Pentacostal movements) is at times contrasted with the stoic; dull styles of those of Reformed circles; or endless rituals of other denominations related to Catechisms; prayers or other regular events in such churches. It may be my imagination but it seems there has been no detailed study on God's emotions; let alone trying to discuss scriptures which appear He is conflicted; or seemingly changes course after His covenant promises are petitioned as a reason not to judge (such as the discourse with Moses when He asked to leave Him alone to wipe them out ( Deut. 9:14). I have heard occasional comments on the jealousy of God against those who would worship idols that are called out to be His people. This posting and likely several more postings will attempt to make a head on investigation while honoring God's perfect righteousness in all of His reactions.
My hope is that people will start to see God's reactions and be able to comprehend better that He is a living God. This will help us to be sensitive to grieving Him in the Spirit as well as when we are TRULY blessed by Him and not merely fooling ourselves.
I want to attempt to bring a clearer understanding of the function of the Godhead particularly between the Father and Son; as related to His Covenant promises and predestination.
Here are some key points which I will consider in more detail; Lord willing the next few posts.
Covenant. God throughout history has made covenants with man and the rest of creation; then later with Abraham and Isaac; then with the nation of Israel. God uses these to chastise His own or bless them depending on obedience or disobedience; but eventually will wreak total destruction on His enemies.
Worship: God is totally justified in seeking glory by exalting Himself.
3 All things were made by JESUS; and without JESUS was not any thing made that was made.
4 In JESUS was life; and the life was the Light of men.
5 And the Light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
Around 2000 years ago, The Word made flesh - the Word is GOD, self-executing - He said: My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. O yes, it still was the fourth GOD's Day, that is, around 4000 years after Adam, so GOD the Father still was working in His works by JESUS. Both are One, though two distincts Persons. By the way, No man hath seen GOD at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the BOSOM of the Father, He hath declared Him.
You said '(i.e. that Jesus was also a created Being) cannot also be the One 'through' Whom God created all things".
Based in your words the King James Version should or must change what is written in Hebrews 1:1-3, as follow:
1 GOD, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us BY HIS SON, whom GOD hath appointed heir of all things, by WHOM also He -GOD- made the worlds;
3 Who being the brightness of GOD's Glory, and the EXPRESS IMAGE of GOD's Person-the Word is GOD-, and upholding all things by the Word of His Power(Matt.28:18), when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:
Chris, see,
based in the everlasting Word of GOD, the Word is GOD, YOUR TESTIMONY of my Lord JESUS is false, it is fake.
Be careful, because even my Lord JESUS left very clear saying that "out of the heart proceed false witness, and blasphemies, evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts:
What matters and prevails is the Word of GOD,the Word is from everlasting to everlasting,the Word is GOD,self-executing.The Word -GOD-was made flesh around 2000 years ago or two GODs' Days ago,indeed it still was the fourth GOD's Day- Genesis 1:16-and He as the Greater Light said:My Father worketh hitherto,and I work-Jo. 5:17.Yes,GOD the Father still was working,it was still the fourth Day of His works.
The Word is a lamp unto my feet,and a light unto my path- Psalm 119:105 combined with 1Jo.1:5:This is the message which we have heard of Him,and declare unto you,that GOD is Light,and in Him is no darkness at all. And the Word made flesh said:I am come a Light into the world,that whosoever believes on me should not abide in darkness-Jo.12:46.JESUS also said to the Father in His prayer:Jo.17:7-8- ->7 Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou has given me are of thee. 8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gave me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee,and they have believed that thou did send me.
The testimony of JESUS is the Spirit of prophecy.By the way, Isaiah prophesied:For unto us a child is born,unto us a Son is given:and the government is upon His shoulder:His name shall be called Wonderful,Counsellor,The mighty God,The everlasting Father,The Prince of Peace.
JESUS said to the Father:All mine are thine,and thine are mine;and I am glorified in them.
And now come I to thee;and these things I speak in the world,that THEY(THE TRUE BELIEVERS) might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.Jo.17:10-13.
Jo.1:18-No man hath seen GOD at any time,the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father,He has declared Him.
Jo.14:8-9:-->8 Philip saith unto JESUS:Lord,show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.9 JESUS saith unto Philip:Have I been so long time with you, and yet has thou not known me,Philip?he that has seen me has seen the Father;and how say you then,Show us the Father?
Hi Chris: I don't wish to discuss the Sabbath in these threads. The only thing I can add is that, of course, Jesus was a part of the Godhead before he became God incarnate. Why would anyone want to think otherwise?? God Bless :)
The Major Prophets and Minor Prophets are terms used in the Old Testament to distinguish longer books of prophecy from shorter ones. It doesn't mean some prophets were of less worthiness then others. God Bless :)
Col 1:16, "For BY HIM were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created BY HIM, and for him:"
The grk for that "by him" is "en auto". The precise meaning of that is "in him". But here it takes the meaning "by him". That is why at the end of the verse Paul repeats :... created BY HIM (in grk di'autou), ..." The right translation of "di'autou" is "through him". So Paul uses both "in Him" and "through Him" for the same thing. He actually means "by Him"
Also see verse 14, "IN WHOM (in grk en o) we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:".
Why does Paul say "in whom" and not "by whom" or "from whom" or "through whom?"
See verse 20, "And, having made peace THROUGH(dia) the blood of his cross, BY HIM(di'autou) to reconcile all things unto himself; BY HIM(di'autou), I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven". As before in both cases the right translation is "through Him"
So again although Paul talks about the same thing, in verse 14 he says "in whom" and in verse 20 he says "through Him", in both verses meaning "by Him"
Probably when Paul is using the phrase "in Him", he means that everything takes place "in Jesus", which means that everything initiates and finishes inside Him who is the Alpha and the Omega, the Begining and the End of everything. Paul is actually very hard to understand sometimes, even by people of his time. GBU
I am so sorry about this terrible situation your wife's decision has caused. I will certainly keep you in my prayers.
Now you know that she wasn't "wife material" (as she put it) for you because of how disrespectfully and unloving her actions involved in the announcing of wanting a divorce and in refusing to speak with you. You are in a very painful place. may God bring healing to your heart, mind, and soul.
My son's first wife left him abruptly without any hint and refused to even talk to him about anything. she abandoned him and the marriage. As found out by my, she celebrated her one year anniversary with her present boyfriend on the exact day she left my son. She was not "wife material' for my son, since she was in adultery prior to leaving him. That was 10 years ago after 18 months of marriage and 6 years of dating. It took my son quite a while to be willing to date again. But God brought Vivian to him a year and a half ago, they married in July. She is a believer, unlike the prior wife, very kind and thoughtful, just like I prayed to God for such a wife for him.
I pray that God will prepare you for the life you will now live without her. It is a very sad situation and I know that you are hurting so much and most likely feel that she has stolen from you the life and future that you had with her, which she has.
What a harsh and selfish decision she has made concerning you.
But I know that God is with you, in you , and beside you as you walk forward in this life He has blessed you with. draw near to Him and trust Him no matter how you feel. Rely on Him for love, support, and peace.
"The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath./ Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath.( Mark 2:27-28) So what does Sabbath really mean?
First reference to it comes at the end of the creation account. The first day, second day and so on, and is not about a week, an error commonly made by Christians everywhere. It is about a day, the day appointed for the Son. God sent the Son as the Word become flesh, so the significance of Sabbath can only be understood from the ministry of reconciliation of Jesus Christ. "By him all things consist" makes the day, which God sanctified on the day seven is subservient to the position of the Son. He is the Lord of Sabbath. Day is sanctified by the word of truth.(John17:17)
Sabbath is rest to which He has entered. It is in pluperfect indicating His Will has already settled the Salvation Plan in his core Will. "And he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.(Ge.2:2)". "On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you ( John 14:20-NIV)". God exhorts us to reverence His sanctuary.
Abiding in Christ therefore is the Sabbath that works.(Heb.13:8).
"Six days work shall be done" Le.23:3. For the Israelites it was the work of human hands, toil of the beasts and fruits of the field that counted as work. Their literalism was such they would not see it as anything else. The fact is borne out in the question they asked Jesus. "What shall we do that we might be doing the works of God?"( John 6:27-28). God sent his only begotten Son on whom was his seal of approval and they rejected him. If the horse has bolted the stable why the nation belabor themselves with the act of scrubbing the stable floor? By the same token when God has cast them out why cause the odium of genocide from the world as we see it in our times, over the name Jerusalem that is instead being built in the heaven places? New Jerusalem is where a believer may enter in the rest of God and in his Son.
Sabbath serves as a sign. "That ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you"(Ex.31:17a.) the shadow of good things to come. It was a sign of sanctification, which, however did not good to the nation of Israel for want of faith. Moses pleading 'blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written' was ineffectual. He was the servant (He.3:1-3) and not Son whose offering was perfect. His Son who he shall send according to His will in the fullness of time, refreshed him. So He sanctifies the seventh day. "For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified (He.10:14)".
It is God who sanctifies and at His terms. God cannot deny his holiness, "And the Lord said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book".
"For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren(He.2:11).What Moses gave the nation of Israel was a shadow of good things to come.
The sin of the sons of God having relations with women ( Gen. 6:2) and the resulting hybrid offspring seems to be clear as written; although some take it as some symbolic event. People often try to make a spurious claim of these being offspring of Cain and ignore the fact that all mankind was judged at the flood except for Noah and his immediate family (who I would say Genesis 6:9 indicates that his seed wasn't corrupted as the rest of mankind when it mentions that he was "perfect in his generations")
Science seems to indicate several mass extinctions separated by aeons of time; the greatest of which I believe is stated to be in the Cambrian mass extinction event the better part of 1 billion years ago; and the later one wiping out the dinosaurs and other creatures some 65 million years or so. What it can't explain; of course is how undigested food is found in dinosaurs that were obviously frozen to death in mass graves along with other complexities where trees; and catastrophic destruction of trees and other evidence clearly indicating a mass inundation of flood waters. As I alluded to in the first post today there is more than ample evidence of giant and advanced structures (pyramids in various countries; Balbak (or however it is spelled) and other giant sized structure found in islands in the Mediterranean and elsewhere in the world such as Stonehenge which defy explanation as to how the stones were moved and how they were cut to reflect advanced technology and often tied in with regular astronomical events with the direction they are facing.
Christians at least up until recently have understood that man's evil resulted in collateral damage to the rest of creation which continues to groan up until today ( Romans 8:19-22). It would seem that the last evil Satan is going to bring to pass after the mass appeal of alternate sexual lifestyles is a merging with AI. This guarantees damnation as Revelation promises.
Intro. Many dive into the concept of evolution focusing on the history of men and animals; plants and all other things in creation but spend little time oon the future scriptural statements and its implications in having new bodies and eventually a new heaven and earth. Rebirth; of course begins at its "conception" when someone is born again ( John 3:16). This truth was emphasized with Christ's comments in Luke 5:23 and Matthew 9:5. Man's soul is part of God's creation but of course with human eyes we cannot perceive things clearly; and of course physical healings alone go against the 2nd law of thermodynamics which states things are in a perpetual state of decay which is of course as believers should understand an effect of the fall from the beginning.
Doubless Antichrist as the "self made man" who also will proclaim some novel form of divinity will be on display as a so called "evolutionary leap" for men to follow (doubtless accompanied by the infamous mark of the beast which will give some sort of promise of immortality it would seem to emulate the apparently "miraculous" restoration from assassination which he has).
Anyone with a pea sized brain of reason at that point could see that man's so called progress to a more "advanced species" has been; to say the least disastrous even ignoring all the past generations with the horror that will be occurring in the Tribulation.
Only man could be deluded enough to worship a created being over God and in the end attempt to fight God influenced by his "spirit brothers" that thrust him forth (the emissaries mentioned coming from the frog like demonic utterances and of course led by Satan; the Antichrist and False Prophet to their doom).
We need to remember that man made assumptions about so called "cave men" being of little intelligence goes against historical findings; and that the flood was a real event worldwide due to the utter depravity tied in with Genesis 6.
Fellowship of God with Man accepts whosoever receives Jesus Christ and for this reason he is the Word become flesh. It speaks of his humanity. The Word was with God makes his deity as eternal. 'Jesus Christ the same' etc., He.13:8 makes the Law of God in force even before the worlds began.(Is.55:11) Thus when God tells Israel "Ye shall do my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land in safety./ And the land shall yield her fruit, and ye shall eat your fill, and dwell therein in safety," was an exhortation for them to enter into His rest. (Le.25:18-21)
(See entry under E-end of the world)
Salvation Plan of God is Person Specific. God is a Spirit while Jesus Christ is the visible image of the Invisible God. "For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell." (Col.1:15,19) Soul of man corresponds with the Son aspect in Trinity. You have to love God with all your heart soul and might. It is what abiding in Christ would mean.
Discourse of Jesus on 'I am the true vine' illustrates it. Faith is what keeps the connection between two worlds of the body and of the Spirit abiding. "For without me you can do nothing." ( John 15:1-5) His fruits are his proof.
Jesus before his ascension warned his disciples not to figure out the end time by their intellect. It was set under divine seal of Authority (Ac.1:7).
"And he (God) rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made." Number Seven is not about week but Day in which days are counted in several multiples of seven.God's promise to Israel was conditional. They were to observe His commandments with whole heart and soul and might.(*'ye shall do my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them".)
"And ye shall dwell in the land in safety./ And the land shall yield her fruit, and ye shall eat your fill, and dwell therein in safety." Then Moses goes on to add, "And if ye shall say, What shall we eat the seventh year? behold, we shall not sow, nor gather in our increase./Then I will command my blessing upon you in the sixth year, and it shall bring forth fruit for three years."(Le.25:18-21). Significance of the number Three refers to the Son. When he said, 'My Father works hitherto and I also work explains the glory of the Word that the Spirit of Christ signifies. His work shall be done only when Christ Jesus announces, 'It is done.'(Re.21:6)
Jubilee of God redeeming the earth would mark the inauguration of new heaven and the earth. (see under N- numbers command/jubilee). The rest we are exhorted to enter corresponds with the rest, which under the Law of Moses was for two years. (He.4:11). The land belongs to God in this age or in the one to come.(Le.25:23)
*Coming back to the word of God, you shall keep my judgments in v.18 God exhorts them to keep His judgments as Christ in them did. His will is perfect and reckons no Israel or Gentile nations in his Son. His Fellowship with Man allows no further distinctions.
The book is an allegory of the church, which is personified in Esther, an orphan raised to exalted position and whose faith with works saves an entire nation from destruction. Mordecai is a type of Apostle who 'For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ."(2 Co.11:2)
Every believer who comes the Lord is an orphan in the sense he has rejected the hold of flesh and blood in order to do the will of God.(Matt.12:48-50). When Esther prepares herself to present herself unrequested into the presence of the king she risked certain death, But her faith with works made her acceptable to Christ. Prior to the great tribulation the left out church (The woman in the wilderness in Re.12) will stand in the breach and shall be sealed in place of the twelve tribes (Re.7:3-14)
Jesus told the Woman by the Well when she said We Worship in the Mountains and You Worship at Jerusalem. Basically He said, Throw that mess out the back door, throw Religion and Theology, Isms, Doctrines, man-made theories down the drain. And just Worship God in Spirit and Truth this is Whom He is seeking. Why does Man try to complicate things a child can understand. You can read this Bible to a Child and they will tell you what it says. But a Adult will have 10 different opinions. In Revelations 3 Vs. 7 - 10 . : Jesus said I open doors no Man can shut and shut doors no Man can open. He speaks of a Great Tribulation that will come upon not Europe, the Middle East, Israel but the whole World. And the Church at Philadelphia ( our time frame ) has been found faithful. And before all of the Events of the Plagues , Vials, Bowls, calamities even begin in the Book of Revelations. God tells the Church at Philadelphia He has set a Open Door for Them. A Escape Hatch, a Red Sea miracle. And what is that door ? It's called The Rapture. Its amazing to Me how little The Rapture is even being Preached about . I have a Message on Our Channel " Biscoe House of Mercy YouTube" titled " I Still Believe in The Rapture" . I would encourage People to watch it . Not because I'm on it . But because there's so much Scripture and Word Involved there. Line upon Line Precept Upon Precept Word upon Word.
I was reading the Comments made about John 3 V 13 . And how so many were implying that only Jesus has been to or ascended to Heaven. One comment said it's a double edged sword and basically said you got cut . But often common sense is neglected. Ephesians 4 V.9 :: Says before Christ Ascended He first Descended during the 3 days that Man thought He was dead from the cross. And what did He do ? He took Captivity Captive. He emptied out the Paradise section in the Heart of the Earth . Everyone from Adam to the Thief on the Cross who said Remember Me , every righteous Saint of every generation. And took them where ? He ascended with Them. He took Them to the 3rd Heaven. Now when a Born again Believer dies . We don't have to go down into a gulf between the TORMENTS of Hell and Paradise in the Center of the Earth. Now We can go directly to be with Jesus. I think it's time to shout some !! If You want to lay in the ground or hang around here , then have at it. Whether by Rapture or Death I plan on being in Heaven.
6And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude,and as the voice of many waters,and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying,Alleluia:for the Lord GOD Omnipotent reigneth.
9And he saith unto me, Write,Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb...
10And I fell at his feet to worship him.And he said unto me,See thou do it not:I am thy fellowservant,and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus:worship GOD:for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Angel? Numbers 9-31:
And GOD came unto Balaam,and said,What men are these with thee?
10Balaam said unto GOD, Balak the son of Zippor,king of Moab, hath sent unto me,saying,
11Behold,there is a people come out of Egypt,which covers the face of the earth:come now,curse me them;peradventure I shall be able to overcome them,and drive them out.
12And GOD said unto Balaam,You shalt not go with them;You shalt not curse the people:for they are blessed.
13And Balaam rose up in the morning,and said unto the princes of Balak,Get you into your land: the Lord refuses to give me leave to go with you.
15And Balak sent yet again princes more honourable than they.
16And they came to Balaam,and said:Thus says Balak the son of Zippor,Let nothing,I pray thee,hinder thee from coming unto me:
17I will promote thee unto very great honour,and I will do whatsoever you say unto me:come therefore,I pray thee,curse me this people.
18And Balaam said unto the servants of Balak,If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold,I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord my GOD,to do less or more.
22And GOD's anger was kindled because he went:and the angel of the Lord stood in the way for an adversary against him...
26The angel of the Lord went further,and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left.
31Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam,and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way,and his Sword drawn in his hand:..
What my Lord JESUS said is that ' they which shall be accounted WORTHY to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels (Example: Genesis 19:1-4. Take a look); and are the children of GOD, being the children of the resurrection.
And Paul Apostle revealed: Philippians 3:20-21:
20 For our conversation is in heaven(heaven? Ephesians 1:3-8. Take a look. Are you in heaven or not? Or you don't know?); from whence also WE LOOK for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
21 Who shall CHANGE OUR VILE BOVY(this is not a magic, this is a process, it is(will be) worked) that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the WORKING whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto Himself.
And Paul said more: 1 Corinthians 15:24-27 and 51-55:
24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the Kingdom to GOD( Revelation 11:15-18), even the Father; when he shall have PUT DOWN ALL RULE AND ALL AUTHORITY and POWER.
25 For JESUS must reign, till He hath put all enemies under His feet.
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
51 Behold, I shew you a MYSTERY; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all BE CHANGED, (not by magic, but a process)
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye (in the last seven years of the world of Devil- Revelation 11:15 and 18.Take a look), at the last Trump ( 1Thessalonians 4:16 combined with Daniel 12:1-3.Take a look):for the Trumpet shall sound( Revelation 11:15) and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
The Ortodox believe in the post trib rapture. They don't use the term "the rapture of the saints" but always talk about "the 2nd presence of Christ". Also they believe that the millenium is a figurative period of time which actually started when Jesus ascended to Heaven and will finish at the White Throne Judgement. All events described in that millenium are figurative for what is occuring from Jesus' time till the very end.
About St Gregory the Theologian I don't know what he tought. But from what I read in your comment I tend to think that probably what he had in mind is what Paul tells us in Rom 819-23, "19For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
20For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
21Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
22For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
23And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body"
I have to point out that the grk doesn't say "creature" but "creation" in all the above verses. And all interpretations I have read so far is that it means the whole creation, everything that has been created, the whole world, land, living beings, everything.
Which leaves me to think that the creation which is now in decay/corruption/wear will be libarated at that time, probably meaning that everything will be in a glorified stable condition in the new earth we will be living on. And I believe that "the blood and flesh" is for people, not for the rest of material creation.
About "deification" I don't want to say any opinion, I am very sceptical about it, This is actually something it is never discussed in my church.
St. Gregory the Theologian says that we are fully involved with the material creation by virtue of our physical existence, and that the material created reality is deeply involved with us. If we move to the direction of deification, our human nature, progressing towards God, will somehow carry the created material world with it. Quoted from article from website Orthodox Church of America (oca.org on orthodoxy section/the-orthodox-faith)
This seems to be contradictory to the statement that flesh and blood can't enter the Kingdom of God but I suppose it could fit in if they actually believed in a Rapture event of the living (which I doubt they do unless a Post Millennial event).
We can understand what it meant by double portion that Elisha received by keeping his mentor in sights while he ascended. One portion was the spirit of Christ with which Elijah served God; God had set him three tasks which Elisha completed from where Elijah had left off; the second portion was on his own right as the double for the Son. It pleased the Father that in Jesus should all his fulness dwell. So Elisha and Elijah's service was made perfect in the Son. So there are no minor or major prophets as some Bible Scholars seem to divide God's servants. All are absorbed in the single measure of Jesus Christ as the Man component in the Fellowship of God with Man.
I started my post quoting Esther 5:1 and making some important highlights, and I wrote: "1Now it came to pass on the third day(see John 2:19),that Esther put on her royal apparel(see Revelation19:7-8)and stood in the inner court of the king's house over against the king's house(ref. Revelation 11:2),and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house,over against the gate of the house.
The main point of my post is the comparison with the true Church of the Lord JESUS-the body of JESUS Christ- the current Temple of GOD in this current Covenant, so, we must discern that we are in the beginning of the first century of the 3rd Day (2024 AD), that is in the turn exactly from the sixth to the seventh and last GOD's Day.
Well, JESUS promised to rise up the Temple in the 3rd Day-the Temple of GOD-the Church of the Lord- John 2:19. And exactly from now on, from this same wonderful moment, "let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife must made herself ready". Revelation 19:8 says propheticaly: And to her -to the Church of the Lord- His body- was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. The Word is GOD, self-executing, understand?
Furthermore, JESUS is already sat on His Throne, as it is described in Revelation chapters 4 and 5, and GOD the Father is already in His rest as He planned to do since the beginning, it in the exactly and current seventh Day. And he sais: Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. These are the true sayings of GOD.
The Word is GOD, self-executing
Be careful and get ready - Matthew 25:6-12 will LTERALLY fulfill itself.
In the previous post "Single Measurement" the quote "Saints redeemed from the earth are interchangeable because new earth knows no John or Andrew but is under the generic name an angel." explains this phenomenon. God has decreed the day for his Son and it pleased him that all his fulness should in him dwell. Who was Elijah but a double for the Son? As a Tishbite he shall show certain characteristics before his death. Elijah the Tishbite came from Gilead. Before giving charge to Elisha he goes through Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho and Jordan, signifying from his cradle to 'crossing the Jordan' euphemism for death. Elisha sticks close to him all the while. As his associate he was his double through the word of God and ministry for the other. By principle of Association all are co-heirs with Christ the firstborn of all creation." But Jesus is associated with Nazareth but as the Son he reveals his own signature to the body of evidence as the Word become flesh. On the cross, "And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost."( Luke 23:46)
This every one who is called has his own characteristics, of his place and time but in terms of the will of the Father he had adopted them all without exception on the basis each one has become part of the single measure which is his Son, the Man component.
Elisha doubles for Elijah his mentor who was given three tasks (1 Ki.19:15-16) which are in a flux and Elisha completes them. In terms of the works they were bonded into the service of God, the older setting the events in motion while the younger finishes the job as done. This is a kangaroo Association as we see the Gospel of God becomes Gospel of Christ in the Son of man.
(See entry under D-Day)
The Spirit sets the two prophets in the narrative to give us an insight into the manner God created the heaven and the earth in the beginning, which are accomplished by the Son in the end times. Time delineating the beginning and ending is reconstituted Time so the Day of creation (Ge.2:4) are not to be confused by earth time. Consequently double portion of Elijah's spirit going to Elisha must be seen analogous to God the Spirit becoming the Spirit of Christ. The same Spirit but shades of meaning based on Truth changing focus. Thus we consider God as the Father of mercies as far as holiness is considered but when we speak of salvation offered through the Son we know it as grace and truth. Consequently worshipping God in spirit in truth the emphasis is on obedience the Son set as an example.
Spirit of Christ speaks of the word that has gone forth from from God the Father (Is.55:11). It has its glory when Prophet Elijah raises the dead son of the widow of Zarephath (1 Ki.17) and Elisha in his day restores to life the son of the woman of Shunem. (2 Ki.4). Both prophets by faith prove what God had begun and shall be fulfilled in his Son. Jesus in his day restores life of the widow's son in Nain. All these are done in different times and place. The power of the word that the Spirit of Christ signifies is Alpha and Omega aspect of Jesus Christ.
Elijah the Tishbite came from Gilead. Before giving charge to Elisha he goes through Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho and Jordan, signifying from his cradle to 'crossing the Jordan' euphemism for death.
I suppose a question thread isn't kosher with a sequel. Anyway; there are many scriptures that can be used to point out each part of the TULIP acronym; for instance T-Total Depravity We could quote Jeremiah 17:9; O-Unconditional Election ( Ephesians 1:4); L-Limited Atonement ( John 10:26-27); I-Irresistable Grace ( Acts 9:3-6 the "Damascus Road" experience) and finally P-Perseverance of the Saints ( Romans 8:30).
Many of these themes are interchangeable with the verses quoted. The terminology isn't the greatest; as people can indeed grieve the Spirit as scripture indicates. I believe limited atonement is also the hardest thing to prove; I would say that "Effectual grace" is a much better term.
I wrote what I did in the first posting on purpose as many tend to have a sort of pride about which Reformer is their favorite or obsess on the subject making a doctrine be above the author and finisher of our faith Christ Himself. We can't fit our theological premise neatly with all scriptures in human understanding. I take; for example the politically incorrect stance that free will doesn't intimidate God with His predestination plans. There are distinct advantages to understanding these doctrines however.
1. It explains why those in our families and others we are close to and hear the Gospel for years never become believers.
2. It shows how God draws His elect from before a confession of faith (preserves our lives until coming to salvation) for believers.
3. It allows us to "test ourselves to see if we are in the faith" ( 2 Cor. 13:5) so that we can indeed claim His promises as something we actually possess because of a saving faith rather than "decisional regeneration" a term where people make a confession but their hearts are not in it.
I mentioned on an old posting how a small group split because God grants repentance ( 2 Tim. 2:25; etal). Some didn't want to preach the need to repent; although God grants the desire we must bear fruit and change our ways
More major points to consider
The function of the Trinity. The function of sanctification is how Christ works in us through the Spirit to complete dying to self and also to demonstrate that our new nature is indeed due to His Spirit something that will and must result in glorification. We see in this chastisement for His own and also Christ's intercession for us. God the Father without Christ's involvement would no doubt kill us immediately anytime we sinned in His presence and none of us would be able to live even a day after being saved (let alone if we aren't). God therefore always sees His Son in us if we are saved and His sacrifice is sufficient for us to eventually enter into glory. Understanding how intimately the whole Trinity is involved in our everyday existance helps us be sensitive to the mind of God and know Him better.
Man is in the image of God. Man; therefore can only act out what is more or less a true reflection of God's own emotions or act out a sinful way with emotions that are self centered. (see 2 Cor. 7:10).
Finally before we go any further a caveat: Clearly to define the manifestation of an aspect of expression of any member of the Trinity as "emotion" is lowering His Divinity to a level or denominator we can somewhat comprehend. It is a poor description of His reactions but I find no other word at present to make this conversation make sense. May the Spirit guide these posts and those who consider these things!
Our best example; of course is Christ Himself during His earthly ministry as to how we are to function with our own emotions on this earthly journey. It is of course more popular in today's church culture to point out His love and compassion (such as when He wept hearing of the death of Lazarus; or perhaps over Jerusalem right before the cross). His angry outbursts taking up a whole chapter in Matthew were always against a group of people not individuals; nonetheless were intense.
Introduction. In today's churches a problem with irreverent worship in emotionally charged services (often tied in with the Charismatic or Pentacostal movements) is at times contrasted with the stoic; dull styles of those of Reformed circles; or endless rituals of other denominations related to Catechisms; prayers or other regular events in such churches. It may be my imagination but it seems there has been no detailed study on God's emotions; let alone trying to discuss scriptures which appear He is conflicted; or seemingly changes course after His covenant promises are petitioned as a reason not to judge (such as the discourse with Moses when He asked to leave Him alone to wipe them out ( Deut. 9:14). I have heard occasional comments on the jealousy of God against those who would worship idols that are called out to be His people. This posting and likely several more postings will attempt to make a head on investigation while honoring God's perfect righteousness in all of His reactions.
My hope is that people will start to see God's reactions and be able to comprehend better that He is a living God. This will help us to be sensitive to grieving Him in the Spirit as well as when we are TRULY blessed by Him and not merely fooling ourselves.
I want to attempt to bring a clearer understanding of the function of the Godhead particularly between the Father and Son; as related to His Covenant promises and predestination.
Here are some key points which I will consider in more detail; Lord willing the next few posts.
Covenant. God throughout history has made covenants with man and the rest of creation; then later with Abraham and Isaac; then with the nation of Israel. God uses these to chastise His own or bless them depending on obedience or disobedience; but eventually will wreak total destruction on His enemies.
Worship: God is totally justified in seeking glory by exalting Himself.
More 2 come
John 1:3-5
3 All things were made by JESUS; and without JESUS was not any thing made that was made.
4 In JESUS was life; and the life was the Light of men.
5 And the Light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
Around 2000 years ago, The Word made flesh - the Word is GOD, self-executing - He said: My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. O yes, it still was the fourth GOD's Day, that is, around 4000 years after Adam, so GOD the Father still was working in His works by JESUS. Both are One, though two distincts Persons. By the way, No man hath seen GOD at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the BOSOM of the Father, He hath declared Him.
Maybe He still has not declared Him for you.
You said '(i.e. that Jesus was also a created Being) cannot also be the One 'through' Whom God created all things".
Based in your words the King James Version should or must change what is written in Hebrews 1:1-3, as follow:
1 GOD, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us BY HIS SON, whom GOD hath appointed heir of all things, by WHOM also He -GOD- made the worlds;
3 Who being the brightness of GOD's Glory, and the EXPRESS IMAGE of GOD's Person-the Word is GOD-, and upholding all things by the Word of His Power(Matt.28:18), when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:
Chris, see,
based in the everlasting Word of GOD, the Word is GOD, YOUR TESTIMONY of my Lord JESUS is false, it is fake.
Be careful, because even my Lord JESUS left very clear saying that "out of the heart proceed false witness, and blasphemies, evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts:
Be careful or else get ready
The Word is a lamp unto my feet,and a light unto my path- Psalm 119:105 combined with 1Jo.1:5:This is the message which we have heard of Him,and declare unto you,that GOD is Light,and in Him is no darkness at all. And the Word made flesh said:I am come a Light into the world,that whosoever believes on me should not abide in darkness-Jo.12:46.JESUS also said to the Father in His prayer:Jo.17:7-8- ->7 Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou has given me are of thee. 8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gave me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee,and they have believed that thou did send me.
The testimony of JESUS is the Spirit of prophecy.By the way, Isaiah prophesied:For unto us a child is born,unto us a Son is given:and the government is upon His shoulder:His name shall be called Wonderful,Counsellor,The mighty God,The everlasting Father,The Prince of Peace.
JESUS said to the Father:All mine are thine,and thine are mine;and I am glorified in them.
And now come I to thee;and these things I speak in the world,that THEY(THE TRUE BELIEVERS) might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.Jo.17:10-13.
Jo.1:18-No man hath seen GOD at any time,the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father,He has declared Him.
Jo.14:8-9:-->8 Philip saith unto JESUS:Lord,show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.9 JESUS saith unto Philip:Have I been so long time with you, and yet has thou not known me,Philip?he that has seen me has seen the Father;and how say you then,Show us the Father?
I and my Father are one-Jo.10:30
Col 1:16, "For BY HIM were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created BY HIM, and for him:"
The grk for that "by him" is "en auto". The precise meaning of that is "in him". But here it takes the meaning "by him". That is why at the end of the verse Paul repeats :... created BY HIM (in grk di'autou), ..." The right translation of "di'autou" is "through him". So Paul uses both "in Him" and "through Him" for the same thing. He actually means "by Him"
Also see verse 14, "IN WHOM (in grk en o) we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:".
Why does Paul say "in whom" and not "by whom" or "from whom" or "through whom?"
See verse 20, "And, having made peace THROUGH(dia) the blood of his cross, BY HIM(di'autou) to reconcile all things unto himself; BY HIM(di'autou), I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven". As before in both cases the right translation is "through Him"
So again although Paul talks about the same thing, in verse 14 he says "in whom" and in verse 20 he says "through Him", in both verses meaning "by Him"
Probably when Paul is using the phrase "in Him", he means that everything takes place "in Jesus", which means that everything initiates and finishes inside Him who is the Alpha and the Omega, the Begining and the End of everything. Paul is actually very hard to understand sometimes, even by people of his time. GBU
I am so sorry about this terrible situation your wife's decision has caused. I will certainly keep you in my prayers.
Now you know that she wasn't "wife material" (as she put it) for you because of how disrespectfully and unloving her actions involved in the announcing of wanting a divorce and in refusing to speak with you. You are in a very painful place. may God bring healing to your heart, mind, and soul.
My son's first wife left him abruptly without any hint and refused to even talk to him about anything. she abandoned him and the marriage. As found out by my, she celebrated her one year anniversary with her present boyfriend on the exact day she left my son. She was not "wife material' for my son, since she was in adultery prior to leaving him. That was 10 years ago after 18 months of marriage and 6 years of dating. It took my son quite a while to be willing to date again. But God brought Vivian to him a year and a half ago, they married in July. She is a believer, unlike the prior wife, very kind and thoughtful, just like I prayed to God for such a wife for him.
I pray that God will prepare you for the life you will now live without her. It is a very sad situation and I know that you are hurting so much and most likely feel that she has stolen from you the life and future that you had with her, which she has.
What a harsh and selfish decision she has made concerning you.
But I know that God is with you, in you , and beside you as you walk forward in this life He has blessed you with. draw near to Him and trust Him no matter how you feel. Rely on Him for love, support, and peace.
"The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath./ Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath.( Mark 2:27-28) So what does Sabbath really mean?
First reference to it comes at the end of the creation account. The first day, second day and so on, and is not about a week, an error commonly made by Christians everywhere. It is about a day, the day appointed for the Son. God sent the Son as the Word become flesh, so the significance of Sabbath can only be understood from the ministry of reconciliation of Jesus Christ. "By him all things consist" makes the day, which God sanctified on the day seven is subservient to the position of the Son. He is the Lord of Sabbath. Day is sanctified by the word of truth.(John17:17)
Sabbath is rest to which He has entered. It is in pluperfect indicating His Will has already settled the Salvation Plan in his core Will. "And he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.(Ge.2:2)". "On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you ( John 14:20-NIV)". God exhorts us to reverence His sanctuary.
Abiding in Christ therefore is the Sabbath that works.(Heb.13:8).
"Six days work shall be done" Le.23:3. For the Israelites it was the work of human hands, toil of the beasts and fruits of the field that counted as work. Their literalism was such they would not see it as anything else. The fact is borne out in the question they asked Jesus. "What shall we do that we might be doing the works of God?"( John 6:27-28). God sent his only begotten Son on whom was his seal of approval and they rejected him. If the horse has bolted the stable why the nation belabor themselves with the act of scrubbing the stable floor? By the same token when God has cast them out why cause the odium of genocide from the world as we see it in our times, over the name Jerusalem that is instead being built in the heaven places? New Jerusalem is where a believer may enter in the rest of God and in his Son.
Sabbath serves as a sign. "That ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you"(Ex.31:17a.) the shadow of good things to come. It was a sign of sanctification, which, however did not good to the nation of Israel for want of faith. Moses pleading 'blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written' was ineffectual. He was the servant (He.3:1-3) and not Son whose offering was perfect. His Son who he shall send according to His will in the fullness of time, refreshed him. So He sanctifies the seventh day. "For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified (He.10:14)".
It is God who sanctifies and at His terms. God cannot deny his holiness, "And the Lord said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book".
"For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren(He.2:11).What Moses gave the nation of Israel was a shadow of good things to come.
The sin of the sons of God having relations with women ( Gen. 6:2) and the resulting hybrid offspring seems to be clear as written; although some take it as some symbolic event. People often try to make a spurious claim of these being offspring of Cain and ignore the fact that all mankind was judged at the flood except for Noah and his immediate family (who I would say Genesis 6:9 indicates that his seed wasn't corrupted as the rest of mankind when it mentions that he was "perfect in his generations")
Science seems to indicate several mass extinctions separated by aeons of time; the greatest of which I believe is stated to be in the Cambrian mass extinction event the better part of 1 billion years ago; and the later one wiping out the dinosaurs and other creatures some 65 million years or so. What it can't explain; of course is how undigested food is found in dinosaurs that were obviously frozen to death in mass graves along with other complexities where trees; and catastrophic destruction of trees and other evidence clearly indicating a mass inundation of flood waters. As I alluded to in the first post today there is more than ample evidence of giant and advanced structures (pyramids in various countries; Balbak (or however it is spelled) and other giant sized structure found in islands in the Mediterranean and elsewhere in the world such as Stonehenge which defy explanation as to how the stones were moved and how they were cut to reflect advanced technology and often tied in with regular astronomical events with the direction they are facing.
Christians at least up until recently have understood that man's evil resulted in collateral damage to the rest of creation which continues to groan up until today ( Romans 8:19-22). It would seem that the last evil Satan is going to bring to pass after the mass appeal of alternate sexual lifestyles is a merging with AI. This guarantees damnation as Revelation promises.
Intro. Many dive into the concept of evolution focusing on the history of men and animals; plants and all other things in creation but spend little time oon the future scriptural statements and its implications in having new bodies and eventually a new heaven and earth. Rebirth; of course begins at its "conception" when someone is born again ( John 3:16). This truth was emphasized with Christ's comments in Luke 5:23 and Matthew 9:5. Man's soul is part of God's creation but of course with human eyes we cannot perceive things clearly; and of course physical healings alone go against the 2nd law of thermodynamics which states things are in a perpetual state of decay which is of course as believers should understand an effect of the fall from the beginning.
Doubless Antichrist as the "self made man" who also will proclaim some novel form of divinity will be on display as a so called "evolutionary leap" for men to follow (doubtless accompanied by the infamous mark of the beast which will give some sort of promise of immortality it would seem to emulate the apparently "miraculous" restoration from assassination which he has).
Anyone with a pea sized brain of reason at that point could see that man's so called progress to a more "advanced species" has been; to say the least disastrous even ignoring all the past generations with the horror that will be occurring in the Tribulation.
Only man could be deluded enough to worship a created being over God and in the end attempt to fight God influenced by his "spirit brothers" that thrust him forth (the emissaries mentioned coming from the frog like demonic utterances and of course led by Satan; the Antichrist and False Prophet to their doom).
We need to remember that man made assumptions about so called "cave men" being of little intelligence goes against historical findings; and that the flood was a real event worldwide due to the utter depravity tied in with Genesis 6.
Fellowship of God with Man accepts whosoever receives Jesus Christ and for this reason he is the Word become flesh. It speaks of his humanity. The Word was with God makes his deity as eternal. 'Jesus Christ the same' etc., He.13:8 makes the Law of God in force even before the worlds began.(Is.55:11) Thus when God tells Israel "Ye shall do my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land in safety./ And the land shall yield her fruit, and ye shall eat your fill, and dwell therein in safety," was an exhortation for them to enter into His rest. (Le.25:18-21)
(See entry under E-end of the world)
Salvation Plan of God is Person Specific. God is a Spirit while Jesus Christ is the visible image of the Invisible God. "For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell." (Col.1:15,19) Soul of man corresponds with the Son aspect in Trinity. You have to love God with all your heart soul and might. It is what abiding in Christ would mean.
Discourse of Jesus on 'I am the true vine' illustrates it. Faith is what keeps the connection between two worlds of the body and of the Spirit abiding. "For without me you can do nothing." ( John 15:1-5) His fruits are his proof.
Jesus before his ascension warned his disciples not to figure out the end time by their intellect. It was set under divine seal of Authority (Ac.1:7).
"And he (God) rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made." Number Seven is not about week but Day in which days are counted in several multiples of seven.God's promise to Israel was conditional. They were to observe His commandments with whole heart and soul and might.(*'ye shall do my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them".)
"And ye shall dwell in the land in safety./ And the land shall yield her fruit, and ye shall eat your fill, and dwell therein in safety." Then Moses goes on to add, "And if ye shall say, What shall we eat the seventh year? behold, we shall not sow, nor gather in our increase./Then I will command my blessing upon you in the sixth year, and it shall bring forth fruit for three years."(Le.25:18-21). Significance of the number Three refers to the Son. When he said, 'My Father works hitherto and I also work explains the glory of the Word that the Spirit of Christ signifies. His work shall be done only when Christ Jesus announces, 'It is done.'(Re.21:6)
Jubilee of God redeeming the earth would mark the inauguration of new heaven and the earth. (see under N- numbers command/jubilee). The rest we are exhorted to enter corresponds with the rest, which under the Law of Moses was for two years. (He.4:11). The land belongs to God in this age or in the one to come.(Le.25:23)
*Coming back to the word of God, you shall keep my judgments in v.18 God exhorts them to keep His judgments as Christ in them did. His will is perfect and reckons no Israel or Gentile nations in his Son. His Fellowship with Man allows no further distinctions.
The book is an allegory of the church, which is personified in Esther, an orphan raised to exalted position and whose faith with works saves an entire nation from destruction. Mordecai is a type of Apostle who 'For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ."(2 Co.11:2)
Every believer who comes the Lord is an orphan in the sense he has rejected the hold of flesh and blood in order to do the will of God.(Matt.12:48-50). When Esther prepares herself to present herself unrequested into the presence of the king she risked certain death, But her faith with works made her acceptable to Christ. Prior to the great tribulation the left out church (The woman in the wilderness in Re.12) will stand in the breach and shall be sealed in place of the twelve tribes (Re.7:3-14)
Reverend Michael Ray Dorsey
Reverend Michael Ray Dorsey
6And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude,and as the voice of many waters,and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying,Alleluia:for the Lord GOD Omnipotent reigneth.
9And he saith unto me, Write,Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb...
10And I fell at his feet to worship him.And he said unto me,See thou do it not:I am thy fellowservant,and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus:worship GOD:for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Angel? Numbers 9-31:
And GOD came unto Balaam,and said,What men are these with thee?
10Balaam said unto GOD, Balak the son of Zippor,king of Moab, hath sent unto me,saying,
11Behold,there is a people come out of Egypt,which covers the face of the earth:come now,curse me them;peradventure I shall be able to overcome them,and drive them out.
12And GOD said unto Balaam,You shalt not go with them;You shalt not curse the people:for they are blessed.
13And Balaam rose up in the morning,and said unto the princes of Balak,Get you into your land: the Lord refuses to give me leave to go with you.
15And Balak sent yet again princes more honourable than they.
16And they came to Balaam,and said:Thus says Balak the son of Zippor,Let nothing,I pray thee,hinder thee from coming unto me:
17I will promote thee unto very great honour,and I will do whatsoever you say unto me:come therefore,I pray thee,curse me this people.
18And Balaam said unto the servants of Balak,If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold,I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord my GOD,to do less or more.
22And GOD's anger was kindled because he went:and the angel of the Lord stood in the way for an adversary against him...
26The angel of the Lord went further,and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left.
31Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam,and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way,and his Sword drawn in his hand:..
What my Lord JESUS said is that ' they which shall be accounted WORTHY to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels (Example: Genesis 19:1-4. Take a look); and are the children of GOD, being the children of the resurrection.
And Paul Apostle revealed: Philippians 3:20-21:
20 For our conversation is in heaven(heaven? Ephesians 1:3-8. Take a look. Are you in heaven or not? Or you don't know?); from whence also WE LOOK for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
21 Who shall CHANGE OUR VILE BOVY(this is not a magic, this is a process, it is(will be) worked) that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the WORKING whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto Himself.
And Paul said more: 1 Corinthians 15:24-27 and 51-55:
24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the Kingdom to GOD( Revelation 11:15-18), even the Father; when he shall have PUT DOWN ALL RULE AND ALL AUTHORITY and POWER.
25 For JESUS must reign, till He hath put all enemies under His feet.
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
51 Behold, I shew you a MYSTERY; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all BE CHANGED, (not by magic, but a process)
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye (in the last seven years of the world of Devil- Revelation 11:15 and 18.Take a look), at the last Trump ( 1Thessalonians 4:16 combined with Daniel 12:1-3.Take a look):for the Trumpet shall sound( Revelation 11:15) and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
The Ortodox believe in the post trib rapture. They don't use the term "the rapture of the saints" but always talk about "the 2nd presence of Christ". Also they believe that the millenium is a figurative period of time which actually started when Jesus ascended to Heaven and will finish at the White Throne Judgement. All events described in that millenium are figurative for what is occuring from Jesus' time till the very end.
About St Gregory the Theologian I don't know what he tought. But from what I read in your comment I tend to think that probably what he had in mind is what Paul tells us in Rom 819-23, "19For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
20For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
21Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
22For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
23And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body"
I have to point out that the grk doesn't say "creature" but "creation" in all the above verses. And all interpretations I have read so far is that it means the whole creation, everything that has been created, the whole world, land, living beings, everything.
Which leaves me to think that the creation which is now in decay/corruption/wear will be libarated at that time, probably meaning that everything will be in a glorified stable condition in the new earth we will be living on. And I believe that "the blood and flesh" is for people, not for the rest of material creation.
About "deification" I don't want to say any opinion, I am very sceptical about it, This is actually something it is never discussed in my church.
God Bless.
This seems to be contradictory to the statement that flesh and blood can't enter the Kingdom of God but I suppose it could fit in if they actually believed in a Rapture event of the living (which I doubt they do unless a Post Millennial event).
Thank you for your reply.
I started my post quoting Esther 5:1 and making some important highlights, and I wrote: "1Now it came to pass on the third day(see John 2:19),that Esther put on her royal apparel(see Revelation19:7-8)and stood in the inner court of the king's house over against the king's house(ref. Revelation 11:2),and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house,over against the gate of the house.
The main point of my post is the comparison with the true Church of the Lord JESUS-the body of JESUS Christ- the current Temple of GOD in this current Covenant, so, we must discern that we are in the beginning of the first century of the 3rd Day (2024 AD), that is in the turn exactly from the sixth to the seventh and last GOD's Day.
Well, JESUS promised to rise up the Temple in the 3rd Day-the Temple of GOD-the Church of the Lord- John 2:19. And exactly from now on, from this same wonderful moment, "let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife must made herself ready". Revelation 19:8 says propheticaly: And to her -to the Church of the Lord- His body- was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. The Word is GOD, self-executing, understand?
Furthermore, JESUS is already sat on His Throne, as it is described in Revelation chapters 4 and 5, and GOD the Father is already in His rest as He planned to do since the beginning, it in the exactly and current seventh Day. And he sais: Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. These are the true sayings of GOD.
The Word is GOD, self-executing
Be careful and get ready - Matthew 25:6-12 will LTERALLY fulfill itself.
In the previous post "Single Measurement" the quote "Saints redeemed from the earth are interchangeable because new earth knows no John or Andrew but is under the generic name an angel." explains this phenomenon. God has decreed the day for his Son and it pleased him that all his fulness should in him dwell. Who was Elijah but a double for the Son? As a Tishbite he shall show certain characteristics before his death. Elijah the Tishbite came from Gilead. Before giving charge to Elisha he goes through Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho and Jordan, signifying from his cradle to 'crossing the Jordan' euphemism for death. Elisha sticks close to him all the while. As his associate he was his double through the word of God and ministry for the other. By principle of Association all are co-heirs with Christ the firstborn of all creation." But Jesus is associated with Nazareth but as the Son he reveals his own signature to the body of evidence as the Word become flesh. On the cross, "And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost."( Luke 23:46)
This every one who is called has his own characteristics, of his place and time but in terms of the will of the Father he had adopted them all without exception on the basis each one has become part of the single measure which is his Son, the Man component.
Elisha doubles for Elijah his mentor who was given three tasks (1 Ki.19:15-16) which are in a flux and Elisha completes them. In terms of the works they were bonded into the service of God, the older setting the events in motion while the younger finishes the job as done. This is a kangaroo Association as we see the Gospel of God becomes Gospel of Christ in the Son of man.
(See entry under D-Day)
The Spirit sets the two prophets in the narrative to give us an insight into the manner God created the heaven and the earth in the beginning, which are accomplished by the Son in the end times. Time delineating the beginning and ending is reconstituted Time so the Day of creation (Ge.2:4) are not to be confused by earth time. Consequently double portion of Elijah's spirit going to Elisha must be seen analogous to God the Spirit becoming the Spirit of Christ. The same Spirit but shades of meaning based on Truth changing focus. Thus we consider God as the Father of mercies as far as holiness is considered but when we speak of salvation offered through the Son we know it as grace and truth. Consequently worshipping God in spirit in truth the emphasis is on obedience the Son set as an example.
Spirit of Christ speaks of the word that has gone forth from from God the Father (Is.55:11). It has its glory when Prophet Elijah raises the dead son of the widow of Zarephath (1 Ki.17) and Elisha in his day restores to life the son of the woman of Shunem. (2 Ki.4). Both prophets by faith prove what God had begun and shall be fulfilled in his Son. Jesus in his day restores life of the widow's son in Nain. All these are done in different times and place. The power of the word that the Spirit of Christ signifies is Alpha and Omega aspect of Jesus Christ.
Elijah the Tishbite came from Gilead. Before giving charge to Elisha he goes through Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho and Jordan, signifying from his cradle to 'crossing the Jordan' euphemism for death.
May we be be prayerful for our leadership in DC and all the local authority YOU have ordained and placed in offices. Romans 13:1-3
LORD, bless YOUR saints to be powerful witnesses unto the lost and hard hearted.
GOD to shine HIS face on the works of our hands, and our prayers as we worship and praise CHRIST JESUS daily.
January 30, 2024
Many of these themes are interchangeable with the verses quoted. The terminology isn't the greatest; as people can indeed grieve the Spirit as scripture indicates. I believe limited atonement is also the hardest thing to prove; I would say that "Effectual grace" is a much better term.
I wrote what I did in the first posting on purpose as many tend to have a sort of pride about which Reformer is their favorite or obsess on the subject making a doctrine be above the author and finisher of our faith Christ Himself. We can't fit our theological premise neatly with all scriptures in human understanding. I take; for example the politically incorrect stance that free will doesn't intimidate God with His predestination plans. There are distinct advantages to understanding these doctrines however.
1. It explains why those in our families and others we are close to and hear the Gospel for years never become believers.
2. It shows how God draws His elect from before a confession of faith (preserves our lives until coming to salvation) for believers.
3. It allows us to "test ourselves to see if we are in the faith" ( 2 Cor. 13:5) so that we can indeed claim His promises as something we actually possess because of a saving faith rather than "decisional regeneration" a term where people make a confession but their hearts are not in it.
I mentioned on an old posting how a small group split because God grants repentance ( 2 Tim. 2:25; etal). Some didn't want to preach the need to repent; although God grants the desire we must bear fruit and change our ways