Mathew 18:20 says "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
A relationship with Christ Is not private, but communal, and the center of a person's relationship with Jesus is in the church. (Not necessarily the local Church but in the presence of other believers.
Read Hebrews 10:16-25.
We are to respond to his invitation and follow Jesus' example of how to live and treat others, giving him first place in your daily life.
A Desciples is someone who follows one's teachings.
In our rebirth Christ gave us his Spirit to guide us out of darkness.
Christ is faithful and said he will never leave you so your faith should be in his work on the cross not your baptism.
We pray to God for strength and wisdom and turn from the things that hinder us.
A Christian can not continue in sin!
God is love but he also is a righteous Judge.
He is rich in mercy forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty;
Our salvation hangs on God's promise once we have believed on his son, Christ Jesus!
Have you truly trusted him in his finish work on the cross?
If so we are persuaded to love his precepts the Brothern.
Hi Jazzmanrd. Not sure whether you're wanting to better understand this phrase in Nehemiah 1:5, or not. In case you are, Nehemiah, in his anguished prayer to God, described how he viewed this mighty God, Who alone could save His people & prosper his (Nehemiah's) request to the Babylonian king, Artaxerxes.
Sometimes, our present understanding of English words have changed as culture & word usage evolves. So here in this verse, Nehemiah describes the Almighty God as "great and terrible". In Hebrew, the word used for 'terrible' is 'yare', which means 'to take fright'. One might think, why should we be frightened or terrified of a God Who is merciful, kind & gracious? Though many Christians today hold only to such a view of God, we know from reading all the Scriptures, that God is also a God of Wrath & of Justice, all within His Glorious Holiness. So, in confronting such a God, anyone whose heart is not right with Him, would do well to tremble & shake in His Presence, even as Nehemiah knew this God Who had the Power to consign all of Israel to destruction for their many sins. Even the Hebrews writer could state, "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" ( Hebrews 10:31).
So the word we could use today instead of 'terrible' would be 'awesome', not as the world uses the word, but unto the Living God before Whom we would stand struck with awe in both His Power, but also His great Grace.
About perfectness. I think the Bible uses this word with various meanings
1. Lets see as Richard says Matthew 5:48, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.". Now the verb "be" in grk (esesthai) is in the future tense and denotes an expectation. So what Jesus is actually saying here (as I understand it) is that He expects us to become perfect like God is. Well this is impossible, isn't it? So what He means is that He expects us to strive to be like God (in character). And how is that to be done? By following His commandments, which commandments reveal the character of God to us. And since one aspect (and probably the most important) of God's character is love Jesus asks us to love each other like God does. This is something gradual, isn't it? It is something that we keep aquiring through our whole life.
If we compare it with Hebrews 5:8,9, "8Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;" Here Jesus iwas made perfect by obeying God's commandments.
So perfectness again here means a whole route/course that we follow in our lives during which, by following God's commandements/directions we keep growing spiritually and getting to be like God in character more and more.
2. But in Hebrews 10:14, "For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified", the word perfect has a different meaning. It means the one who has no sins. So we were perfected by Jesus' Blood, that is we are righteous through His sacrifice.
3. In Hebrews 11:38-40 says, "39And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:40God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect."
Here perfectness is something that we will aquire in Heaven when we will be dressed up with our new spiritual body, completely freed from sin, death etc
That was of the Lord's doing Bennymkje that you were delivered from the bondage & errors of the cult & I think there are many more that have likewise been touched to depart those deceivers of the Word.
Though you brought up a matter of the sacrifices still to be carried out during the Millenium. There has been varied opinions about this (I don't know how that group understood it), seeing that the Lamb of God Who was sacrificed for all will be on the Throne for all to behold. I believe that those old sacrifices could never take away sin ( Hebrews 10:11,12), only God's provision of His Lamb could. Yet, what are we to make of Ezekiel chapters 40 to 48 and other portions? Could it be emblematic: that which was meticulously followed in days of old could only look forward to a coming One Who would deal with the disease of sin forever? That the Christ Who will be before them on the Throne, still with the marks of His Suffering & Death, is the fulfilment of all that was performed before Him? Just as we have the bread & the wine today as a memorial looking back at the Cross, maybe these future sacrifices serve as a memorial looking forward to the Blessed One sacrificed for them, Who is now in their presence. Only a thought on my part as I too try to understand the reason for the need for such sacrifices in the coming Kingdom; I could be entirely wrong in this & always open to other thoughts.
Your second question: "If Jesus was preexisting, an immortal being, God the son. How can an immortal being die?" There are varying beliefs about Jesus' position in Heaven prior to His incarnation. I rather simply accept John 1:1-18, John 14:10,11, John 16:27,28, 1 John 5:7, that Jesus came forth from God. Did He come out as a Divine Being in the presence of God, to be made a human for the sake of death, or did God take His Own Word & give Him flesh for this very purpose? We don't have a problem of God sending out His Spirit & the Spirit's indwelling in every believer (can He even be dissected?), but to send His Word out, clothe Him in a body, unnerves many.
"How can an immortal being die? How can God be tempted...How can God die?" God is Spirit - He is Immortal - He can never die. No one, having a spirit from God, can die - the body will perish, but who can destroy the spirit which cannot be touched by age or man's devices? But if the immortal is given a body, as Jesus received, or even as we also have to house our spirits, then the body will die but the spirit lives on. Can God take on flesh? A mystery no human can fully fathom, but truly "a body hast thou prepared me" ( Hebrews 10:5-7, taken from Psalm 40:6-8). So Jesus could be tempted & could die whilst in the body, and so in His complete identification with sinful men in need of salvation, Philippians 2:6-8 reminds us:
"Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." "thought it not robbery" = Jesus didn't grasp onto/retain His equality with God, but 'emptied Himself' ('ekenosen'), laying aside His Glory, to become a Man, obedient to death that which was the Father's Plan.
The joy of the LORD is my strength! Many times I have to remind myself of the persecutions I will go through and have gone through because of my faith in CHRIST JESUS.
I thank the brethren on this forum for their faithfulness and love for the word and the fellow saints. Stand and be encouraged for as GOD reminds us, this too will pass. These verses have helped me... Hebrews 10:25; 1 Corinthians 10:13; probably one of the hardest for me - Romans 8:28. And many more- I'm sure veteran saints on this forum can add others too.
It is difficult, but we are called to be a blessing to as many as possible without expecting any type of return - horizontally. Our blessing will come vertically, from above,
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Sorry Brethren! didn't mean to be preachy.
GOD to shine HIS blessed face on you and your family during this wonderful time of praising of our SAVIOR.
In reading I am reminded of the contrast between Paul's words and words some Christians say.
Word of God through Paul: "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain." 1 Corinthians 9:24 KJV
Man's doctrine: "Don't run, because you already have the prize. It's bad to put effort into following God, because my pastor says that's legalism and obeying God's law is bad and pleasing God is bad."
James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."
Man's doctrine: "nah, ignore that verse, cause I'm told all good works are 'bad'. Bad works are ok though since you're already forgiven."
Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"
Man's doctrine: "just ignore this verse, but lets cherry pick something else and focus on that instead."
Matthew 24:13 "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."
Man's doctrine: "Nope, you're already saved right now, not later. So you don't have to endure anything or do anything whatsoever. Just do whatever feels good then rationalize it by saying that's the spirit doing it, not your sinful flesh."
Hebrews 10:36 "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."
Man's doctrine: "Nah, ignore that verse too. You already have the promise and prize. You don't need to do anything."
"But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:" Romans 2:10 KJV
Man's doctrine: "No, just ignore. Good is bad, but bad is fine, because salvation."
Jude 1:4 "For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ."
Today, and foe many years now, Preachers don't preach and acknowledge the truth about sin, and everlasting hell, and they are leading their congregations straight down the wide path to hell! Matthew 25:41James 3:1
We MUST fear God! This is the very beginning of knowledge. Proverbs 1:7
God is Vengeful and He tells us so. Hell is God's way of getting His vengeance. Isaiah 47:3
God knows us better than we could ever imagine. He knows, that if we have NO FEAR to motivate us to change our ways, we will continue in sin. God is also Love. He sacrificed his Son for us so thru Him we can recieved forgivness. He provides His Holy Spirit to break the bonds of sin. Preachers are not helping anyone by not preaching Hell and the fear of God!
If we are still repeatedly sinning..we DO NOT have God's Holy Spirit. Hebrews 10:26 God's Holy Spirit will not let us habitually sin.
Today, most so called Christian Pastors/Preachers are about the money. They don't want to focus on the sin in their congregation, if they do, they will lose their entire congregation. Sinners don't want to hear they are sinners, and they certainly don't want to think or hear about hell, they come to church to feel good about themselves and to be entertained. Churches today are all about making everyone feel good. Sad but true.
Which reminds me of this very powerful verse 2 Timothy 4:3 "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;"
Looks like you have it all backwards. Obey my parents only in the Lord in the new testament. Honour is the old testament.
Ephesians 6:1] Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
[2] Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
[3] That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
The law Moses' commandments were weak laws, thry could not make people free from sin, they can not make people holy. God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinfulflesh. The law can not make you the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. The law of righteousness the ten commandments Jesus is now the end of all that as he is the head of the Ten commandments for righteousness sake. The old laws were not good enough.
Hebrews 10:[1] For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
[2] For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
[3] But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.
[4] For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
Hebrews 7:11] If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
[12] For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
[13] For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
[14] For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
[15] And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
We are to be holy in Christ Jesus as he is our rest our Sabbath everyday. The Sabbath day keepers are hypocrites as they break the Sabbath everytime they get out of bed and do work. The moment they got out of bed, they broke the Sabbath day. The Sabbath day was a day of rest, when you are resting you are not sinning. Jesus became that rest for us ss the Sabbath day was just a shadow of things to come. None of the Jews could keep the Sabbath, they kept breaking it. Christ is the end of the law of Moses the law of righteousness the Sabbath Day.
Isaiah 56:[2] Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.
Isa.11[10] And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.
Matthew 11:28] Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
[29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
[30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Hebrews 4:8] For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
[9] There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
[10] For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
Hebrews 10:1] For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
[2] For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
Col 2:16] Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
[17] Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
I understand in delays in replies many work and have family responsibilities. This subject is being discussed by several people and I just wanted to share a few points of my understanding on it. The questions were not directed towards you, you can reply to them if you want but they were some of the questions I wrote down when I was studying this subject because some Scriptures seem to support both understandings if not deeply studied, not saying you have not.
Scripture tells us God is love, 1 John 4:8,16 and we have been told God does not have pleasure in the death of the wicked, Ezekiel 33:11 caries us to John 3:16 God does not want us to perish. The Bible tells us the soul that sinneth will die, Ezekiel 18:4 God preserves the souls of the saints Psalms 97:10 the faith and belief in Jesus by the grace of God can save our soul Hebrews 10:39.
Scripture tells us of various degrees of punishment like in Luke 12:46-48Revelation 21:8. In Genesis 2:7 man became a living soul/being, my understanding is the breath of God is the spirit of life which goes back to God when we die whether lost or saved and this body becomes a dead soul that sleeps in the dust until resurrection then the judgment Revelation 20.
To repeat, eternal life is our promise it is something we do not have, only by faith and belief in Jesus Christ by the grace of God we will receive this gift when we are resurrected not before. If we say our souls are immortal, we are saying we already have eternal life, and it is just where are we going to spend it?
My understanding is the lost and wicked punishment is eternal forever, not the punishing, Satan and the fallen angels the beast and false profit will be tormented day and night for ever and ever as we see in Revelation 20:10, but they are not mortal beings like we are, and we see in Matthew 25:41 it was originally prepared for them.
Good evening Shabbat Keeper. Yes a new believer is both justified and sanctified. Hebrews 10:14 . Sanctification will continually be available for our walk as Christians if we believe. As we are more and more sanctified the easier we turn from unwilling sin towards our justified state at the Cross. Life occurrences in the flesh are for all, but sanctification is reserved for the just. We must not resist sanctification, it is God's grace and mercy for His people. There are many scriptures for our sanctification on this very subject so as you said we can learn in many ways in our lives in Jesus. Regarding my earlier thought, we do not want to confuse persecution with sanctification. One is from God and one from man, only man belongs to God so we must consider our justification in all matters of life to be sure what is the perfect Will of God in our very own walk. Maybe another time I can post some of my favorite scriptures on the subject. One last thought: Sanctification means to be set apart for a sacred purpose and it also means to cleanse from all impurities. Time for the body's rest my way.
Thank you! The seed that was sown among thorns never brought fruit to perfection also. Also, St. John 1 said we have received of his fulness. I thought I was the only one that ran across the scriptures you gave. It is easier life to live under the cross and our failures than to follow the gospel be transformed by the Holy Spirit and live under His direction. The keep continuing in failure is really no better than the old law. Hebrews 10:1 "For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect".
Jesus is our rest as he is the head of the ten commandments for rest sake as he is Lord of the Sabbath.
Mark 2:27] And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:
[28] Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
1st Cor 11:[3] But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
Hebrews 10:[1] For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
[2] For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
[3] But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.
[4] For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
The Jews could not keep the Sabbath and yet they claim to be a righteous people just like the Sabbath day keepers of today, the pollute it.
Nehemiah 13:[15] In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals.
[16] There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem.
[17] Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?
[18] Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath.
More thoughts on fellowship in light of Hebrews 10:25
Since the COVID restrictions and the exodus of a significant percent of those professed believers from the overall corporate body of Christ in churches there has been a continued isolation from physical presence in the houses of worship. This made it easy to find an excuse to do what clearly was desired all along by many in that regard.
I have been privileged to personally meet a number of missionaries in recent years; and supported one from Bangladesh that since has gone stateside. Seeing the interaction with their wives and children has been an inspiration to me along with sound doctrine being proclaimed. We should seek to involve congregations; as in a former church I attended where there was a "missions moment" discussing a certain country where a missionary was active. Unfortunately; most churches only have an occasional presentation on this subject; yet today more than ever would be a great time for the average layperson to have communications online to support these individuals. Realizing their prayers for us (as they did when I was involved in a church plant that started seven years ago) should help us to feel closer to those formerly on the field.
Something came up recently in regard to a couple churches that are renting the building that our church worships in. I have seen issues elsewhere in regard to that situation as well. Currently there are maintenance annoyances (leaving messes; etc) but I am praying that there can be some interaction such as prayer and fellowship between these congregations at our church. This surely is a commonplace occurrence these days. When I lived in Pittsburgh I saw more interaction with various churches and charities than I see where I live today. Certain cautions need to be taken as to the doctrines being preached elsewhere; however. Missionaries have brought up to me more than once that the same errors found here occur on the mission field.
You are right in that we are a royal priesthood! ( 1 Peter 2:9)
"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
You stated. "We do not know if we are descended from the 10 tribes that were dispersed across the world. But God knows. And his chosen are not a matter of fleshly lineage anyway, but spiritual lineage from Christ.
IF we were descendents from the 10 tribes that were dispersed across the world, wouldn't that make us fleshly lineage instead of spiritual lineage from Christ?
If we are Israel today then this verse would apply to us. 1 Peter 2:7-8. (...unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.)
Israel still holds to the levitical priesthood.
Today Israel is not a priesthood at all!
Today there is 12 lost tribes. "Spiritually"
If you think they has had a tough history, In the future it gets worse!!
In a sense they are worse than the Arabs, considering they has had God in their midst and is in continuance rebellion.
But the represents what the law can do.
And some of us is worse than they are considering we trample over the blood of Christ with the Holyspirit in the world.
We have reject Christ and his true teachings without the "thousands of years of having a religion worshipped by our fathers that saw the miracles and so much history that is hard to turn from.
Hello JRR. I wasn't able to ascertain whether you referred to 'man' as those generally of mankind or to believers in Christ. If to the former, no one, except for God's chosen people of old, Israel, were given His Commandments, Statutes, & the many feasts to celebrate in remembrance of Him & of their own sinfulness & need of a Savior.
Or, if you're thinking of believers & why don't we "follow Yahweh's feasts and celebrate his statutes as He commanded", then again those directions were given to Israel, the special called-out people who would carry the LORD's Name, experience His Love, blessings & directions, & so be His witnesses to the godless world. This of course, Israel failed to fully experience & suffered because of their disobedience & sins. Those initial directions given to Israel, as described in the Books of Exodus & Leviticus particularly, were for Israel alone, that through the performance of them, their hearts would be turned to their LORD & they would see, however dimly, that God would one day perfectly fulfil all those feasts, sabbath days, & ceremonies in the provision of Himself: a Savior Who would not only save them by the shedding of His Blood for them, but that they would no longer need to 'work' to gain God's Favor but only place their faith in HIS Sacrifice for them.
There are some today who still believe that Christians should also keep the feasts, laws, & ordinances, but for these reasons, it is not required nor demanded: those adherences were for Israel alone & for their benefit to draw them closer to God & be His Light; when Jesus came & gave His Life "in due time", all the works of man (both Israel & Gentiles) had ceased, & only faith in Christ alone could save them; and to perform the feasts & other requirements of the Law only showed that Christ's Sacrifice was insufficient to fully atone & that doing those 'works', even for remembrance-sake, denies Jesus' perfect Sacrifice "once for all". Please read Hebrews 10:1-14 on this matter.
Again, I go back to 1 John 3:9 and I share with you the literal translation:
Whosoever has been born of God DOES NOT PRACTICE sin; for God's seed remains (or abides) in him: and he CANNOT PRACTICE SIN, that is, he does not have the capacity to practice sin because he has been born of God.
This is not saying that a person who has been born of God will never sin. And this is in no way telling us that we are sinless as Jesus was.
Let me ask you:
Do you consider yourself a sinner?
Are you pure the same as Jesus was pure?
Are you walking without sin the same as Jesus walked?
Now, if I may quote you, you said, "If one is born again & is a new creature in Christ Hebrews 10:10,28,29 sanctified once & for all,{past tense} Col 1:22 & then sin, would that not plunges us back into the condition of Adam's' transgression?"
A few days ago in one of your posts, you told someone that you have not yet been born again, so how would you answer this?
If you are not yet born again (as you say), then you are still living in your sin, and until you surrender your life to Christ, and are born from above, you will die in your sin.
I only say this out of concern for your spiritual welfare since you yourself said you have not yet been born again.
Lets look to the Spirit which inspired the Holy Scriptures for our understanding of them. 1Cor 2:13
1John 2:1,2 He calls them little children, because they're still sinning, then commands them to sin not & if they do in the progresses work of sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience & sprinkling of the Blood/Life of Jesus in their conformity to Christ, they have an Advocate with the Father. He then leads the children ever so gently 1John 2:3-6 distinguishing how to know if we know Him, who is True & its by those who "Keep His commandments" & those who do not is a liar & to those who do Keep His commandments, in them verily is the love of God perfected in them, "to walk even as He walk" that would be without sin!
1John 3:2,3 does this not say all that has this hope, we will be like Him, pure as He is pure
1John 3:4,5 how can we be in Him & continue to sin in the least, in Whom there is no darkness at all
1John 5:18 What does this implies, except that they don't sin.
Rom 6:1,2,6, it speaks expressively the intent of God's heart. Holy Spirit seals it by repeats in twice
Rom 6:12-15 if one sins in the least, the devil is still a prince & has dominion over him.
Jesse,
Adam was created in God image & likeness, sinless, this we all acknowledge
When he sinned, he became a degenerative plant & God cast him out of His Presence. Look at what appears to be just a small thing in our human thoughts, "partaking of the forbidden fruit". "disobedience to God's commandment" Which has brought all the misery that humanity has experience since then to this day.
If one is born again & is a new creature in Christ Hebrews 10:10,28,29 sanctified once & for all,{past tense}
Col 1:22 & then sin, would that not plunges us back into the condition of Adam's' transgression?
In the Spirit of these Scriptures,
I tell you that he that is born again does not sin & he that is born again does not practice sin means the same thing.
The wages of sin = Death and everlasting torment in hell.
Salvation is a very important question, and should be of the utmost importance in every Christians life.
Don't trust your salvation to anyone. There is "no shortcut" or "free ticket" to salvation! Read the bible for yourself, and learn to pray directly to God thru his Son Jesus Christ, and IF you are sincere, you will learn the answer to your salvation question from God himself.
I can point out a very important verse regarding losing salvation:
Hebrews 10:26
"For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"
Learn to Fear God.
Proverbs 9:10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding."
Learn to Love God.
John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
In summary, Become obedient to God, Repent from sin, Fear God, Love God, read your bible and pray, and you will be doing well.
do you perceive what the Holy Spirit of Truth is revealing here?
Hebrews 6:1
therefore leaving the doctrines of Christ---not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works. meaning sinning & repenting as a way of a Christian life
one of these doctrines was that of baptisms, its in the plural form, He's distinguishing from John's, which was only a type & shadow of Christ baptism. John only reach to the cleansing of the flesh, symbolic of the ritual cleansing of the Jewish law, which he was under.
Christ, the Substance brought the better things to come, the baptism that John point to & desired, it reaches to the heart, the center & seat of our very being. Hebrews 9:14
Cleansing out the seeds of the evil one. Hebrews 10:22 evil conscience--his presence must be there Mark 7:21
Thus, Holy Spirit is revealing there's Ephesians 4:5 that's required to reach to this state of perfection were we sin no more.
Friends, as I lay here, after responding to bro Dan last thread, I continue to feel the springs from the Fountain of Life bubbling up within me, my cup is running over, so I added then added again to that which I received,
Come on; Zechariah 13:1Isa 55:1-4 the Grace of God/ Light Rev 22:17
lets us Micah 4:2 the Jerusalem Gal 4:26 in Spirit & in Truth
Thank you for your caring and concerned reply, many are not in agreement with understanding this subject, and as long as we address it with caring and love to not let it divide us. All I can do is give the understanding I have received from my prayer and study with an open heart.
John 8:34 The Greek word poie translated as committeth means continuing the actions of sin, being the servant of sin. They were not willing to accept Jesus as their Messiah and come in repentance, not that they would not sin. 1 John 3:6-10 As long as we abide in Him we are in a relationship walking in the light.
Does this mean we will not sin? No, if we are abiding in Him, we are living a repentant life and in obedience, not a slave to sin but a slave to Christ. In verse 8 we have that Greek word poie we are not practicing and continuing in sin not in repentance. Same in verse 9 poieo commit, the children of God are manifest, they are being known by following and being obedient.
Gal. 5-9 we have had 2000 years of leaven that we can see everywhere the whole lump is almost bloated. Rom 6:1,2,6,14,15,16,18,22 These are about not to continue in sin, sinning without thought or repentance. When we accept Jesus and are baptized, we are justified and made righteous no longer a servant to sin.
Does that mean we never sin again, No, we are dead and free from sin as long as we are obedient Jesus is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. We must remain faithful and obedient, if not we will be responsible and have to pay for our sins. Rom. 8:2 as long as we abide in Jesus, we have life and are free from the penalty of death the strength of sin is the law. Hebrews 10:10,14,17,18,26,29,39 My understanding of this chapter is written to those of the house of Israel that some who had become a Christian were falling back to the old law.
John 8:341John 3:6-10Gal 5:9Rom 6:1,2,6,14,15,16,18,22Rom 8:2Hebrews 10:10,14,17,18,26,29,39
there's much more I could bring here in opposition of your thesis of continuing in unbelief & sin for life term,
by the Grace of God I shall.
Matt 3:11,12
not John's, but of Christ spoken of in Rom 6, being dead unto sin,,,which is being born again of the Incorruptible Seed, were one becomes a new creature, old things are pass away "sinful nature has been crucified on the cross of self denial" we having awaken unto Righteousness, all things become new & we sin not because His Seed remains within us. for those Rom 8:14 the Spirit of God will never, never lead us into sin, thus opening more fully the Law of the Spirit of Life of Christ Jesus, therefore we abide in Him & sin not, for abiding in this law sets us free from the law of sin & death.
1Peter 1:9 here & now, Remember this perfection can be added to as we grow in Grace, as Paul declares in Philippians.
According to your own statement & others like minded, you're not abiding in Him, for you are continuing to commit sin as a way of life, Which Holy Spirit says in Romans that now your under Grace, God forbid, confirming by the Spirit of the Scriptures of Truth that one is not born again, neither knows Him.
Ronald,,,,Friend---As I read your posts my heart went out to you, meaning I felt your sincerity, honesty & godly desires towards God, this is not in question here, but the knowledge you have is not the true knowledge of God, I'm speaking from my past experience,
As I was reading the words of God, this morning, Luke 13:24-28
Does this not speak to all who believe that there is no overcoming of sin in this present life
" they believe they ate & drink in His presence, & believed that " He taught in our streets".
Yet, the Lord plainly states; Luke 13:27
This reminds me of Matt 7:21,22
This reveals the utter deceitfulness of sin, that Satan has no lack of power to deceive 2Thess 2:9,10
He even has such power to call fire down from heaven. Rev 13:11-16 this is describing false Christianity, listen to what the Scriptures reveal, Rev 13:11 had an image like a lamb, but spoke like a dragon. Teaching that one can be a Christian & know God & continue in sin for life, despite the testimony of Christ, John 8:24, 1John 3:6
Then we have Hebrews 10:26-29; the whole context of these Scriptures here is " sinning is past tense, over, done away with."
They pray, but they regard; Psalms 66:18; in light of the above Scriptures, who do you thing is answering their prayers?
Again, all power in all deceitfulness of unrighteousness, ,,,sin ! 2Timothy 3:5Rev 18:4
Luke 11:33-36 the whole body be full of Light, "Christ" having no dark part, no darkness at all" Revealing "Consummation of Sanctification of the Spirit, obedience unto righteousness unto holiness, partaker's of the Divine Nature.
It also reveals, If one continue in sin for life, then it obvious that there's darkness within & Matt 6:23
Folks, I speak as one concern, I found that in life motions one can be caught up in doing this or that, the swiftness in which life is pasting by, & the world continually drawing us to it concerns, one doesn't stop & truly consider what Holy Spirit plainly states in the Scriptures or why they have not experience it,
Churches are teaching contrary to Scriptures, all are singing a lullaby; cause everybody else is doing it, some more some less, status quo, so it must be true? NOT ! 1Thessalonians 4:7
You have solid points here, that are contributed by the Scriptures you given.
But in all fairness KJV has discrepancies too,
These translators were men learnt in the letter, it doesn't imply they were obedient to the Grace of God in the working of sanctification of the Spirit, obedience unto righteousness unto holiness to the new creature, but quite the opposite according to Scripture, 2Cor 3:6 could God used them? yes, even as God used Nebuchadnezzar
In the uses of Neb, this reveals to us that God has a secret way of using the wicked for His greater purposes, in this case, punishing Israel for their continuous disobedience to the manifestation of the Grace of God given under the Old Covenant. Hebrews tell us, the Grace of His words did not profit them because of unbelief in the Light. Psalms 19:7,8
This Word of God that is pure, tried in the furnace of the earth 7 times; that you so zealously speak of
Declares 1Cor 2:9-13 --- The Grace of God, the True Light that appears to all mankind, which is the living manifestation of His 2nd coming bringing us salvation, Hebrews 9:28 His spiritual appearances within our hearts, the working out of Matt 11:27
The Spirit alone is the interpreter of what He has inspires.
How much more so now, with the coming of Christ, we have the fullest of Grace & Truth reveal, whose beginning is as a tiny grain of mustard Seed in our hearts, yet; if believe in & obeyed grows by the operations of His Spirit to our profit, by faith in hearing the Word of God in our hearts. This is the sure Word of prophecy that Peter refers too!
And if not obeyed, then we will receive a just recompense of reward as they did...indeed, even more so according to Hebrews 10:29 Hebrew 12:25
Do some research in England during this moment of the reformation, when the KJV was written, their fruits/works declare who servants they are.
I agree with Bro. Dan. These verses come to mind. 2 Corinthians 2:6 "Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many". Hebrews 10:29 "Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?" Roman 11:22 sums up what Bro. Dan said. Note that this what we need to "behold" when we view God. "Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off."
After reading two threads, which stated that "we could never love like God loves" I felt compel by Holy Spirit to correct this belief, that's unscriptural.
Paul states 2Cor 5:14
The love of God that flowed through him, he states in Gal 2:20 it was Christ that dwelling within him, living, moving & having His being within Paul, having His mind, heart & spirit. & where Christ dwells He brings His Father with Him John14:23 & God is love, he became an living expression of the Godhead, there's no way that in this abide abode that God love was not known, felt, displays in his life. Have you ever tried keeping your human love in? What about God ?
Jesus states in John15:10 "abide in His love"
We must believe that we can Ephesians 3:19 as we continue to grow in Grace in the knowledge of His will that
Hebrews 10:10 for faith Gal 5:6
1 John 1:14 perfect love experienced, is what John the beloved "tasted, seen & handled" 1John 4:12
1 Thessalonians 4:9 God taught them how to love as He loves
John 13:14 "as I have love you"
Folks,
To my understanding, Jesus prayer in John 17:21-23 reveals a union between the Spirit & Soul of our Creator & his creatures that unites us in such an wonderous way, that it took Divinity to imagine it, & the Son accomplish all His Father's heart desire. Matt 17:5
Psalm 28:13,
Mat 18:19-20, Mat 8:7, Psalm 31:7, Psalm 147:11,
Psalm 66:16, Psalm 31:19.
God bless you Paul. In Jesus Mighty Name. Alleluia.
God bless you Robert. In Jesus Name.
Mathew 18:20 says "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
A relationship with Christ Is not private, but communal, and the center of a person's relationship with Jesus is in the church. (Not necessarily the local Church but in the presence of other believers.
Read Hebrews 10:16-25.
We are to respond to his invitation and follow Jesus' example of how to live and treat others, giving him first place in your daily life.
A Desciples is someone who follows one's teachings.
In our rebirth Christ gave us his Spirit to guide us out of darkness.
Christ is faithful and said he will never leave you so your faith should be in his work on the cross not your baptism.
We pray to God for strength and wisdom and turn from the things that hinder us.
A Christian can not continue in sin!
God is love but he also is a righteous Judge.
He is rich in mercy forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty;
Our salvation hangs on God's promise once we have believed on his son, Christ Jesus!
Have you truly trusted him in his finish work on the cross?
If so we are persuaded to love his precepts the Brothern.
Keep reading his word and obey him.
God bless.
Luke 1:45,
2 Corinthians 5:7.
Sometimes, our present understanding of English words have changed as culture & word usage evolves. So here in this verse, Nehemiah describes the Almighty God as "great and terrible". In Hebrew, the word used for 'terrible' is 'yare', which means 'to take fright'. One might think, why should we be frightened or terrified of a God Who is merciful, kind & gracious? Though many Christians today hold only to such a view of God, we know from reading all the Scriptures, that God is also a God of Wrath & of Justice, all within His Glorious Holiness. So, in confronting such a God, anyone whose heart is not right with Him, would do well to tremble & shake in His Presence, even as Nehemiah knew this God Who had the Power to consign all of Israel to destruction for their many sins. Even the Hebrews writer could state, "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" ( Hebrews 10:31).
So the word we could use today instead of 'terrible' would be 'awesome', not as the world uses the word, but unto the Living God before Whom we would stand struck with awe in both His Power, but also His great Grace.
About perfectness. I think the Bible uses this word with various meanings
1. Lets see as Richard says Matthew 5:48, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.". Now the verb "be" in grk (esesthai) is in the future tense and denotes an expectation. So what Jesus is actually saying here (as I understand it) is that He expects us to become perfect like God is. Well this is impossible, isn't it? So what He means is that He expects us to strive to be like God (in character). And how is that to be done? By following His commandments, which commandments reveal the character of God to us. And since one aspect (and probably the most important) of God's character is love Jesus asks us to love each other like God does. This is something gradual, isn't it? It is something that we keep aquiring through our whole life.
If we compare it with Hebrews 5:8,9, "8Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;" Here Jesus iwas made perfect by obeying God's commandments.
So perfectness again here means a whole route/course that we follow in our lives during which, by following God's commandements/directions we keep growing spiritually and getting to be like God in character more and more.
2. But in Hebrews 10:14, "For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified", the word perfect has a different meaning. It means the one who has no sins. So we were perfected by Jesus' Blood, that is we are righteous through His sacrifice.
3. In Hebrews 11:38-40 says, "39And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:40God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect."
Here perfectness is something that we will aquire in Heaven when we will be dressed up with our new spiritual body, completely freed from sin, death etc
Though you brought up a matter of the sacrifices still to be carried out during the Millenium. There has been varied opinions about this (I don't know how that group understood it), seeing that the Lamb of God Who was sacrificed for all will be on the Throne for all to behold. I believe that those old sacrifices could never take away sin ( Hebrews 10:11,12), only God's provision of His Lamb could. Yet, what are we to make of Ezekiel chapters 40 to 48 and other portions? Could it be emblematic: that which was meticulously followed in days of old could only look forward to a coming One Who would deal with the disease of sin forever? That the Christ Who will be before them on the Throne, still with the marks of His Suffering & Death, is the fulfilment of all that was performed before Him? Just as we have the bread & the wine today as a memorial looking back at the Cross, maybe these future sacrifices serve as a memorial looking forward to the Blessed One sacrificed for them, Who is now in their presence. Only a thought on my part as I too try to understand the reason for the need for such sacrifices in the coming Kingdom; I could be entirely wrong in this & always open to other thoughts.
Your second question: "If Jesus was preexisting, an immortal being, God the son. How can an immortal being die?" There are varying beliefs about Jesus' position in Heaven prior to His incarnation. I rather simply accept John 1:1-18, John 14:10,11, John 16:27,28, 1 John 5:7, that Jesus came forth from God. Did He come out as a Divine Being in the presence of God, to be made a human for the sake of death, or did God take His Own Word & give Him flesh for this very purpose? We don't have a problem of God sending out His Spirit & the Spirit's indwelling in every believer (can He even be dissected?), but to send His Word out, clothe Him in a body, unnerves many.
"How can an immortal being die? How can God be tempted...How can God die?" God is Spirit - He is Immortal - He can never die. No one, having a spirit from God, can die - the body will perish, but who can destroy the spirit which cannot be touched by age or man's devices? But if the immortal is given a body, as Jesus received, or even as we also have to house our spirits, then the body will die but the spirit lives on. Can God take on flesh? A mystery no human can fully fathom, but truly "a body hast thou prepared me" ( Hebrews 10:5-7, taken from Psalm 40:6-8). So Jesus could be tempted & could die whilst in the body, and so in His complete identification with sinful men in need of salvation, Philippians 2:6-8 reminds us:
"Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." "thought it not robbery" = Jesus didn't grasp onto/retain His equality with God, but 'emptied Himself' ('ekenosen'), laying aside His Glory, to become a Man, obedient to death that which was the Father's Plan.
I thank the brethren on this forum for their faithfulness and love for the word and the fellow saints. Stand and be encouraged for as GOD reminds us, this too will pass. These verses have helped me... Hebrews 10:25; 1 Corinthians 10:13; probably one of the hardest for me - Romans 8:28. And many more- I'm sure veteran saints on this forum can add others too.
It is difficult, but we are called to be a blessing to as many as possible without expecting any type of return - horizontally. Our blessing will come vertically, from above,
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Sorry Brethren! didn't mean to be preachy.
GOD to shine HIS blessed face on you and your family during this wonderful time of praising of our SAVIOR.
Merry Christmas and have a prosperous New Year!
December 20, 2023
Word of God through Paul: "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain." 1 Corinthians 9:24 KJV
Man's doctrine: "Don't run, because you already have the prize. It's bad to put effort into following God, because my pastor says that's legalism and obeying God's law is bad and pleasing God is bad."
James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."
Man's doctrine: "nah, ignore that verse, cause I'm told all good works are 'bad'. Bad works are ok though since you're already forgiven."
Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"
Man's doctrine: "just ignore this verse, but lets cherry pick something else and focus on that instead."
Matthew 24:13 "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."
Man's doctrine: "Nope, you're already saved right now, not later. So you don't have to endure anything or do anything whatsoever. Just do whatever feels good then rationalize it by saying that's the spirit doing it, not your sinful flesh."
Hebrews 10:36 "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."
Man's doctrine: "Nah, ignore that verse too. You already have the promise and prize. You don't need to do anything."
"But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:" Romans 2:10 KJV
Man's doctrine: "No, just ignore. Good is bad, but bad is fine, because salvation."
Jude 1:4 "For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ."
Man's doctrine: "Nope"
Are both genuinely following Jesus?
So true, and I agree with much that you said.
Today, and foe many years now, Preachers don't preach and acknowledge the truth about sin, and everlasting hell, and they are leading their congregations straight down the wide path to hell! Matthew 25:41 James 3:1
We MUST fear God! This is the very beginning of knowledge. Proverbs 1:7
God is Vengeful and He tells us so. Hell is God's way of getting His vengeance. Isaiah 47:3
God knows us better than we could ever imagine. He knows, that if we have NO FEAR to motivate us to change our ways, we will continue in sin. God is also Love. He sacrificed his Son for us so thru Him we can recieved forgivness. He provides His Holy Spirit to break the bonds of sin. Preachers are not helping anyone by not preaching Hell and the fear of God!
If we are still repeatedly sinning..we DO NOT have God's Holy Spirit. Hebrews 10:26 God's Holy Spirit will not let us habitually sin.
Today, most so called Christian Pastors/Preachers are about the money. They don't want to focus on the sin in their congregation, if they do, they will lose their entire congregation. Sinners don't want to hear they are sinners, and they certainly don't want to think or hear about hell, they come to church to feel good about themselves and to be entertained. Churches today are all about making everyone feel good. Sad but true.
Which reminds me of this very powerful verse 2 Timothy 4:3 "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;"
The plain truth is: Sin keeps us from our God!
GBU
Ephesians 6:1] Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
[2] Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
[3] That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
The law Moses' commandments were weak laws, thry could not make people free from sin, they can not make people holy. God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinfulflesh. The law can not make you the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. The law of righteousness the ten commandments Jesus is now the end of all that as he is the head of the Ten commandments for righteousness sake. The old laws were not good enough.
Hebrews 10:[1] For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
[2] For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
[3] But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.
[4] For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
Hebrews 7:11] If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
[12] For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
[13] For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
[14] For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
[15] And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
Isaiah 56:[2] Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.
Isa.11[10] And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.
Matthew 11:28] Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
[29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
[30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Hebrews 4:8] For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
[9] There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
[10] For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
Hebrews 10:1] For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
[2] For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
Col 2:16] Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
[17] Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
I understand in delays in replies many work and have family responsibilities. This subject is being discussed by several people and I just wanted to share a few points of my understanding on it. The questions were not directed towards you, you can reply to them if you want but they were some of the questions I wrote down when I was studying this subject because some Scriptures seem to support both understandings if not deeply studied, not saying you have not.
Scripture tells us God is love, 1 John 4:8,16 and we have been told God does not have pleasure in the death of the wicked, Ezekiel 33:11 caries us to John 3:16 God does not want us to perish. The Bible tells us the soul that sinneth will die, Ezekiel 18:4 God preserves the souls of the saints Psalms 97:10 the faith and belief in Jesus by the grace of God can save our soul Hebrews 10:39.
Scripture tells us of various degrees of punishment like in Luke 12:46-48 Revelation 21:8. In Genesis 2:7 man became a living soul/being, my understanding is the breath of God is the spirit of life which goes back to God when we die whether lost or saved and this body becomes a dead soul that sleeps in the dust until resurrection then the judgment Revelation 20.
To repeat, eternal life is our promise it is something we do not have, only by faith and belief in Jesus Christ by the grace of God we will receive this gift when we are resurrected not before. If we say our souls are immortal, we are saying we already have eternal life, and it is just where are we going to spend it?
My understanding is the lost and wicked punishment is eternal forever, not the punishing, Satan and the fallen angels the beast and false profit will be tormented day and night for ever and ever as we see in Revelation 20:10, but they are not mortal beings like we are, and we see in Matthew 25:41 it was originally prepared for them.
Just my understanding of Scripture thanks again.
God bless,
RLW
:)
Mark 2:27] And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:
[28] Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
1st Cor 11:[3] But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
Hebrews 10:[1] For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
[2] For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
[3] But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.
[4] For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
The Jews could not keep the Sabbath and yet they claim to be a righteous people just like the Sabbath day keepers of today, the pollute it.
Nehemiah 13:[15] In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals.
[16] There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem.
[17] Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?
[18] Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath.
Since the COVID restrictions and the exodus of a significant percent of those professed believers from the overall corporate body of Christ in churches there has been a continued isolation from physical presence in the houses of worship. This made it easy to find an excuse to do what clearly was desired all along by many in that regard.
I have been privileged to personally meet a number of missionaries in recent years; and supported one from Bangladesh that since has gone stateside. Seeing the interaction with their wives and children has been an inspiration to me along with sound doctrine being proclaimed. We should seek to involve congregations; as in a former church I attended where there was a "missions moment" discussing a certain country where a missionary was active. Unfortunately; most churches only have an occasional presentation on this subject; yet today more than ever would be a great time for the average layperson to have communications online to support these individuals. Realizing their prayers for us (as they did when I was involved in a church plant that started seven years ago) should help us to feel closer to those formerly on the field.
Something came up recently in regard to a couple churches that are renting the building that our church worships in. I have seen issues elsewhere in regard to that situation as well. Currently there are maintenance annoyances (leaving messes; etc) but I am praying that there can be some interaction such as prayer and fellowship between these congregations at our church. This surely is a commonplace occurrence these days. When I lived in Pittsburgh I saw more interaction with various churches and charities than I see where I live today. Certain cautions need to be taken as to the doctrines being preached elsewhere; however. Missionaries have brought up to me more than once that the same errors found here occur on the mission field.
You are right in that we are a royal priesthood! ( 1 Peter 2:9)
"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
You stated. "We do not know if we are descended from the 10 tribes that were dispersed across the world. But God knows. And his chosen are not a matter of fleshly lineage anyway, but spiritual lineage from Christ.
IF we were descendents from the 10 tribes that were dispersed across the world, wouldn't that make us fleshly lineage instead of spiritual lineage from Christ?
If we are Israel today then this verse would apply to us. 1 Peter 2:7-8. (...unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.)
Israel still holds to the levitical priesthood.
Today Israel is not a priesthood at all!
Today there is 12 lost tribes. "Spiritually"
If you think they has had a tough history, In the future it gets worse!!
In a sense they are worse than the Arabs, considering they has had God in their midst and is in continuance rebellion.
But the represents what the law can do.
And some of us is worse than they are considering we trample over the blood of Christ with the Holyspirit in the world.
We have reject Christ and his true teachings without the "thousands of years of having a religion worshipped by our fathers that saw the miracles and so much history that is hard to turn from.
Hebrews 10:26-31.
God bless and Goodnight.
Or, if you're thinking of believers & why don't we "follow Yahweh's feasts and celebrate his statutes as He commanded", then again those directions were given to Israel, the special called-out people who would carry the LORD's Name, experience His Love, blessings & directions, & so be His witnesses to the godless world. This of course, Israel failed to fully experience & suffered because of their disobedience & sins. Those initial directions given to Israel, as described in the Books of Exodus & Leviticus particularly, were for Israel alone, that through the performance of them, their hearts would be turned to their LORD & they would see, however dimly, that God would one day perfectly fulfil all those feasts, sabbath days, & ceremonies in the provision of Himself: a Savior Who would not only save them by the shedding of His Blood for them, but that they would no longer need to 'work' to gain God's Favor but only place their faith in HIS Sacrifice for them.
There are some today who still believe that Christians should also keep the feasts, laws, & ordinances, but for these reasons, it is not required nor demanded: those adherences were for Israel alone & for their benefit to draw them closer to God & be His Light; when Jesus came & gave His Life "in due time", all the works of man (both Israel & Gentiles) had ceased, & only faith in Christ alone could save them; and to perform the feasts & other requirements of the Law only showed that Christ's Sacrifice was insufficient to fully atone & that doing those 'works', even for remembrance-sake, denies Jesus' perfect Sacrifice "once for all". Please read Hebrews 10:1-14 on this matter.
Again, I go back to 1 John 3:9 and I share with you the literal translation:
Whosoever has been born of God DOES NOT PRACTICE sin; for God's seed remains (or abides) in him: and he CANNOT PRACTICE SIN, that is, he does not have the capacity to practice sin because he has been born of God.
This is not saying that a person who has been born of God will never sin. And this is in no way telling us that we are sinless as Jesus was.
Let me ask you:
Do you consider yourself a sinner?
Are you pure the same as Jesus was pure?
Are you walking without sin the same as Jesus walked?
Now, if I may quote you, you said, "If one is born again & is a new creature in Christ Hebrews 10:10,28,29 sanctified once & for all,{past tense} Col 1:22 & then sin, would that not plunges us back into the condition of Adam's' transgression?"
A few days ago in one of your posts, you told someone that you have not yet been born again, so how would you answer this?
If you are not yet born again (as you say), then you are still living in your sin, and until you surrender your life to Christ, and are born from above, you will die in your sin.
I only say this out of concern for your spiritual welfare since you yourself said you have not yet been born again.
Lets look to the Spirit which inspired the Holy Scriptures for our understanding of them. 1Cor 2:13
1John 2:1,2 He calls them little children, because they're still sinning, then commands them to sin not & if they do in the progresses work of sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience & sprinkling of the Blood/Life of Jesus in their conformity to Christ, they have an Advocate with the Father. He then leads the children ever so gently 1John 2:3-6 distinguishing how to know if we know Him, who is True & its by those who "Keep His commandments" & those who do not is a liar & to those who do Keep His commandments, in them verily is the love of God perfected in them, "to walk even as He walk" that would be without sin!
1John 3:2,3 does this not say all that has this hope, we will be like Him, pure as He is pure
1John 3:4,5 how can we be in Him & continue to sin in the least, in Whom there is no darkness at all
1John 5:18 What does this implies, except that they don't sin.
Rom 6:1,2,6, it speaks expressively the intent of God's heart. Holy Spirit seals it by repeats in twice
Rom 6:12-15 if one sins in the least, the devil is still a prince & has dominion over him.
Jesse,
Adam was created in God image & likeness, sinless, this we all acknowledge
When he sinned, he became a degenerative plant & God cast him out of His Presence. Look at what appears to be just a small thing in our human thoughts, "partaking of the forbidden fruit". "disobedience to God's commandment" Which has brought all the misery that humanity has experience since then to this day.
If one is born again & is a new creature in Christ Hebrews 10:10,28,29 sanctified once & for all,{past tense}
Col 1:22 & then sin, would that not plunges us back into the condition of Adam's' transgression?
In the Spirit of these Scriptures,
I tell you that he that is born again does not sin & he that is born again does not practice sin means the same thing.
a answer on Rom 8:9 will be forth coming.
Salvation is a very important question, and should be of the utmost importance in every Christians life.
Don't trust your salvation to anyone. There is "no shortcut" or "free ticket" to salvation! Read the bible for yourself, and learn to pray directly to God thru his Son Jesus Christ, and IF you are sincere, you will learn the answer to your salvation question from God himself.
I can point out a very important verse regarding losing salvation:
Hebrews 10:26
"For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"
Learn to Fear God.
Proverbs 9:10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding."
Learn to Love God.
John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
In summary, Become obedient to God, Repent from sin, Fear God, Love God, read your bible and pray, and you will be doing well.
do you perceive what the Holy Spirit of Truth is revealing here?
Hebrews 6:1
therefore leaving the doctrines of Christ---not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works. meaning sinning & repenting as a way of a Christian life
one of these doctrines was that of baptisms, its in the plural form, He's distinguishing from John's, which was only a type & shadow of Christ baptism. John only reach to the cleansing of the flesh, symbolic of the ritual cleansing of the Jewish law, which he was under.
Christ, the Substance brought the better things to come, the baptism that John point to & desired, it reaches to the heart, the center & seat of our very being. Hebrews 9:14
Cleansing out the seeds of the evil one. Hebrews 10:22 evil conscience--his presence must be there Mark 7:21
Thus, Holy Spirit is revealing there's Ephesians 4:5 that's required to reach to this state of perfection were we sin no more.
Friends, as I lay here, after responding to bro Dan last thread, I continue to feel the springs from the Fountain of Life bubbling up within me, my cup is running over, so I added then added again to that which I received,
Come on; Zechariah 13:1 Isa 55:1-4 the Grace of God/ Light Rev 22:17
lets us Micah 4:2 the Jerusalem Gal 4:26 in Spirit & in Truth
in love & truth
Part one
Thank you for your caring and concerned reply, many are not in agreement with understanding this subject, and as long as we address it with caring and love to not let it divide us. All I can do is give the understanding I have received from my prayer and study with an open heart.
John 8:34 The Greek word poie translated as committeth means continuing the actions of sin, being the servant of sin. They were not willing to accept Jesus as their Messiah and come in repentance, not that they would not sin. 1 John 3:6-10 As long as we abide in Him we are in a relationship walking in the light.
Does this mean we will not sin? No, if we are abiding in Him, we are living a repentant life and in obedience, not a slave to sin but a slave to Christ. In verse 8 we have that Greek word poie we are not practicing and continuing in sin not in repentance. Same in verse 9 poieo commit, the children of God are manifest, they are being known by following and being obedient.
Gal. 5-9 we have had 2000 years of leaven that we can see everywhere the whole lump is almost bloated. Rom 6:1,2,6,14,15,16,18,22 These are about not to continue in sin, sinning without thought or repentance. When we accept Jesus and are baptized, we are justified and made righteous no longer a servant to sin.
Does that mean we never sin again, No, we are dead and free from sin as long as we are obedient Jesus is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. We must remain faithful and obedient, if not we will be responsible and have to pay for our sins. Rom. 8:2 as long as we abide in Jesus, we have life and are free from the penalty of death the strength of sin is the law. Hebrews 10:10,14,17,18,26,29,39 My understanding of this chapter is written to those of the house of Israel that some who had become a Christian were falling back to the old law.
See part two,
Dear Ronald
How would you explain away these Scriptures?
John 8:34 1John 3:6-10 Gal 5:9 Rom 6:1,2,6,14,15,16,18,22 Rom 8:2 Hebrews 10:10,14,17,18,26,29,39
there's much more I could bring here in opposition of your thesis of continuing in unbelief & sin for life term,
by the Grace of God I shall.
Matt 3:11,12
not John's, but of Christ spoken of in Rom 6, being dead unto sin,,,which is being born again of the Incorruptible Seed, were one becomes a new creature, old things are pass away "sinful nature has been crucified on the cross of self denial" we having awaken unto Righteousness, all things become new & we sin not because His Seed remains within us. for those Rom 8:14 the Spirit of God will never, never lead us into sin, thus opening more fully the Law of the Spirit of Life of Christ Jesus, therefore we abide in Him & sin not, for abiding in this law sets us free from the law of sin & death.
1Peter 1:9 here & now, Remember this perfection can be added to as we grow in Grace, as Paul declares in Philippians.
According to your own statement & others like minded, you're not abiding in Him, for you are continuing to commit sin as a way of life, Which Holy Spirit says in Romans that now your under Grace, God forbid, confirming by the Spirit of the Scriptures of Truth that one is not born again, neither knows Him.
Ronald,,,,Friend---As I read your posts my heart went out to you, meaning I felt your sincerity, honesty & godly desires towards God, this is not in question here, but the knowledge you have is not the true knowledge of God, I'm speaking from my past experience,
As I was reading the words of God, this morning, Luke 13:24-28
Does this not speak to all who believe that there is no overcoming of sin in this present life
" they believe they ate & drink in His presence, & believed that " He taught in our streets".
Yet, the Lord plainly states; Luke 13:27
This reminds me of Matt 7:21,22
This reveals the utter deceitfulness of sin, that Satan has no lack of power to deceive 2Thess 2:9,10
He even has such power to call fire down from heaven. Rev 13:11-16 this is describing false Christianity, listen to what the Scriptures reveal, Rev 13:11 had an image like a lamb, but spoke like a dragon. Teaching that one can be a Christian & know God & continue in sin for life, despite the testimony of Christ, John 8:24, 1John 3:6
Then we have Hebrews 10:26-29; the whole context of these Scriptures here is " sinning is past tense, over, done away with."
They pray, but they regard; Psalms 66:18; in light of the above Scriptures, who do you thing is answering their prayers?
Again, all power in all deceitfulness of unrighteousness, ,,,sin ! 2Timothy 3:5 Rev 18:4
Luke 11:33-36 the whole body be full of Light, "Christ" having no dark part, no darkness at all" Revealing "Consummation of Sanctification of the Spirit, obedience unto righteousness unto holiness, partaker's of the Divine Nature.
It also reveals, If one continue in sin for life, then it obvious that there's darkness within & Matt 6:23
Folks, I speak as one concern, I found that in life motions one can be caught up in doing this or that, the swiftness in which life is pasting by, & the world continually drawing us to it concerns, one doesn't stop & truly consider what Holy Spirit plainly states in the Scriptures or why they have not experience it,
Churches are teaching contrary to Scriptures, all are singing a lullaby; cause everybody else is doing it, some more some less, status quo, so it must be true? NOT ! 1Thessalonians 4:7
1Cor 15:34
in Love & Truth.
You have solid points here, that are contributed by the Scriptures you given.
But in all fairness KJV has discrepancies too,
These translators were men learnt in the letter, it doesn't imply they were obedient to the Grace of God in the working of sanctification of the Spirit, obedience unto righteousness unto holiness to the new creature, but quite the opposite according to Scripture, 2Cor 3:6 could God used them? yes, even as God used Nebuchadnezzar
In the uses of Neb, this reveals to us that God has a secret way of using the wicked for His greater purposes, in this case, punishing Israel for their continuous disobedience to the manifestation of the Grace of God given under the Old Covenant. Hebrews tell us, the Grace of His words did not profit them because of unbelief in the Light. Psalms 19:7,8
This Word of God that is pure, tried in the furnace of the earth 7 times; that you so zealously speak of
Declares 1Cor 2:9-13 --- The Grace of God, the True Light that appears to all mankind, which is the living manifestation of His 2nd coming bringing us salvation, Hebrews 9:28 His spiritual appearances within our hearts, the working out of Matt 11:27
The Spirit alone is the interpreter of what He has inspires.
How much more so now, with the coming of Christ, we have the fullest of Grace & Truth reveal, whose beginning is as a tiny grain of mustard Seed in our hearts, yet; if believe in & obeyed grows by the operations of His Spirit to our profit, by faith in hearing the Word of God in our hearts. This is the sure Word of prophecy that Peter refers too!
And if not obeyed, then we will receive a just recompense of reward as they did...indeed, even more so according to Hebrews 10:29 Hebrew 12:25
Do some research in England during this moment of the reformation, when the KJV was written, their fruits/works declare who servants they are.
a friend
in love & truth.
After reading two threads, which stated that "we could never love like God loves" I felt compel by Holy Spirit to correct this belief, that's unscriptural.
Paul states 2Cor 5:14
The love of God that flowed through him, he states in Gal 2:20 it was Christ that dwelling within him, living, moving & having His being within Paul, having His mind, heart & spirit. & where Christ dwells He brings His Father with Him John14:23 & God is love, he became an living expression of the Godhead, there's no way that in this abide abode that God love was not known, felt, displays in his life. Have you ever tried keeping your human love in? What about God ?
Jesus states in John15:10 "abide in His love"
We must believe that we can Ephesians 3:19 as we continue to grow in Grace in the knowledge of His will that
Hebrews 10:10 for faith Gal 5:6
1 John 1:14 perfect love experienced, is what John the beloved "tasted, seen & handled" 1John 4:12
1 Thessalonians 4:9 God taught them how to love as He loves
John 13:14 "as I have love you"
Folks,
To my understanding, Jesus prayer in John 17:21-23 reveals a union between the Spirit & Soul of our Creator & his creatures that unites us in such an wonderous way, that it took Divinity to imagine it, & the Son accomplish all His Father's heart desire. Matt 17:5
Jeremiah 32:38-41 Love never fails.