Romans 5:12 says Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
The fact is that we are all born with Adam's sin and hence at enmity with God. Our hearts are as Jeremiah 17:9 says "desperately wicked." No one does good ( Romans 3:10-12 and in Psalms); and we are estranged from the womb ( Psalm 58:3). So the first issue is the thought that anyone is "good" which inevitably comes from comparing ourselves to another "worse" person like Hitler (unless we are that bad ourselves and we can't appeal to anyone worse; in that case we probably wouldn't want to concern ourselves with doing good deeds. Our deeds also; BTW are evil; even our best deeds as "filthy rags". ( Isaiah 64:6). This "grace Gospel" as it is known is obviously taken from Romans as a primary source but reflects many scripture verses. Or as someone once said "a hundred percent sinner needs a hundred percent savior" (can't seem to find this entire phrase quoted by anyone).
Now death; of course in the law comes in two ways; MURDER or justifiable killing whether to exact a punishment "a life for a life" (part of Deuteronomy 19:21). It also is involved with the wars and conquests of Israel with the admittedly hard verses about exterminating entire peoples including women and children in certain circumstances. The understandable aspect of this is when the descendents of the Nephilim (or angels with women producing giant hybrid offspring) were exterminated; being an aberrant being without and eternal soul perhaps the proper interpretation of Isaiah 26:14. That is a deep study; but no doubt this is easier than explaining extermination of human beings. Those nations which were conquered had common practices of child sacrifice with idol worship; therefore it could have saved the children from a worse death. Genesis 15:16 shows how God waits until iniquity is full before utter destruction.
Most commentaries online take the 4th generation mentioned in Genesis 15:16 as just another way of describing the same span of 400 years (or 430 years) that the nation of Israel spent in Egypt which is covered in Genesis 15:12-14. This cannot be the case.
Genesis 15:16 answers Abraham's question in Genesis 15:8 about how he would know God would cause his seed to inherit the land God had brought him out of Ur to see that Abram was standing on in Hebron. The thought of asking God about when his seed would leave Egypt had nothing to do with Abrams question in Genesis 15:8, since he knew nothing about his seed going to Egypt until God revealed His plan in Genesis 15:12-14.
Numbers 14:13-25 shows that God made the Israelites wander in the wilderness according to Moses word, which specifically acknowledged God's right to visit the iniquity of the fathers upon the 3rd and 4th generations. The 1st generation that left Egypt punished as the fathers was 20 years old at the census in Numbers 1:1-54. The 2nd generation was their children who were born in Egypt and seen God's wonders, but who could not enter God's promised land until 40 years of wandering with their fathers had passed. That generation spent a maximum of 40 years of their years in military service wandering in the wilderness.
The 3rd generation would be born over the first 20 years in the wilderness and would spend a maximum of 20 years of their military service wandering in the wilderness. The 4th generation was born in the last 20 years in the wilderness and first served in the army after entering the promised land. The 5th generation spent no time in the wilderness and began entering the army 20 years into Joshua's campaign.
Caleb was promised Hebron when he was 85 years old, which was 5 years after Israel left the wilderness. Caleb was from the tribe of Judah, the first tribe to gain its inheritance, and he obtained Hebron before he turned 100, the age he would be 20 years into Joshua's campaign.
RED APPLE TREATY 4 ME ONLY on Proverbs 10 - 5 months ago
Genesis 15:18
King James Version
18In the same day theLordmade a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:
GOD said let there be light. I can see these things on earth as it is in heaven
(According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness,) through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
(Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.)
Paul lists what's added in 2 Peter 1:5-7. "And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge.
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness.
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
Verse 8!
"FOR IF THESE THINGS BE IN YOU", and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The contrary to "these things being in you" is seen in is verse 9.
BUT HE THAT LACKETH THESE THINGS IS BLIND, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
In verse 10 Paul is telling us to "give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
He is saying if according to Christ divine power hath he given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, and whereby we are given exceeding great and precious promises and by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. " Make your calling and election sure: for "IF YOU ARE DOING THESE THINGS", ye shall never fall.
Hebrews 6:13-16.
When God performed this covenant with Abraham, he put Abraham to sleep. IT WAS UNCONDITIONAL!
Genesis 15:1-12.
Matthew 24:13.
This is to take place during the great tribulation period.
However, I'm not going to get into that on this thread.
This is how I interpret those verses, perhaps some can help and improve on this.
In my previous section I showed some evidences of God working even early on with nations other than Israel; and how he established their boundaries. I completed the story of the Nephilim and the children among men which ended the earth's population of all the nations as they were before the flood; and how the final giant Goliath (at least from that part of the world) was defeated by David.
As we go forward in time; we see how God worked in great kingdoms; starting with Egypt which I alluded to in the last post as to what was shown to Abraham as to what would transpire 400 years later (see Genesis 15:13). Egypt no doubt had some control over what is now surrounding areas of North Africa; although I am not an expert on that subject. We see time and again how God's people were placed in these foreign lands of significant kingdoms; starting with Moses. We see the suffering that increased after the Joseph was eventually given an exalted position alongside the Pharoah in a sort of coregent arrangement. This eventually led to enslavement of the Israelites and a hatred for them because of their healthy progeny outnumbering the native population. Moses came to deliver His people in the Exodus; a forerunner of Christ delivering His people (which won't be completed until the end of the Tribulation for Israel as a nation once they recognize their true Messiah). After this we have the Assyrians who basically dominated in the 2nd Millennium B.C. God once again reigned supreme in Isaiah 37:36 where a single angel of God killed 185,000 Assyrians and led to the eventual ending of them as a significant enemy. Then came Babylon; which God promised would be used to discipline Israel. Daniel eventually became captive and with his 3 companions was once again exalted and basically also had a coregency with Nebuchadnezzar. God overthew them eventually; and the prophesied Persians; Greeks and Romans came ( Daniel 2:39).
God's plan for the nations: Belief in the true God; Israel as focus of God's plan
Genesis 14:18-20 state: 18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God 19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
The details of the aftermath of a battle with a foreign king where Lot was rescued from captivity aren't the focus in this post; but Melchizedek apparently blessed Abraham; but Abraham gave HIM a tithe (one thenth) of what he had. Hebrews mentions Melchizedek as a type of Christ; he was Gentile of unknown ancestry but apparently a great man of God for Abraham to offer him tithes. It shows that true worship of God was indeed with other nations at least with this individual BEFORE the sacrificial system began in Israel.
God Himself says that He chose Israel (see Deut. 7:6-8). These verses explain the covenant promises and that Israel was not some great nation that would be expected to have God's blessings. His purposes are in all things. God called Abraham from the land of Ur of the Chaldees to travel to the area which would eventually be for his descendants as an inheritance in the Promised Land. ( Genesis 12). Genesis 15:10 shows the actual covenant; which occured when Abram (to be called Abraham afterwards) was in a deep sleep; reminding of us of Adam in a deep sleep. God would be patient with the nations until their iniquity was to the full; then those surrounding nations to Israel's inheritance would be conquered ( Gen. 15:16).
We see how nations would be judged once sin was to the full such as Sodom and Gomorrah; then later Nineveh. The final giant offspring of the Nephilim would be destroyed when Goliath was killed by David ( 1 Samuel 17:50). The flood would destroy many of these offspring; the rest later on ( Gen. 6:4
When asked that question in Scripture it seems God answers back with one of his many names. like he does when Paul asks in Acts 9:5.
Paul asked Who art thou, Lord? "kurios" (supreme in authority that is (as noun) controller; by implication Mr . (as a respectful title): - God Lord master Sir.)
The Lord answered him simply, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
There are several names for the one and only true God.
Each of the many names of God describes a different aspect of His many-faceted character. Here are some of the better-known names of God in the Bible:
I've looked up some of those names; Here they are.
Part 1.
EL, ELOAH [el, el-oh-ah]: God "mighty, strong, prominent" ( Nehemiah 9:17; Psalm 139:19) - etymologically, El appears to mean "power" and "might" ( Genesis 31:29). El is associated with other qualities, such as integrity ( Numbers 23:19), jealousy ( Deuteronomy 5:9), and compassion ( Nehemiah 9:31), but the root idea of "might" remains.
ELOHIM [el-oh-heem]: God "Creator, Mighty and Strong" ( Genesis 17:7; Jeremiah 31:33) - the plural form of Eloah, which accommodates the doctrine of the Trinity. From the Bible's first sentence, the superlative nature of God's power is evident as God (Elohim) speaks the world into existence ( Genesis 1:1).
EL SHADDAI [el-shah-dahy]: "God Almighty," "The Mighty One of Jacob" ( Genesis 49:24; Psalm 132:2,5) - speaks to God's ultimate power over all.
ADONAI [dna; ah-daw-nahy]: "Lord" ( Genesis 15:2; Judges 6:15) - used in place of YHWH, which was thought by the Jews to be too sacred to be uttered by sinful men. In the Old Testament, YHWH is more often used in God's dealings with His people, while Adonai is used more when He deals with the Gentiles.
"And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;"
This verse; in a nutshell explains how; following man's expulsion from Eden that Adam's descendants-more or less willingly walked away from what they knew intellectually about God through the testimony of Adam and others who lived many hundreds of years into idol worship. This would result in the end of the antidiluvian world when Noah entered the ark; and would also signify the reason why God would use Israel to wipe out pagan nations once their "iniquity was at the full" (See Genesis 15:16 for earlier example). Israel was warned repeatedly not to follow the customs of the surrounding nations which often came through intermarriage or by obtaining cursed items. Sadly they hardened their hearts ( Jeremiah 32:35) to do the horrible act in Hinnom of sacrificing their children to Molech in the fire. God also judged Sodom; Gomorrah and the surrounding cities for the behaviors of men there of sodomy. Proverbs 14:34 states that righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people.
This verse shows that there is a process involved when people drift off into sin; we all can see evidence of God in the Creation; even the Godhead as Romans 1:20 indicates (see also Psalm 19). Acts 8:23 shows someone in the gall of bitterness and bond of iniquity. This was Simon the Sorcerer; whose story began in verse 9. AFTER being baptized and claiming to be a believer he somehow thought he could buy the powers that the Apostles had of laying hands on people and having them receive the Holy Ghost. He was warned that he had no part in their ministry by Peter; and at the end of the story he asked them to pray for him.
It is hard to say exactly what Peter warned would happen to him or if he truly repented. We see; however a warning that it more than power in the gifts but the giver of gifts we worship.
Covenants of God: Introduction: God's patterns in initiation
1. End of Dispensation: Judgment of men
2. Signs and Wonders
3. Element of fire
4, Blessings and cursings
5. Separation of God's people
6. Be fruitful and multiply
EDEN. God sent out man after what is known as the "Age of Innocence"; possibly that involved an implied covenant with Adam
to care for the earth; and the first marriage. Man would be mortal and suffer on earth; and driven out from the Garden
and the Tree of Life. The Serpent was cursed; and by implication Satan. The death blow was promised in Genesis 3:15 along
with God's final victory. Judgment came on Cain and would affect his descendants in Genesis 4:15.
NOAH. God made a covenant symbolized by the rainbow after destroying all but Noah and his family (8 people). He promised never to destroy the earth by water again. The animals were part of the plan for preservation and interestingly part of the
covenant promises ( Gen. 9:12). He also was told to be fruitful and multiply anong with his sons( Gen. 9:1); compare with Genesis 1:28). Genesis 10:15-18 had Ham's one son cursed (no time to elaborate here).
ABRAHAM: Sent from Ur of the Chaldees; and given promises through fire in Genesis 15:17-20 when asleep (note Adam's
deep sleep in Genesis 2:21). He was promised miraculously to have innumerable offspring in Genesis 22:17. Judgment
came on Sodom in Genesis 18; Abraham's relative and family.
EXODUS/DEUTERONOMY: God at Horeb appears in fire and smoke; and great sounds to produce fear of His Name; then promises to bring them fully out of the promised land. Ten Commandments "seal the deal" as it was being a peculiar people.
God eventually purged out the rebels; only Caleb and Joseph made it to the promised land of that generation along with children.
BOOK OF ACTS: Pentecost brings about Church Age and New Covenant with fire; signs and wonders. God judges Israel AD 70; final judgment promised later.
Covenants: Comparing Old and New Testaments; blessings and curses.
Deuteronomy 7:7-10 show how God did not choose israel due to its size; but in His love they were called out. They are reminded of being loved and protected coming out of Egypt; but verse 9 shows how the Covenant brings lovingkindness to those who love Him; and judgment is shown in verse 10 to those who hate Him.
The original promises; of course were set forth as far back as Abraham in Genesis 15 and 17 which would continue with his descendants until they finally entered the Promised Land. In actuality; many in Reformed circles think that an informal covenant was involved with God's creation of Adam and Eve (at least in the creation of Eve to be his wife and the consummation of the marriage relationship even without formal ceremony involved). The rainbow was God's original covenant which God promised not to once again flood the entire earth. Interestingly animals are implied as well ( Gen. 9:13
In reality; these were all things instigated by God. Adam was asleep when the rib was taken out of him; and likewise was the situation with Abraham when he was in a deep sleep in Genesis 15:12. God was to use men such as Moses to rescue His people; but He was only using the power of God through the rod; for instance to perform miracles; and God of course drew Pharoah's army to a watery grave in the Red Sea.
The same concept involves many of Israel's conquests; angels would often fight supporting men; or fight alone such as the example of Exodus 14:14 and 2 Kings 19:35 against the Assyrians when 185,000 were destroyed by a single angel in a night.
God also draws all those who will come to Him as the Gospel of John and many other scriptures indicate. God has given the Spirit nowadays to permanently reside in a Christian ( Ephesians 1:13). God's eternal plans in the Godhead allowed for Christ's atonement to be efficacious for all who would believe and be "granted repentance" ( Acts 11:18).
Difficult passages in scripture: ordered extermination of children
One of the most challenging things in the Bible is where God ordered the extermination of every man woman and child in conquest of the Promised Land. There is one fairly satisfactory reason why some were killed in this way; they were children of the union of fallen angels and women as first mentioned in Genesis 6; Nephilim which were NOT human and therefore were never to rise again; such as are indicated in Isaiah 26:14 (Rephaim in original translation). They would go to a certain part of the underworld at death.
All other examples seem to involve human children and thus is beyond our scope of full understanding. In fact; such verses make us cringe. Only putting God's Holiness at the forefront of our trust can allow us to deal with such a difficult; painful and weighty matter. Such verses which indicate the death penalty for things which we as a "civilized society" would consider cruel (such as adultery or the example brought up in another recent post in Numbers 15:32-36 on a man being stoned for picking up sticks on the Sabbath) are also examples of things which in the "Age of Grace" aren't enforced today. We could say the same for National Israel when it was a Theocracy; there may be some return in the Millennium or end of the Tribulation when God conquers enemies through His people once again; but I digress.
I would state at this juncture that there is enough scripture to indicate that the soul of a human child will NOT be sent to hell upon death- Matthew 18:10 is probably the most convincing along with the story of David's unborn child in 2 Samuel 12:23.
There is a principle that judgment comes only when a nation is fully ripe for it; such as the case of the Amorites in Genesis 15:16; Nineveh after a respite following repentance; and in Sodom where it is entirely possible there were few if any children.
You said your faith is in Christ's sacrifice for your sin's. and that's where it should be.
Abram believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; Romans 4:20.
In Genesis 15:6-18 God made an unconditional promise to Abraham and performed it alone.
The ritual that constitutes the covenant where they cut these animals in half and walk between them together and if one renege on the covenant what happened to the animals would happen to that person.
God cannot lie so he was protecting Abraham when he entered the covenant alone.
Issac was Abraham's heir and Abraham knew that God keeps his promises and he knew that God would have to raise him from the dead to keep his promises.
God is Love but he is also a righteous judge. There is no where in scripture it says God saves us by his love. It says God so loved the world He provided us a savior and that savior was his Son. John 3:16.
The bible teaches us the wages of sin is death and the gift of God through Christ is eternal life. Romans 6:20-23.
The lost sinner's heart is energized by the ( Everlasting evil Spirit of this unrepentant world that is being held back by restraint of the Holyspirit.
I believe in hell and those who go there will be tormented.
Weeping and gnashing of teeth. Unquenchable fire.
There would have to be an awareness of pain and agony to Weep and Nash teeth.
And "Unquenchable fire" is unnecessary if it's unquenchable for no one.
1 Kings 9:16 gives the answer; as to how they obtained the land; the king of Egypt conquered it and gave it as a present to his daughter; Solomon's wife. Verses 20 and 21 show how they were bondservants instead. In the case of the Gibeonites; Israel had to protect them because they didn't seek God first and made a covenant with them.
There may be other scriptures indicating specifics here; my point is that there were exceptions; even in the lineage of David leading to Christ (such as Ruth; Rahab and other descendants from Gentile origin.) There were rules as to how many generations had to pass before Temple worship; etc. but there was always a contingency of those who would follow the God of Israel (such as the multitude in the Exodus).
I would also say that God devoted destruction to the descendants of Nephilim (which were wiped out in the time of David with the last remaining one: Goliath and earlier his 4 brothers). This was a big reason for what seems like wholesale cruel destruction of everyone; namely they were not fully human. The nations which would cause their own children to be sacrificed to idols were also the recipients of God's wrath; such as the Amorites in Genesis 15:16. There was a set time for destruction when iniquity is at the full; and such was the case with Nineveh; but was granted a reprieve after repentance for a couple hundred years or so; eventually fulfilled as the book of Nahum explained.
In some ways as well; the Caananites served as an object lesson to Israel. ( 1 Samuel 4:3-5 and later verses show how the fear of the Lord came on the Caananites and they made sacrifice.) Whether they repented after being plagued by God; or healed of the ailments is unclear; but they at least knew what they had to do and that they were under God's wrath and displeasure.
The Caananites were under a curse in general since Genesis 9 (the details have been debated). Judges 2:21-23 gives a further clue; disobedience of Israel stopped it.
Thanks for the provided summary on Israels failure to entering into the promise land.
I would like to share something based on your last statement.
( It is a very sad time for the people God had delivered from bondage. Though they were chosen as a people to receive great promises and benefits from being God's covenant people. They blew it royally at the time they were closest to entering in.)
When we look at Genesis 15:7-18 we learn that God covenant was unconditional, In fact Verse 18 shows us that God has already gave them the land.
vs 18) "In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, UNTO THY SEED HAVE I GIVEN THIS LAND, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:
They had to possess it by faith!
That's the lesson and example for all the world to see!
Also what's important to note is God's word is at stake. Moses makes mention of that later in scripture.
Israel couldn't enter in because of unbelief.
Hebrews ch's 3 and 4 hammers away at this.
But notice Hebrews 4:7-9. Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
Genesis 15:1 is the only scripture I have found that shows that God Himself is our reward. Certainly it is enough; and will be enough for those saved even without receiving rewards to know that He fulfilled what was needed on their behalf despite only getting to heaven as though "through the fire." ( 1 Cor. 3:15). Hebrews 11:6 states that we MUST believe that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. That is part of the nature of God; and should help us desire to see our brothers and sisters exalted and rejoice in the small ways God can use our service to help build them up in the faith. The admonition of Revelation 3:11 should also keep us pursuing the Lord until the end as we can lose our rewards to another if not careful.
I have probably discussed before several pasages on the type of rewards due to particular service which we do based (hopefully) on our gifts and calling. The reader can look up passages related to faithful preaching of the Word (and the more stringent judgments attached to that responsibility); those who patiently await His coming as Malachi 3 discusses with the book of remembrance and other verses talking about patient endurance until the end; and of course rewards for the martyrs for Christ.
These would no doubt represent levels of authority in some respect in heaven; and I have also brought up the verses in regard to ruling few or many cities; also we could look at 1 Cor. 5:41 for that. We should also note the reward of the evangelist those who lead many to righteousness shining as the stars in Daniel 12:3. That could also refer to end time events as with that of the great multitude martyred seen in heaven in association with the 144,000 taken from the Great Tribulation ( Rev. 7:9).
Centuries after Abraham died, the children of Israel took possession of the land under Joshua's leadership ( Joshua 21:43). At no point in history, though, has Israel controlled all of the land God had specified. There remains, therefore, a final fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant that will see Israel occupying their God-given homeland to the fullest extent. The fulfillment will be more than a matter of geography; it will also be a time of holiness and restoration (see Ezekiel 20:40-44 and 36:1-37:28).
The Abrahamic Covenant also promised many descendants ( Genesis 12:2). God promised that the number of Abraham's children would rival that of "the dust of the earth" ( Genesis 15:16). Nations and kings would proceed from him ( Genesis 17:6). It is significant that the promise was given to an aged, childless couple. But Abraham "did not waver through unbelief" ( Romans 4:20), and his wife Sarah "considered him faithful who had made the promise" ( Hebrews 11:11). Abraham was justified by his faith ( Genesis 15:6), and he and his wife welcomed Isaac, the son of promise, into their home when they were 100 and 90 years old, respectively ( Genesis 21:5).
God reiterates the Abrahamic Covenant to Isaac and to his son Jacob, whose name God changes to Israel. The great nation is eventually established in the land where Abraham had dwelled. King David, one of Abraham's many descendants, is given the Davidic Covenant ( 2 Samuel 7:12-16), promising a "son of David" who would one day rule over the Jewish nation-and all nations-from Jerusalem. Many other Old Testament prophecies point to the blessed, future fulfillment of that promise (e.g., Isaiah 11; Micah 4; Zechariah 8).
In Genesis 15, God alone moves between the halves of the animals. Abraham was in a deep sleep. God's solitary action indicates that the covenant is principally His promise. God binds Himself to the covenant.
Later, God gave Abraham the rite of circumcision as the specific sign of the Abrahamic Covenant ( Genesis 17:9-14). All males in Abraham's line were to be circumcised and thus carry with them a lifelong mark in their flesh that they were part of God's physical blessing in the world. Any descendant of Abraham who refused circumcision was declaring himself to be outside of God's covenant; this explains why God was angry with Moses when Moses failed to circumcise his son ( Exodus 4:24-26).
God determined to call out a special people for Himself, and through that special people He would bless the whole world. The Lord tells Abram,
"I will make you into a great nation,
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you" ( Genesis 12:2-3).
Based on this promise, God later changed Abram's name from Abram ("high father") to Abraham ("father of a multitude") in Genesis 17:5. As we've seen, the Abrahamic Covenant is unconditional. It should also be taken literally. There is no need to spiritualize the promise to Abraham. God's promises to Abraham's descendants will be fulfilled literally.
The Abrahamic Covenant included the promise of land ( Genesis 12:1). It was a specific land, an actual property, with dimensions specified in Genesis 15:18-21. In Genesis 13:15, God gives Abraham all the land that he can see, and the gift is declared to be "forever." God was not going to renege on His promise. The territory given as part of the Abrahamic Covenant is expanded in Deuteronomy 30:1-10, often called the Palestinian Covenant.
The root of the idea that one can lose his salvation is a works based salvation.
This suggests the covenant is made by God "and you".
" God would multiply Abraham's seed by one coming whom the Gentiles will trust and when he gets here you have a role to play to initiate it."
This idea puts us in bondage!
Galatians 4:23-28
But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.
Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.
For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.
Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
Hebrews 6:17-19.
Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
WHICH HOPE WE HAVE AS AN ANCHOR OF THE SOUL, BOTH SURE AND STEADFAST, and which entereth into that within the veil.
UNCONDITIONAL COVENANT.
Genesis 15:2-12.
God performs the ritual for the covenant alone,.
That makes it unconditional.
The promise has an inheritance.
A city made without hands! Hebrews 11:9-10.
The birth of Issac was the result of Gods faithfulness
Abraham couldn't do anything to void it. Abraham believed God!
We're children of promise and there is nothing we can do to void it.
Heavenly Father and God You who have created all people, also given them faith in which they go out. You who know all thoughts and motives. We pray for Your will to be done in this prayer in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. You understand their situation. Their distress.
May You fill them with the Holy Spirit who brings the wisdom needed. Fill it with power and strength to face the day and the challenges Lord Jesus. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you and your house will be saved. Hallelujah Amen. Thank you that the Lord allows you to now see opportunities in all areas. We ask for miracles and signs Lord so that "Taris daniel" understand that You are with us/them every day, You are there for a reason that may be difficult to understand/see now. The Lord is with you every day, not just among sometime. All days. What did He say to Joshua 1:5 Johua was given a big task. And he completed it. Stand on God's word and what He has given you. Amen.
hint: Look around and think a bit like this: Stay a while and see if there is any place that might not be quite normal or put one question mark outside the "box". He will help in a wonderful way. Jesus is with you. The Lord is with you, you shall lack nothing. You are not forgotten. Hallelujah Amen, God will reward one who goes out on the Word. Genesis 15:6-7. We pray in Jesus Christ's Holy Name, Amen. May God Himself bless you in Spirit, Soul and body. Love u in Christ. James 1:21-27
Thanks David 0920 for your detailed explanation of your understanding. I wasn't quite sure of it from your initial & subsequent posts, therefore my continuing to pursue it so as to be sure.
Okay, now that I understand you, I can appreciate why you would find disagreement with my belief on correct biblical hermeneutics. First to your questions. Since you enquired of me those questions, I thought to myself, well how could you find answers to them yourself? Just as I cannot find any biblical instruction 'not to do any of those things you suggested', so to, I don't believe there's any instruction to do so. The reason we can find Scriptural support & understanding in the NT, is because those who know the Word can see the connections.
There are many things that we read in the OT that we can see fulfilled in the NT. You've suggested the sacrificial system & ceremonial laws; the account of Ruth, Esther & Job; and others. We can even see the Apostle Paul finding connection with Hagar of the OT to the NT (i.e. concerning the Law, Hagar was the bondwoman, representing the Covenant made at Mt. Sinai & bringing the Israelites into bondage to the Law). But the freewoman (Sarah) - the heavenly Jerusalem, was given by promise, that which gives us freedom from the bondage to the Law & liberty now in Christ ( Galatians 4:21-31)). Here, Paul gives us the correct way of reading, interpreting & applying these OT events to the NT Church. He saw that Ishmael's birth was according to the flesh ( Galatians 4:23), i.e. Abraham not holding onto God's Promise that one "that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir" ( Genesis 15:4); but Isaac's birth was according to God's Promise.
Damascus was a place mentioned several times in Old Testament, Genesis 14:15, Genesis 15:2, 2Samuel 8:5,6, 1Kings 11:1-25, 1Kings 19:14-18, 1Kings 20, 2Chronicles 16,
Isaiah 7:8,9, Isaiah 8:4, Isaiah 10:9, Isaiah 17, James 1:5,
In the New Testament it's the road to Damascus was the place of Saul's conversion to Paul: Acts 9, Acts 22, Acts 26, it's symbolic to many Christians as a turning point in Christian faith.
Hello Bobby. In Romans 4:8, the Apostle Paul is quoting directly from Psalm 32:1,2, where in that Psalm, David is rejoicing in receiving God's Forgiveness (possibly this Psalm is a sequel to Psalm 51).
Then in Romans 4:1-8, Paul gives an example of Abraham who was justified before God (i.e. declared righteous) without him having to work to obtain that right standing before God. If Abraham had any goodness within him that could secure God's Approval, then he would have to pat himself on the back, for God would give him no credit (loosely translated from verse 2). But as Genesis 15:6 states, "And he (Abram) believed in the LORD; and he (God) counted it to him for righteousness".
So Paul uses these illustrations to show that our righteousness before God can only come by faith alone in Him and nothing else. That being the case, how "blessed" are those who are completely forgiven, sins cast aside, and we now stand before the Lord uncondemned. When the Lord does not "impute" sin to the one made righteous by faith, that sin which was removed can no longer be reckoned or charged to his 'account' (i.e. not imputed). This of course, does not give the saved sinner liberty to continue to sin knowing he is made righteous before God, but now being saved from sin's penalty & God's Judgement, he by the power of the Holy Spirit within will now live unto God, dealing swiftly with any sin that surfaces. As 2 Corinthians 5:15 states, "And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again." "...we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul" ( Hebrews 10:39).
We are indeed so blessed to be in this glorious position of being the beloved of God, accepted, uncondemned. Those thoughts should always be in the forefront of our hearts & minds when sin comes knocking at our door.
I may have said a lot of this stuff before; hopefully there are a few nuances of difference. The scripture is always the best guide to answering tough questions. We have examples of Abraham called out of Ur of Chaldee; for example who was the father of all those of Monotheistic faith today. He was called in a foreign land; and given a future promise of a Promised Land as well as offspring who would inherit it ( Genesis 17:2 and repeated in Hebrews). He never got to dwell permanently anywhere but was a nomad in the desert and through miraculous means his wife of 90 conceived when he was 100.
When we look at the story of Sodom and Gomorrah; we could say that Abraham was having a sort of contest with God on a similar theme; His preservation of the city if a small number of righteous men lived there; he started with 50 men and ended at 10. This shows a theme which also was repeated with God waiting for a certain period until transgressions were full to judge in Genesis 15:16. Sodom was ripe for judgment as were the Amorites; but in their case it wasn't until four generations later and THAT along with Egypt being judged for their fullness of iniquity that finally bought the descendants to conquer the Promised Land. So God calls out His people wherever they are if they are chosen (predestined) to be His children. He will send angels or whatever means to reach the lost; and we see this happening again in the Book of Revelation. If we seek the God of the Bible then we have to believe His Word on our spiritual condition (as sinners) and we need to have it revealed to us (i.e. granted repentance as shown in Acts 11:18 and elsewhere.
The confession of our mouth and believe in our heart ( Romans 10:19) it is a RESULT of His Spirit working in us to convict of sin; righteousness and judgment to come ( John 16:8-11).
Conversion of course involves interaction and our choice to verbally repent.
This once again seems to focus on the future Millennium reign. His "triumph" in verse 1 results in being King over the earth (v. 2); and then subduing people under Him (verse 3). The concept of His ruling with an iron rod is in Psalm 2:9 and also found in multiple passages in Revelation.
The inheritance of His choice in verse 4 ties in with the eternal covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15:18. These have yet to be completed; they were only partially so during Solomon's reign and then eventually the nation split between Israel and Judah and there were multiple invasions and diasporas. The term "shields" seems to represent the protective aspect of God especially in the area where Christ rules in the Holy mountain during the Millennium. This is seen in Isaiah 2:2 but also envisioned in many other scriptures especially Zechariah. Isaiah 11 and 65 discuss even the animals submitting; along with no one causing harm in this place at that time. Obviously after this time in eternity nowhere will anyone cause harm once the heavenly city descends to earth and we have a final new heaven and earth. Agape.
Verses 5 through 8 discuss shouting and singing praises and repeats the theme in verse 8 of God "ruling over the heathen" as well as sitting on His throne.
The princes in the last verse could well represent the church as we are to rule and reign as kings and priests ( Rev. 1:6 etal).
The mentioning of the Amorites was a people referred to in verse 16, and they were representative of the other peoples in Canaan. And those others are mentioned in verses 19 to 21. The Egyptians were not in this part of the world, but all these other groups were given over to idolatry & were under God's Judgement.
In Genesis chapter 15, we read about God speaking with Abram, that the day would come when Abram, who was childless at that time, would have a great progeny that would be without number. Then God speaks to Abram about the coming servitude of Israel to the Egyptians (vv13,14). But after four hundred years (or, the fourth generation: v16), they will finally be set free & enter into the land that God had promised them.
And the reason given is in verse 16, "But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full." The land of Canaan was at that time filled with many people groups, such as the Amorites, Canaanites, Jebusites, etc.(vv19-21) & they were all wicked & idol worshippers. So, it was the Judgement of God that was to fall upon them for their wickedness, and it would be the Israelites that would be the instrument that God would use to wipe them out & that Israel would possess that land which God has promised them. The iniquity (wickedness) of the Amorites (probably, a people representative of the other heathen around them), had not fully matured, but when it happened, the Anger of the LORD would be poured out upon them. As a side note, the Israelites did not completely wipe out the idolators, and so in this they disobeyed God & also suffered for it by having those customs & practises permeate into Israel's life & worship.
This Psalm is focusing on those who would be what we call today "atheists." They are said here to do terrible things; as well as go after God's people. Verses 1 and 3 remind us that there is no one who does good. We see this sort of behavior in the end of dispensations of time when "judgment comes to the full" starting in Genesis 15:16; and it continues to the transgressions of Babylon at the end of the 70 years of captivity as well as the time in Revelation in the example of a few instances.
Lest we entertain the tought that this state is only for those who deny that God exists; we surely have to realize the admonitions in 2 Thessalonians 2:10 about those who did not receive the LOVE of the truth. Ultimately; as Romans 1 and Psalm 19 indicate there is enough evidence in Creation that men are without excuse; also including evidence of the godhead ( Romans 1:20). We are reminded that because God does not execute judgment right away men get complacent in Ecclesiastes 8:11.
We are reminded here in verse 6 of the treatment of the poor of Proverbs 21:20 where "a fool and his money are soon parted." Some; thankfully will repent when humbled enough; sadly others not as Revelation makes all too clear. The last verse once again looks forward to the salvation of the nation of Israel; related to the last days return of His people. Israel for now is far nationally from repentance; and it won't fully repent and come to the true Messiah until the Lord is returning ( Zechariah 12:12 and surrounding verses). Let us all test our hearts to make sure that we are worthy to escape all the things that are to come to pass and to stand before the Son of Man ( Luke 21:36 see also Rev. 3:10).
Romans 5:12 says Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
The fact is that we are all born with Adam's sin and hence at enmity with God. Our hearts are as Jeremiah 17:9 says "desperately wicked." No one does good ( Romans 3:10-12 and in Psalms); and we are estranged from the womb ( Psalm 58:3). So the first issue is the thought that anyone is "good" which inevitably comes from comparing ourselves to another "worse" person like Hitler (unless we are that bad ourselves and we can't appeal to anyone worse; in that case we probably wouldn't want to concern ourselves with doing good deeds. Our deeds also; BTW are evil; even our best deeds as "filthy rags". ( Isaiah 64:6). This "grace Gospel" as it is known is obviously taken from Romans as a primary source but reflects many scripture verses. Or as someone once said "a hundred percent sinner needs a hundred percent savior" (can't seem to find this entire phrase quoted by anyone).
Now death; of course in the law comes in two ways; MURDER or justifiable killing whether to exact a punishment "a life for a life" (part of Deuteronomy 19:21). It also is involved with the wars and conquests of Israel with the admittedly hard verses about exterminating entire peoples including women and children in certain circumstances. The understandable aspect of this is when the descendents of the Nephilim (or angels with women producing giant hybrid offspring) were exterminated; being an aberrant being without and eternal soul perhaps the proper interpretation of Isaiah 26:14. That is a deep study; but no doubt this is easier than explaining extermination of human beings. Those nations which were conquered had common practices of child sacrifice with idol worship; therefore it could have saved the children from a worse death. Genesis 15:16 shows how God waits until iniquity is full before utter destruction.
Genesis 15:16 answers Abraham's question in Genesis 15:8 about how he would know God would cause his seed to inherit the land God had brought him out of Ur to see that Abram was standing on in Hebron. The thought of asking God about when his seed would leave Egypt had nothing to do with Abrams question in Genesis 15:8, since he knew nothing about his seed going to Egypt until God revealed His plan in Genesis 15:12-14.
Numbers 14:13-25 shows that God made the Israelites wander in the wilderness according to Moses word, which specifically acknowledged God's right to visit the iniquity of the fathers upon the 3rd and 4th generations. The 1st generation that left Egypt punished as the fathers was 20 years old at the census in Numbers 1:1-54. The 2nd generation was their children who were born in Egypt and seen God's wonders, but who could not enter God's promised land until 40 years of wandering with their fathers had passed. That generation spent a maximum of 40 years of their years in military service wandering in the wilderness.
The 3rd generation would be born over the first 20 years in the wilderness and would spend a maximum of 20 years of their military service wandering in the wilderness. The 4th generation was born in the last 20 years in the wilderness and first served in the army after entering the promised land. The 5th generation spent no time in the wilderness and began entering the army 20 years into Joshua's campaign.
Caleb was promised Hebron when he was 85 years old, which was 5 years after Israel left the wilderness. Caleb was from the tribe of Judah, the first tribe to gain its inheritance, and he obtained Hebron before he turned 100, the age he would be 20 years into Joshua's campaign.
King James Version
18In the same day theLordmade a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:
GOD said let there be light. I can see these things on earth as it is in heaven
There are no such people as Palestinians.
Its early inhabitants is shown here in Genesis 15:18-21.
For some reason, the site won't let me post the names.
Dave Hunt.
God bless
Part 7.
2 Peter 1:10.
Let's take this from verses 3-4.
(According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness,) through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
(Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.)
Paul lists what's added in 2 Peter 1:5-7. "And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge.
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness.
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
Verse 8!
"FOR IF THESE THINGS BE IN YOU", and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The contrary to "these things being in you" is seen in is verse 9.
BUT HE THAT LACKETH THESE THINGS IS BLIND, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
In verse 10 Paul is telling us to "give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
He is saying if according to Christ divine power hath he given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, and whereby we are given exceeding great and precious promises and by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. " Make your calling and election sure: for "IF YOU ARE DOING THESE THINGS", ye shall never fall.
Hebrews 6:13-16.
When God performed this covenant with Abraham, he put Abraham to sleep. IT WAS UNCONDITIONAL!
Genesis 15:1-12.
Matthew 24:13.
This is to take place during the great tribulation period.
However, I'm not going to get into that on this thread.
This is how I interpret those verses, perhaps some can help and improve on this.
God bless you brother.
In my previous section I showed some evidences of God working even early on with nations other than Israel; and how he established their boundaries. I completed the story of the Nephilim and the children among men which ended the earth's population of all the nations as they were before the flood; and how the final giant Goliath (at least from that part of the world) was defeated by David.
As we go forward in time; we see how God worked in great kingdoms; starting with Egypt which I alluded to in the last post as to what was shown to Abraham as to what would transpire 400 years later (see Genesis 15:13). Egypt no doubt had some control over what is now surrounding areas of North Africa; although I am not an expert on that subject. We see time and again how God's people were placed in these foreign lands of significant kingdoms; starting with Moses. We see the suffering that increased after the Joseph was eventually given an exalted position alongside the Pharoah in a sort of coregent arrangement. This eventually led to enslavement of the Israelites and a hatred for them because of their healthy progeny outnumbering the native population. Moses came to deliver His people in the Exodus; a forerunner of Christ delivering His people (which won't be completed until the end of the Tribulation for Israel as a nation once they recognize their true Messiah). After this we have the Assyrians who basically dominated in the 2nd Millennium B.C. God once again reigned supreme in Isaiah 37:36 where a single angel of God killed 185,000 Assyrians and led to the eventual ending of them as a significant enemy. Then came Babylon; which God promised would be used to discipline Israel. Daniel eventually became captive and with his 3 companions was once again exalted and basically also had a coregency with Nebuchadnezzar. God overthew them eventually; and the prophesied Persians; Greeks and Romans came ( Daniel 2:39).
Genesis 14:18-20 state: 18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God 19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
The details of the aftermath of a battle with a foreign king where Lot was rescued from captivity aren't the focus in this post; but Melchizedek apparently blessed Abraham; but Abraham gave HIM a tithe (one thenth) of what he had. Hebrews mentions Melchizedek as a type of Christ; he was Gentile of unknown ancestry but apparently a great man of God for Abraham to offer him tithes. It shows that true worship of God was indeed with other nations at least with this individual BEFORE the sacrificial system began in Israel.
God Himself says that He chose Israel (see Deut. 7:6-8). These verses explain the covenant promises and that Israel was not some great nation that would be expected to have God's blessings. His purposes are in all things. God called Abraham from the land of Ur of the Chaldees to travel to the area which would eventually be for his descendants as an inheritance in the Promised Land. ( Genesis 12). Genesis 15:10 shows the actual covenant; which occured when Abram (to be called Abraham afterwards) was in a deep sleep; reminding of us of Adam in a deep sleep. God would be patient with the nations until their iniquity was to the full; then those surrounding nations to Israel's inheritance would be conquered ( Gen. 15:16).
We see how nations would be judged once sin was to the full such as Sodom and Gomorrah; then later Nineveh. The final giant offspring of the Nephilim would be destroyed when Goliath was killed by David ( 1 Samuel 17:50). The flood would destroy many of these offspring; the rest later on ( Gen. 6:4
When asked that question in Scripture it seems God answers back with one of his many names. like he does when Paul asks in Acts 9:5.
Paul asked Who art thou, Lord? "kurios" (supreme in authority that is (as noun) controller; by implication Mr . (as a respectful title): - God Lord master Sir.)
The Lord answered him simply, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
There are several names for the one and only true God.
Each of the many names of God describes a different aspect of His many-faceted character. Here are some of the better-known names of God in the Bible:
I've looked up some of those names; Here they are.
Part 1.
EL, ELOAH [el, el-oh-ah]: God "mighty, strong, prominent" ( Nehemiah 9:17; Psalm 139:19) - etymologically, El appears to mean "power" and "might" ( Genesis 31:29). El is associated with other qualities, such as integrity ( Numbers 23:19), jealousy ( Deuteronomy 5:9), and compassion ( Nehemiah 9:31), but the root idea of "might" remains.
ELOHIM [el-oh-heem]: God "Creator, Mighty and Strong" ( Genesis 17:7; Jeremiah 31:33) - the plural form of Eloah, which accommodates the doctrine of the Trinity. From the Bible's first sentence, the superlative nature of God's power is evident as God (Elohim) speaks the world into existence ( Genesis 1:1).
EL SHADDAI [el-shah-dahy]: "God Almighty," "The Mighty One of Jacob" ( Genesis 49:24; Psalm 132:2,5) - speaks to God's ultimate power over all.
ADONAI [dna; ah-daw-nahy]: "Lord" ( Genesis 15:2; Judges 6:15) - used in place of YHWH, which was thought by the Jews to be too sacred to be uttered by sinful men. In the Old Testament, YHWH is more often used in God's dealings with His people, while Adonai is used more when He deals with the Gentiles.
See Part 2.
"And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;"
This verse; in a nutshell explains how; following man's expulsion from Eden that Adam's descendants-more or less willingly walked away from what they knew intellectually about God through the testimony of Adam and others who lived many hundreds of years into idol worship. This would result in the end of the antidiluvian world when Noah entered the ark; and would also signify the reason why God would use Israel to wipe out pagan nations once their "iniquity was at the full" (See Genesis 15:16 for earlier example). Israel was warned repeatedly not to follow the customs of the surrounding nations which often came through intermarriage or by obtaining cursed items. Sadly they hardened their hearts ( Jeremiah 32:35) to do the horrible act in Hinnom of sacrificing their children to Molech in the fire. God also judged Sodom; Gomorrah and the surrounding cities for the behaviors of men there of sodomy. Proverbs 14:34 states that righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people.
This verse shows that there is a process involved when people drift off into sin; we all can see evidence of God in the Creation; even the Godhead as Romans 1:20 indicates (see also Psalm 19). Acts 8:23 shows someone in the gall of bitterness and bond of iniquity. This was Simon the Sorcerer; whose story began in verse 9. AFTER being baptized and claiming to be a believer he somehow thought he could buy the powers that the Apostles had of laying hands on people and having them receive the Holy Ghost. He was warned that he had no part in their ministry by Peter; and at the end of the story he asked them to pray for him.
It is hard to say exactly what Peter warned would happen to him or if he truly repented. We see; however a warning that it more than power in the gifts but the giver of gifts we worship.
1. End of Dispensation: Judgment of men
2. Signs and Wonders
3. Element of fire
4, Blessings and cursings
5. Separation of God's people
6. Be fruitful and multiply
EDEN. God sent out man after what is known as the "Age of Innocence"; possibly that involved an implied covenant with Adam
to care for the earth; and the first marriage. Man would be mortal and suffer on earth; and driven out from the Garden
and the Tree of Life. The Serpent was cursed; and by implication Satan. The death blow was promised in Genesis 3:15 along
with God's final victory. Judgment came on Cain and would affect his descendants in Genesis 4:15.
NOAH. God made a covenant symbolized by the rainbow after destroying all but Noah and his family (8 people). He promised never to destroy the earth by water again. The animals were part of the plan for preservation and interestingly part of the
covenant promises ( Gen. 9:12). He also was told to be fruitful and multiply anong with his sons( Gen. 9:1); compare with Genesis 1:28). Genesis 10:15-18 had Ham's one son cursed (no time to elaborate here).
ABRAHAM: Sent from Ur of the Chaldees; and given promises through fire in Genesis 15:17-20 when asleep (note Adam's
deep sleep in Genesis 2:21). He was promised miraculously to have innumerable offspring in Genesis 22:17. Judgment
came on Sodom in Genesis 18; Abraham's relative and family.
EXODUS/DEUTERONOMY: God at Horeb appears in fire and smoke; and great sounds to produce fear of His Name; then promises to bring them fully out of the promised land. Ten Commandments "seal the deal" as it was being a peculiar people.
God eventually purged out the rebels; only Caleb and Joseph made it to the promised land of that generation along with children.
BOOK OF ACTS: Pentecost brings about Church Age and New Covenant with fire; signs and wonders. God judges Israel AD 70; final judgment promised later.
Deuteronomy 7:7-10 show how God did not choose israel due to its size; but in His love they were called out. They are reminded of being loved and protected coming out of Egypt; but verse 9 shows how the Covenant brings lovingkindness to those who love Him; and judgment is shown in verse 10 to those who hate Him.
The original promises; of course were set forth as far back as Abraham in Genesis 15 and 17 which would continue with his descendants until they finally entered the Promised Land. In actuality; many in Reformed circles think that an informal covenant was involved with God's creation of Adam and Eve (at least in the creation of Eve to be his wife and the consummation of the marriage relationship even without formal ceremony involved). The rainbow was God's original covenant which God promised not to once again flood the entire earth. Interestingly animals are implied as well ( Gen. 9:13
In reality; these were all things instigated by God. Adam was asleep when the rib was taken out of him; and likewise was the situation with Abraham when he was in a deep sleep in Genesis 15:12. God was to use men such as Moses to rescue His people; but He was only using the power of God through the rod; for instance to perform miracles; and God of course drew Pharoah's army to a watery grave in the Red Sea.
The same concept involves many of Israel's conquests; angels would often fight supporting men; or fight alone such as the example of Exodus 14:14 and 2 Kings 19:35 against the Assyrians when 185,000 were destroyed by a single angel in a night.
God also draws all those who will come to Him as the Gospel of John and many other scriptures indicate. God has given the Spirit nowadays to permanently reside in a Christian ( Ephesians 1:13). God's eternal plans in the Godhead allowed for Christ's atonement to be efficacious for all who would believe and be "granted repentance" ( Acts 11:18).
One of the most challenging things in the Bible is where God ordered the extermination of every man woman and child in conquest of the Promised Land. There is one fairly satisfactory reason why some were killed in this way; they were children of the union of fallen angels and women as first mentioned in Genesis 6; Nephilim which were NOT human and therefore were never to rise again; such as are indicated in Isaiah 26:14 (Rephaim in original translation). They would go to a certain part of the underworld at death.
All other examples seem to involve human children and thus is beyond our scope of full understanding. In fact; such verses make us cringe. Only putting God's Holiness at the forefront of our trust can allow us to deal with such a difficult; painful and weighty matter. Such verses which indicate the death penalty for things which we as a "civilized society" would consider cruel (such as adultery or the example brought up in another recent post in Numbers 15:32-36 on a man being stoned for picking up sticks on the Sabbath) are also examples of things which in the "Age of Grace" aren't enforced today. We could say the same for National Israel when it was a Theocracy; there may be some return in the Millennium or end of the Tribulation when God conquers enemies through His people once again; but I digress.
I would state at this juncture that there is enough scripture to indicate that the soul of a human child will NOT be sent to hell upon death- Matthew 18:10 is probably the most convincing along with the story of David's unborn child in 2 Samuel 12:23.
There is a principle that judgment comes only when a nation is fully ripe for it; such as the case of the Amorites in Genesis 15:16; Nineveh after a respite following repentance; and in Sodom where it is entirely possible there were few if any children.
I will continue this discussion in further posts.
Thanks for replying.
You said your faith is in Christ's sacrifice for your sin's. and that's where it should be.
Abram believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; Romans 4:20.
In Genesis 15:6-18 God made an unconditional promise to Abraham and performed it alone.
The ritual that constitutes the covenant where they cut these animals in half and walk between them together and if one renege on the covenant what happened to the animals would happen to that person.
God cannot lie so he was protecting Abraham when he entered the covenant alone.
Issac was Abraham's heir and Abraham knew that God keeps his promises and he knew that God would have to raise him from the dead to keep his promises.
God is Love but he is also a righteous judge. There is no where in scripture it says God saves us by his love. It says God so loved the world He provided us a savior and that savior was his Son. John 3:16.
The bible teaches us the wages of sin is death and the gift of God through Christ is eternal life. Romans 6:20-23.
The lost sinner's heart is energized by the ( Everlasting evil Spirit of this unrepentant world that is being held back by restraint of the Holyspirit.
I believe in hell and those who go there will be tormented.
Weeping and gnashing of teeth. Unquenchable fire.
There would have to be an awareness of pain and agony to Weep and Nash teeth.
And "Unquenchable fire" is unnecessary if it's unquenchable for no one.
Matthew 22:13
Psalm 112:10.
The bible describes hell as a place of torment.
You have to be awake to be tormented.
God bless.
There may be other scriptures indicating specifics here; my point is that there were exceptions; even in the lineage of David leading to Christ (such as Ruth; Rahab and other descendants from Gentile origin.) There were rules as to how many generations had to pass before Temple worship; etc. but there was always a contingency of those who would follow the God of Israel (such as the multitude in the Exodus).
I would also say that God devoted destruction to the descendants of Nephilim (which were wiped out in the time of David with the last remaining one: Goliath and earlier his 4 brothers). This was a big reason for what seems like wholesale cruel destruction of everyone; namely they were not fully human. The nations which would cause their own children to be sacrificed to idols were also the recipients of God's wrath; such as the Amorites in Genesis 15:16. There was a set time for destruction when iniquity is at the full; and such was the case with Nineveh; but was granted a reprieve after repentance for a couple hundred years or so; eventually fulfilled as the book of Nahum explained.
In some ways as well; the Caananites served as an object lesson to Israel. ( 1 Samuel 4:3-5 and later verses show how the fear of the Lord came on the Caananites and they made sacrifice.) Whether they repented after being plagued by God; or healed of the ailments is unclear; but they at least knew what they had to do and that they were under God's wrath and displeasure.
The Caananites were under a curse in general since Genesis 9 (the details have been debated). Judges 2:21-23 gives a further clue; disobedience of Israel stopped it.
Thanks for the provided summary on Israels failure to entering into the promise land.
I would like to share something based on your last statement.
( It is a very sad time for the people God had delivered from bondage. Though they were chosen as a people to receive great promises and benefits from being God's covenant people. They blew it royally at the time they were closest to entering in.)
When we look at Genesis 15:7-18 we learn that God covenant was unconditional, In fact Verse 18 shows us that God has already gave them the land.
vs 18) "In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, UNTO THY SEED HAVE I GIVEN THIS LAND, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:
They had to possess it by faith!
That's the lesson and example for all the world to see!
Also what's important to note is God's word is at stake. Moses makes mention of that later in scripture.
Israel couldn't enter in because of unbelief.
Hebrews ch's 3 and 4 hammers away at this.
But notice Hebrews 4:7-9. Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
God bless
Rewards in heaven
Genesis 15:1 is the only scripture I have found that shows that God Himself is our reward. Certainly it is enough; and will be enough for those saved even without receiving rewards to know that He fulfilled what was needed on their behalf despite only getting to heaven as though "through the fire." ( 1 Cor. 3:15). Hebrews 11:6 states that we MUST believe that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. That is part of the nature of God; and should help us desire to see our brothers and sisters exalted and rejoice in the small ways God can use our service to help build them up in the faith. The admonition of Revelation 3:11 should also keep us pursuing the Lord until the end as we can lose our rewards to another if not careful.
I have probably discussed before several pasages on the type of rewards due to particular service which we do based (hopefully) on our gifts and calling. The reader can look up passages related to faithful preaching of the Word (and the more stringent judgments attached to that responsibility); those who patiently await His coming as Malachi 3 discusses with the book of remembrance and other verses talking about patient endurance until the end; and of course rewards for the martyrs for Christ.
These would no doubt represent levels of authority in some respect in heaven; and I have also brought up the verses in regard to ruling few or many cities; also we could look at 1 Cor. 5:41 for that. We should also note the reward of the evangelist those who lead many to righteousness shining as the stars in Daniel 12:3. That could also refer to end time events as with that of the great multitude martyred seen in heaven in association with the 144,000 taken from the Great Tribulation ( Rev. 7:9).
To be continued.
Part 3.
Centuries after Abraham died, the children of Israel took possession of the land under Joshua's leadership ( Joshua 21:43). At no point in history, though, has Israel controlled all of the land God had specified. There remains, therefore, a final fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant that will see Israel occupying their God-given homeland to the fullest extent. The fulfillment will be more than a matter of geography; it will also be a time of holiness and restoration (see Ezekiel 20:40-44 and 36:1-37:28).
The Abrahamic Covenant also promised many descendants ( Genesis 12:2). God promised that the number of Abraham's children would rival that of "the dust of the earth" ( Genesis 15:16). Nations and kings would proceed from him ( Genesis 17:6). It is significant that the promise was given to an aged, childless couple. But Abraham "did not waver through unbelief" ( Romans 4:20), and his wife Sarah "considered him faithful who had made the promise" ( Hebrews 11:11). Abraham was justified by his faith ( Genesis 15:6), and he and his wife welcomed Isaac, the son of promise, into their home when they were 100 and 90 years old, respectively ( Genesis 21:5).
God reiterates the Abrahamic Covenant to Isaac and to his son Jacob, whose name God changes to Israel. The great nation is eventually established in the land where Abraham had dwelled. King David, one of Abraham's many descendants, is given the Davidic Covenant ( 2 Samuel 7:12-16), promising a "son of David" who would one day rule over the Jewish nation-and all nations-from Jerusalem. Many other Old Testament prophecies point to the blessed, future fulfillment of that promise (e.g., Isaiah 11; Micah 4; Zechariah 8).
See Part 4.
Part 2.
In Genesis 15, God alone moves between the halves of the animals. Abraham was in a deep sleep. God's solitary action indicates that the covenant is principally His promise. God binds Himself to the covenant.
Later, God gave Abraham the rite of circumcision as the specific sign of the Abrahamic Covenant ( Genesis 17:9-14). All males in Abraham's line were to be circumcised and thus carry with them a lifelong mark in their flesh that they were part of God's physical blessing in the world. Any descendant of Abraham who refused circumcision was declaring himself to be outside of God's covenant; this explains why God was angry with Moses when Moses failed to circumcise his son ( Exodus 4:24-26).
God determined to call out a special people for Himself, and through that special people He would bless the whole world. The Lord tells Abram,
"I will make you into a great nation,
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you" ( Genesis 12:2-3).
Based on this promise, God later changed Abram's name from Abram ("high father") to Abraham ("father of a multitude") in Genesis 17:5. As we've seen, the Abrahamic Covenant is unconditional. It should also be taken literally. There is no need to spiritualize the promise to Abraham. God's promises to Abraham's descendants will be fulfilled literally.
The Abrahamic Covenant included the promise of land ( Genesis 12:1). It was a specific land, an actual property, with dimensions specified in Genesis 15:18-21. In Genesis 13:15, God gives Abraham all the land that he can see, and the gift is declared to be "forever." God was not going to renege on His promise. The territory given as part of the Abrahamic Covenant is expanded in Deuteronomy 30:1-10, often called the Palestinian Covenant.
See Part 3.
This suggests the covenant is made by God "and you".
" God would multiply Abraham's seed by one coming whom the Gentiles will trust and when he gets here you have a role to play to initiate it."
This idea puts us in bondage!
Galatians 4:23-28
But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.
Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.
For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.
Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
Hebrews 6:17-19.
Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
WHICH HOPE WE HAVE AS AN ANCHOR OF THE SOUL, BOTH SURE AND STEADFAST, and which entereth into that within the veil.
UNCONDITIONAL COVENANT.
Genesis 15:2-12.
God performs the ritual for the covenant alone,.
That makes it unconditional.
The promise has an inheritance.
A city made without hands! Hebrews 11:9-10.
The birth of Issac was the result of Gods faithfulness
Abraham couldn't do anything to void it. Abraham believed God!
We're children of promise and there is nothing we can do to void it.
This promise is given to those who believe.
God bless and good night.
May You fill them with the Holy Spirit who brings the wisdom needed. Fill it with power and strength to face the day and the challenges Lord Jesus. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you and your house will be saved. Hallelujah Amen. Thank you that the Lord allows you to now see opportunities in all areas. We ask for miracles and signs Lord so that "Taris daniel" understand that You are with us/them every day, You are there for a reason that may be difficult to understand/see now. The Lord is with you every day, not just among sometime. All days. What did He say to Joshua 1:5 Johua was given a big task. And he completed it. Stand on God's word and what He has given you. Amen.
hint: Look around and think a bit like this: Stay a while and see if there is any place that might not be quite normal or put one question mark outside the "box". He will help in a wonderful way. Jesus is with you. The Lord is with you, you shall lack nothing. You are not forgotten. Hallelujah Amen, God will reward one who goes out on the Word. Genesis 15:6-7. We pray in Jesus Christ's Holy Name, Amen. May God Himself bless you in Spirit, Soul and body. Love u in Christ. James 1:21-27
Thanks David 0920 for your detailed explanation of your understanding. I wasn't quite sure of it from your initial & subsequent posts, therefore my continuing to pursue it so as to be sure.
Okay, now that I understand you, I can appreciate why you would find disagreement with my belief on correct biblical hermeneutics. First to your questions. Since you enquired of me those questions, I thought to myself, well how could you find answers to them yourself? Just as I cannot find any biblical instruction 'not to do any of those things you suggested', so to, I don't believe there's any instruction to do so. The reason we can find Scriptural support & understanding in the NT, is because those who know the Word can see the connections.
There are many things that we read in the OT that we can see fulfilled in the NT. You've suggested the sacrificial system & ceremonial laws; the account of Ruth, Esther & Job; and others. We can even see the Apostle Paul finding connection with Hagar of the OT to the NT (i.e. concerning the Law, Hagar was the bondwoman, representing the Covenant made at Mt. Sinai & bringing the Israelites into bondage to the Law). But the freewoman (Sarah) - the heavenly Jerusalem, was given by promise, that which gives us freedom from the bondage to the Law & liberty now in Christ ( Galatians 4:21-31)). Here, Paul gives us the correct way of reading, interpreting & applying these OT events to the NT Church. He saw that Ishmael's birth was according to the flesh ( Galatians 4:23), i.e. Abraham not holding onto God's Promise that one "that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir" ( Genesis 15:4); but Isaac's birth was according to God's Promise.
2Kings 5,
2Kings 8, notice 2Kings 8:12,13, 2Chronicles 24:23, 2Chronicles 28:5,23,
Isaiah 7:8,9, Isaiah 8:4, Isaiah 10:9, Isaiah 17, James 1:5,
In the New Testament it's the road to Damascus was the place of Saul's conversion to Paul: Acts 9, Acts 22, Acts 26, it's symbolic to many Christians as a turning point in Christian faith.
Hopefully these are helpful in your study
Then in Romans 4:1-8, Paul gives an example of Abraham who was justified before God (i.e. declared righteous) without him having to work to obtain that right standing before God. If Abraham had any goodness within him that could secure God's Approval, then he would have to pat himself on the back, for God would give him no credit (loosely translated from verse 2). But as Genesis 15:6 states, "And he (Abram) believed in the LORD; and he (God) counted it to him for righteousness".
So Paul uses these illustrations to show that our righteousness before God can only come by faith alone in Him and nothing else. That being the case, how "blessed" are those who are completely forgiven, sins cast aside, and we now stand before the Lord uncondemned. When the Lord does not "impute" sin to the one made righteous by faith, that sin which was removed can no longer be reckoned or charged to his 'account' (i.e. not imputed). This of course, does not give the saved sinner liberty to continue to sin knowing he is made righteous before God, but now being saved from sin's penalty & God's Judgement, he by the power of the Holy Spirit within will now live unto God, dealing swiftly with any sin that surfaces. As 2 Corinthians 5:15 states, "And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again." "...we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul" ( Hebrews 10:39).
We are indeed so blessed to be in this glorious position of being the beloved of God, accepted, uncondemned. Those thoughts should always be in the forefront of our hearts & minds when sin comes knocking at our door.
What about those who have never heard?
I may have said a lot of this stuff before; hopefully there are a few nuances of difference. The scripture is always the best guide to answering tough questions. We have examples of Abraham called out of Ur of Chaldee; for example who was the father of all those of Monotheistic faith today. He was called in a foreign land; and given a future promise of a Promised Land as well as offspring who would inherit it ( Genesis 17:2 and repeated in Hebrews). He never got to dwell permanently anywhere but was a nomad in the desert and through miraculous means his wife of 90 conceived when he was 100.
When we look at the story of Sodom and Gomorrah; we could say that Abraham was having a sort of contest with God on a similar theme; His preservation of the city if a small number of righteous men lived there; he started with 50 men and ended at 10. This shows a theme which also was repeated with God waiting for a certain period until transgressions were full to judge in Genesis 15:16. Sodom was ripe for judgment as were the Amorites; but in their case it wasn't until four generations later and THAT along with Egypt being judged for their fullness of iniquity that finally bought the descendants to conquer the Promised Land. So God calls out His people wherever they are if they are chosen (predestined) to be His children. He will send angels or whatever means to reach the lost; and we see this happening again in the Book of Revelation. If we seek the God of the Bible then we have to believe His Word on our spiritual condition (as sinners) and we need to have it revealed to us (i.e. granted repentance as shown in Acts 11:18 and elsewhere.
The confession of our mouth and believe in our heart ( Romans 10:19) it is a RESULT of His Spirit working in us to convict of sin; righteousness and judgment to come ( John 16:8-11).
Conversion of course involves interaction and our choice to verbally repent.
This once again seems to focus on the future Millennium reign. His "triumph" in verse 1 results in being King over the earth (v. 2); and then subduing people under Him (verse 3). The concept of His ruling with an iron rod is in Psalm 2:9 and also found in multiple passages in Revelation.
The inheritance of His choice in verse 4 ties in with the eternal covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15:18. These have yet to be completed; they were only partially so during Solomon's reign and then eventually the nation split between Israel and Judah and there were multiple invasions and diasporas. The term "shields" seems to represent the protective aspect of God especially in the area where Christ rules in the Holy mountain during the Millennium. This is seen in Isaiah 2:2 but also envisioned in many other scriptures especially Zechariah. Isaiah 11 and 65 discuss even the animals submitting; along with no one causing harm in this place at that time. Obviously after this time in eternity nowhere will anyone cause harm once the heavenly city descends to earth and we have a final new heaven and earth. Agape.
Verses 5 through 8 discuss shouting and singing praises and repeats the theme in verse 8 of God "ruling over the heathen" as well as sitting on His throne.
The princes in the last verse could well represent the church as we are to rule and reign as kings and priests ( Rev. 1:6 etal).
And the reason given is in verse 16, "But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full." The land of Canaan was at that time filled with many people groups, such as the Amorites, Canaanites, Jebusites, etc.(vv19-21) & they were all wicked & idol worshippers. So, it was the Judgement of God that was to fall upon them for their wickedness, and it would be the Israelites that would be the instrument that God would use to wipe them out & that Israel would possess that land which God has promised them. The iniquity (wickedness) of the Amorites (probably, a people representative of the other heathen around them), had not fully matured, but when it happened, the Anger of the LORD would be poured out upon them. As a side note, the Israelites did not completely wipe out the idolators, and so in this they disobeyed God & also suffered for it by having those customs & practises permeate into Israel's life & worship.
Lest we entertain the tought that this state is only for those who deny that God exists; we surely have to realize the admonitions in 2 Thessalonians 2:10 about those who did not receive the LOVE of the truth. Ultimately; as Romans 1 and Psalm 19 indicate there is enough evidence in Creation that men are without excuse; also including evidence of the godhead ( Romans 1:20). We are reminded that because God does not execute judgment right away men get complacent in Ecclesiastes 8:11.
We are reminded here in verse 6 of the treatment of the poor of Proverbs 21:20 where "a fool and his money are soon parted." Some; thankfully will repent when humbled enough; sadly others not as Revelation makes all too clear. The last verse once again looks forward to the salvation of the nation of Israel; related to the last days return of His people. Israel for now is far nationally from repentance; and it won't fully repent and come to the true Messiah until the Lord is returning ( Zechariah 12:12 and surrounding verses). Let us all test our hearts to make sure that we are worthy to escape all the things that are to come to pass and to stand before the Son of Man ( Luke 21:36 see also Rev. 3:10).