If you are asking what is God's purpose in knowing all that we will think or do, I must say that God does not choose to be all-knowing. He is all-knowing by nature. But being all-knowing ensures that God will direct history to the end He wills.
If you are asking what is the purpose for us to be able to make choices since God already knows what we will think or do, then their are several ways to think on this. One could think fatalistically thinking that since God knows all I'll ever think or do, what is the point of deciding anything or even caring about how I exercise my will, since God directs it. This is an unbiblical way of thinking.
The other way of thinking is that because God is all-knowing He will determine certain things to happen to us to help us come use our free will to obey Him. He can determine ahead of time certain events to occur in our lives that will strengthen our faith when we are in doubt. He may bring people or events to turn someone away from doing evil or turn someone to do what is right. He can also bring people and events into our lives that will helps us to use our free will to come to Him, follow Him, and serve Him.
God's omniscience does not interfere with our exercise of free will. He is far wiser and powerful enough to bless us, show mercy, and extend grace to us despite regardless of our own choices. He is truly the only FREE being, as nothing restrains Him or determines His ways or influences His choices. We, on the other hand, are influenced by our sinful nature and also by the Holy Spirit. We are limited in where we are born, who our parents are, etc. These are determined by God. We are restrained by forces of nature and by circumstances that make it impossible to do exactly as we please.
Again, we do differ on this. I will share a few more of my thoughts, not to be argumentative, but to share what I believe. I believe that every single person will one day stand before God and will have to give an account. No person will have an excuse. To me, it does not matter that a person believes in "a god." What matters is that the person believes and surrenders their life to the one true God, Jesus Christ.
There is a tremendous principle being taught in John 1:9. Every single person that is born into this world is at some point enlightened to the truth. There will be no excuse. No one will be able to stand before God and say I didn't know the gospel message about salvation, but I was a good person and always made the right choices because my conscience told me to do so.
Jesus tells us in John Chapter 14 that no one can come to the Father except through Him. In other words, there is no salvation outside of Jesus Christ. So this would eliminate all those who believe in a god, regardless of who their god is, or how good of a person they were.
Psalm 19:1-4 says that creation, the language of creation goes throughout the world. There is no language that does not understand the language of creation. And creation speaks of the Creator. Also, Romans 1:19-20, Paul says that what is known of God is clearly manifest as God reveals the truth of the invisible God to every person.
As far as the Muslims, Buddhists, and all other religions who are worshipping a different god because they "never heard of Jesus," I would also say that they are all without excuse. Now I know some people like to use Romans 10:18 to support what they believe are people, such as primitive tribes, who have never heard the gospel message. They say how is that fair? And they use Romans 10:18, which says how will they believe if they don't hear a preacher? And how are they going to hear a preacher if no preacher is sent?
The purpose of it all, is to bring God's creation to TRUTH.
Creation is DECEIVED.
Sinful flesh (man) DIED ON THE CROSS; a NEW CREATION (Christ in you) arose.
1 Corinthians 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ ....
Philippians 2:13 For it is GOD (Christ in you) that worketh both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.
Colossians 1:27 ...this mystery ....Christ IN YOU .....
John 17:23 I in THEM, and THOU in ME, that they may be PERFECT (Christ is the only one perfect) in one .....
Psalms 82:6 I have said, ye are gods, the children of the most high.
Philippians 1:29 For UNTO YOU it is GIVEN in the BEHALF of Christ, not only to BELIEVE on HIM (the word), but also to suffer for his sake.
Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature WAITETH for the MANIFESTATION of the Sons of God.
Why is creation WAITING?
Obadiah 1:21 And saviours (God's SONS, Christ and his brothers) shall come on mount Zion to JUDGE the mount of Esau, and the kingdom SHALL BE the LORD'S.
Psalms 149:9 To execute upon them the JUDGEMENT written, this HONOUR hath all his saints.
Romans 8:21 For the creature itself SHALL BE DELIVERED from the bondage of corruption (death and the grave) into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
1 Corinthians 15:28 And when all things have been subdued unto him, then shall the son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that GOD may be ALL in ALL.
Billions of people; dead and in the grave, are AWAITING the arrival of Christ and his brothers at the resurrection of the dead: to be brought to TRUTH.
Proverbs 16:6 By MERCY and TRUTH iniquity is purged .....
That is a good way to connect accountability for sinful behavior in children with the authority of civil law to exact penalty for breaking the law.
As far as age of accountability goes, I know that children as young as toddler age are aware when they are doing something wrong. They will hide, deny, hang their head, run away, etc from a parent because they feel guilty. I have even seen a toddler repeat "No, no, no, no" as they do something they have been told not to do. Are these sins? I would say yes. Are these toddlers and very young children accountable for their sin? I would say yes, since they knew they were doing something wrong. Will their sin be held against them by God? I would say yes, too. However, I would say I believe that the sacrifice of Jesus does cover these sins in the very young. He took these sins upon Himself on the cross just like the sins of everyone else. The difference is that God shows mercy towards these very young children in forgiving them through. Jesus because they are not of an age yet to understand that they are sinning against God. They know that they are disobeying their parents, but not that they are disobeying God. Also, at this age, the concept of the existence of God, Whom cannot be seen or cannot be heard speaking is an abstract idea that young children are not very capable of considering or understanding. They think very concretely and according to what they can physically sense.
As Christian parents, we teach our children from infancy about God. We pray with them. We bring them to church to fellowship with other young children whose parents are believers. In such an environment, our children may come to an age of accountability at a younger age than a child raised by non-Christian parents.
I remember reading where children of believers are sanctified because of the faith of a parent ( 1 Corinthians 7:14). I am not sure what this means.
What this chapter tells me is that what men learn from history, men never learned. Only God tells you what to do not men. You will know the men with God in order to follow their orders. Keep each member of your family close to God. Family is the smallest unit of society. You cannot handle your own family you have nothing to say as a leader outside your family. Get you and your family saved first then you can lead others. God knows who are these saints today. Beware. Discern, Test everyone and every word. Every word of the KJV of the Bible is true. The Lord Jesus Christ is God. God is the same yesterday, today and forevermore. I pray for all the living saints and the Jewish who believe in Jesus Christ. I pray for all your health and safety. We continue to read and pray as One Body of Christ.
I love it!!! I am still cracking up about the "misdemeanors or felonies" explanation. I had to go back up and read your first paragraph over because I was laughing so much that I forgot what you said about the age of accountability. You are spot on, and have given some great scripture references. I always enjoy reading your posts. And thank you so much for making my day with your humor. I almost spilled my coffee!
It is true that God knows ahead of time what we are going to do. This does not mean that it is God forcing us to do things. We make decisions on our own. But something we must keep in mind is that God knows our hearts. In other words, He knows what decisions we are going to make, whether those decision are right or wrong. And He allows us to make decisions. But on the other hand, I believe that what God expects from us is obedience and faithfulness.
God is faithful to us, so it's not much for Him to ask the same in return. But we are constantly faced with decisions in life. What are we going to do? What is the Lord leading us to do? Do we follow the persuasion of God's Spirit in our lives, or do we go our own way? This is where the "God already knows who we are and what we going to do" comes in. He knows what decisions we are going to make because He knows our hearts.
Did you know that we make decisions based on who or what we love the most? It's true! For example, the Lord might be leading me to go to Bible study on Thursday night, but the latest movie I have been wanting to see comes out in the theater the same night, and a friend paid for two tickets and wants me to go. Now I have a choice to make. So what do I do? What or who do I love the most? Again, the Lord knows my heart. He knows ahead of time what choice I am going to make. But He doesn't make the choice for me, I make the choice.
So the purpose is that we are to remain faithful to the Lord. What is He leading us to do? He knows our hearts and what choices we are going to make. Are we going to be faithful?
Always seek the Holy Spirit when conflicted in the heart. All Churches have posted: TENETS OF OUR FAITH. It can be googled online when searching for another Church.
If you never saw that posted in your former Church, then to demand everyone to use the same version of Bible, is really counter-productive. Jesus called us to: whom so ever will. He didn't attach variation requirements.
I was a Streetpreacher for 36 years. The Gospel is a PERSON: Jesus Christ.
I wont disparage on that Pastor or congregation, if they have new births into the Kingdom of God.
Be at peace in your heart. i believe you heard from the Holy Spirit. Sometimes He has moved me to other congregations too. Ask for His help. He will lead you. Be friendly and He will bring new friends into your path.
Sometimes that is how singles find a marriage partner. The Bible says don't forsake gathering together. Period. We're not constrained to just one Church. We are THE CHURCH.
I attended a church that believed all single people should get married ASAP. Within that Church! I made a quick exit. It was a fine church, but this "doctrine" was unscriptural.
Every time God has put me "on the road" to other cities, I bloomed where I was planted. I've moved 22 times in my life lol. To other cities, states. I can streetpreach on all sidewalks. There are lost people everywhere, and the Harvest is plentiful.
Whoever " REVELATION 13:18 STUDY HELPS" is, they have shared some good things. I would like to just piggyback on what has already been shared with some things I have learned.
Revelation 13:18, Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
Now you probably know that there are books by the millions out there adding up people's names, putting numerical equivalence to alphabet numbers, and adding up people's names to be six hundred and sixty-six. This has been going on for a long time.
But from everything I read in Revelation Chapter 13, what I see is that it is telling us that there is Satan's trinity, (if you would). The dragon, the antichrist, and the false prophet are the shadows of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
Here is what I am seeing: Let him that understands count the number of the beast, (and notice this): For it is the number of man, not "a man," not "the man," just man.
Adam was created on the sixth day. Six is the number that is one less than perfection or completeness. So all the way through scripture it was the number of man. Man was created by God, but he falls short of completeness because he's a sinner. He says for it is the number of man; and his number is 666, not six hundred and sixty-six.
You see, it's the number six three times. It's the number of man, and each six stands for one of the three in Satan's trinity. It doesn't add up to six hundred and sixty-six. It's six three times! And that's the number that a person must take to function in the one world government that's about to come to pass here on the earth.
Thank the lord for your counsel to us this day! It is good to be reminded of our brotherhood (and the sisters in Christ as well). May we all undergird each other daily in the Spirit of Jesus.
Thank you and may God bless your call to evangelize your fellowman.
The story of Paul at the stoning of Stephen the evangelist, so changed my life as a new Christian (1985). I read through Paul's story like a big sponge.
When I think of Stephen being stoned and Jesus riding to his feet__I can't even describe the feelings of victory.
Jesus confronted Paul on the road to Damascus to kill more Christians. Glory to God!
There would be more Evangelists on Earth Now, if we would heed the CALL in how Paul responded.
Final Word Jesus authenticates entire 39 books of the Old Testament Luke 11 50 to 51 Ryrie Study Bible .docx
Jesus authenticate the entire Thirty-Nine books of the Old Testament the Israel Religious Hierarchy used and believed was the Holy Scriptures. (This included the Levites, the Priesthood, the Scribes, the Sanhedrin, Caiphas and Ananias, the Sadducees and the Pharisees.) This is the same Old Testament used in Jesus's time. It is the same as we have today. It was compiled in its entirety during the time of Ezra about 450 B.C. In prior to this time only the elite, scholarly, and Religious Hierarchy were able to access and read scriptures. In earlier times Scrolls were used to record and preserve the texts and controlled by religious hierarchy.
I previously posted my inquiry as what single scripture in the New Testament says jesus validated the entire Old Testament that was the accepted as the Holy Scriptures by the Israel Religious Hierarchy at the time of Jesus was teaching and ministering. The following is what I was seeking to find.
Luke 11:50-51
50. That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation;
51. From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.
The Collection of the Books of the Old Testament
From the Dr Charles Caldwell Ryrie , Thd, Phd - Ryrie Study Bible NAS. Published by Moody Publications. Page XXVii
Most Signiant however is the statement of Jesus ( Luke 11:51) in which He delimited the extent of the canonical books of the Old Testament when He accused the scribes of being guilty of slaying all of the prophets God had sent to Israel from the time of Able to the time of Zechariah. Able's death is recorded in Genesis; Zechariah's in II Chronicles 24:20-21, which is he last book of the Hebrew Bible rather than Malachi as our English Bible."
This would be unbelievers. It says, but the fearful, which is the word coward. But the coward, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, (that's immoral people), sorcerers, which is the word PHARMAKEA for drugs, idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Now these descriptions are not acts that people commit. These are people. A person who is a coward, a person who is an unbeliever. And whenever you find these adjectives or nouns that describe a person's lifestyle or spiritual condition, it's not what a person does, it's who a person is.
They will be cast into the lake of fire (Hell), which is the second death.
Human versus not human-illegal spirits - In Reply on 1 Timothy 5 - 1 year ago
When Mary consented, the Holy Spirit overshadowed her and Jesus became human through her obedience.
Earth was created for man; for humans. Lucifer/Satan is not human. They are created by God, angels. God evicted Satan with his now evil angels to earth to roam. They are not human and have no bodies. They can borrow bodies of evil humans or creatures. I don't believe Satan had knowledge of what God was doing. He only knew Genesis 3:15.
When Jesus died on the Cross and shed his
Blood for Whosoever in John 3:16, the plan of God was now "in force". Genesis 3:15 was fulfilled.
Satan lost what he stole from Adam: authority. Wicked humans can give their authority to the Lord Jesus, or Satan. They must choose just one. We can only be born again through the shed blood of Jesus. He is the door and the narrow gate by which we are passed from spiritual death, into eternal life; and into heaven at death.
Satan is the one who hurts people. He is a Liar, a thief and a hunter of souls. He blinds people to their spiritual need of forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
Sometimes we get side-tracked by blaming God for difficulties in our lives. Death of people we loved, and many reasons. Satan causes misery and suffering. Jesus offers salvation from that. If our prayer life is active and strong in scripture, we can be healed even now, and delivered from satanic attacks (read book of Job).
Problem is if we don't study the Bible, we do not know what is available to us. Job was delivered from all the hurt Satan caused (loss of children, his wife's trust, property, livelihood; health etc). He gets it all back plus more, at the end of the story.
This is not a long dead story. It is scripture WE STAND ON when Praying to God concerning our needs. Concerning return of things eaten up by cankerworm and locust (curses and attacks from Satan).
Ephesians 6 clearly says Satan and evil spirits are INVISIBLE. We can spot them in our lives by their FRUITS.
Jesus says in Luke 17:37, "Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together." Free has given you the correct answer. It should say vultures, not eagles. The word used in the original text is AETOI, which translates to vultures.
This is one of several places in our bibles (KJV included) where the translators for some reason translated a Greek word into English, but the word does not properly represent the word used in the Greek. You pose a great question. Should it say eagles or vultures? And if the original text (Greek) says vultures, why did the translators say eagles? We know that an eagle and a vulture are two different birds.
My guess, and this is not biblical, but my guess as to why the translators may have put eagles in there is that at the time of the translation, there were no vultures in that area, so the Greek word AETOI (Vultures) may not have made sense to them, and so they put the word eagles in there. Again, this is just a guess on my part.
But in Luke 17:37, Jesus is talking about that day when people are going to gather together in the Valley outside of Jerusalem to fight against Christ at His coming. Remember the birds are going to be called in to feed on their carcasses. Eagles do not feed on dead carcasses, vultures do.
And it wasn't until the mid-1990's that there were carnivorous birds (Vultures) in the area of Israel. There were none whatsoever before then. And the birds (Vultures) are going to come and eat the flesh of those who die in the battle of Armageddon. And that couldn't have happened before then.
It takes all the books of the PROPHETS to understand the PARABLE ( Matthew 13:34) of the rich man and Lazarus.
Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD will DO NOTHING, but he REVEALETH his secret unto his servants the PROPHETS.
Luke 16:31 And he said unto him, if they HEAR NOT Mosses and the PROPHETS, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
No where in Moses and the prophets does it prophesy that anyone goes to heaven or hell. It prophesies that there will be a Kingdom of God.
The books of the prophets, prophesies, that the elect will BE BROUGHT through the fire; not avoid it.
It prophesies that only a third will be brought through the fire in this age; the others will go to the grave and wait for the resurrection to the next age.
Revelation is a second witness to the prophecies.
Zechariah 13:8 And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the Lord, two thirds shall be cut off and die, and a THIRD shall be left therein ( Luke 17:34-35).
Zechariah 13:9 And I will bring the THIRD PART through the FIRE ..
Ezekiel 5:2 Thou shall burn with fire a THIRD part ..
Ezekiel 5:3 ..take THEREOF a few in number ..
Ezekiel 5:4 ...take of them again, and cast them into the midst of the fire, and burn them in the fire, for THEREOF shall a fire COME FORTH into all the house of Israel.
Obadiah 1:18 And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a FLAME ....
Luke 16:24 ....for I am tormented in this FLAME.
Psalms 149:9 To execute upon them the judgement written, this HONOUR hath all his Saints.
Obadiah 1:21 And Saviours (those that have obtained the next age, the IMAGE OF CHRIST) shall come on mount Zion to JUDGE the mount of Esau, and the Kingdom shall be the LORD'S.
Zechariah 12:8 And in that day ( Revelation 20:9) shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David, and the house of David shall be as (the image of) GOD, and the angel of the LORD before them.
The answer comes down to the question: Will the Church Go Through the Tribulation?
No. The New Testament Church, the Body of Christ, will NOT go through the Tribulation period. By "Tribulation" I am referring to the Biblically prophesied 7-year time period (referred to in the Bible as "the time of Jacob's trouble"). This 7-year period precedes the Millennial reign of Christ. It is during this 7-year period that the Antichrist (the Beast) will rule the world, leading up to the Battle of Armageddon at the end. The Antichrist will be a 100% Satan possessed individual.
The Beast system is being formed today, which is often referred to as the "New World Order." The Church will be removed from the earth BEFORE the appearing of the Antichrist ( 2nd Thessalonians 2:7,8). There isn't one verse in the entire Bible which indicates that the Church will go through the Tribulation period. Rather, the Apostle Paul stated in 1st Thessalonians 4:16-18...
"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words."
Carefully notice that Paul's message was intended to "COMFORT one another." If the Church was going to go through the horrible atrocities of the Tribulation, then these words certainly wouldn't be very comforting. Also, it is important to note that God wouldn't destroy the wicked in Noah's day until Noah and his family were all safely aboard the ark. Not one drop of rain fell until Noah and his family were on the ark, and God had shut the door. Afterwards, the rains fell and the wicked were utterly destroyed.
As much as it may seem...we're not in the tribulation yet...but I believe we are in the last days.
I'm so blessed and enlightened by this commentary on act support chapter. Thank you so kindly. And may God forever bless you for your great work in the body of Christ.
What a great chapter to learn how great God we have. Glory to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ and peace to all living saints who are very much guided by the Holy Spirit of God.
Galatians 1:12
For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Be saved! 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Revelation 15:3-4 I love singing this song.
And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.
Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.
Revelation 18:4
And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
when nobody else loves me ,God loves me uncondionaly In my sins he loves me ,my faults he loves me ,my weakness he loves me,and because he loves me he died for .for God so love the world that he gave is only begotten son.
Pray for Parents to teach their Children - In Reply - 1 year ago
Adam, get involved with school boards if they allow non parents in meetings.
I take that frustration into my closet (actual) and cry out to God and Jesus for wisdom and help; expose lies and deceptions. Teach parents they have to obey God; not man.
Explain to children man's laws versus Gods Laws. We've allowed school administrators and wicked politicians to pervert schools.
God fully expects parents to do it. Deuteronomy 11-12. It does not say turn your kids over to sinful teaching systems.
Talk to your Pastor. Ask that our churches teach it in the CHURCH. Cut the psyche babble and teach scripture principles for parenting. People are scared to death to be accused of "teaching the Law". We can't even understand GRACE, until we understand the Laws God gave us.
Why The Ten Commandments result in Happiness - In Reply - 1 year ago
I'm 71, and 36 years a Christian. I believe the age of accountability is when a child exhibits knowledge of Good and Evil, also what's truth and what is a Lie.
Deuteronomy 11-12, teaches what God expects of parenting and teaching Your Own Children. His teaching is ABOVE Public Schools. SCHOOLS TODAY will not teach morals or Godly Principles. It is the parent(s) responsibility. Write that scripture reference inside the cover of your Bible. Also, Exodus 19:5; Ten Commandments from Exodus 20:1-17
In my household with my son, we had all of the above teaching. Punishment for bad behavior, I called it "misdemeanors or felonies". Lying and getting caught or scaring me to death, was a felony= a non-violent spanking. NEVER administered in anger!
Misdemeanors resulted in loss of some favorite toys for a period of time. They were locked up. This was usually for not completing homework from school. Cleaning his room.
The deal was: "if you do it as I asked you to do, I will never invade your space". He had to learn privacy is not learned. It is EARNED.
Lying was not tolerated. I told him if you are truthful with me, no matter what, I will forgive you. He's 45 now, and he teaches his son exactly as he was taught from me.
It gives me deep gratefulness to live this. Gods Word will live on and be carried forward into the future in our children; if we teach it as God told us to. Oprah and Dr Phil DO NOT teach this.
The 10 Commandments are not suggestions. If we ignore them, we will have difficult lives.
I think we will see the beginning of tribulation. There is more insight in the Book of Revelation.
* Matthew 24, Luke 21, and the Parable of the Ten Virgins, told by Jesus.
So if it happens during the SEVEN TRUMPETS__we will see difficult happenings.
*if we keep our eyes on this and current events on news channels (Erik Stacklebeck) who reports news in Israel, we will not be caught unaware. "Jerusalem Post" news has too many aggressive advertisements now.
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
Mark 13:22
For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
Matthew 24:24
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
2 Peter 2:1
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
Luke 6:13
And when it was day, he (Jesus) called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
2 Peter 2:1 - But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
REVELATION 13:18 STUDY HELPS - In Reply - 1 year ago
What does Revelation 13:18 mean? [ See verse text ]
Speculation about the meaning of the number 666, the number of the beast, has been intriguing but futile. Some individuals have assigned a numeric value to the letters of the alphabet and applied the values to names. Political figures, popes, and dictators have been subject to such a numeric system. It's important to remember that there are only so many numerals-only ten, in fact-and only so many letters in any given alphabet. Given enough time and creativity, almost any name can be connected or manipulated into some connection with 666.
Other possibilities abound. Some are more obscure, and unlikely, than others. Ezra 2:13 gives the number of descendants of Adonikam as 666. Because "Adonikam" means "the lord who rises up" or "lord of the enemy," a few interpreters suggest the beast who rises from the earth will bear the name Adonikam. The mathematical value of 6x6x6 is 216, leading some to believe that this number, not "six hundred and sixty six" will be the "number of the name" of the beast.
In reality, no one knows exactly what 666 means. We can only draw on basic concepts to understand some of its implications. For example, 6 is one short of 7, which is the biblical number of perfection. The number 6 represents imperfection and is therefore man's number. God is perfectly holy-thrice holy-as the seraphim of Isaiah's vision proclaim. They called to one another, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts" ( Isaiah 6:3). Repeating this three times emphasizes its absolute nature. By contrast, imperfect man is unholy, unholy, unholy: 6-6-6.
You can Google search other COMMENTARIES. Type: " REVELATION 13:18, Commentary".
Choose a link that has BIBLE in it. Like biblehub, bibleref.
If you are asking what is God's purpose in knowing all that we will think or do, I must say that God does not choose to be all-knowing. He is all-knowing by nature. But being all-knowing ensures that God will direct history to the end He wills.
If you are asking what is the purpose for us to be able to make choices since God already knows what we will think or do, then their are several ways to think on this. One could think fatalistically thinking that since God knows all I'll ever think or do, what is the point of deciding anything or even caring about how I exercise my will, since God directs it. This is an unbiblical way of thinking.
The other way of thinking is that because God is all-knowing He will determine certain things to happen to us to help us come use our free will to obey Him. He can determine ahead of time certain events to occur in our lives that will strengthen our faith when we are in doubt. He may bring people or events to turn someone away from doing evil or turn someone to do what is right. He can also bring people and events into our lives that will helps us to use our free will to come to Him, follow Him, and serve Him.
God's omniscience does not interfere with our exercise of free will. He is far wiser and powerful enough to bless us, show mercy, and extend grace to us despite regardless of our own choices. He is truly the only FREE being, as nothing restrains Him or determines His ways or influences His choices. We, on the other hand, are influenced by our sinful nature and also by the Holy Spirit. We are limited in where we are born, who our parents are, etc. These are determined by God. We are restrained by forces of nature and by circumstances that make it impossible to do exactly as we please.
Again, we do differ on this. I will share a few more of my thoughts, not to be argumentative, but to share what I believe. I believe that every single person will one day stand before God and will have to give an account. No person will have an excuse. To me, it does not matter that a person believes in "a god." What matters is that the person believes and surrenders their life to the one true God, Jesus Christ.
There is a tremendous principle being taught in John 1:9. Every single person that is born into this world is at some point enlightened to the truth. There will be no excuse. No one will be able to stand before God and say I didn't know the gospel message about salvation, but I was a good person and always made the right choices because my conscience told me to do so.
Jesus tells us in John Chapter 14 that no one can come to the Father except through Him. In other words, there is no salvation outside of Jesus Christ. So this would eliminate all those who believe in a god, regardless of who their god is, or how good of a person they were.
Psalm 19:1-4 says that creation, the language of creation goes throughout the world. There is no language that does not understand the language of creation. And creation speaks of the Creator. Also, Romans 1:19-20, Paul says that what is known of God is clearly manifest as God reveals the truth of the invisible God to every person.
As far as the Muslims, Buddhists, and all other religions who are worshipping a different god because they "never heard of Jesus," I would also say that they are all without excuse. Now I know some people like to use Romans 10:18 to support what they believe are people, such as primitive tribes, who have never heard the gospel message. They say how is that fair? And they use Romans 10:18, which says how will they believe if they don't hear a preacher? And how are they going to hear a preacher if no preacher is sent?
I am running out of space so I'll send a (part 2)
The purpose of it all, is to bring God's creation to TRUTH.
Creation is DECEIVED.
Sinful flesh (man) DIED ON THE CROSS; a NEW CREATION (Christ in you) arose.
1 Corinthians 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ ....
Philippians 2:13 For it is GOD (Christ in you) that worketh both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.
Colossians 1:27 ...this mystery ....Christ IN YOU .....
John 17:23 I in THEM, and THOU in ME, that they may be PERFECT (Christ is the only one perfect) in one .....
Psalms 82:6 I have said, ye are gods, the children of the most high.
Philippians 1:29 For UNTO YOU it is GIVEN in the BEHALF of Christ, not only to BELIEVE on HIM (the word), but also to suffer for his sake.
Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature WAITETH for the MANIFESTATION of the Sons of God.
Why is creation WAITING?
Obadiah 1:21 And saviours (God's SONS, Christ and his brothers) shall come on mount Zion to JUDGE the mount of Esau, and the kingdom SHALL BE the LORD'S.
Psalms 149:9 To execute upon them the JUDGEMENT written, this HONOUR hath all his saints.
Romans 8:21 For the creature itself SHALL BE DELIVERED from the bondage of corruption (death and the grave) into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
1 Corinthians 15:28 And when all things have been subdued unto him, then shall the son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that GOD may be ALL in ALL.
Billions of people; dead and in the grave, are AWAITING the arrival of Christ and his brothers at the resurrection of the dead: to be brought to TRUTH.
Proverbs 16:6 By MERCY and TRUTH iniquity is purged .....
BELIEF will judge UNBELIEF.
God Bless YOU, his body.
That is a good way to connect accountability for sinful behavior in children with the authority of civil law to exact penalty for breaking the law.
As far as age of accountability goes, I know that children as young as toddler age are aware when they are doing something wrong. They will hide, deny, hang their head, run away, etc from a parent because they feel guilty. I have even seen a toddler repeat "No, no, no, no" as they do something they have been told not to do. Are these sins? I would say yes. Are these toddlers and very young children accountable for their sin? I would say yes, since they knew they were doing something wrong. Will their sin be held against them by God? I would say yes, too. However, I would say I believe that the sacrifice of Jesus does cover these sins in the very young. He took these sins upon Himself on the cross just like the sins of everyone else. The difference is that God shows mercy towards these very young children in forgiving them through. Jesus because they are not of an age yet to understand that they are sinning against God. They know that they are disobeying their parents, but not that they are disobeying God. Also, at this age, the concept of the existence of God, Whom cannot be seen or cannot be heard speaking is an abstract idea that young children are not very capable of considering or understanding. They think very concretely and according to what they can physically sense.
As Christian parents, we teach our children from infancy about God. We pray with them. We bring them to church to fellowship with other young children whose parents are believers. In such an environment, our children may come to an age of accountability at a younger age than a child raised by non-Christian parents.
I remember reading where children of believers are sanctified because of the faith of a parent ( 1 Corinthians 7:14). I am not sure what this means.
I love it!!! I am still cracking up about the "misdemeanors or felonies" explanation. I had to go back up and read your first paragraph over because I was laughing so much that I forgot what you said about the age of accountability. You are spot on, and have given some great scripture references. I always enjoy reading your posts. And thank you so much for making my day with your humor. I almost spilled my coffee!
It is true that God knows ahead of time what we are going to do. This does not mean that it is God forcing us to do things. We make decisions on our own. But something we must keep in mind is that God knows our hearts. In other words, He knows what decisions we are going to make, whether those decision are right or wrong. And He allows us to make decisions. But on the other hand, I believe that what God expects from us is obedience and faithfulness.
God is faithful to us, so it's not much for Him to ask the same in return. But we are constantly faced with decisions in life. What are we going to do? What is the Lord leading us to do? Do we follow the persuasion of God's Spirit in our lives, or do we go our own way? This is where the "God already knows who we are and what we going to do" comes in. He knows what decisions we are going to make because He knows our hearts.
Did you know that we make decisions based on who or what we love the most? It's true! For example, the Lord might be leading me to go to Bible study on Thursday night, but the latest movie I have been wanting to see comes out in the theater the same night, and a friend paid for two tickets and wants me to go. Now I have a choice to make. So what do I do? What or who do I love the most? Again, the Lord knows my heart. He knows ahead of time what choice I am going to make. But He doesn't make the choice for me, I make the choice.
So the purpose is that we are to remain faithful to the Lord. What is He leading us to do? He knows our hearts and what choices we are going to make. Are we going to be faithful?
If you never saw that posted in your former Church, then to demand everyone to use the same version of Bible, is really counter-productive. Jesus called us to: whom so ever will. He didn't attach variation requirements.
I was a Streetpreacher for 36 years. The Gospel is a PERSON: Jesus Christ.
I wont disparage on that Pastor or congregation, if they have new births into the Kingdom of God.
Be at peace in your heart. i believe you heard from the Holy Spirit. Sometimes He has moved me to other congregations too. Ask for His help. He will lead you. Be friendly and He will bring new friends into your path.
Sometimes that is how singles find a marriage partner. The Bible says don't forsake gathering together. Period. We're not constrained to just one Church. We are THE CHURCH.
I attended a church that believed all single people should get married ASAP. Within that Church! I made a quick exit. It was a fine church, but this "doctrine" was unscriptural.
Every time God has put me "on the road" to other cities, I bloomed where I was planted. I've moved 22 times in my life lol. To other cities, states. I can streetpreach on all sidewalks. There are lost people everywhere, and the Harvest is plentiful.
Bloom where the Lord plants you.
Whoever " REVELATION 13:18 STUDY HELPS" is, they have shared some good things. I would like to just piggyback on what has already been shared with some things I have learned.
Revelation 13:18, Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
Now you probably know that there are books by the millions out there adding up people's names, putting numerical equivalence to alphabet numbers, and adding up people's names to be six hundred and sixty-six. This has been going on for a long time.
But from everything I read in Revelation Chapter 13, what I see is that it is telling us that there is Satan's trinity, (if you would). The dragon, the antichrist, and the false prophet are the shadows of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
Here is what I am seeing: Let him that understands count the number of the beast, (and notice this): For it is the number of man, not "a man," not "the man," just man.
Adam was created on the sixth day. Six is the number that is one less than perfection or completeness. So all the way through scripture it was the number of man. Man was created by God, but he falls short of completeness because he's a sinner. He says for it is the number of man; and his number is 666, not six hundred and sixty-six.
You see, it's the number six three times. It's the number of man, and each six stands for one of the three in Satan's trinity. It doesn't add up to six hundred and sixty-six. It's six three times! And that's the number that a person must take to function in the one world government that's about to come to pass here on the earth.
The story of Paul at the stoning of Stephen the evangelist, so changed my life as a new Christian (1985). I read through Paul's story like a big sponge.
When I think of Stephen being stoned and Jesus riding to his feet__I can't even describe the feelings of victory.
Jesus confronted Paul on the road to Damascus to kill more Christians. Glory to God!
There would be more Evangelists on Earth Now, if we would heed the CALL in how Paul responded.
Jesus authenticate the entire Thirty-Nine books of the Old Testament the Israel Religious Hierarchy used and believed was the Holy Scriptures. (This included the Levites, the Priesthood, the Scribes, the Sanhedrin, Caiphas and Ananias, the Sadducees and the Pharisees.) This is the same Old Testament used in Jesus's time. It is the same as we have today. It was compiled in its entirety during the time of Ezra about 450 B.C. In prior to this time only the elite, scholarly, and Religious Hierarchy were able to access and read scriptures. In earlier times Scrolls were used to record and preserve the texts and controlled by religious hierarchy.
I previously posted my inquiry as what single scripture in the New Testament says jesus validated the entire Old Testament that was the accepted as the Holy Scriptures by the Israel Religious Hierarchy at the time of Jesus was teaching and ministering. The following is what I was seeking to find.
Luke 11:50-51
50. That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation;
51. From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.
The Collection of the Books of the Old Testament
From the Dr Charles Caldwell Ryrie , Thd, Phd - Ryrie Study Bible NAS. Published by Moody Publications. Page XXVii
Most Signiant however is the statement of Jesus ( Luke 11:51) in which He delimited the extent of the canonical books of the Old Testament when He accused the scribes of being guilty of slaying all of the prophets God had sent to Israel from the time of Able to the time of Zechariah. Able's death is recorded in Genesis; Zechariah's in II Chronicles 24:20-21, which is he last book of the Hebrew Bible rather than Malachi as our English Bible."
This would be unbelievers. It says, but the fearful, which is the word coward. But the coward, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, (that's immoral people), sorcerers, which is the word PHARMAKEA for drugs, idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Now these descriptions are not acts that people commit. These are people. A person who is a coward, a person who is an unbeliever. And whenever you find these adjectives or nouns that describe a person's lifestyle or spiritual condition, it's not what a person does, it's who a person is.
They will be cast into the lake of fire (Hell), which is the second death.
Earth was created for man; for humans. Lucifer/Satan is not human. They are created by God, angels. God evicted Satan with his now evil angels to earth to roam. They are not human and have no bodies. They can borrow bodies of evil humans or creatures. I don't believe Satan had knowledge of what God was doing. He only knew Genesis 3:15.
When Jesus died on the Cross and shed his
Blood for Whosoever in John 3:16, the plan of God was now "in force". Genesis 3:15 was fulfilled.
Satan lost what he stole from Adam: authority. Wicked humans can give their authority to the Lord Jesus, or Satan. They must choose just one. We can only be born again through the shed blood of Jesus. He is the door and the narrow gate by which we are passed from spiritual death, into eternal life; and into heaven at death.
Satan is the one who hurts people. He is a Liar, a thief and a hunter of souls. He blinds people to their spiritual need of forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
Sometimes we get side-tracked by blaming God for difficulties in our lives. Death of people we loved, and many reasons. Satan causes misery and suffering. Jesus offers salvation from that. If our prayer life is active and strong in scripture, we can be healed even now, and delivered from satanic attacks (read book of Job).
Problem is if we don't study the Bible, we do not know what is available to us. Job was delivered from all the hurt Satan caused (loss of children, his wife's trust, property, livelihood; health etc). He gets it all back plus more, at the end of the story.
This is not a long dead story. It is scripture WE STAND ON when Praying to God concerning our needs. Concerning return of things eaten up by cankerworm and locust (curses and attacks from Satan).
Ephesians 6 clearly says Satan and evil spirits are INVISIBLE. We can spot them in our lives by their FRUITS.
Jesus says in Luke 17:37, "Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together." Free has given you the correct answer. It should say vultures, not eagles. The word used in the original text is AETOI, which translates to vultures.
This is one of several places in our bibles (KJV included) where the translators for some reason translated a Greek word into English, but the word does not properly represent the word used in the Greek. You pose a great question. Should it say eagles or vultures? And if the original text (Greek) says vultures, why did the translators say eagles? We know that an eagle and a vulture are two different birds.
My guess, and this is not biblical, but my guess as to why the translators may have put eagles in there is that at the time of the translation, there were no vultures in that area, so the Greek word AETOI (Vultures) may not have made sense to them, and so they put the word eagles in there. Again, this is just a guess on my part.
But in Luke 17:37, Jesus is talking about that day when people are going to gather together in the Valley outside of Jerusalem to fight against Christ at His coming. Remember the birds are going to be called in to feed on their carcasses. Eagles do not feed on dead carcasses, vultures do.
And it wasn't until the mid-1990's that there were carnivorous birds (Vultures) in the area of Israel. There were none whatsoever before then. And the birds (Vultures) are going to come and eat the flesh of those who die in the battle of Armageddon. And that couldn't have happened before then.
It takes all the books of the PROPHETS to understand the PARABLE ( Matthew 13:34) of the rich man and Lazarus.
Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD will DO NOTHING, but he REVEALETH his secret unto his servants the PROPHETS.
Luke 16:31 And he said unto him, if they HEAR NOT Mosses and the PROPHETS, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
No where in Moses and the prophets does it prophesy that anyone goes to heaven or hell. It prophesies that there will be a Kingdom of God.
The books of the prophets, prophesies, that the elect will BE BROUGHT through the fire; not avoid it.
It prophesies that only a third will be brought through the fire in this age; the others will go to the grave and wait for the resurrection to the next age.
Revelation is a second witness to the prophecies.
Zechariah 13:8 And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the Lord, two thirds shall be cut off and die, and a THIRD shall be left therein ( Luke 17:34-35).
Zechariah 13:9 And I will bring the THIRD PART through the FIRE ..
Ezekiel 5:2 Thou shall burn with fire a THIRD part ..
Ezekiel 5:3 ..take THEREOF a few in number ..
Ezekiel 5:4 ...take of them again, and cast them into the midst of the fire, and burn them in the fire, for THEREOF shall a fire COME FORTH into all the house of Israel.
Obadiah 1:18 And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a FLAME ....
Luke 16:24 ....for I am tormented in this FLAME.
Psalms 149:9 To execute upon them the judgement written, this HONOUR hath all his Saints.
Obadiah 1:21 And Saviours (those that have obtained the next age, the IMAGE OF CHRIST) shall come on mount Zion to JUDGE the mount of Esau, and the Kingdom shall be the LORD'S.
Zechariah 12:8 And in that day ( Revelation 20:9) shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David, and the house of David shall be as (the image of) GOD, and the angel of the LORD before them.
No. The New Testament Church, the Body of Christ, will NOT go through the Tribulation period. By "Tribulation" I am referring to the Biblically prophesied 7-year time period (referred to in the Bible as "the time of Jacob's trouble"). This 7-year period precedes the Millennial reign of Christ. It is during this 7-year period that the Antichrist (the Beast) will rule the world, leading up to the Battle of Armageddon at the end. The Antichrist will be a 100% Satan possessed individual.
The Beast system is being formed today, which is often referred to as the "New World Order." The Church will be removed from the earth BEFORE the appearing of the Antichrist ( 2nd Thessalonians 2:7,8). There isn't one verse in the entire Bible which indicates that the Church will go through the Tribulation period. Rather, the Apostle Paul stated in 1st Thessalonians 4:16-18...
"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words."
Carefully notice that Paul's message was intended to "COMFORT one another." If the Church was going to go through the horrible atrocities of the Tribulation, then these words certainly wouldn't be very comforting. Also, it is important to note that God wouldn't destroy the wicked in Noah's day until Noah and his family were all safely aboard the ark. Not one drop of rain fell until Noah and his family were on the ark, and God had shut the door. Afterwards, the rains fell and the wicked were utterly destroyed.
As much as it may seem...we're not in the tribulation yet...but I believe we are in the last days.
Thank you so kindly. And may God forever bless you for your great work in the body of Christ.
Galatians 1:12
For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Be saved! 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Revelation 15:3-4 I love singing this song.
And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.
Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.
Revelation 18:4
And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
1 Timothy 5:15
For some are already turned aside after Satan.
I take that frustration into my closet (actual) and cry out to God and Jesus for wisdom and help; expose lies and deceptions. Teach parents they have to obey God; not man.
Explain to children man's laws versus Gods Laws. We've allowed school administrators and wicked politicians to pervert schools.
God fully expects parents to do it. Deuteronomy 11-12. It does not say turn your kids over to sinful teaching systems.
Talk to your Pastor. Ask that our churches teach it in the CHURCH. Cut the psyche babble and teach scripture principles for parenting. People are scared to death to be accused of "teaching the Law". We can't even understand GRACE, until we understand the Laws God gave us.
Deuteronomy 11-12, teaches what God expects of parenting and teaching Your Own Children. His teaching is ABOVE Public Schools. SCHOOLS TODAY will not teach morals or Godly Principles. It is the parent(s) responsibility. Write that scripture reference inside the cover of your Bible. Also, Exodus 19:5; Ten Commandments from Exodus 20:1-17
In my household with my son, we had all of the above teaching. Punishment for bad behavior, I called it "misdemeanors or felonies". Lying and getting caught or scaring me to death, was a felony= a non-violent spanking. NEVER administered in anger!
Misdemeanors resulted in loss of some favorite toys for a period of time. They were locked up. This was usually for not completing homework from school. Cleaning his room.
The deal was: "if you do it as I asked you to do, I will never invade your space". He had to learn privacy is not learned. It is EARNED.
Lying was not tolerated. I told him if you are truthful with me, no matter what, I will forgive you. He's 45 now, and he teaches his son exactly as he was taught from me.
It gives me deep gratefulness to live this. Gods Word will live on and be carried forward into the future in our children; if we teach it as God told us to. Oprah and Dr Phil DO NOT teach this.
The 10 Commandments are not suggestions. If we ignore them, we will have difficult lives.
Mishael
* Matthew 24, Luke 21, and the Parable of the Ten Virgins, told by Jesus.
So if it happens during the SEVEN TRUMPETS__we will see difficult happenings.
*if we keep our eyes on this and current events on news channels (Erik Stacklebeck) who reports news in Israel, we will not be caught unaware. "Jerusalem Post" news has too many aggressive advertisements now.
2 Corinthians 11:13
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
Mark 13:22
For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
Matthew 24:24
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
2 Peter 2:1
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
Luke 6:13
And when it was day, he (Jesus) called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
2 Peter 2:1 - But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
It is my opinion that anyone in these present days who present themselves as Apostles, are false prophets and false teachers.
Mishael
Speculation about the meaning of the number 666, the number of the beast, has been intriguing but futile. Some individuals have assigned a numeric value to the letters of the alphabet and applied the values to names. Political figures, popes, and dictators have been subject to such a numeric system. It's important to remember that there are only so many numerals-only ten, in fact-and only so many letters in any given alphabet. Given enough time and creativity, almost any name can be connected or manipulated into some connection with 666.
Other possibilities abound. Some are more obscure, and unlikely, than others. Ezra 2:13 gives the number of descendants of Adonikam as 666. Because "Adonikam" means "the lord who rises up" or "lord of the enemy," a few interpreters suggest the beast who rises from the earth will bear the name Adonikam. The mathematical value of 6x6x6 is 216, leading some to believe that this number, not "six hundred and sixty six" will be the "number of the name" of the beast.
In reality, no one knows exactly what 666 means. We can only draw on basic concepts to understand some of its implications. For example, 6 is one short of 7, which is the biblical number of perfection. The number 6 represents imperfection and is therefore man's number. God is perfectly holy-thrice holy-as the seraphim of Isaiah's vision proclaim. They called to one another, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts" ( Isaiah 6:3). Repeating this three times emphasizes its absolute nature. By contrast, imperfect man is unholy, unholy, unholy: 6-6-6.
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