Previously; the concept has been introduced as to evidence of good or bad fruit as indicators of true or false salvation in earlier posts. The idea of self; somehow being able to adequately perform the behaviors such as illustrated in the Beatitudes on the Sermon on the Mount (i.e. be a peacemaker; meek; etc) basically demonstrates humanism in some form. I also mentioned the idea of "decisional regeneration". Often; there isn't much thought once we have "fire insurance" as it were; of such verses as 2 Corinthians 13:5 in testing ourselves to see if we are; indeed in the faith. Iron sharpening iron ( Prov. 27:17) is a way that God often uses to chastise us; which He does with all who are truly in the faith. We also should examine carefully the entire message of scripture; in this case the Beatitudes. Here it DEFINES who the meek are; those who are "despitefully used; wrongfully accused and otherwise abused" (my own rhyme giving the gist of the scripture). In the flesh we may put up with this; but expect someone to pity us; unlike what Jesus went through in Isaiah 53. To die for a friend is one thing; but for enemies is something else ( Romans 5:7-8).
The opposite also holds true; people somehow read the Gospels and think that Christ was all about bringing people together; peace and harmony. The unregenerate mind glosses over Matthew 10:34; 10:36; and the 10 times they tried to kill Jesus by various methods such as stoning and throwing him off a cliff BEFORE the cross. The last case was when Lazarus was raised from the dead when he along with Christ were in the final failed attempt at assassination. The world of course has trouble understanding the need for a bloody cross; of the fact that ALL of us are guilty for His death (at least the elect). Ultimately; to believe Christ is God (part of a triune God) has to be given by God ( Matt. 16:17).
Without God we can do nothing ( John 15:5). See also Hebrews 11:6.
You may not find it written like that in the scripture.
However that fact to be true but the battle isn't over as long as we're in the world.
Scripture records the end and all things will be made new.
We still have our adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour as mentioned in 1 Peter 5:8.
We also have this flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would as mentioned in Galatians 5:17.
In John 16:33 Jesus says; "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world".
Jesus said in John 18:36. "MY KINGDOM IS NOT OF THIS WORLD:
There's a heavenly kingdom yet to come!
Today he's calling out a people unto himself.
We were redeemed from this foreign cursed land by the precious blood of Christ as Peter mentioned in 1 Peter 1:17-19 as well as them of old who came before us as mentioned in Hebrews 11:13.
With that being said we are to be ambassadors for Christ. One who goes to a foreign country to do the business of he who sent you,
Satan is the prince of this world we live in.
I hope this helps and perhaps others would like to add,
I would encourage you to read Hebrews 11 very carefully.
The "Land" that was promised to Abraham is the New Heavens and New Earth which is the Promised Land for every True Believer.
Hebrews 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Hebrews 11:14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
Hebrews 11:15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
I have quoted a few selected verses from Hebrews 11 below.
Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
Hebrews 11:9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
Hebrews 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
Hebrews 11:38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
So what were these faithful men of God looking for? What was the LAND they were looking for? What was the PROMISE spoken of in these verses?
Was it some geographical land on this sin cursed earth where they were STRANGERS and PILGRIMS?
Or was it a HEAVENLY country, a HEAVENLY city, whose builder and maker is God?
Hebrews 11:39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
Hebrews 11:40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
Hebrews 11 is talking about the INHERITANCE that awaits all True Believers that God has and will save throughout time. That is the New Heavens and New Earth where all True Believers will live and reign with Christ ETERNALLY. That God will create from the ashes of this sin-cursed earth.
Not some future Kingdom on this sin-cursed earth with Christ ruling from Jerusalem.
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).
David0921 lemme just say this to you and your doctrine of the bible being God himself....Israel was Sola Scriptura Written words only....They knew the bible by heart....But Jesus tells them you are of your father the Devil....Not that the bible was of the devil but their hearts were of the Devil.....And the written word cd not fix their hearts....It wd require a New Covenant to give mankind a new heart and a new spirit by the blood of Jesus at Calvary.... Rev 5:1...Now there is a new BOOK in the right hand of the Father, this is the book of life....That N.C.....And whosoever was not found written in this new book of life that Jesus wrote with his own blood was cast into the lake of fire....Which is baptism of the H.G. and fire....That fire that Jesus wants to bring on all the world....As our God is a consuming fire....That is gonna consume mans evil adamic heart...Thats y Jesus says he came to bring fire on the earth....Which is a cleansing Fire...As Malachi 3:2 explains.
Thus Faith can only come by the living word the seed of the sower that book in the Fathers right hand....Initiating a spiritual pregnancy by the seed of the bridegroom as his seed is spirit and life ... Hebrews 11:1...Thats y Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen....Even in the natural when a woman is pregnant she has the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen...The Child....B/C i have spoken these words sorrows has filled your hearts....A spiritual pregnancy....He wants to impregnate this whole world with his precious seed.... Jeremiah 30:6 Why do i see the whole world in travail and birthpains....David thats y the new birth is so important....And it can only happen by the living word the contents of that book in the fathers right hand....Not by reading a bible...HE HAS TO KNOW US....WE NEED LIVING SEED ( THE BRIDEGROOMS SEED)...Not written words...But the seed of the Bridegroom are Living words of life the Children of Promise..THE H.G...
The OT promises were superceded by what we receive in Christ and their better promises were to be realized only with us being co-heirs with them in Christ, in which we will together be made perfect forever.
I love that there is not one fulfillment of promises for the OT believers and a different fulfillment of promises for NT saints. But together we all receive that same fulfillment of better promises in Christ that far outweigh the value of the OT promises by an infinite degree. We are all receivers of the greatest fulfillments of God's promises through His grace and mercy that can be given by God. How wonderful is that.
It is these verses in the OT that cause me to not believe in a future earthly eternal state for Israelites and a heavenly eternal state for Christians. Hebrews 11:19-20 clearly says that we all receive from God the same eternal inheritance. Not separate eternal inheritances or states of blessedness.
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).
Thanks, Chris I was just being silly with the ruckus, I took a closer look at John 3 and I understand what you are saying about John 3:13 being in the discussion with Nicodemus. Jesus is telling him that no man had, or could go up to heaven, to bring the knowledge of heavenly things. That is a better understanding of the context of what Jesus was telling Nicodemus.
On the other, We are told in Hebrews 9:27 man is appointed once to die but it is God's will and His pleasure, and some things we have not been told. We know in Hebrews 11:5 Enoch was translated that he should not see death, and in 2 Kings 2:11 Elijah was taken up, other than that we speculate.
We do know Moses died Deut. 34:1-5, that is why I believe the transformation was a vision, whether a future event like things John was shown in Revelation or just a vision to strengthen the three to be apostles. My understanding is our soul is not immortal, to me scripture says we are mortal 2 Cor. 15:46-48 and will be until we are resurrected, 1 Cor. 15:53-54. The spirit that goes back is our breath/life, Ecclesiastes 12:7
In Matt. 27:50-54 my understanding is different, the word resurrection is a different word than used for all the other times it is in scripture it has more of a meaning of waking up. I would think after being hung on the cross for 6 hours one would be in and out of consciousness. In vs 50 Jesus cried out and yielded up the ghost.
All the things that happened next are connected with and, all happened when Jesus died. The earthquake opened the graves and those who arose went into Jerusalem when Jesus died not after Jesus was resurrected. That is my understanding, but scripture does not tell us about who they appeared to or what happened to them. Verse 54 confirms this to me and ties it to John 8:28.
Thanks for your reply and a better understanding of John 3:13, but my understanding is still no one but Jesus has ascended to heaven or will.
Hebrews 11:22, "Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou IF THOU CONTINUE IN HIS GOODNESS: otherwise thou also SHALT BE CUT OFF"
There are so many verses that are clear that salvation can be lost so that litterally one can write a whole book about it.
As Richard wrote how can one be happy if their salvation is always at risk? Yes I must be happy because God saved me, because He will do everything He can (according to His Justice which means He will never violate my freedom) to bring me back when I stray, like the Shepherd who went to find the lost sheep or the penny in the house, BUT I always have to guard my heart with fear because even if it was regenerated by God when I was born again, it still remains deceitful. And I don't know how I will stand when a temptation wiil stand in front of me. David just gave a glimpse to the naked Bathseba and that was enough to bring him down. Good for him he repented. Saul never repented.
You know in Greece in school we are taught about the fall of Constantinople by the Ottomans. History says (but it is possibly just a myth) that the turks found a little gate open in the walls and went in. Constaninople which was heavily fortified so it never fell for a thousand years, fall this time due a little door that was forgoten open during the seige. This can serve as an example of how satan works. He only needs a small opening in our heart to get in. And when he gets in the looting starts.
And by the way, why is satan fighting christians if they can never loose their salvation? But the Bible ( 1 Peter 5:8) says that he goes around to find someone to devour. Paul here talks to christians not to non believers.
Now about Israel, Paul says in Romans 11:26 that all Israel will be saved. Every single one of them? I can not answer to that. It is also written, John 19:37, "And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced"
To your question about Adam and whether re received salvation or not.
After God confronted Adam with his sin and heard Adam's excuses, explained the consequences of his sin, and then promised the Redeemer o crush the enemy in Gen. 3:15, God sewed a garment of animal skins to cover his and Eve's nakedness.
Adam also taught Abel and Seth and most likely his other children to sacrifice to God and call on Him. He lived through 7 or 8 generations, and the Genesis account does not say much more about Adam, good or bad.
Paul contrasts Jesus to Adam in several of His epistles (Romans and 1 Corinthians 15 are two I know about off the top of my head) In these epistles, Paul was not saying that Adam was worse off than any other human, but that he was the one who brought sin and death into God's good creation.
My view is that Adam most likely received salvation. But we really do not know. Adam was not listed among the persons of faith in Hebrews 11 (it begins with Abel). We leave the salvation of each person up to God as far as whom He elects to salvation and how He judges each person.
We will find out when we get to heaven and meet those that make up that great cloud of witnesses spoken of in Hebrews 11:1
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.
Lydia, none of us are good. We can't work our way to heaven, without faith in Jesus Christ. And, even our most righteous works are as filthy rags to God. God is so pure, holy and righteous, we can only be made clean through His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus washes our sins away, gone, forever. And, only then, can we become close to our Father in heaven. When we become Christians, born again, a new person with a new heart, we want to worship God.
The only way to heaven, is through Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 11:6 - But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
He doesn't cause everyone to believe at the same time.
Paul didn't believe until God caused him to believe.
Everything has an APPOINTED TIME; it the works of God, his timetable.
He chose Jacob; and not Esau, before they were ever conceived.
Hebrews 11:20 By faith (by the spirit of Christ) Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, concerning THINGS TO COME.
Jacob; the last, was given dominion over the first.
Genesis 27:37
The first born of flesh is not always the first born of spirit.
Matthew 19:30 ... The first shall be last and the last first ....
After the second resurrection, when Esau stands in his former estate, his flesh, he will be caused to believe and the yoke will be broken from his neck.
Genesis 27:40
All things were maded new by Christ resurrection, but all things have an appoint time to come to TRUTH.
Romans 9:21 Hath not the potter POWER over the clay, of the same lump, to make one a vessel of HONOUR, and the other a vessel of DISHONOUR?
Daniel 4:35 And all the inhabitants of the world are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth, and NONE can stay his hand, or say unto him, what doest thou?
Jeremiah 18:4 And the vessel he made of clay was MARRED in the potter's hand, so he MADE it again ....
Psalms 104:30 Thou sendest forth thy spirit (when he chooses to do so), they are CREATED and thou renewest the face of the earth.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven
Psalms 123:2 ...so our eyes wait upon the lord, UNTIL he have mercy upon us ....
NOT YET are ALL THINGS put under him; BUT, when they are, God will be ALL IN ALL.
Well said, I agree there will be Christians alive but we see many will be killed for not taking the mark. When Jesus returns and sets this kingdom up, scriptures like those you listed, the land that was promised to Abraham will be amazing. We also see there will be a remnant of Israel that their eyes will be opened, Romans 11:25-26.
We see people living full long lives and animals in peace as they were first created. I am not sure but I believe Abraham and others from the Old Testament will be in the first Resurrection. As you said one day we will understand everything.
Hebrews 11:8-11 Abraham looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. We are shown this city that Abraham will see in Rev. 21:9-27 that God and Jesus the Lamb will be the temple. It will be after the new earth when we see it coming down.
I am with you, if we out of love are respectful to each other and humble and I agree the more we are in God's word it feeds our faith.
Hebrews 11:8-10, 16 says that Abraham and those of the OT promises were looking forward to the heavenly country that God would bring them into.
Jesus, in talking to Pilate, said that His kingdom is not of this world. John 18:36. He went to heaven to prepare a place for us so that where He is we will be.
Therefore, I am not looking for an earthly existence upon His return, but an heavenly. He will make a new heaven and a new earth after He destroys the wicked and unbelievers, resurrects and glorifies believers and destroys the present heavens and earth. So, these new heavens and earth will be our eternal home. They will not be tainted by sin. Perhaps we will be able to transfer readily between heaven and earth as Jesus was able to do after His resurrection. So, there is a purpose for both the new heavens and new earth. We just do not know how God will us them concerning us and His glory in that age of eternity.
We do have the results of them following instructions In the book of Hebrews.
We know that faith comes by hearing. Romans 10:17.
By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. Hebrews 11:4.
Abel offered his offering by faith.
We know in Genesis he offered the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. The sacrfice must have been specific instructions.
I agree with Brother Chris, it's hard to come up with any scripture that is conclusive.
However I would like to present a theory
I Genesis 6:9 it says;
These are the generations of Noah: NOAH WAS A JUST MAN AND "PERFECT IN HIS GENERATIONS", and Noah walked with God.
This came right before verses 4-5 when he said vs 4-"There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when THE SONS OF GOD CAME IN UNTO THE DAUGHTERS OF MEN, ( AND THEY BARE CHILDREN TO THEM ), the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.
( Verse 4 the women bare children to the Giants, "No particular line as shown in Genesis6:2." This includes daughters of Seth. )
LOOK AT VERSE 5 AT WHAT SEEMS TO BE THE OUTCOME.
vs 5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
Vs 6. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
There is two things to note about Noah in these next 3 verses,
Why was he chosen? Because he was sinless? I don't think so, Vs 8 says Noah found "GRACE" in the eyes of the LORD. "GRACE is unmerited favor." Vs 9 says he was a just man. "We're justified by faith"
Genesis 6:7-9.
I believe Noah was justified the same way Abel was. "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain," Hebrews 11:4.
So that brings us to a phrase in verse 9. Noah was "PERFECT IN HIS GENERATIONS"
If you read Genesis 6:2-11 on through it seems as though Man had 2 issues. They didn't find grace in the Lords eyes because of lack of faith and there were those whos Genealogy was contaminated. "Perhaps by the Son's of God.
We don't know if Shem, Ham, and Japheth wives were or not. Nor do we know about Noah's wife.
Hi Sandra...GBU...But i think you are refering to Salvation via faith as Faith comes by hearing his voice his words etc...Its Jesus that has to sow his good seed in our hearts that forms Christ in us...Gal.4:19 my Children of whom i travail in birth till Christ is formed in you...And that Child is gona grow whether we like it or not...Its the H.G. that grows with in us...He is our new innerman our new hearts and new spirits etc...He increases in statue just like his fleshly counter part does...God gives it the increase according to his will...Its gotta come forth in 3 measures, 1st the Baby then the Son then the fulfness of the Godhead in the Son...We all have to come into the fulness of the statue of Christ with in us...Christ in you the hope of glory.
Faith is like a spirtual Pregnancy....Simply b/c we have the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen...The Substance of a kingdom and the evidence of a baby Christ in us which is the H.G. As Jesus said that which is born of the spirit is spirit which is the H.G. thus it cannot be seen...But we know we got it b/c we can feel him moving in our spirits.... Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for ( the fetus ) The evidence of things not seen...( a baby Christ the Kingdom ).. As Jesus said unless you receive the Kingdom as a lil Child you will in no wise enter there in..Thats y the new birth is so important.
Thats y he always refered to himself as the Son of Man...Simply b/c mankind needs to bring forth fruit unto God which is the H.G. that Child of Promise... Romans 7 :4...But we have to go thru a war with the Tares Satans Seed...Thats y Jesus said there will be Kingdom against Kingdom..The Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence simply b/c of the wheat and the Tares are at war...And this war rages with in us...In our hearts and minds...The 2 men in 1 bed is just 1 man that is at war with the Tares Wheat n the Tares..Thats y we must endure to the end th Harvest..1 taken 1 left.GB
I think you, yourself have to determine how & if you fast. By your faith.
Isaiah 58, Galatians 2:6, Hebrews 11:6, James 1:5-7,
The problem, you've stated you have is considered 'high blood sugar' usually less sugar intake is better for your body. Less food would be less sugar, but that means don't take the same insulin amounts. You should talk about it with the people you're trusting that diagnosed you & prescribed medicine to you, if you're taking insulin.
I guess the first act of faith in fasting for you could be, eating healthy. Cut out unnecessary sugars.
Several fellowships do a 15 day no desserts. Some turn off TV, radio etc to take time to listen to GOD. Usually all fasts reading the Bible & praying more. Turning from sin, like things that displease GOD. Like abusing someone's own body: 1Corinthians 6:9-10,11, Romans 14:22,23, Philippians 3:9,
Hebrews 11,
Interestingly the Bible mentions taking off Kingly garments & putting on sackcloth with fasting: 1Kings 21:27, Daniel 9:3, Isaiah 37:1, Jonah 3:5-10,
(this is the chapter Daniel 9, that the fellowship, takes the 'no dessert' fast from.)
Matthew 6, praying & asking Luke 11:1-13,
Then extreme fasts, for extreme situations: Books of Esther, Matthew 17:14-21,
Alex 1939...Hiya Benjamin...Good question, hope i can help you...But its in the spritual realm...As Faith is the result of his word planted in our hearts...The living word is that good seed that forms Christ in us...In the spiritual realm ....As the scripture says faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word ( the living word ) of God...His voice,...Today if you will hear his voice...Its like a spritual pregnancy the Child is the H.G...The kingdom...Unless you receive the Kingdom as a lil Child you will in no wise enter there in Thats y Hebrews 11:1 tells us Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen....Jesus tells us unless you receive the Kingdom of God as a lil Child you will in no wise enter there in...Thats y he has to know us so he can plant his incorruptible seed in our hearts initiating a spritual pregnancy of Christ in us...But there is a time of gestation thats when we walk by faith and not by sight...We have the substance of things hoped for the Spirit the H.G...But we also have the evidence of things not seen Faith....Faith is truly a spritual pregnancy that preceeds a heavenly birth of Christ in us... Gal 4:19 my lil Children of whom i travail in birth till Christ is formed in you...We cannot see the Child the H.G that Child of Promise he is just a spritual infant that cannot speak for a while...But he is the anointing that spirit of truth that is gona rule all nations As in John 16:13
......But until the Kingdom comes we walk by faith and not by sight...As jesus said the kingdom comes not with observation simply b/c its in the spritual realm.
.....She brought forth a manchild that is gonna rule all nation and her Child was caught up to God and to his Throne... Rev 12:5.....This woman in Rev. 12 is the best example of faith... b/f her Child came she had the subtance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen ISAIAH 66:7..B/F she traviled she brought forth, b/f her pains came she was delivered of aman Child.
Dear Anonymous, greetings and Happy New Year. May I be blunt? What you have done in this post is make an ultimatum to God--either rescue me or else. Threatening God will not hasten his answer to your prayer of delivery. He does not work that way. If you are a born-again believer in His only begotten Son, you belong to Him. He makes demands of you, not the other way around.
If you are under the blood, He will deliver you, for He did not send His only begotten Son to die for you and raise Him again only to abandon you. He promised to be with you always. I advise you to do three things in addition to what has already been said by others:
1. Humble yourself before Him in the belief that He will lead you out of this trial, Ecclesiasticus 2:6 "Believe in him, and he will help thee; order thy way aright, and trust in him."
2. Have faith that He will rescue you, Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
3. WAIT on Him to act when it is His will to act. Accept his timeline. That is the best way, Isaiah 40:31
"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
I would like to add to what Brother Chris has shared,
In Hebrews 11:4 it reads "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain",
Now faith comes by hearing the word of God,
So if Abel offered his sacrifice by faith it seems he was instructed to offer the sacrifice he offered.
BY WHICH HE OBTAINED WITNESS THAT HE WAS RIGHTEOUS, God testifying of his gifts: ( AND BY IT ) he being dead yet speaketh.
It seems God expected obedience from Cain to follow through with a specific command in Genesis 4:7
"If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
Cain could have humbled himself and pleaded for forgiveness as Brother Chris said.
It is impossible to please God without faith. Hebrews 11:6.
Irregardless of whether men or women have any different roles either now or in eternity I thought a few words on eternal rewards needed to be said for exhortation. Hebrews 11:16 makes it clear that a heavenly country was sought; hence we are as aliens and pilgrims on the earth ( 1 Peter 2:11-12). Paul exhorts us to press on to win the prize and to put worldly concerns behind us ( Phil. 3:14). We must be careful to endure to the end so as not to forfeit our reward ( Rev. 3:11).
It is clear from these and other exhortations that our reward comes not in this life but in heaven. This; of course is against those preachers emphasizing worldly riches as indication of "blessings from God." Luke 4:6 should be a healthy reminder that the enemy also can offer things in this life and in the end of course pull the rug out from under us.
There are verses talking about people praising our "good works" ( Matt. 5:16). Such was probably the case early on in Christ's ministry also; while He hid from many His truths in parables and didn't yet fully reveal Himself to men so as to accellerate beyond the set time for the persecution and death to occur. There were many who would see Him as "good teacher" would recieve the statement in Mark 10:18 about God alone being good. We will be hated in this life; clearly and our reward being great for the hurtful statements in the Beatitudes clearly is indicative of eternity in heaven after this life. It is for "His Name's sake" ( Jn. 15:21) that we suffer these things. That name; which is the only figure in religion I know of that is cursed by all pagans. The Name which claims to be THE truth ( Jn. 14:6). Satan is going to resist God and His people as long as he is still loose in this world and to the extent God allows Him to test us. May we hold on tenaciously to His promises through the power of the Spirit. Let us continue until the end to be "salt and light!" ( Matt. 5:13-14).
The subject of our heart and affections must be at the forefront here to our Gospel message. Matthew 6:24 takes one point about this in regard to money or God being our master. This certainly extends to other issues that ultimately begin with the state of our heart (or soul) and our relationship with the LIVING God. It is true scripturally that we cannot "lose our salvation" but we can certainly lose rewards; as Rev. 3:11 clearly states. These will have consequences at LEAST for the Millennial rule of Christ and those of us who are "kings and priests" at that time; perhaps eternal ramifications. Hebrews 11:6 states that we MUST believe He is a rewarder of those who "diligently seek Him." This perseverance also is something worthy of obtaining crowns ( 2 Tim. 4:2).
I am convinced that God is the one who does the persevering; but still evidence that He lives within us is producing fruit (which comes after time in the proper season) as well as believing until the end. John 11:26 states that "He who believes in me will never die". What many don't know is that is in the context of CONTINUING faith; not just at a time and place of confession.
IF He lives within us and has taken up residence and if we are "sealed with the Spirit" ( Eph. 4:20) then sanctification must be continuing throughout our lives as pilgrims on the earth. God has redeemed us; and we are saved but not all the wheat and tares are evident; we in the end will be PHYSICALLY saved from this body of death at glorification; which is the end of the journey. Our salvation therefore is for HIS glory. We are to praise His name; and not just when we are in church fellowship; and certainly not for show to see who can yell "AMEN" the loudest.
We must keep in mind those that walked away when Christ challenged them; as well as what happened between Palm Sunday and the Crucifixion. Those who truly believe WILL endure to the end; those who don't WILL FALL. Simple as that.
Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, (speaking of the deadness of the reproduction systems of Abraham and Sara), so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.
God produced descendants from Abraham and Sara that were as many as the sand on the seashores, from somebody who's dead.
That's faith because it's humanly impossible. And therefore it's God!
I am thinking that Hebrews 11:12 is saying that Abraham is the "father" of all who follow God by faith as did Noah (mentioned earlier) and all who came after Abraham who truly believed in God as the only way to be saved and the only god who is true to His word and promises, and the only God period. Through Abraham came Jesus, the promised "Seed" from Genesis 3, that will crush the evil one and His power. So, all who believe that it is God who will overcome sin, death, hell, and satan are Abraham's children, whether biologically descended from Him or not. It is those who have faith in God to save them who are truly Abraham's children.
All believers in Jesus are counted among these "children", but even better, all those, like Abraham who fully trusted in God to save them are blessed to be children of God.
Previously; the concept has been introduced as to evidence of good or bad fruit as indicators of true or false salvation in earlier posts. The idea of self; somehow being able to adequately perform the behaviors such as illustrated in the Beatitudes on the Sermon on the Mount (i.e. be a peacemaker; meek; etc) basically demonstrates humanism in some form. I also mentioned the idea of "decisional regeneration". Often; there isn't much thought once we have "fire insurance" as it were; of such verses as 2 Corinthians 13:5 in testing ourselves to see if we are; indeed in the faith. Iron sharpening iron ( Prov. 27:17) is a way that God often uses to chastise us; which He does with all who are truly in the faith. We also should examine carefully the entire message of scripture; in this case the Beatitudes. Here it DEFINES who the meek are; those who are "despitefully used; wrongfully accused and otherwise abused" (my own rhyme giving the gist of the scripture). In the flesh we may put up with this; but expect someone to pity us; unlike what Jesus went through in Isaiah 53. To die for a friend is one thing; but for enemies is something else ( Romans 5:7-8).
The opposite also holds true; people somehow read the Gospels and think that Christ was all about bringing people together; peace and harmony. The unregenerate mind glosses over Matthew 10:34; 10:36; and the 10 times they tried to kill Jesus by various methods such as stoning and throwing him off a cliff BEFORE the cross. The last case was when Lazarus was raised from the dead when he along with Christ were in the final failed attempt at assassination. The world of course has trouble understanding the need for a bloody cross; of the fact that ALL of us are guilty for His death (at least the elect). Ultimately; to believe Christ is God (part of a triune God) has to be given by God ( Matt. 16:17).
Without God we can do nothing ( John 15:5). See also Hebrews 11:6.
"The Lord has won the battle for us".
You may not find it written like that in the scripture.
However that fact to be true but the battle isn't over as long as we're in the world.
Scripture records the end and all things will be made new.
We still have our adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour as mentioned in 1 Peter 5:8.
We also have this flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would as mentioned in Galatians 5:17.
In John 16:33 Jesus says; "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world".
Jesus said in John 18:36. "MY KINGDOM IS NOT OF THIS WORLD:
There's a heavenly kingdom yet to come!
Today he's calling out a people unto himself.
We were redeemed from this foreign cursed land by the precious blood of Christ as Peter mentioned in 1 Peter 1:17-19 as well as them of old who came before us as mentioned in Hebrews 11:13.
With that being said we are to be ambassadors for Christ. One who goes to a foreign country to do the business of he who sent you,
Satan is the prince of this world we live in.
I hope this helps and perhaps others would like to add,
God bless.
I would encourage you to read Hebrews 11 very carefully.
The "Land" that was promised to Abraham is the New Heavens and New Earth which is the Promised Land for every True Believer.
Hebrews 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Hebrews 11:14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
Hebrews 11:15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
I have quoted a few selected verses from Hebrews 11 below.
Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
Hebrews 11:9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
Hebrews 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
Hebrews 11:38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
So what were these faithful men of God looking for? What was the LAND they were looking for? What was the PROMISE spoken of in these verses?
Was it some geographical land on this sin cursed earth where they were STRANGERS and PILGRIMS?
Or was it a HEAVENLY country, a HEAVENLY city, whose builder and maker is God?
Hebrews 11:39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
Hebrews 11:40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
Hebrews 11 is talking about the INHERITANCE that awaits all True Believers that God has and will save throughout time. That is the New Heavens and New Earth where all True Believers will live and reign with Christ ETERNALLY. That God will create from the ashes of this sin-cursed earth.
Not some future Kingdom on this sin-cursed earth with Christ ruling from Jerusalem.
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.
Thus Faith can only come by the living word the seed of the sower that book in the Fathers right hand....Initiating a spiritual pregnancy by the seed of the bridegroom as his seed is spirit and life ... Hebrews 11:1...Thats y Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen....Even in the natural when a woman is pregnant she has the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen...The Child....B/C i have spoken these words sorrows has filled your hearts....A spiritual pregnancy....He wants to impregnate this whole world with his precious seed.... Jeremiah 30:6 Why do i see the whole world in travail and birthpains....David thats y the new birth is so important....And it can only happen by the living word the contents of that book in the fathers right hand....Not by reading a bible...HE HAS TO KNOW US....WE NEED LIVING SEED ( THE BRIDEGROOMS SEED)...Not written words...But the seed of the Bridegroom are Living words of life the Children of Promise..THE H.G...
The OT promises were superceded by what we receive in Christ and their better promises were to be realized only with us being co-heirs with them in Christ, in which we will together be made perfect forever.
I love that there is not one fulfillment of promises for the OT believers and a different fulfillment of promises for NT saints. But together we all receive that same fulfillment of better promises in Christ that far outweigh the value of the OT promises by an infinite degree. We are all receivers of the greatest fulfillments of God's promises through His grace and mercy that can be given by God. How wonderful is that.
It is these verses in the OT that cause me to not believe in a future earthly eternal state for Israelites and a heavenly eternal state for Christians. Hebrews 11:19-20 clearly says that we all receive from God the same eternal inheritance. Not separate eternal inheritances or states of blessedness.
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.
Thanks, Chris I was just being silly with the ruckus, I took a closer look at John 3 and I understand what you are saying about John 3:13 being in the discussion with Nicodemus. Jesus is telling him that no man had, or could go up to heaven, to bring the knowledge of heavenly things. That is a better understanding of the context of what Jesus was telling Nicodemus.
On the other, We are told in Hebrews 9:27 man is appointed once to die but it is God's will and His pleasure, and some things we have not been told. We know in Hebrews 11:5 Enoch was translated that he should not see death, and in 2 Kings 2:11 Elijah was taken up, other than that we speculate.
We do know Moses died Deut. 34:1-5, that is why I believe the transformation was a vision, whether a future event like things John was shown in Revelation or just a vision to strengthen the three to be apostles. My understanding is our soul is not immortal, to me scripture says we are mortal 2 Cor. 15:46-48 and will be until we are resurrected, 1 Cor. 15:53-54. The spirit that goes back is our breath/life, Ecclesiastes 12:7
In Matt. 27:50-54 my understanding is different, the word resurrection is a different word than used for all the other times it is in scripture it has more of a meaning of waking up. I would think after being hung on the cross for 6 hours one would be in and out of consciousness. In vs 50 Jesus cried out and yielded up the ghost.
All the things that happened next are connected with and, all happened when Jesus died. The earthquake opened the graves and those who arose went into Jerusalem when Jesus died not after Jesus was resurrected. That is my understanding, but scripture does not tell us about who they appeared to or what happened to them. Verse 54 confirms this to me and ties it to John 8:28.
Thanks for your reply and a better understanding of John 3:13, but my understanding is still no one but Jesus has ascended to heaven or will.
God bless,
RLW
Hebrews 11:22, "Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou IF THOU CONTINUE IN HIS GOODNESS: otherwise thou also SHALT BE CUT OFF"
There are so many verses that are clear that salvation can be lost so that litterally one can write a whole book about it.
As Richard wrote how can one be happy if their salvation is always at risk? Yes I must be happy because God saved me, because He will do everything He can (according to His Justice which means He will never violate my freedom) to bring me back when I stray, like the Shepherd who went to find the lost sheep or the penny in the house, BUT I always have to guard my heart with fear because even if it was regenerated by God when I was born again, it still remains deceitful. And I don't know how I will stand when a temptation wiil stand in front of me. David just gave a glimpse to the naked Bathseba and that was enough to bring him down. Good for him he repented. Saul never repented.
You know in Greece in school we are taught about the fall of Constantinople by the Ottomans. History says (but it is possibly just a myth) that the turks found a little gate open in the walls and went in. Constaninople which was heavily fortified so it never fell for a thousand years, fall this time due a little door that was forgoten open during the seige. This can serve as an example of how satan works. He only needs a small opening in our heart to get in. And when he gets in the looting starts.
And by the way, why is satan fighting christians if they can never loose their salvation? But the Bible ( 1 Peter 5:8) says that he goes around to find someone to devour. Paul here talks to christians not to non believers.
Now about Israel, Paul says in Romans 11:26 that all Israel will be saved. Every single one of them? I can not answer to that. It is also written, John 19:37, "And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced"
GBU
To your question about Adam and whether re received salvation or not.
After God confronted Adam with his sin and heard Adam's excuses, explained the consequences of his sin, and then promised the Redeemer o crush the enemy in Gen. 3:15, God sewed a garment of animal skins to cover his and Eve's nakedness.
Adam also taught Abel and Seth and most likely his other children to sacrifice to God and call on Him. He lived through 7 or 8 generations, and the Genesis account does not say much more about Adam, good or bad.
Paul contrasts Jesus to Adam in several of His epistles (Romans and 1 Corinthians 15 are two I know about off the top of my head) In these epistles, Paul was not saying that Adam was worse off than any other human, but that he was the one who brought sin and death into God's good creation.
My view is that Adam most likely received salvation. But we really do not know. Adam was not listed among the persons of faith in Hebrews 11 (it begins with Abel). We leave the salvation of each person up to God as far as whom He elects to salvation and how He judges each person.
We will find out when we get to heaven and meet those that make up that great cloud of witnesses spoken of in Hebrews 11:1
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.
The only way to heaven, is through Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 11:6 - But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
I quoted you scripture.
You believe: because God CAUSES you to believe.
His WORKS.
He doesn't cause everyone to believe at the same time.
Paul didn't believe until God caused him to believe.
Everything has an APPOINTED TIME; it the works of God, his timetable.
He chose Jacob; and not Esau, before they were ever conceived.
Hebrews 11:20 By faith (by the spirit of Christ) Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, concerning THINGS TO COME.
Jacob; the last, was given dominion over the first.
Genesis 27:37
The first born of flesh is not always the first born of spirit.
Matthew 19:30 ... The first shall be last and the last first ....
After the second resurrection, when Esau stands in his former estate, his flesh, he will be caused to believe and the yoke will be broken from his neck.
Genesis 27:40
All things were maded new by Christ resurrection, but all things have an appoint time to come to TRUTH.
Romans 9:21 Hath not the potter POWER over the clay, of the same lump, to make one a vessel of HONOUR, and the other a vessel of DISHONOUR?
Daniel 4:35 And all the inhabitants of the world are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth, and NONE can stay his hand, or say unto him, what doest thou?
Jeremiah 18:4 And the vessel he made of clay was MARRED in the potter's hand, so he MADE it again ....
Psalms 104:30 Thou sendest forth thy spirit (when he chooses to do so), they are CREATED and thou renewest the face of the earth.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven
Psalms 123:2 ...so our eyes wait upon the lord, UNTIL he have mercy upon us ....
NOT YET are ALL THINGS put under him; BUT, when they are, God will be ALL IN ALL.
God Bless you, my brother in Christ.
Well said, I agree there will be Christians alive but we see many will be killed for not taking the mark. When Jesus returns and sets this kingdom up, scriptures like those you listed, the land that was promised to Abraham will be amazing. We also see there will be a remnant of Israel that their eyes will be opened, Romans 11:25-26.
We see people living full long lives and animals in peace as they were first created. I am not sure but I believe Abraham and others from the Old Testament will be in the first Resurrection. As you said one day we will understand everything.
Hebrews 11:8-11 Abraham looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. We are shown this city that Abraham will see in Rev. 21:9-27 that God and Jesus the Lamb will be the temple. It will be after the new earth when we see it coming down.
I am with you, if we out of love are respectful to each other and humble and I agree the more we are in God's word it feeds our faith.
God bless,
RLW
Hebrews 11:8-10, 16 says that Abraham and those of the OT promises were looking forward to the heavenly country that God would bring them into.
Jesus, in talking to Pilate, said that His kingdom is not of this world. John 18:36. He went to heaven to prepare a place for us so that where He is we will be.
Therefore, I am not looking for an earthly existence upon His return, but an heavenly. He will make a new heaven and a new earth after He destroys the wicked and unbelievers, resurrects and glorifies believers and destroys the present heavens and earth. So, these new heavens and earth will be our eternal home. They will not be tainted by sin. Perhaps we will be able to transfer readily between heaven and earth as Jesus was able to do after His resurrection. So, there is a purpose for both the new heavens and new earth. We just do not know how God will us them concerning us and His glory in that age of eternity.
We do have the results of them following instructions In the book of Hebrews.
We know that faith comes by hearing. Romans 10:17.
By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. Hebrews 11:4.
Abel offered his offering by faith.
We know in Genesis he offered the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. The sacrfice must have been specific instructions.
Goodnight and God bless.
I agree with Brother Chris, it's hard to come up with any scripture that is conclusive.
However I would like to present a theory
I Genesis 6:9 it says;
These are the generations of Noah: NOAH WAS A JUST MAN AND "PERFECT IN HIS GENERATIONS", and Noah walked with God.
This came right before verses 4-5 when he said vs 4-"There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when THE SONS OF GOD CAME IN UNTO THE DAUGHTERS OF MEN, ( AND THEY BARE CHILDREN TO THEM ), the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.
( Verse 4 the women bare children to the Giants, "No particular line as shown in Genesis6:2." This includes daughters of Seth. )
LOOK AT VERSE 5 AT WHAT SEEMS TO BE THE OUTCOME.
vs 5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
Vs 6. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
There is two things to note about Noah in these next 3 verses,
Why was he chosen? Because he was sinless? I don't think so, Vs 8 says Noah found "GRACE" in the eyes of the LORD. "GRACE is unmerited favor." Vs 9 says he was a just man. "We're justified by faith"
Genesis 6:7-9.
I believe Noah was justified the same way Abel was. "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain," Hebrews 11:4.
So that brings us to a phrase in verse 9. Noah was "PERFECT IN HIS GENERATIONS"
If you read Genesis 6:2-11 on through it seems as though Man had 2 issues. They didn't find grace in the Lords eyes because of lack of faith and there were those whos Genealogy was contaminated. "Perhaps by the Son's of God.
We don't know if Shem, Ham, and Japheth wives were or not. Nor do we know about Noah's wife.
Just a thought.
God bless.
Nehemiah 9:7, Acts 7:2,
Hopefully helpful
Faith is like a spirtual Pregnancy....Simply b/c we have the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen...The Substance of a kingdom and the evidence of a baby Christ in us which is the H.G. As Jesus said that which is born of the spirit is spirit which is the H.G. thus it cannot be seen...But we know we got it b/c we can feel him moving in our spirits.... Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for ( the fetus ) The evidence of things not seen...( a baby Christ the Kingdom ).. As Jesus said unless you receive the Kingdom as a lil Child you will in no wise enter there in..Thats y the new birth is so important.
Thats y he always refered to himself as the Son of Man...Simply b/c mankind needs to bring forth fruit unto God which is the H.G. that Child of Promise... Romans 7 :4...But we have to go thru a war with the Tares Satans Seed...Thats y Jesus said there will be Kingdom against Kingdom..The Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence simply b/c of the wheat and the Tares are at war...And this war rages with in us...In our hearts and minds...The 2 men in 1 bed is just 1 man that is at war with the Tares Wheat n the Tares..Thats y we must endure to the end th Harvest..1 taken 1 left.GB
I think you, yourself have to determine how & if you fast. By your faith.
Isaiah 58, Galatians 2:6, Hebrews 11:6, James 1:5-7,
The problem, you've stated you have is considered 'high blood sugar' usually less sugar intake is better for your body. Less food would be less sugar, but that means don't take the same insulin amounts. You should talk about it with the people you're trusting that diagnosed you & prescribed medicine to you, if you're taking insulin.
I guess the first act of faith in fasting for you could be, eating healthy. Cut out unnecessary sugars.
Several fellowships do a 15 day no desserts. Some turn off TV, radio etc to take time to listen to GOD. Usually all fasts reading the Bible & praying more. Turning from sin, like things that displease GOD. Like abusing someone's own body: 1Corinthians 6:9-10,11, Romans 14:22,23, Philippians 3:9,
Hebrews 11,
Interestingly the Bible mentions taking off Kingly garments & putting on sackcloth with fasting: 1Kings 21:27, Daniel 9:3, Isaiah 37:1, Jonah 3:5-10,
(this is the chapter Daniel 9, that the fellowship, takes the 'no dessert' fast from.)
Matthew 6, praying & asking Luke 11:1-13,
Then extreme fasts, for extreme situations: Books of Esther, Matthew 17:14-21,
Hopefully these are helpful
......But until the Kingdom comes we walk by faith and not by sight...As jesus said the kingdom comes not with observation simply b/c its in the spritual realm.
.....She brought forth a manchild that is gonna rule all nation and her Child was caught up to God and to his Throne... Rev 12:5.....This woman in Rev. 12 is the best example of faith... b/f her Child came she had the subtance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen ISAIAH 66:7..B/F she traviled she brought forth, b/f her pains came she was delivered of aman Child.
If you are under the blood, He will deliver you, for He did not send His only begotten Son to die for you and raise Him again only to abandon you. He promised to be with you always. I advise you to do three things in addition to what has already been said by others:
1. Humble yourself before Him in the belief that He will lead you out of this trial, Ecclesiasticus 2:6 "Believe in him, and he will help thee; order thy way aright, and trust in him."
2. Have faith that He will rescue you, Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
3. WAIT on Him to act when it is His will to act. Accept his timeline. That is the best way, Isaiah 40:31
"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
God bless you!
I would like to add to what Brother Chris has shared,
In Hebrews 11:4 it reads "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain",
Now faith comes by hearing the word of God,
So if Abel offered his sacrifice by faith it seems he was instructed to offer the sacrifice he offered.
BY WHICH HE OBTAINED WITNESS THAT HE WAS RIGHTEOUS, God testifying of his gifts: ( AND BY IT ) he being dead yet speaketh.
It seems God expected obedience from Cain to follow through with a specific command in Genesis 4:7
"If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
Cain could have humbled himself and pleaded for forgiveness as Brother Chris said.
It is impossible to please God without faith. Hebrews 11:6.
God bless.
Irregardless of whether men or women have any different roles either now or in eternity I thought a few words on eternal rewards needed to be said for exhortation. Hebrews 11:16 makes it clear that a heavenly country was sought; hence we are as aliens and pilgrims on the earth ( 1 Peter 2:11-12). Paul exhorts us to press on to win the prize and to put worldly concerns behind us ( Phil. 3:14). We must be careful to endure to the end so as not to forfeit our reward ( Rev. 3:11).
It is clear from these and other exhortations that our reward comes not in this life but in heaven. This; of course is against those preachers emphasizing worldly riches as indication of "blessings from God." Luke 4:6 should be a healthy reminder that the enemy also can offer things in this life and in the end of course pull the rug out from under us.
There are verses talking about people praising our "good works" ( Matt. 5:16). Such was probably the case early on in Christ's ministry also; while He hid from many His truths in parables and didn't yet fully reveal Himself to men so as to accellerate beyond the set time for the persecution and death to occur. There were many who would see Him as "good teacher" would recieve the statement in Mark 10:18 about God alone being good. We will be hated in this life; clearly and our reward being great for the hurtful statements in the Beatitudes clearly is indicative of eternity in heaven after this life. It is for "His Name's sake" ( Jn. 15:21) that we suffer these things. That name; which is the only figure in religion I know of that is cursed by all pagans. The Name which claims to be THE truth ( Jn. 14:6). Satan is going to resist God and His people as long as he is still loose in this world and to the extent God allows Him to test us. May we hold on tenaciously to His promises through the power of the Spirit. Let us continue until the end to be "salt and light!" ( Matt. 5:13-14).
Agape.
The subject of our heart and affections must be at the forefront here to our Gospel message. Matthew 6:24 takes one point about this in regard to money or God being our master. This certainly extends to other issues that ultimately begin with the state of our heart (or soul) and our relationship with the LIVING God. It is true scripturally that we cannot "lose our salvation" but we can certainly lose rewards; as Rev. 3:11 clearly states. These will have consequences at LEAST for the Millennial rule of Christ and those of us who are "kings and priests" at that time; perhaps eternal ramifications. Hebrews 11:6 states that we MUST believe He is a rewarder of those who "diligently seek Him." This perseverance also is something worthy of obtaining crowns ( 2 Tim. 4:2).
I am convinced that God is the one who does the persevering; but still evidence that He lives within us is producing fruit (which comes after time in the proper season) as well as believing until the end. John 11:26 states that "He who believes in me will never die". What many don't know is that is in the context of CONTINUING faith; not just at a time and place of confession.
IF He lives within us and has taken up residence and if we are "sealed with the Spirit" ( Eph. 4:20) then sanctification must be continuing throughout our lives as pilgrims on the earth. God has redeemed us; and we are saved but not all the wheat and tares are evident; we in the end will be PHYSICALLY saved from this body of death at glorification; which is the end of the journey. Our salvation therefore is for HIS glory. We are to praise His name; and not just when we are in church fellowship; and certainly not for show to see who can yell "AMEN" the loudest.
We must keep in mind those that walked away when Christ challenged them; as well as what happened between Palm Sunday and the Crucifixion. Those who truly believe WILL endure to the end; those who don't WILL FALL. Simple as that.
Here is my understanding of Hebrews 11:12
Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, (speaking of the deadness of the reproduction systems of Abraham and Sara), so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.
God produced descendants from Abraham and Sara that were as many as the sand on the seashores, from somebody who's dead.
That's faith because it's humanly impossible. And therefore it's God!
I am thinking that Hebrews 11:12 is saying that Abraham is the "father" of all who follow God by faith as did Noah (mentioned earlier) and all who came after Abraham who truly believed in God as the only way to be saved and the only god who is true to His word and promises, and the only God period. Through Abraham came Jesus, the promised "Seed" from Genesis 3, that will crush the evil one and His power. So, all who believe that it is God who will overcome sin, death, hell, and satan are Abraham's children, whether biologically descended from Him or not. It is those who have faith in God to save them who are truly Abraham's children.
All believers in Jesus are counted among these "children", but even better, all those, like Abraham who fully trusted in God to save them are blessed to be children of God.