But I think we understand Romans 4 in regards to Abraham differently.
First let me say my understanding is that the translation from the Hebrew to English here could have been done somewhat better; but I do not feel qualified to get into that.
Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth{belief BECAUSE God has saved us}on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith{that is Christ's faith, Christ Himself} is counted for righteousness.
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST, even we have believed{belief BECAUSE God has saved us}in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the FAITH OF CHRIST, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
All True Believers throughout time are justified, i.e. saved by the faithfulness of Christ; NOT OUR FAITH. Our faith is a GIFT of God and is the RESULT of our Salvation and Justification; it is not the CAUSE nor the REASON.
And that was the case for Abraham and all Old Testament True Believers.
I am going to let the word of God answer the questions you ask.
You ask: Did the apostle Paul commit sin after he was saved.
1 John 3:9 Whosoever is BORN of GOD doeth not commit sin, for his (GOD'S) SEED remaineth in him: and he CANNOT sin because he is BORN of God.
You ask: in 100 years will I be alive in physical body? YES!
John 11:26 Whosoever liveth and believeth in me (the SEED) shall NEVER DIE, believest thou this?
Luke 20:36 Neither can they (the SEED) DIE ANYMORE (they died with Christ on the cross): for they are EQUAL unto the ANGELS (angles have Christ's resurrected body); and are the children (SONS, like Christ) of God, being the children (SEED) of the resurrection.
1 Corinthians 15:38 But God giveth it (Christ's SEED) a body as it has pleased him, to every SEED his (Christ's) OWN BODY.
You ask: do I every commit sin. NO!
Galatians 2:20 .....I am DEAD, nonetheless I LIVE, YET NOT I, but Christ LIVETH IN ME .... ALL creation DIED on the cross ....ONLY ONE SEED (Christ) arose ....
You ask: What does it mean to be born again.
To believe the WORD's Of GOD.
You can not be BORN again until you BELIEVE YOUR DEAD, only Christ is alive.
You ask: Where is Paul living and in what form:
Luke 20:36 ...EQUAL to the angles .... the IMAGE of CHRIST ...... Christ is the ANGEL of GOD ......
Isaiah 63:8 .... and the ANGEL of his (God's) presence SAVED them ..... Paul is living IN and BY the presence of Christ, in the body of Christ ...
Colossians 1:27 ..... this mystery ..... Christ in you .....
1 Corinthians 12:27 ... ye are the BODY of Christ ....
I don't think you totally understand the Kingdom of God.
You don't exist; you DIED on the cross, Christ ONLY arose.
Galatians 2:20 I am (was) CRUCIFIED with Christ, nevertheless I LIVE, YET NO I, but CHRIST IN ME ..... the NEW CREATION .....
Psalms 116:15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the DEATH of his saints (SEED).
Abraham was PROMISED a SEED, only ONE SEED, the promised SEED ---- CHRIST ----
CHRIST, the promised SEED AROSE, all creation were joint heirs of that resurrection, making them the SEED of Christ.
There is ONLY ONE SEED
Isaiah 59:21 .... this is my covenant with them (Christ's SEED) , My Spirit that is upon thee (Christ), and the words that are in thy (Christ's) mouth, shall not depart out of thy (Christ's) mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy (Christ's) SEED, nor out of the mouth of thy (Christ's) SEED'S SEED, from henceforth and forever
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a NEW CREATURE: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Galatians 1:6-9 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Galatians 2:16-21 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith OF Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith OF Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith OF the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Galatians 2:16-21 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith OF Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith OF Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified BY Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith OF the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
2 Corinthians 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
1 John 2:1-4 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all shall be made alive.
Has this not already happen, at the cross and resurrection?
Galatians 2:20 I am Crucified with Christ ...
Are not these words for ALL men, do you believe you were crucified with Christ 2000 years ago, not yet born, but reaping the gift of God.
Ephesians 2:8 For BY GRACE are you SAVED (given immortal LIFE) ......
This happened 2000 years ago, do you believe you were given this gift of God before you ever knew to do right or wrong?
Romans 9:11 For the children (the new creation, Christ in you) being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to the election (of Grace) might stand not of works, but of him (the Holy Ghost) that CALLETH.
Is it not God that is doing ALL THINGS according to his good pleasure.
Are not ALL men a POT and God the POTTER?
Is not God going to DESTROY ALL marred POTS and remake them into vessels of HONOUR.
All this was done at the cross and RESURRECTION.
God will CAUSE his creation to come to TRUTH at his good pleasure.
It's all THE WORKS of God, man has no say in what God see fit to do, we just know what the END will be.
What is man's condition before we have become saved?
What does it mean to become saved, i.e. to become Born Again?
How do you understand, for example, Galatians 2:16-21 and similar passages in Romans?
How do TRUE BELIEVERS become apostate and come under the wrath of God if Christ has paid the full penalty demanded by the Law of God for their sins? Is that not double jeopardy?
If we hold a gospel that is CONDITIONAL upon something we do or do not do, is that not a gospel of grace plus works. In other words are you not saying "Christ has done His part and now its up to us"?
Are these not questions that you must face if you hold a gospel where we can lose our salvation.
And yes, the ETERNAL CHURCH spoken of in the Bible is made up of ALL TRUE BELIEVERS throughout history. And that church cannot become apostate. But every local church and congregation, just like National Israel of the Old Testament, has NOT been made up of ALL true believers and that is the church that becomes apostate, as had National Israel by the time of the Cross.
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Ezekiel 36:24-29
For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God. I will also save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Jude 1:24, 25
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
The true gospel of the Bible is a gospel where God does 100% of the work in saving us and our works cannot and do not contribute to our salvation in any way whatsoever.
If we have become saved it is because God has chosen us, paid for our sins, drawn us, and saved us. And He will therefore KEEP us.
If we are following a gospel where we can lose our salvation, we are not following the gospel of the Bible.
We may not come to full understanding in terms of our individual lives; but God is faithful in all His promises which are most often expressed in covenants in the Bible. Again; it is in the context of corporate worship; being part of the armies of God; His Body etal. where our identity should be saught and expressed. My favorite saying on this is that we are going to be together for all eternity; so we should start getting along with one another now.
With our Resurrection; of course comes full restoration. We know that heaven itself has streets of gold and is adorned with all sorts of unimaginable gems on the doors and walls. We see in Isaiah how the animal kingdom is going to be restored ( Isaiah 11:6-9); how natural lives will be restored to where they were before the flood; and how we will literally rule over cities ( Luke 19:17 and surrounding verses). The fullness of the earth and harvest; as well as great material wealth also will occur starting in the Millennium. So in all these things his promises are "yea and amen" ( 2 Cor. 1:20). Those who were widows; orphans; martyrs and otherwise suffering in this life will come to a better country in the future ( Heb. 11:16).
There are also promises in terms of the fate of the wicked. Realizing what we have come from helps us now in our fallen state to humbly adore and worship God in a manner fitting for His saints. We must realize that we cannot return to Eden; in our natural state. We are crucified with Christ; therefore and part of a new and better life as Galatians 2:20 states. We are now in enemy territory; and nothing on our part can change that if we are indeed living a Godly life in Christ Jesus. We are aliens passing through; and the charms of this world should no longer bring comfort to our minds and tempt us to make a bargain in any way with the prince of this world to have a comfortable life. May we trust God in all things according to His will. ( Psalm 37:4
In the coming storm the LORD JESUS CHRIST is our shelter in the time of storm. May we trust and believe in all that the LORD has given to us to hear, heed, receive and accomplish for HIS praise and glory. Salvation and redemption Romans 10: 9-12; Study His Word 2 Timothy 2:15; know why we study 2 Timothy 3:16, 17; Love the lost 2 Peter 3:9; Go make disciples Matthew 28: 18-20. Pray for God's will 1 Timothy 2: 1-4. GOD be praise! Galatians 2: 20; 5:16
Thank YOU FATHER for this day as I worship and glorify YOU on this Resurrection Sunday. Let YOUR face shine upon us as we go forth as an army to do YOUR will. Let all the saints arise and not be silent in giving YOU praise!
May my tongue extol and magnify YOU, because YOU so richly deserve the praise we should give unto YOU. "May the words of my mouth be acceptable unto YOU."
Thank YOU LORD for answered prayers and the peace and comfort that follows as we learn to abide in YOU according to Scripture. Isaiah 26: 3 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
Praise the LORD for all on this forum and for the promises YOU give to us. May we all endeavor to trust, believe, and walk for "...in the joy of the LORD is my strength.."
Matthew 24:21 For then shall be GREAT TRIBULATION such as was not since the beginning of the world to THIS TIME (of the great tribulation), no, nor shall ever be (but this one time).
Matthew 24:22 And except those days (of the great tribulation) BE SHORTENED; there should no flesh be SAVED; but for the elects sake those days (of the great tribulation) SHALL BE SHORTENED.
According to God's word NO FLESH can BE SAVED until after the GREAT TRIBULATION.
Are you saved NOW?
Yes, you were saved by the RESURRECTION.
Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ ....
Romans 6:6 Knowing this, our old man is crucified with him .....
Romans 6:5 ...we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.....
Colossians 3:1 If ye be then risen with Christ .......
Luke 20:36 ...being the children of the resurrection .....
The wrath of God; that GREAT TRIBULATION, was poured out on Christ, the Great tribulation was SHORTENED to 3 days, for the elects sake.
I'm sorry if my response did not answer your question. Please allow a second shot at it.
You asked two questions. First question was if 1 Corinthians 1:18 means that we wear gold crosses around our necks?
My answer to that would be no.
Your second question: does 1 Corinthians 1:18 mean that we go to the tattoo parlor and ask for a cross to be etched/cut into our skin.
My answer to that would also be no. I gave you my understanding of what that verse means.
Again, your question is "Are we supposed to wear crosses on our necks?"
I do not know of any scripture that forbids it. There is scripture that speaks against idols and worship of idols. I suppose if a person does not worship or idolize a piece of jewelry or any other material possessions, that person would be okay.
Also, Luke 14:27 does not address your question. "Whosoever does not bear his cross" doesn't mean whosoever does not wear a cross around his neck.
What does it mean to bear ones cross?
Here in our culture, basically people understand it to mean whatever hardships I have to go through today, I'm just bearing my cross for Jesus. Except that whether you are a Christian or not, you are going to go through difficulties. It is not what it means.
When Jesus died on the cross, He died my death.In reference, you can read Romans 6:1-14, and Galatians 2:20.
What does it mean to take up your cross?
You see, when I received the life of Jesus Christ, I also received His death. That's why Paul can say in Philippians, "Oh that I might know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings."
Power to live and power to suffer go hand in hand. But they are not my sufferings. They are the sufferings of Christ. But when He died on the cross, He died my death. He died in my place therefore I have died. But my biggest struggle in life is that every day, my flesh is trying to get down off that cross.
I think you, yourself have to determine how & if you fast. By your faith.
Isaiah 58, Galatians 2:6, Hebrews 11:6, James 1:5-7,
The problem, you've stated you have is considered 'high blood sugar' usually less sugar intake is better for your body. Less food would be less sugar, but that means don't take the same insulin amounts. You should talk about it with the people you're trusting that diagnosed you & prescribed medicine to you, if you're taking insulin.
I guess the first act of faith in fasting for you could be, eating healthy. Cut out unnecessary sugars.
Several fellowships do a 15 day no desserts. Some turn off TV, radio etc to take time to listen to GOD. Usually all fasts reading the Bible & praying more. Turning from sin, like things that displease GOD. Like abusing someone's own body: 1Corinthians 6:9-10,11, Romans 14:22,23, Philippians 3:9,
Hebrews 11,
Interestingly the Bible mentions taking off Kingly garments & putting on sackcloth with fasting: 1Kings 21:27, Daniel 9:3, Isaiah 37:1, Jonah 3:5-10,
(this is the chapter Daniel 9, that the fellowship, takes the 'no dessert' fast from.)
Matthew 6, praying & asking Luke 11:1-13,
Then extreme fasts, for extreme situations: Books of Esther, Matthew 17:14-21,
2. 2 Corinthians 13:5. "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith..." This verse should be a warning given after any profession of faith. Warnings need to be associated with that in regard to producing good fruit ( Gal. 5:22-23). We of course don't want to present a "hyper-grace" type message in any form that we are now free to sin since grace "abounds" as stated in Romans 5:20 and subsequent verses. Here are several things one should look for after a genuine salvation experience and are evidences of SANCTIFICATION; the next stage in the process leading to GLORIFICATION. Romans 8:17; however talks about part of the necessary process "provided we suffer for Him."... This is not to suggest that we are all going to be martyred; but it DOES assume that we are crucified with Christ ( Galatians 2:20) and our life is now in Him. This means a death to our PRIDE; which of course is based on a whole bunch of subpoints (materialism; self grorification; esteem; reputation; status; etc.)
There used to be a song by Amy Grant "you've got to count the cost if you want to be a believer." as one of the lyrics. I could say more here; but I will leave it at this: such advice is sorely needed today if someone seeks God; and we must live it out ourselves.
3. Warnings of specific things the enemy is likely to place in your path to make you fall. I don't know how I could write this without reference to a primary target Satan is going after; namely marriages and family. If such things as personal vows taken in God's name (such as a marriage Covenant) are NOT taken as being DEADLY serious; then we can certainly understand why the confessing church has about 50 percent divorce rate par with the rest of the "pagan" world. I cannot understand how a covenant with God where the specific vow "until death do us part" can be violated. I don't wish to be flagged for the debate here on the "escape clause" in 2 places in Matthew
Hello Adam and David. I think both of you have made good points concerning the teaching of Scripture.
My understanding of what David was emphasizing is that from the standpoint of Galatians 2:16, our justification is based wholly on what Jesus did to bring about our salvation. Also, elsewhere, in Romans 3:22, it is said that our righteousness is not of ourselves but of "the faith of Jesus," (this is the same phraseology as used in Gal. 2:16). This Romans verse is attributing our righteousness to that of Christ's pure righteousness being imputed to us. So, in both of these verses, justification and righteousness come from Jesus and even our faith comes from Him. It is a gift that we received that enables us to believe the Gospel. Adam, I think that you have stated such in past posts, as I recall. So, I think we a ll agree on these points, but I may be mistaken.
What is at issue here, from what I can tell, is the matter of the extent of the freedom of man's will in being able to choose to have faith in Jesus. Many Christians will speak as David has, that mankind cannot on his own will choose to turn to God or believe. We must be regenerated by the Holy Spirit. We can not regenerate ourselves. Along with this regeneration comes the gift of faith and the power of the Spirit to activate this faith. Many who believe along this line of theology will say that man's corruption from sin has left his free will depraved and able to only choose to not serve God, have faith in Him, and turn to Him.
This is why there needs to be an initial action from God to regenerate us and make us new so that our free will can be made new (along with the rest of our being) so that we can turn to God and walk in faith provided for us in Jesus Christ.
There are other Christians who believe that we are able to cooperate with the Spirit of God to believe before we are regenerated. This would mean that man's free will was corrupted ny sin but not to the point that he cannot desire after God.
Wilful sin is a big issue as the article mentioned.
Hebrews 10:26-27. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
Here's also a commonly looked over sin.
James 4:17. Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
Sometimes we as Christians think we have the balances in our hands to tell the degree of the offence so we weigh the sin against another man's sin. That seems to give us comfort to continue in our folly.
We should understand that we have been bought/Redeemed with the blood of Christ!
Here is where we examine ourselves to see if Christ Lords over our life.
Galatians 2:20-21. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
This righteousness is not just Positionally it is practical. It should be on display "BECAUSE" it is energized by the Spirit.
This is not how well we serve, it's WHO we serve and WHO is glorified.
It's the outward act that shows the inward parts. ( The regenerated heart.)
If we count the blood of Christ dear to us we should have a fear of offending the grace of God, so his word and our our worship should line up with scripture.
Our walk and zeal confirms our attitude towards the ransom.
Another way to treat the blood of Christ as if it wasn't enough and try to add to it is to say "You don't except it or perhaps don't believe it.
Spiritual Discernment part 5: The Holy Spirit at work
The discernment of spirits involves detection of God's presence as well as the lack thereof. It is a rare preacher or layperson who would dare to be bold enough to declare that their particular congregation is lukewarm as Christ did of the Laodiceans. Unfortunately; there is too much human praise (such as accolades to Pastors) which in and of itself isn't necessarily wrong; but if it is in the spirit of the world where "what is honorable among men is an abomination to God" ( Luke 16:15 loosely translated). Empty praise we could do without; of course false accusations and and overcritical spirit aren't helpful either. It is; nonetheless being UNloving and not edifying brothers and sisters in Christ if we don't care enough to help them when we can see that they are compromised in some way; we should desire fruit to multiply in others.
We were discussing Pilate's line today with Christ "what is truth"? ( John 18:38). With today's culture tending to have the effect of not wanting to "offend" anyone as its biproduct of downright falsehood; it seems that there is little making us uncomfortable or thinking about the fear of the Lord nowadays. The truth is as a "two edged sword" ( Heb. 4:12). We also need to remember that He comes with a sword to smite the nations and even judge the church in some ways ( Rev. 2:16; Revelation 19). Paul didn't mince words with Peter but openly rebuked him in his hypocricy ( Galatians 2:11-19). Jesus Himself of course was God and able perhaps to be more critical than any of us; but again He rebukes all those He loves ( Heb. 12:6). The words of Proverbs 27:6 discuss the benefits of a rebuke of a friend; and this could be multiplied with many other cross references.
The point here is that if we don't make truth clear and expose error then the cure is worthless at best and perhaps worse than the disease. Any strongholds the enemy has must be dealt with before deliverance.
...The life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God..." That is part of Galatians 2:20. His Spirit also testifies with our spirit that we "are children of God" according to Romans 8:16. Scripture cannot be read alone with mental faculties and understood as God's truth unless these realities exist; namely being Born of the Spirit ( John 3:6-8) makes the Word living and active in our hearts ( Hebrews 4:12).
Scriptural truth also is what separates the God of truth and His angels from the fallen angels and demons that are the ruling principalities and powers of this world in this age ( Ephesians 6:12). Thus; we can experience God whether "in or out of the body" ( 2 Corinthians 12:2) as Paul did and by extension a demonic spiritual "trip" can occur much in the same way.
Anyone realistically wanting to understand 2 Corinthians 5:8 on being absent from the body; present with the Lord will understand that being in His presence as a believer is overwhelming to the extent that John fell at His feet as though dead ( Revelation 1:17). This is all the more telling since he was the disciple who always was closest to Jesus and even in his own testimony most loved ( John 13:23 and apparently in 4 other verses).
If we are NOT truly in Christ then there is only the terror of the Lord and of course immediate judgment and condemnation for those who are goats rather than sheep. Thus; those who promote a false gospel even if they were brain dead and came back to life God allows them to continue here for a while for His purposes. It would seem that it is possible as long as a body can be resuscitated for a few minutes that this can occur; that is a far cry from Lazarus being raised from the dead or the Lord Himself.
In any case, anyone preaching a gospel other than the truth let him be "anathema" ( Galatians 1:8); and that includes angels as well. To know we are hearing from God being saved is a minimum requirement.
Paul said in Galatians 2:20, for I have been crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me. And the life that I live, I live by the faith "of" the Son of God.
All the translations, including the New King James changed it to "live by the faith in the Son of God."
Now is that true? Yes it is true. We live by faith in Christ. But the basis of my faith is His faith, not mine!
And you might ask what about back in the gospels, when Jesus said let it be unto you according to your faith? Or, He would say where is your faith?
Let me just point out that the Greek is so exact that there is no "wiggle room" in there as to what it's talking about.
For instance, when Jesus said where is your faith, just the pronoun "your" means where is the faith that you're supposed to possess.
If He was challenging them to produce the faith, it would not be a personal pronoun, it would be a reflexive pronoun, "Where is the faith of you? Why aren't you producing it?"
Jesus never used a reflexive pronoun because the gospels is a historical presentation to us of three years of Jesus taking the disciples, and putting them in situations that are designed for God's Spirit to do, not for human beings to do, putting them into those situations and letting them fail. They tried!
Jesus was not challenging them in each of those circumstances to perform, and then after three years say "When are you guys going to learn?" Jesus wasn't challenging them to come up with the faith. He was showing them that without Christ, they cannot do one thing. They can't do it!
But for me, the definition of faith is persuasion. And it is a word that describes the presence and the activity of God's Spirit in the life of the believer. So it's Christ in me that persuades me. I am under the influence of an unseen Spirit that persuades me and ministers to me. And for me, that is faith!
c. Galatians 2:20. "Liberty". Since this whole chapter is on whether justification comes by the Law or by Christ, I feel that this verse is what is on Paul's mind when he writes on his 'crucifixion with Christ'. Certainly, Paul is not claiming a crucifixion akin to Christ's, but I believe that he is stating, that since Jesus' crucifixion was not only for mankind's redemption & for the Law, which could never be kept by man, but was now kept fully by the Lord & nailed to the Cross. Christ's crucifixion confirmed that the workings of the Law (not the Law itself) had died at the Cross, and that faith in the risen Christ alone could secure salvation.
Paul recognized this, as one who was once wholly dependent on the keeping of the Law to be acceptable to God; now, living in the Spirit & not in the flesh, Paul saw that his righteousness before God could never come through the Law but through faith in the Son of God Who died for him. Paul's 'crucifixion' in this sense meant that all that he once held dear in his doctrines & beliefs were now worthless & in opposition to the great merits of Christ's Sacrifice. Paul died to the old Law, even as Jesus' Death brought in a better Law ( Hebrews 7:19,22). Paul's identification with Christ was complete in his spiritual death when only faith in Jesus brought him righteousness.
So to your question: "So I am wondering how this factors into His words about taking up cross and following Him." Paul certainly knew the Truth from those three passages I quoted, as he shed his pharisaical garb & was now clothed with Christ & His Truth. And for us as well: when we fully believe & willingly accept the gracious Yoke of Christ, even though Discipleship might prove very costly & fully identifying with Christ's Death means the destruction of all that we held dear, tethered to Jesus alone, gives us the assurance of His ever-present Grace & Power at all times. If un-yoked to Christ, we're on our own.
Just a few thoughts on what you've shared GiGi. I'm considering the three passages: Matthew 16:24,25; Matthew 11:28-30; Galatians 2:20.
a. Matthew 16:24,25. "Discipleship". Discipleship is costly, more costly than most of us can imagine or have even experienced. To put everything pertaining to life behind one (family, possessions, ambitions, reliance on the material), equates to denying oneself. And to take up one's cross, would be the cumulative effect of that denial/casting aside which one must be prepared to carry for the journey ahead. And this must also include whatever unknowns may lie ahead (of hunger, shelter, loneliness, rejection & persecution). I would think that very few have submitted so fully to the Lord, though the disciples, to whom these words were directly spoken, joyfully apprehended it when "endued with power from on high".
b. Matthew 11:28-30. "Under Grace". Though this passage can accurately be applied to the Lord's gracious Ministry to all, I believe that He is particularly referring to the religious leaders who exacted much much more from the people than what the Law demanded. In Matthew 23:1-4, Jesus spoke of those leaders who correctly brought out Moses' Law, but then He chided them because they added their own "heavy burdens" upon the people, making obedience to the Law wearisome coupled with fear for the penalty if their rules were broken. Therefore, Jesus calls all those that are so burdened & yoked to pharisaical rules to turn to Him, He Whose "yoke" is undergirded with Grace & Truth.
I would like to share a reply posted by a dear brother of ours on this same question.
Jesus said if any man will come after me, and that is the word behind. And here is the decision-making process. When somebody surrenders to Jesus Christ, they are surrendering to come behind Him. Every single person has a calling to come behind Jesus. That's it!
If any man will come behind me, and there are three things, or principles I would like to share with you.
Principle number 1: Let him deny himself.
Now the word deny, ARNEOMAI, means to reject. This is what it means in the Greek. But first I'll tell you what it doesn't mean.
It doesn't mean that you are to deny yourself an ice cream cone after church or after bible study. It means to reject yourself, period!
The next phrase says, "and take up his cross." And some think that means whatever hardships I go through today. But that's not what it means.
You see, according to Romans Chapter 6, when Jesus died on the cross, He died my death. Therefore I have died, and every day my flesh is nailed to the cross and I'm to carry that cross.
And thirdly He says "follow me." Do you see what He's saying here?
He is saying "Follow me," meaning that the position is behind Him.
A good text would be Galatians 2:20, where Paul says I have been crucified in Christ, and the life that I now live, he says I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.
You see, he has died. I don't live any more. I don't do what I want to do because I don't live, I died. Paul says I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And the life that I now live, I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me.
He just said it all in one verse. Reject yourself!
I have had a conviction for a long time that our struggle every day in life is more against God than it is against Satan. Why? Because our flesh is continually trying to get down off that cross and trying to get away from the struggles of life.
If I might add my thoughts to your questions to Baker.
In Acts 2:1, "when the day of Pentecost was fully come", we find that the apostles had planned to be together in "one place". We don't find them bringing in their wheat harvest as required in celebration of Shavuot, or even participating in any celebrations pertaining to it, but rather, in waiting together on the appointed day for the coming of the Holy Spirit as Jesus instructed them ( Luke 24:49). So, the mention of them being together on Pentecost, simply meant that that was the day so appointed for them to gather (50 days after Passover).
Acts 10:11-15. It would take time & probably several lessons to completely extract the demands of the Old Covenant from the apostles & those of the Jews who had come to faith in Christ. But the vision that Peter saw & interpreted to him by Jesus, was not confined to clean & unclean foods, but to what the Jews regarded as anyone outside Jewry to be unclean ( Acts 10:28; Galatians 2:11-17). These were no doubt difficult lessons to learn, as things that are not of faith in Christ are removed from our minds & hearts. I know that I had to re-learn & deal with several issues after leaving the old life behind in 1979.
The Commandments. There's a difference in keeping the Commandments & keeping the Commandments to save us. Colossians 2:14, "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross". I understand that when the 'handwriting of ordinances' were removed & nailed, it didn't make God's Law obsolete & irrelevant; rather, the Law that once revealed to man his sin & condemned him without giving him a plan of escape, was finally nailed to the Cross where Jesus' Sacrifice now brought Mercy & Salvation. Since the Cross, we are to obey every commandment (& many more by the ministry & help of the Holy Spirit) - but those commands that are relevant for those found in Christ.
The law was given to Israel but let's set that aside.
You are right in that you say, "The Commandments must be kept" Israel couldn't obtain salvation thru the keeping of the law and neither can we.
Christ came to free us from the curse of the law, that doesn't mean he did away with The Law.
In the old covenant "under the law" there was sacrifices made for sin. Those sacrifices pointed ahead to the only sacrifice that could take away sin AND regenerate the believer by the Spirit. Hebrews 10:3-10.
The old covenant had no power over the incurable heart. The new covenant humbled the sinner and pointed him in the right direction. "CHRIST" Ezekiel 36:26-27. Jeremiah 31:31-33.
The old covenant slew us and is called the ministration of death. Romans 7:5-11. 2 Corinthians 3:6-14.
The new covenant gave mercy. Why mercy? Because no one could keep the law, and no one is able to do so today. Putting ourselves in chains and grinding our teeth while restraining from sin isn't keeping the law. Galatians 2:21.
The commandments given didn't say keep the commandments as best you can.
You're breaking the law in your heart You're still a sinner. There's no sanctification. Christ came to give new birth and a new heart accompanied with mercy and grace.
The second you broke any one of them you were forever lost if there was no sacrifice that could take away sin. Hebrews 10:1-5.
It was the sacrifices that pointed to Christ that made atonement for those sins.
Israel having God in their midst with all the providence showed the world that the heart of man is incurably wicked.
The law showed that there was a need of a savior that could regenerate the believer and give a new heart and life.
The commandments are Holy and was given to a nation that was set apart to show man with God in their midst was nothing like God being "IN" them.
That's what's available today.
Read Galatians 3:10-26.
Perhaps more on this later this weekend God bless."
Much of today's talk is of "falling in love" with Christ. We need to carefully examine the character and nature of the Godhead before attaching human; emotional or seemingly romantic sentiments on the Creator and Judge; Lord; Savior and Master.
There is no root in human nature; i.e. the flesh which desires God; in fact we are at enmity with Him in our carnal state and in fact enemies of God ( Romans 5:10). The fact that there is contention between the flesh and Spirit ( Galatians 5:17); and vice versa.
It is only in dying to self where we can submit to His authority; and the source of the life within us comes from heavenly places ( Galatians 2:20). The closest we could say about a human relationship is that we submit to each other; or sacrifice our lives.
Apart from Christ; we have two sinners that are by the grace of God involved (if married) in a covenant with God where if allowed in a best case scenario the individuals will finally be broken enough to realize that the Lord is the only thing that can change their selfish interest and natures. Any human sentiment is based on self satisfaction and or gratification which at best is a skewed shadow of God's love. This is also illustrated in Christ's story of how even us "being evil" bring good gifts to our kids. ( Matthew 7:11). We are also "unworthy servants" if we do what is expected ( Luke 17:10).
There are those who would at least put on a show of outward appearance of kindness; generousity; and self sacrifice. Apart from Christ; we can only say that the Lord is using these individuals to meet earthly needs as well as those of believers in His Providence. It is only by His grace that we would want to take on the nature of Christ; a "man of sorrows' ( Isaiah 53:3); as well as dying to self daily; carrying our cross and truly being a disciple and counting the cost. And today's Christian industries of entertainment often appeal the flesh; and have weak at best doctrines to live by.
The simple answer is that both concepts hold true. The word "qeber" stands for the body and it's state of sleep i.e. death; so that no more emotions or function of any kind exist after the soul leaves the body. The term "sheol" was the O.T. place where all souls would go after death; now as believers of course we can hold onto the promise "absent from the body present with the Lord."
It would seem prudent to focus on what dying to self through our life in Christ means to us now. "It is not I who live" and "I am crucified with Christ ( Galatians 2:20) begins when we are "Born Again". We now are in a conflict between the flesh and the Spirit; if truly saved. (see Galatians again in chapter 5; verse 17). Christ has placed His seal; a down payment on our souls; and since Christ is eternal so is our life in Him ( Eph. 1:13-14). The "sanctification" process is a constant realization of what remains of our sinful flesh; as to how vile our affections are and the state of our bodies in this present world. Essentially; once we die we come to the end of that struggle.
We can look at it this way; eternal life BEGINS when we are saved; and He works from the inside out transforming us. Satan can be expected through his accusations to work as hard as he can to accuse us; distract us back to worldly thoughts; and to trick us in every way. It is in his best interests to render us helpless; to disarm our heavenly armor ( Eph. 6); to use people and situations as well as our own flaws against us; etc. God "chastises everyone He loves." ( Heb. 12:6). A messenger of Satan was allowed to buffet Paul after his great revelations ( 2 Cor. 12:7). Satan also tempted Christ; as well as influenced Peter. We certainly can expect the same; as God will often use this to bring us to our knees. The enemy of our souls always finds the weakest link and takes advantage of it. We are; however currently "seated in heavenly places." ( Eph. 2:4-6).
But I think we understand Romans 4 in regards to Abraham differently.
First let me say my understanding is that the translation from the Hebrew to English here could have been done somewhat better; but I do not feel qualified to get into that.
Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth{belief BECAUSE God has saved us}on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith{that is Christ's faith, Christ Himself} is counted for righteousness.
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST, even we have believed{belief BECAUSE God has saved us}in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the FAITH OF CHRIST, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
All True Believers throughout time are justified, i.e. saved by the faithfulness of Christ; NOT OUR FAITH. Our faith is a GIFT of God and is the RESULT of our Salvation and Justification; it is not the CAUSE nor the REASON.
And that was the case for Abraham and all Old Testament True Believers.
I am going to let the word of God answer the questions you ask.
You ask: Did the apostle Paul commit sin after he was saved.
1 John 3:9 Whosoever is BORN of GOD doeth not commit sin, for his (GOD'S) SEED remaineth in him: and he CANNOT sin because he is BORN of God.
You ask: in 100 years will I be alive in physical body? YES!
John 11:26 Whosoever liveth and believeth in me (the SEED) shall NEVER DIE, believest thou this?
Luke 20:36 Neither can they (the SEED) DIE ANYMORE (they died with Christ on the cross): for they are EQUAL unto the ANGELS (angles have Christ's resurrected body); and are the children (SONS, like Christ) of God, being the children (SEED) of the resurrection.
1 Corinthians 15:38 But God giveth it (Christ's SEED) a body as it has pleased him, to every SEED his (Christ's) OWN BODY.
You ask: do I every commit sin. NO!
Galatians 2:20 .....I am DEAD, nonetheless I LIVE, YET NOT I, but Christ LIVETH IN ME .... ALL creation DIED on the cross ....ONLY ONE SEED (Christ) arose ....
You ask: What does it mean to be born again.
To believe the WORD's Of GOD.
You can not be BORN again until you BELIEVE YOUR DEAD, only Christ is alive.
You ask: Where is Paul living and in what form:
Luke 20:36 ...EQUAL to the angles .... the IMAGE of CHRIST ...... Christ is the ANGEL of GOD ......
Isaiah 63:8 .... and the ANGEL of his (God's) presence SAVED them ..... Paul is living IN and BY the presence of Christ, in the body of Christ ...
Colossians 1:27 ..... this mystery ..... Christ in you .....
1 Corinthians 12:27 ... ye are the BODY of Christ ....
God bless YOU!
I don't think you totally understand the Kingdom of God.
You don't exist; you DIED on the cross, Christ ONLY arose.
Galatians 2:20 I am (was) CRUCIFIED with Christ, nevertheless I LIVE, YET NO I, but CHRIST IN ME ..... the NEW CREATION .....
Psalms 116:15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the DEATH of his saints (SEED).
Abraham was PROMISED a SEED, only ONE SEED, the promised SEED ---- CHRIST ----
CHRIST, the promised SEED AROSE, all creation were joint heirs of that resurrection, making them the SEED of Christ.
There is ONLY ONE SEED
Isaiah 59:21 .... this is my covenant with them (Christ's SEED) , My Spirit that is upon thee (Christ), and the words that are in thy (Christ's) mouth, shall not depart out of thy (Christ's) mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy (Christ's) SEED, nor out of the mouth of thy (Christ's) SEED'S SEED, from henceforth and forever
I will give you some of the scriptures that says we died on the cross with Christ and were raised with Christ, the first resurrection.
2 Corinthians 5:14 .... that if ONE died for ALL,then were all DEAD.
Colossians 3:3 For ye are DEAD, and your life is hid with Christ IN God.
Romans 6:6 ....our old man is CRUCIFIED with him .......
Galatians 2:20 I am CRUCIFIED with Christ: nevertheless I live, YET NOT I, but Christ liveth in ME .....
Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised US UP TOGETHER ......
Isaiah 26:9 Thy DEAD men shall arise, TOGETHER with my dead body shall they ARISE ....
Revelation 20:6 Blessed and Holy is he that hath part in the FIRST RESURRECTION .....
God bless you
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a NEW CREATURE: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Galatians 1:6-9 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Galatians 2:16-21 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith OF Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith OF Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith OF the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Galatians 2:16-21 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith OF Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith OF Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified BY Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith OF the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
2 Corinthians 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
1 John 2:1-4 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
Do you believe what THE WORD says.
1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all shall be made alive.
Has this not already happen, at the cross and resurrection?
Galatians 2:20 I am Crucified with Christ ...
Are not these words for ALL men, do you believe you were crucified with Christ 2000 years ago, not yet born, but reaping the gift of God.
Ephesians 2:8 For BY GRACE are you SAVED (given immortal LIFE) ......
This happened 2000 years ago, do you believe you were given this gift of God before you ever knew to do right or wrong?
Romans 9:11 For the children (the new creation, Christ in you) being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to the election (of Grace) might stand not of works, but of him (the Holy Ghost) that CALLETH.
Is it not God that is doing ALL THINGS according to his good pleasure.
Are not ALL men a POT and God the POTTER?
Is not God going to DESTROY ALL marred POTS and remake them into vessels of HONOUR.
All this was done at the cross and RESURRECTION.
God will CAUSE his creation to come to TRUTH at his good pleasure.
It's all THE WORKS of God, man has no say in what God see fit to do, we just know what the END will be.
1 Corinthians 15:28 ..... GOD will be ALL in ALL.
God bless you.
I would respectfully ask you again.
What is man's condition before we have become saved?
What does it mean to become saved, i.e. to become Born Again?
How do you understand, for example, Galatians 2:16-21 and similar passages in Romans?
How do TRUE BELIEVERS become apostate and come under the wrath of God if Christ has paid the full penalty demanded by the Law of God for their sins? Is that not double jeopardy?
If we hold a gospel that is CONDITIONAL upon something we do or do not do, is that not a gospel of grace plus works. In other words are you not saying "Christ has done His part and now its up to us"?
Are these not questions that you must face if you hold a gospel where we can lose our salvation.
And yes, the ETERNAL CHURCH spoken of in the Bible is made up of ALL TRUE BELIEVERS throughout history. And that church cannot become apostate. But every local church and congregation, just like National Israel of the Old Testament, has NOT been made up of ALL true believers and that is the church that becomes apostate, as had National Israel by the time of the Cross.
Galatians 2:16
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Ezekiel 36:24-29
For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God. I will also save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Jude 1:24, 25
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
The true gospel of the Bible is a gospel where God does 100% of the work in saving us and our works cannot and do not contribute to our salvation in any way whatsoever.
If we have become saved it is because God has chosen us, paid for our sins, drawn us, and saved us. And He will therefore KEEP us.
If we are following a gospel where we can lose our salvation, we are not following the gospel of the Bible.
We may not come to full understanding in terms of our individual lives; but God is faithful in all His promises which are most often expressed in covenants in the Bible. Again; it is in the context of corporate worship; being part of the armies of God; His Body etal. where our identity should be saught and expressed. My favorite saying on this is that we are going to be together for all eternity; so we should start getting along with one another now.
With our Resurrection; of course comes full restoration. We know that heaven itself has streets of gold and is adorned with all sorts of unimaginable gems on the doors and walls. We see in Isaiah how the animal kingdom is going to be restored ( Isaiah 11:6-9); how natural lives will be restored to where they were before the flood; and how we will literally rule over cities ( Luke 19:17 and surrounding verses). The fullness of the earth and harvest; as well as great material wealth also will occur starting in the Millennium. So in all these things his promises are "yea and amen" ( 2 Cor. 1:20). Those who were widows; orphans; martyrs and otherwise suffering in this life will come to a better country in the future ( Heb. 11:16).
There are also promises in terms of the fate of the wicked. Realizing what we have come from helps us now in our fallen state to humbly adore and worship God in a manner fitting for His saints. We must realize that we cannot return to Eden; in our natural state. We are crucified with Christ; therefore and part of a new and better life as Galatians 2:20 states. We are now in enemy territory; and nothing on our part can change that if we are indeed living a Godly life in Christ Jesus. We are aliens passing through; and the charms of this world should no longer bring comfort to our minds and tempt us to make a bargain in any way with the prince of this world to have a comfortable life. May we trust God in all things according to His will. ( Psalm 37:4
April 28, 2023
May my tongue extol and magnify YOU, because YOU so richly deserve the praise we should give unto YOU. "May the words of my mouth be acceptable unto YOU."
Thank YOU LORD for answered prayers and the peace and comfort that follows as we learn to abide in YOU according to Scripture. Isaiah 26: 3 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
Praise the LORD for all on this forum and for the promises YOU give to us. May we all endeavor to trust, believe, and walk for "...in the joy of the LORD is my strength.."
April 9, 2023 Galatians 2:20; Matthew 28:18-20;
Acts 4:10-12
What is it?
When is it?
Matthew 24:21 For then shall be GREAT TRIBULATION such as was not since the beginning of the world to THIS TIME (of the great tribulation), no, nor shall ever be (but this one time).
Matthew 24:22 And except those days (of the great tribulation) BE SHORTENED; there should no flesh be SAVED; but for the elects sake those days (of the great tribulation) SHALL BE SHORTENED.
According to God's word NO FLESH can BE SAVED until after the GREAT TRIBULATION.
Are you saved NOW?
Yes, you were saved by the RESURRECTION.
Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ ....
Romans 6:6 Knowing this, our old man is crucified with him .....
Romans 6:5 ...we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.....
Colossians 3:1 If ye be then risen with Christ .......
Luke 20:36 ...being the children of the resurrection .....
The wrath of God; that GREAT TRIBULATION, was poured out on Christ, the Great tribulation was SHORTENED to 3 days, for the elects sake.
God bless you.
Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ .....
We were all crucified with Christ.
Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us up together (with Christ) .....
We were all raised up with Christ.
Isaiah 28:19 ....together with my dead body shall they arise ...
God bless YOU!
1 Timothy 6:16 Who ONLY hath IMMORTALITY ....
It was a finished WORK 2000 years ago; now, nothing has to be ADDED and certainly nothing can be TAKEN AWAY. This is the Gospel.
You died with Christ, and you were raise a NEW CREATION, it's HIS LIFE IN YOU.
You believe, because God CAUSES you to believe. He's the LIFE in you.
Philippians 1:29 It is GIVEN to you in the behalf of Christ to believe in him ...
You have faith, because Christ is the LIFE in you.
Galatians 2:16 .... the FAITH OF Jesus Christ ....
You have WORKS, because it's HIS LIFE in you.
Philippians 2:13 For it is GOD that WORKETH in you both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.
God Bless YOU!
I'm sorry if my response did not answer your question. Please allow a second shot at it.
You asked two questions. First question was if 1 Corinthians 1:18 means that we wear gold crosses around our necks?
My answer to that would be no.
Your second question: does 1 Corinthians 1:18 mean that we go to the tattoo parlor and ask for a cross to be etched/cut into our skin.
My answer to that would also be no. I gave you my understanding of what that verse means.
Again, your question is "Are we supposed to wear crosses on our necks?"
I do not know of any scripture that forbids it. There is scripture that speaks against idols and worship of idols. I suppose if a person does not worship or idolize a piece of jewelry or any other material possessions, that person would be okay.
Also, Luke 14:27 does not address your question. "Whosoever does not bear his cross" doesn't mean whosoever does not wear a cross around his neck.
What does it mean to bear ones cross?
Here in our culture, basically people understand it to mean whatever hardships I have to go through today, I'm just bearing my cross for Jesus. Except that whether you are a Christian or not, you are going to go through difficulties. It is not what it means.
When Jesus died on the cross, He died my death.In reference, you can read Romans 6:1-14, and Galatians 2:20.
What does it mean to take up your cross?
You see, when I received the life of Jesus Christ, I also received His death. That's why Paul can say in Philippians, "Oh that I might know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings."
Power to live and power to suffer go hand in hand. But they are not my sufferings. They are the sufferings of Christ. But when He died on the cross, He died my death. He died in my place therefore I have died. But my biggest struggle in life is that every day, my flesh is trying to get down off that cross.
I think you, yourself have to determine how & if you fast. By your faith.
Isaiah 58, Galatians 2:6, Hebrews 11:6, James 1:5-7,
The problem, you've stated you have is considered 'high blood sugar' usually less sugar intake is better for your body. Less food would be less sugar, but that means don't take the same insulin amounts. You should talk about it with the people you're trusting that diagnosed you & prescribed medicine to you, if you're taking insulin.
I guess the first act of faith in fasting for you could be, eating healthy. Cut out unnecessary sugars.
Several fellowships do a 15 day no desserts. Some turn off TV, radio etc to take time to listen to GOD. Usually all fasts reading the Bible & praying more. Turning from sin, like things that displease GOD. Like abusing someone's own body: 1Corinthians 6:9-10,11, Romans 14:22,23, Philippians 3:9,
Hebrews 11,
Interestingly the Bible mentions taking off Kingly garments & putting on sackcloth with fasting: 1Kings 21:27, Daniel 9:3, Isaiah 37:1, Jonah 3:5-10,
(this is the chapter Daniel 9, that the fellowship, takes the 'no dessert' fast from.)
Matthew 6, praying & asking Luke 11:1-13,
Then extreme fasts, for extreme situations: Books of Esther, Matthew 17:14-21,
Hopefully these are helpful
2. 2 Corinthians 13:5. "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith..." This verse should be a warning given after any profession of faith. Warnings need to be associated with that in regard to producing good fruit ( Gal. 5:22-23). We of course don't want to present a "hyper-grace" type message in any form that we are now free to sin since grace "abounds" as stated in Romans 5:20 and subsequent verses. Here are several things one should look for after a genuine salvation experience and are evidences of SANCTIFICATION; the next stage in the process leading to GLORIFICATION. Romans 8:17; however talks about part of the necessary process "provided we suffer for Him."... This is not to suggest that we are all going to be martyred; but it DOES assume that we are crucified with Christ ( Galatians 2:20) and our life is now in Him. This means a death to our PRIDE; which of course is based on a whole bunch of subpoints (materialism; self grorification; esteem; reputation; status; etc.)
There used to be a song by Amy Grant "you've got to count the cost if you want to be a believer." as one of the lyrics. I could say more here; but I will leave it at this: such advice is sorely needed today if someone seeks God; and we must live it out ourselves.
3. Warnings of specific things the enemy is likely to place in your path to make you fall. I don't know how I could write this without reference to a primary target Satan is going after; namely marriages and family. If such things as personal vows taken in God's name (such as a marriage Covenant) are NOT taken as being DEADLY serious; then we can certainly understand why the confessing church has about 50 percent divorce rate par with the rest of the "pagan" world. I cannot understand how a covenant with God where the specific vow "until death do us part" can be violated. I don't wish to be flagged for the debate here on the "escape clause" in 2 places in Matthew
My understanding of what David was emphasizing is that from the standpoint of Galatians 2:16, our justification is based wholly on what Jesus did to bring about our salvation. Also, elsewhere, in Romans 3:22, it is said that our righteousness is not of ourselves but of "the faith of Jesus," (this is the same phraseology as used in Gal. 2:16). This Romans verse is attributing our righteousness to that of Christ's pure righteousness being imputed to us. So, in both of these verses, justification and righteousness come from Jesus and even our faith comes from Him. It is a gift that we received that enables us to believe the Gospel. Adam, I think that you have stated such in past posts, as I recall. So, I think we a ll agree on these points, but I may be mistaken.
What is at issue here, from what I can tell, is the matter of the extent of the freedom of man's will in being able to choose to have faith in Jesus. Many Christians will speak as David has, that mankind cannot on his own will choose to turn to God or believe. We must be regenerated by the Holy Spirit. We can not regenerate ourselves. Along with this regeneration comes the gift of faith and the power of the Spirit to activate this faith. Many who believe along this line of theology will say that man's corruption from sin has left his free will depraved and able to only choose to not serve God, have faith in Him, and turn to Him.
This is why there needs to be an initial action from God to regenerate us and make us new so that our free will can be made new (along with the rest of our being) so that we can turn to God and walk in faith provided for us in Jesus Christ.
There are other Christians who believe that we are able to cooperate with the Spirit of God to believe before we are regenerated. This would mean that man's free will was corrupted ny sin but not to the point that he cannot desire after God.
Great topic.
Wilful sin is a big issue as the article mentioned.
Hebrews 10:26-27. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
Here's also a commonly looked over sin.
James 4:17. Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
Sometimes we as Christians think we have the balances in our hands to tell the degree of the offence so we weigh the sin against another man's sin. That seems to give us comfort to continue in our folly.
We should understand that we have been bought/Redeemed with the blood of Christ!
Here is where we examine ourselves to see if Christ Lords over our life.
Galatians 2:20-21. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
This righteousness is not just Positionally it is practical. It should be on display "BECAUSE" it is energized by the Spirit.
This is not how well we serve, it's WHO we serve and WHO is glorified.
It's the outward act that shows the inward parts. ( The regenerated heart.)
If we count the blood of Christ dear to us we should have a fear of offending the grace of God, so his word and our our worship should line up with scripture.
Our walk and zeal confirms our attitude towards the ransom.
Another way to treat the blood of Christ as if it wasn't enough and try to add to it is to say "You don't except it or perhaps don't believe it.
God bless.
The discernment of spirits involves detection of God's presence as well as the lack thereof. It is a rare preacher or layperson who would dare to be bold enough to declare that their particular congregation is lukewarm as Christ did of the Laodiceans. Unfortunately; there is too much human praise (such as accolades to Pastors) which in and of itself isn't necessarily wrong; but if it is in the spirit of the world where "what is honorable among men is an abomination to God" ( Luke 16:15 loosely translated). Empty praise we could do without; of course false accusations and and overcritical spirit aren't helpful either. It is; nonetheless being UNloving and not edifying brothers and sisters in Christ if we don't care enough to help them when we can see that they are compromised in some way; we should desire fruit to multiply in others.
We were discussing Pilate's line today with Christ "what is truth"? ( John 18:38). With today's culture tending to have the effect of not wanting to "offend" anyone as its biproduct of downright falsehood; it seems that there is little making us uncomfortable or thinking about the fear of the Lord nowadays. The truth is as a "two edged sword" ( Heb. 4:12). We also need to remember that He comes with a sword to smite the nations and even judge the church in some ways ( Rev. 2:16; Revelation 19). Paul didn't mince words with Peter but openly rebuked him in his hypocricy ( Galatians 2:11-19). Jesus Himself of course was God and able perhaps to be more critical than any of us; but again He rebukes all those He loves ( Heb. 12:6). The words of Proverbs 27:6 discuss the benefits of a rebuke of a friend; and this could be multiplied with many other cross references.
The point here is that if we don't make truth clear and expose error then the cure is worthless at best and perhaps worse than the disease. Any strongholds the enemy has must be dealt with before deliverance.
...The life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God..." That is part of Galatians 2:20. His Spirit also testifies with our spirit that we "are children of God" according to Romans 8:16. Scripture cannot be read alone with mental faculties and understood as God's truth unless these realities exist; namely being Born of the Spirit ( John 3:6-8) makes the Word living and active in our hearts ( Hebrews 4:12).
Scriptural truth also is what separates the God of truth and His angels from the fallen angels and demons that are the ruling principalities and powers of this world in this age ( Ephesians 6:12). Thus; we can experience God whether "in or out of the body" ( 2 Corinthians 12:2) as Paul did and by extension a demonic spiritual "trip" can occur much in the same way.
Anyone realistically wanting to understand 2 Corinthians 5:8 on being absent from the body; present with the Lord will understand that being in His presence as a believer is overwhelming to the extent that John fell at His feet as though dead ( Revelation 1:17). This is all the more telling since he was the disciple who always was closest to Jesus and even in his own testimony most loved ( John 13:23 and apparently in 4 other verses).
If we are NOT truly in Christ then there is only the terror of the Lord and of course immediate judgment and condemnation for those who are goats rather than sheep. Thus; those who promote a false gospel even if they were brain dead and came back to life God allows them to continue here for a while for His purposes. It would seem that it is possible as long as a body can be resuscitated for a few minutes that this can occur; that is a far cry from Lazarus being raised from the dead or the Lord Himself.
In any case, anyone preaching a gospel other than the truth let him be "anathema" ( Galatians 1:8); and that includes angels as well. To know we are hearing from God being saved is a minimum requirement.
Paul said in Galatians 2:20, for I have been crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me. And the life that I live, I live by the faith "of" the Son of God.
All the translations, including the New King James changed it to "live by the faith in the Son of God."
Now is that true? Yes it is true. We live by faith in Christ. But the basis of my faith is His faith, not mine!
And you might ask what about back in the gospels, when Jesus said let it be unto you according to your faith? Or, He would say where is your faith?
Let me just point out that the Greek is so exact that there is no "wiggle room" in there as to what it's talking about.
For instance, when Jesus said where is your faith, just the pronoun "your" means where is the faith that you're supposed to possess.
If He was challenging them to produce the faith, it would not be a personal pronoun, it would be a reflexive pronoun, "Where is the faith of you? Why aren't you producing it?"
Jesus never used a reflexive pronoun because the gospels is a historical presentation to us of three years of Jesus taking the disciples, and putting them in situations that are designed for God's Spirit to do, not for human beings to do, putting them into those situations and letting them fail. They tried!
Jesus was not challenging them in each of those circumstances to perform, and then after three years say "When are you guys going to learn?" Jesus wasn't challenging them to come up with the faith. He was showing them that without Christ, they cannot do one thing. They can't do it!
But for me, the definition of faith is persuasion. And it is a word that describes the presence and the activity of God's Spirit in the life of the believer. So it's Christ in me that persuades me. I am under the influence of an unseen Spirit that persuades me and ministers to me. And for me, that is faith!
Again, thank you for what you've shared!
c. Galatians 2:20. "Liberty". Since this whole chapter is on whether justification comes by the Law or by Christ, I feel that this verse is what is on Paul's mind when he writes on his 'crucifixion with Christ'. Certainly, Paul is not claiming a crucifixion akin to Christ's, but I believe that he is stating, that since Jesus' crucifixion was not only for mankind's redemption & for the Law, which could never be kept by man, but was now kept fully by the Lord & nailed to the Cross. Christ's crucifixion confirmed that the workings of the Law (not the Law itself) had died at the Cross, and that faith in the risen Christ alone could secure salvation.
Paul recognized this, as one who was once wholly dependent on the keeping of the Law to be acceptable to God; now, living in the Spirit & not in the flesh, Paul saw that his righteousness before God could never come through the Law but through faith in the Son of God Who died for him. Paul's 'crucifixion' in this sense meant that all that he once held dear in his doctrines & beliefs were now worthless & in opposition to the great merits of Christ's Sacrifice. Paul died to the old Law, even as Jesus' Death brought in a better Law ( Hebrews 7:19,22). Paul's identification with Christ was complete in his spiritual death when only faith in Jesus brought him righteousness.
So to your question: "So I am wondering how this factors into His words about taking up cross and following Him." Paul certainly knew the Truth from those three passages I quoted, as he shed his pharisaical garb & was now clothed with Christ & His Truth. And for us as well: when we fully believe & willingly accept the gracious Yoke of Christ, even though Discipleship might prove very costly & fully identifying with Christ's Death means the destruction of all that we held dear, tethered to Jesus alone, gives us the assurance of His ever-present Grace & Power at all times. If un-yoked to Christ, we're on our own.
Just a few thoughts on what you've shared GiGi. I'm considering the three passages: Matthew 16:24,25; Matthew 11:28-30; Galatians 2:20.
a. Matthew 16:24,25. "Discipleship". Discipleship is costly, more costly than most of us can imagine or have even experienced. To put everything pertaining to life behind one (family, possessions, ambitions, reliance on the material), equates to denying oneself. And to take up one's cross, would be the cumulative effect of that denial/casting aside which one must be prepared to carry for the journey ahead. And this must also include whatever unknowns may lie ahead (of hunger, shelter, loneliness, rejection & persecution). I would think that very few have submitted so fully to the Lord, though the disciples, to whom these words were directly spoken, joyfully apprehended it when "endued with power from on high".
b. Matthew 11:28-30. "Under Grace". Though this passage can accurately be applied to the Lord's gracious Ministry to all, I believe that He is particularly referring to the religious leaders who exacted much much more from the people than what the Law demanded. In Matthew 23:1-4, Jesus spoke of those leaders who correctly brought out Moses' Law, but then He chided them because they added their own "heavy burdens" upon the people, making obedience to the Law wearisome coupled with fear for the penalty if their rules were broken. Therefore, Jesus calls all those that are so burdened & yoked to pharisaical rules to turn to Him, He Whose "yoke" is undergirded with Grace & Truth.
I would like to share a reply posted by a dear brother of ours on this same question.
Jesus said if any man will come after me, and that is the word behind. And here is the decision-making process. When somebody surrenders to Jesus Christ, they are surrendering to come behind Him. Every single person has a calling to come behind Jesus. That's it!
If any man will come behind me, and there are three things, or principles I would like to share with you.
Principle number 1: Let him deny himself.
Now the word deny, ARNEOMAI, means to reject. This is what it means in the Greek. But first I'll tell you what it doesn't mean.
It doesn't mean that you are to deny yourself an ice cream cone after church or after bible study. It means to reject yourself, period!
The next phrase says, "and take up his cross." And some think that means whatever hardships I go through today. But that's not what it means.
You see, according to Romans Chapter 6, when Jesus died on the cross, He died my death. Therefore I have died, and every day my flesh is nailed to the cross and I'm to carry that cross.
And thirdly He says "follow me." Do you see what He's saying here?
He is saying "Follow me," meaning that the position is behind Him.
A good text would be Galatians 2:20, where Paul says I have been crucified in Christ, and the life that I now live, he says I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.
You see, he has died. I don't live any more. I don't do what I want to do because I don't live, I died. Paul says I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And the life that I now live, I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me.
He just said it all in one verse. Reject yourself!
I have had a conviction for a long time that our struggle every day in life is more against God than it is against Satan. Why? Because our flesh is continually trying to get down off that cross and trying to get away from the struggles of life.
God bless
In Acts 2:1, "when the day of Pentecost was fully come", we find that the apostles had planned to be together in "one place". We don't find them bringing in their wheat harvest as required in celebration of Shavuot, or even participating in any celebrations pertaining to it, but rather, in waiting together on the appointed day for the coming of the Holy Spirit as Jesus instructed them ( Luke 24:49). So, the mention of them being together on Pentecost, simply meant that that was the day so appointed for them to gather (50 days after Passover).
Acts 10:11-15. It would take time & probably several lessons to completely extract the demands of the Old Covenant from the apostles & those of the Jews who had come to faith in Christ. But the vision that Peter saw & interpreted to him by Jesus, was not confined to clean & unclean foods, but to what the Jews regarded as anyone outside Jewry to be unclean ( Acts 10:28; Galatians 2:11-17). These were no doubt difficult lessons to learn, as things that are not of faith in Christ are removed from our minds & hearts. I know that I had to re-learn & deal with several issues after leaving the old life behind in 1979.
The Commandments. There's a difference in keeping the Commandments & keeping the Commandments to save us. Colossians 2:14, "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross". I understand that when the 'handwriting of ordinances' were removed & nailed, it didn't make God's Law obsolete & irrelevant; rather, the Law that once revealed to man his sin & condemned him without giving him a plan of escape, was finally nailed to the Cross where Jesus' Sacrifice now brought Mercy & Salvation. Since the Cross, we are to obey every commandment (& many more by the ministry & help of the Holy Spirit) - but those commands that are relevant for those found in Christ.
The law was given to Israel but let's set that aside.
You are right in that you say, "The Commandments must be kept" Israel couldn't obtain salvation thru the keeping of the law and neither can we.
Christ came to free us from the curse of the law, that doesn't mean he did away with The Law.
In the old covenant "under the law" there was sacrifices made for sin. Those sacrifices pointed ahead to the only sacrifice that could take away sin AND regenerate the believer by the Spirit. Hebrews 10:3-10.
The old covenant had no power over the incurable heart. The new covenant humbled the sinner and pointed him in the right direction. "CHRIST" Ezekiel 36:26-27. Jeremiah 31:31-33.
The old covenant slew us and is called the ministration of death. Romans 7:5-11. 2 Corinthians 3:6-14.
The new covenant gave mercy. Why mercy? Because no one could keep the law, and no one is able to do so today. Putting ourselves in chains and grinding our teeth while restraining from sin isn't keeping the law. Galatians 2:21.
The commandments given didn't say keep the commandments as best you can.
You're breaking the law in your heart You're still a sinner. There's no sanctification. Christ came to give new birth and a new heart accompanied with mercy and grace.
The second you broke any one of them you were forever lost if there was no sacrifice that could take away sin. Hebrews 10:1-5.
It was the sacrifices that pointed to Christ that made atonement for those sins.
Israel having God in their midst with all the providence showed the world that the heart of man is incurably wicked.
The law showed that there was a need of a savior that could regenerate the believer and give a new heart and life.
The commandments are Holy and was given to a nation that was set apart to show man with God in their midst was nothing like God being "IN" them.
That's what's available today.
Read Galatians 3:10-26.
Perhaps more on this later this weekend God bless."
Much of today's talk is of "falling in love" with Christ. We need to carefully examine the character and nature of the Godhead before attaching human; emotional or seemingly romantic sentiments on the Creator and Judge; Lord; Savior and Master.
There is no root in human nature; i.e. the flesh which desires God; in fact we are at enmity with Him in our carnal state and in fact enemies of God ( Romans 5:10). The fact that there is contention between the flesh and Spirit ( Galatians 5:17); and vice versa.
It is only in dying to self where we can submit to His authority; and the source of the life within us comes from heavenly places ( Galatians 2:20). The closest we could say about a human relationship is that we submit to each other; or sacrifice our lives.
Apart from Christ; we have two sinners that are by the grace of God involved (if married) in a covenant with God where if allowed in a best case scenario the individuals will finally be broken enough to realize that the Lord is the only thing that can change their selfish interest and natures. Any human sentiment is based on self satisfaction and or gratification which at best is a skewed shadow of God's love. This is also illustrated in Christ's story of how even us "being evil" bring good gifts to our kids. ( Matthew 7:11). We are also "unworthy servants" if we do what is expected ( Luke 17:10).
There are those who would at least put on a show of outward appearance of kindness; generousity; and self sacrifice. Apart from Christ; we can only say that the Lord is using these individuals to meet earthly needs as well as those of believers in His Providence. It is only by His grace that we would want to take on the nature of Christ; a "man of sorrows' ( Isaiah 53:3); as well as dying to self daily; carrying our cross and truly being a disciple and counting the cost. And today's Christian industries of entertainment often appeal the flesh; and have weak at best doctrines to live by.
It would seem prudent to focus on what dying to self through our life in Christ means to us now. "It is not I who live" and "I am crucified with Christ ( Galatians 2:20) begins when we are "Born Again". We now are in a conflict between the flesh and the Spirit; if truly saved. (see Galatians again in chapter 5; verse 17). Christ has placed His seal; a down payment on our souls; and since Christ is eternal so is our life in Him ( Eph. 1:13-14). The "sanctification" process is a constant realization of what remains of our sinful flesh; as to how vile our affections are and the state of our bodies in this present world. Essentially; once we die we come to the end of that struggle.
We can look at it this way; eternal life BEGINS when we are saved; and He works from the inside out transforming us. Satan can be expected through his accusations to work as hard as he can to accuse us; distract us back to worldly thoughts; and to trick us in every way. It is in his best interests to render us helpless; to disarm our heavenly armor ( Eph. 6); to use people and situations as well as our own flaws against us; etc. God "chastises everyone He loves." ( Heb. 12:6). A messenger of Satan was allowed to buffet Paul after his great revelations ( 2 Cor. 12:7). Satan also tempted Christ; as well as influenced Peter. We certainly can expect the same; as God will often use this to bring us to our knees. The enemy of our souls always finds the weakest link and takes advantage of it. We are; however currently "seated in heavenly places." ( Eph. 2:4-6).
Hope this is an encouragement.