20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
Death is an enemy; and verse 26 of this chapter indicates that it will eventually be eliminated. Jesus was the "first of the firstfruits" so to speak; which extends through the Rapture/Resurrection event of the righteous; through the Revelation 14:4 event of the translation of the 144,000. After this we will have the Second Coming when those that survive until that time physically will survive to repopulate the earth in the Millennial period; followed by the time the Heavenly Jerusalem comes down and God the Father dwells with men (v. 24).
It is hard to comprehend let alone understand all the mysteries of His death; burial and resurrection. It is as a grand play on stage; except that the pathos is real; and His atonement was sufficient for us all to deliver our sins as far as the east is from the west. ( Psalm 103:12). He ever lives to intercede for His people ( Hebrews 7:25). He first rose from the dead and we shall likewise. He who believes in Him will never die ( John 11:25-26) even though he dies physically in reality it is only the body that sleeps as we see about Lazarus earlier in that chapter. We have hope unlike the world for those "fallen asleep" ( 1 Thess. 4:14-18).
All of creation also is awaiting the change and groans until now ( Romans 8:23). For those who believe the last scene of this real life drama is glorious and never ending; while there is no peace for the wicked ( Isaiah 48:22; etal). Let that sink in as the world in its ignorance turns this glorious day into a mockery.
The act of intercession; therefore is something crucial to communication throughout scripture that indeed gives us some insight of Hebrews 7:25 (He ever lives to intercede for us). Daniel also repeated this theme in Daniel 9:8-10. God's promise here was the prophetic insight given in Jeremiah 29:10. God stated this would happen; so it appears to be a done deal. There was no promise how many would do this; as is evident from the small group that initially rebuilt the wall; and the disobedience of many was seen with marriages to foreign wives. No doubt worldliness had affected the hearts of those who should have remembered the prosperity God gave them in Babylon and His promises to return after that time. It is a wonder that confession of the sins of church congregations isn't given much attention as compared to particulary egregious ones of individuals as it still affects the overall witness as we see from exhortations written for the churches in Revelation 2 and 3; for example.
Look at God's faithfulness to Israel as stated in Jeremiah 31:36 where the courses of nature would have to change with the sun and moon for God to abandon His covenant promises. In fact the only covenant changed is that related to the method of worship with the law and sacrifices which was of course replaced by the perfect sacrifice under Christ which abolished therefore the old ordinances. (see Hebrews 9-10). The object of worship was therefore Christ; God had stated in Isaiah 1:11; see also Psalm 69:31.
In understanding the New Covenant we should perceive that it is still the same God with the same characteristics today that existed in the Old Testament from eternity. We would on the surface expect that to be a "no brainer"; but how often do we see the fear of God demonstrated as in Acts 5:1-11 with Ananias and Sapphira? Our commitments to God should not be of fools ( Ecclesiastes 5:4). See Matthew 5:33-35 for ungodly vows.
Thanks Momsage. I respect that you don't wish to continue this discussion on the Sabbath Day; though I don't see that we have reached an impasse, rather we are drawing closer to understanding each other, using Scripture & Church practise as our rule, as we eliminate spurious references to Sabbath Day or Sunday worship.
You wrote in another post that you provided much evidence to support the belief that the Church maintained its 'Sabbath Day worship' position. I may have missed it, as I only remember you quoted Constantine, the Laodicean Council, an RC Priest Enright, Jeremy Taylor, & maybe others. Yet, verifiable references were given you of men/writings such as Justin the Martyr, Ignatius of Antioch, the Didache (apostolic teachings), Clement of Alexandria, and others, who referred to Christians meeting on a Sunday rather than the Sabbath - all these were men who preceded the men/council you referred to. It is true that Sunday worship was ordered & ratified much later by those of the RC persuasion, but the point in this discussion is, where does the truth lie & does an RC edict cause all believers to blindly follow it? I would think that a lot more weight needs to be given to the testimony of those men (post-apostolic) & if not, then the reason(s) for their disallowance needs to be given.
And lastly, the Ten Commandments are a single unit of obedience & requirements for Israel, not given to Gentiles nor the Church. The breaking of even one of them meant judgement - for the Law could never give life ( Galatians 3:19-21). How many in the Church have converted that Law given only to Israel to now apply to the Church as well, still mystifies me (as I read how the Law, though holy & good, has now been abrogated through Christ's death). The point that should be discussed is the relationship of that old Law to the Law given us (applied to our hearts) by the Spirit, & why some choose to fuse the two together when it cannot be done. See Hebrews 7:12,18,19. GBU.
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,
The ten commandments were a school master to lead to to Jesus Christ. Now that faith has come and Jesus gave is new commandments, it is the righteousness obtained by the ten commandments that is of no avail. As they are now in us and no more an outward appearence.
Galations 3:24] Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
[25] But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
[26] For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
2nd Cor 3:3] Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
Amen, the law of sin and death Moses' law, Jesus gave us new laws, the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus which sets us free from the law of sin and death Romans 8:1-2. Jesus' words are spirit and life John 6:63. What are Jesus' laws Matthew the beatitudes and simultudes. Sin no more, be perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect, be holy, love one another. 100% conditional commandments.
Romans 8:1] There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
[2] For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
[3] For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
[4] That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Hebrews 7:19] For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
1st John 2:3] And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
[4] He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
Christ is the end of the law of righteousness Romans 10:4. You were a righteous Jew if you celebrated the Sabbath day as it was a shadow of things to come. However, nobody can keep the Sabbath day, Jesus came and gave us new laws as the Sabbath day was the law of Moses the law of sin and death. Jesus came with new laws of spirit and life as the law of spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death Romans 8:1-3. The law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did. The Sabbath day could not keep people out of sin. Jesus came and became my Sabbath as everyday is my Sabbath. When you offend one point of the law (Moses law) you are a law braker. The moment you got out of bed last Saturday, you violated the sabbath day.
James 2:[10] For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
If you want to live the Sabbath day and all those holidays and feast days be my guest to live like a Leviticus Jew by my guest. If you offend or break any of those points you are guilty of the whole law.
Hebrews 7:19] For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
The Apostle Paul said this in Corinthians.
2nd Cor 3:[7] But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:
[8] How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
[9] For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
[10] For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.
[11] For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.
[12] Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:
Mary is not our mediator, nor is she our intercessor but the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit Himself intercede for us (see Romans 8 and Hebrews 7:25). Also see 1 Timothy 2:5 which tells us that there is "one God and ONE mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus" Trust only in the Lord Jesus Christ. He is God in the flesh, He alone atoned for our sins by freely laying down His life and shedding His blood for our sins, He rose again on the third day, ascended to Heaven and will return to rule and reign.
What law is John talking about? Not the ten commandments but the law the that Jesus came with, the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus Romans 8:1-2. The ten commandments were a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ Jesus Galations 3:24-25. Sin is a violation of the law of the spirit of life as it is the opposite of what Moses carried the law of sin and death. All sin is of the devil period 1st John 3:8. Tge reason why mankind sins and has to sin is because thry are a servant to sin a servant to the devil and not to Jesus Christ the Son of God.
The law of Moses made nothing perfect, it was the brining in of the better hope that did Hebrews 7:9. The law of spirit and life as Jesus'words are spirit and life John 6:63. Churches of all kinds are still bound by the old law, that is why they still celebrate the Sabbath when Jesus is now our rest and not the Sabbath day anymore.
Gal.3[24] Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
[25] But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster
Rev 14:13] And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
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.
Romans 8:1] There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
[2] For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
[3] For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
I agree 100% what you have said that OT Israel knew nothing of a coming Messiah's Sacrifice of His Life for them & substitutionary payment. Hence, the word 'Gospel' mentioned in Hebrews 4 is not the same Gospel they received as is the complete Gospel that the Apostles preached post-Cross. (Perhaps not in the way it is preached in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
I believe the OT saints did what was required of them at that time to make them just with God. Their temporal rituals and sacrifices exemplified the Gospel and perhaps the resurrection was preached by "type" when Issac was offered as a sacrifice by Abraham. Hebrews 11:17-19.
However, could they have perceived it, being that Jeremiah 31:31-34 have not taken place yet?
When we study Hebrews in its entirety, we know that this new covenant was not to come under the Levitical covenant. This is clearly seen in Hebrews Ch 7 and 8.
So, when we look back at this, Israel mind was blinded and there was a veil upon their hearts, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 3:14-16. "But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the Old Testament, which vail is done away in Christ.
But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.
Nevertheless when "it" shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. (The "it" mentioned here is their hearts.)
When Israel turns their hearts to God the veil and the blindness shall be taken away.
This is what Paul is saying in Romans 11.
Israel was incapable of receiving the revelation of the Gospel under the Levitical High Priest and if you study the Gospels carefully, neither could the Apostles until the death of the one that filled the role of the Levitical Priesthood at the Cross.
(I believe this is what John's baptism was all about)
The resurrection began the new covenant under the new Priest hood. ( Hebrews 7:15-16.)
The service in the temple made by hands was over as Jesus told the woman at the well, John 4:21-24. Soon in that generation, it would be physically gone and never be again. The animal sacrifices that never covered sin ended on the cross, the whole Levitical priesthood and sacrificial shadow service, Hebrews 7:11-13. Only the Messiah Himself could legitimately abolish once and forever the system of symbols that pointed forward to the atoning self-sacrifice of the spotless Lamb of God.
This was the cause of the sacrifices and oblations to cease in Dan 9:27. This unveils one of the most profound and decisive revelations of the Messiah's mission, the very goal, the things determined by the seventy-weeks prophecy, God's will, the work Jesus was sent to do John 5:36John 17:54-6 the sixfold goal of Daniel 9:24.
In vs. 26 after 69 weeks the Messiah is cut off, which after means it is in the 70th week. The people of the prince that shall come are the judgment of God not in these 70 weeks. This connection between the coming of the Messiah and the destruction of the city is the crucial message of Daniel 9:26, 27. They had 490 years to be ready and accept their Messiah and the people of the prince that shall come is the outcome of Jerusalem's rejection of her Messiah.
Jesus related the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 to Israel's final refusal to accept Him as her Messiah, Matt. 21:33-44Matt. 23:37-38; Luke 19:41-44. The abomination Jesus was referring to in Matt. 24:15 and Mark 13:14 was not to the future but to their near future when the Roman army would destroy Jerusalem and the Temple in their generation Luke 21:20-24.
I Am A Real Baptist Brider 1979 - In Reply - 11 months ago
XXI. OF THE GRACE OF TITHING AND GIVING
I believe God's plan of finance for His Baptist Church's is to be tithes and offerings. Scriptural giving is one of the fundamentals of the faith. I believe that every Believer, as a steward of that portion of God's wealth entrusted to him or her, is obligated to support his or her Baptist Church financially. I believe that God has established the tithe as a basis of giving but that every Believer should also give other offerings sacrificially and cheerfully to the support of his or her Baptist Church for the relief of those in need, and the spread of the Gospel. I believe that Church members are commanded to bring their tithes and offerings into the Storehouse (Common Treasury) of their Baptist Church upon the first day of the week (Sunday). I believe that a Believer relinquishes all rights to direct the use of the tithe or offering once the gift has been made. I believe under grace we give, and do not pay, the tithe - "Abraham GAVE a tenth part of all." "Abraham GAVE the tenth part of the spoils," and this was four hundred years before the Law, and is confirmed in the New Testament, the Lord Jesus Himself said concerning the tithe, "... these ought ye to have done ..." ( Genesis 14:20; Leviticus 27:30; Proverbs 3:9, 10; Malachi 3:10; Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42; Acts 4:34, 35, 37; 1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 8:7; 2 Corinthians 9:6, 7; Galatians 6:6; Ephesians 4:28; 1 Timothy 5:17, 18; Hebrews 7:2, 4; 1 John 3:17).
The great commission in Matthew 28 comes after others discussing how we should pray more laborers are sent into the harvest. ( Matt. 9:38; Luke 10:2). It also follows the "test run" of the seventy sent out to proclaim the Good News ( Luke 10:1).
Jesus; of course was the "first of the firstfruits" ( 1 Cor. 15:23). He came to suffer as we did; but without sin and now sits at the right hand of God ever to intercede for us. ( Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25).
The fact that He was a man of sorrows as Isaiah predicted; and the life of the Apostles wasn't exactly a cakewalk serves as a reality check to the remnant who remains steadfast today in the Word. Jesus spent much time weeding people out; and it seems often that His own disciples were often more of a hindrance than anything else. Still; there is much to learn when we discover the principle of two or more together and how the Lord is present with us ( Matthew 18:20).
Today; there seems to be the concept of individual membership into the Body of Christ rather than how we are to function as a corporate entity. I have yet to see how various giftings can edify a church; the best I've seen is someone gifted in teaching as a Pastor; or an individual here or there that has occasionally said something profound in terms of a Word of wisdom or knowledge. At many of today's Pentacostal churches you see a heavy emphasis on tongues with little evident in terms of discernment; for instance.
Quite frankly; apart from a lack of sacrificial love found in many fellowships or perhaps contributing to it is the fact that where people feel most comfortable is relaxing at home; with their own circle of family or friends or for some singles just isolating themselves. Fact is; if we don't enjoy fellowshipping together it becomes a ritual which we perform for the minimum amount of time; with a minimum of effort and worst of all with little of our heart and soul invested.
c. Galatians 2:20. "Liberty". Since this whole chapter is on whether justification comes by the Law or by Christ, I feel that this verse is what is on Paul's mind when he writes on his 'crucifixion with Christ'. Certainly, Paul is not claiming a crucifixion akin to Christ's, but I believe that he is stating, that since Jesus' crucifixion was not only for mankind's redemption & for the Law, which could never be kept by man, but was now kept fully by the Lord & nailed to the Cross. Christ's crucifixion confirmed that the workings of the Law (not the Law itself) had died at the Cross, and that faith in the risen Christ alone could secure salvation.
Paul recognized this, as one who was once wholly dependent on the keeping of the Law to be acceptable to God; now, living in the Spirit & not in the flesh, Paul saw that his righteousness before God could never come through the Law but through faith in the Son of God Who died for him. Paul's 'crucifixion' in this sense meant that all that he once held dear in his doctrines & beliefs were now worthless & in opposition to the great merits of Christ's Sacrifice. Paul died to the old Law, even as Jesus' Death brought in a better Law ( Hebrews 7:19,22). Paul's identification with Christ was complete in his spiritual death when only faith in Jesus brought him righteousness.
So to your question: "So I am wondering how this factors into His words about taking up cross and following Him." Paul certainly knew the Truth from those three passages I quoted, as he shed his pharisaical garb & was now clothed with Christ & His Truth. And for us as well: when we fully believe & willingly accept the gracious Yoke of Christ, even though Discipleship might prove very costly & fully identifying with Christ's Death means the destruction of all that we held dear, tethered to Jesus alone, gives us the assurance of His ever-present Grace & Power at all times. If un-yoked to Christ, we're on our own.
We are reminded here in the first few verses of several verses; first the one in Hebrews 7:25-26 of the Spirit "ever interceding" for us. I am also thinking of James 1:5 of seeking wisdom; and verses such as Isaiah 26:9 and many others on seeking God at all times.
Verse 4 and 5 are also similar to Psalm 119:105 on God being a "lamp unto our feet."
Verses 6 through 14 could once again involve Christ prophetically or David himself as to enemies being justly recompensed. Verse 13 has a brief impreccatory word for "casting down" the wicked. We can look at Psalm 103:16 and no doubt many others on wealth being left to others of the wicked. (see also Jeremiah 5:28; Psalm 22:21).
The last verse about awaking and beholding His face in righteousness as well as having His likeness no doubt has allusions to the Resurrection and our eternal glorified state.
It may be well here with these repeated themes to consider how we should have as David did a "perfect hatred" for the wicked. ( Psalm 139:22). Such can only be with one filled with the Holy Spirit (as our own wickedness would make us judge others in the flesh with an unrighteous standard and also would condemn ourselves with such hypocricy). It is for jealousy of the God of Israel alone and His exalted state as the only Creator and Sovereign Lord that should lead us to a disdain of the world; the flesh and the Devil. It should also compel us to be preachers of righteousness for His Name's sake; knowing that God is a God of wrath as well as mercy; but that it is in this lifetime that we must be Born Again.
Jesus Christ, The Messiah ... King of Kings, and Lord of Lord's, God's role of office,,,Praise HIM ... Check out Psalms 110
Hebrews 7:1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him.
2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;(Abraham would not tithe to a type)
3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.
4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
There's only ONE King of righteousness !!! King of Peace !!!
Amen. "There is one God and one mediator between God and mankind the man Christ Jesus" 1 Timothy 2:5, "He (Jesus) always lives to intercede..." Hebrews 7:25
Why We have To Wait 2999 years for Jesus to Return - 1 year ago
"Jesus delegated His ministry to His disciples. He stayed on earth long enough for HIS DISCIPLES, THEN AND NOW, to continue the work.
In Heaven now, Jesus is at the right hand of God, INTERCEDING FOR THE SAINTS. Those that are born again; or will be. He knows who His THIS DAY, disciples are now (men women and children). I've seen children that know the Word of God from their parents. They teach it to friends on the playgrounds.
HEBREWS 7:23-26
Do not allow Satan to shake your faith in what Jesus taught concerning His return.
Don't get weary in well-doing.
Jesus is returning. The Father will stand up and tell The Son, go get YOUR BRIDE. (people ready for the rapture of the Church). All those invited to the Wedding and the Feast. Read parable of the ten Virgins. (be full of the Holy Spirit's oil of gladness.
We are invited now. We must be born again. Looking for the Bridegroom. Men, women, children, infants, elderly, All Races. An invitation is printed with our names on it.
Again I say to all countries served by this website, you are invited too. Take hold of JESUS. Your religion will not give you access to this event. Be born again according to JOHN 3:16. Give thanks and praise daily. We'll be doing a lot of that when we first see Heaven.
To sinners: the invitations are gone out already. We must receive it and say YES. Don't chance it and procrastinate.
The verse "the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath" ( Matthew 12:8) does seem to show that there is a justification for it to now be the day of rest and worship. We see evidence elsewhere of disciples meeting the "first day of the week" in Acts 15:30 and 20:7. Collections are also to be made on that day according to 1 Corinthians 16:9; but in that case it seemed to be specifically for Paul and it doesn't seem to indicate that was when they would always fellowship together. Colossians 2:16 could also relate to not disputing when we meet together. It doesn't seem any demand is to meet on Sunday; and Messianic Jews still do so on Saturday.
The verse about the Sabbath being made for man indicates that there is a superior principle involved. Namely; those things called "works" on the Sabbath that were added laws to the original statute were not to be considered legitimate. Whereby; a legitimate need such as eating; feeding animals; or healing men were frequently used as examples of how those principles of mercy; love and justice were to supercede superficial legalistic practices. Thus; Jesus would quote the scripture about Daniel and the shewbread as justification for His actions and that of the disciples. Those laws that were in effect specifically for the Jews were eventually superceded by grafting in of Jews and Gentiles; and since Christ is God in the flesh honoring Pentecost (which had a significant prophetic indication of Christ's fulfillment at the Ascencion after the Resurrection) we now are under grace. We are now under a New Covenant; which allows us to fulfill the law as He ever lives to intercede for us and His Spirit remains within us. (see Hebrews 7:25; Ephesians 1:13-14). There is no Temple; and animal sacrifices hence Jews have no way to follow former purification rites. We can choose to rest on Saturdays; or Sundays as I see it-just as we can still celebrate the Passover. Obviously there is much controversy here on this subject.
GOD KNOWS WHERE OUR REMAINS ARE - In Reply - 1 year ago
God will give us new bodies in heaven bodies that will be similar to Christ's body after His resurrection. The Bible says that Christ, "by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body(Philipp.3:21)
But Jesus rose in the power of an endless life ( Hebrews 7:16), and he's never going to go through death again, and neither will you in the resurrection. Your resurrection body, like his, will be a body that will never die. Your resurrection body will never age, and it will never decline.
2 Corinthians
5For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. 2We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. 3For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies.[a] 4While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it's not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. 5God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit.
6So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. 7For we live by believing and not by seeing. 8Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. 9So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him. 10For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.
[Christians are cremated in accidents or before burial. Some are lost at sea, etc. God knows all the circumstance's. Trust Him.
I welcome you to this site. I just want to assure you that You can pray to our God directly.
1 Timothy 2 :5-6 tells us that there is one Mediator between God and man, the Man Jesus Christ, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."
Jesus, at the Last Supper, instructed His disciples this way: "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you."
John 15:16
And in Hebrews 8:1 it says:
"Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of throne of the Majesty in the heavens."
And in Hebrews 7:24 it speaks of the priests of the Old Covenant compared to Jesus' priesthood:
"Also there were many priests because they were prevented by death from continuing. But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood Therefore He is able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them."
Mary, you do not need to pray to Mary or anyone else but God according to these Scriptures. Mary or any other saint would not receive your prayers because they know that Jesus is the only Mediator. They honor only Jesus. We can certainly ask other believers to pray for us, but this is a request we make to those who are still alive in this life. '
Do not be discouraged, trust in Jesus. Our Great God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, hears all of our prayers and we have Jesus' promise that our prayers are heard and answered by the Father according to His prefect will. Jesus is always making intercession for us to the Father. He is the best and foremost person we are to make our requests known to. The Holy Spirit even helps us in our praying ( Romans 8:26-27)
Therefore , the whole Godhead works to answer our prayers.
I encourage you to stay with us and continue learning from God's Word.
Thank you.... The answer you have given seems like speculation.... You state that Jesus Christ was of the blood line of Mary, and yet you defend the fact that there is no blood passed from the mother to the baby.....
In Hebrews 7:21 it states the our Lord was a Priest by "oath"... Why couldn't he be from Judah by the same: Genesis 49:10.....
I agree Mishael, that the Word is silent on what took place in that short time after Jesus' Ascension & then return to Earth. The matter in 1 Peter 3:18-20 is often taken as an event during that time, though I see the emphasis in this passage on the Spirit, i.e. Jesus was made alive from the dead by the Spirit and it was by this self-same Spirit that Jesus went to preach to the imprisoned spirits of evil men from Noah's day. Of course, when this took place can be debated.
Assuming then that Jesus went into His Father's Presence after His Resurrection ( John 20:17), the question arises, 'for what purpose?' Again, there's room for speculation & debate, though without clear Scripture, my sense was that the whole period of His Crucifixion, agony in death, burial & resurrection, was a time of great silence in Heaven & waiting anticipation for all that would transpire. The Father Himself chose silence & I can see that the whole host of Heaven were in 'bated breath' awaiting that glorious instance of life from the dead of the Son of God. Then if that be the case, Jesus' Ascension demanded a victory celebration as He entered Heaven's portals as the Victor. A victory over death, over sin's deathly grip, over the limitations of the Old Covenant of Law & assurance of the Covenant of Grace through His Blood, over all satanic endeavours as Jesus takes up His Position (after Acts 1:9) at the Father's right Hand, ever living to make intercession of His blood-bought (through His High Priestly role).
Even as the high priests of old placed themselves between God & the people (during their short life span), offering sacrifices that would withhold God's Anger, so Jesus, in the order of Melchisedek & not Aaron, 'continues forever, having an unchangeable priesthood' ( Hebrews 7:23,24), displaying the marks of His Own Sacrifice on His Body, qualifying Him to be our High Priest forever interceding for us before the Father. Blessings brother in your pursuits.
Claudio, I, and others, are praying over your request today. I want to give you a couple scriptures. They will be highlighted, just touch them and they'll open up.
Matthew 6:33
1timothy 2:5
John 14:13-14
Rest assured that the Father sees your heart and hears your prayer. When we believe on Jesus our the risen Savior (happy Easter) the only begotten Son of God and ask in His (Jesus) name , God will hear us. Jesus is always making intercession for us.
Hebrews 7:25
Heavenly Father,
Please move upon the cries of Claudio's heart. I pray that he would put You first in every thing he does so that all of his hearts desires and prayers for others will be answered by You according to Your will in Heaven, let it be done on the Earth as well Please keep him safe, break every curse that's been spoken or arranged over his life and generations and the same for his wife and her family. Please keep them safe today. Help Claudio with the (real estate) court case. Be merciful. To all involved. And work it out for the good and salvation of everyone involved. Help him get info about his grandma Dora and other relatives given up for adoption. Thank You God, in Jesus name we pray. Amen.
We need to carefully assess what Peter was told when He confessed Christ as the "Son of God." ( Matthew 16:15-16). Only God could have revealed this to him; that was the Lord's answer.
For the entire 3 1/2 years of Christ's ministry; they had never had a moment to doubt His victory over any circumtance; and had seen a few who were raised from the dead (Lazarus being only a week or so before Christ's crucifixion.) After Christ's repeated warnings "let this saying sink into your ears" ( Luke 9:44) where He predicted His crucifixion; AND all the related prophecies of the 'man of sorrows" from Isaiah 53; Psalm 22; and numerous other passages; they simply weren't prepared for the sudden letdown of His being arrested; tortured and killed. In human strength; during His agonies at Gethsemene; they simply fell asleep. When He was crucified; they simply were too emotionally spent to conceive that somehow He would be resurrected. Therefore they didn't even believe when the women reported the angels and the stone removed from the tomb.
It could be surmised that their betrayal in their minds led to Christ's death as though somehow it wasn't in the plan of redemption. After He came to them "incognito" in Luke 24; they finally got it only after he chastised their unbelief.
Up until this point; perhaps they weren't themselves prepared or having the strength to die themselves and to fulfill the Great Commission themselves. Christ in the flesh was all they knew; but after Pentecost; they were given what was promised from above with the Spirit indwelling after He had ascended to heaven; was seated in heavenly places; and ever interceding for us ( Hebrews 7:25).
Rejoice is English translated, from Hebrew & Greek meanings research indicates= "cheer up, make glad", "make joy", "thrive", "to be well" "to gladden ",
It also means to "Hail" HIM meaning "to greet with enthusiastic approval", "salute", " acclimation of great success "
Understanding these meanings, we can take comfort & even joy in knowing HIS accomplishments, we can rejoice in all things. How would we react if HE arrives in the room? I imagine Jesus walking into a room in the flesh, wouldn't we "rejoice"? Wouldn't we salute Him, cheer or clap? Yes for sure!!! We would jump out of our seats rejoicing! Better than any sporting event, star etc.
We know there's power when Jesus was around & HE makes intercession for us. Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:27,
It says Matthew 18:20, HE is with us, John 16:23, John 14:14, Matthew 10:26-32,
When we look at the history of GOD's miracles, deliverances, love & provisions. We can "make glad" & salute HIM, rejoicing in THE LORD, what HE has done, what HE will do, Who HE is
20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
Death is an enemy; and verse 26 of this chapter indicates that it will eventually be eliminated. Jesus was the "first of the firstfruits" so to speak; which extends through the Rapture/Resurrection event of the righteous; through the Revelation 14:4 event of the translation of the 144,000. After this we will have the Second Coming when those that survive until that time physically will survive to repopulate the earth in the Millennial period; followed by the time the Heavenly Jerusalem comes down and God the Father dwells with men (v. 24).
It is hard to comprehend let alone understand all the mysteries of His death; burial and resurrection. It is as a grand play on stage; except that the pathos is real; and His atonement was sufficient for us all to deliver our sins as far as the east is from the west. ( Psalm 103:12). He ever lives to intercede for His people ( Hebrews 7:25). He first rose from the dead and we shall likewise. He who believes in Him will never die ( John 11:25-26) even though he dies physically in reality it is only the body that sleeps as we see about Lazarus earlier in that chapter. We have hope unlike the world for those "fallen asleep" ( 1 Thess. 4:14-18).
All of creation also is awaiting the change and groans until now ( Romans 8:23). For those who believe the last scene of this real life drama is glorious and never ending; while there is no peace for the wicked ( Isaiah 48:22; etal). Let that sink in as the world in its ignorance turns this glorious day into a mockery.
Maranatha. Lord come soon!
Agape.
The act of intercession; therefore is something crucial to communication throughout scripture that indeed gives us some insight of Hebrews 7:25 (He ever lives to intercede for us). Daniel also repeated this theme in Daniel 9:8-10. God's promise here was the prophetic insight given in Jeremiah 29:10. God stated this would happen; so it appears to be a done deal. There was no promise how many would do this; as is evident from the small group that initially rebuilt the wall; and the disobedience of many was seen with marriages to foreign wives. No doubt worldliness had affected the hearts of those who should have remembered the prosperity God gave them in Babylon and His promises to return after that time. It is a wonder that confession of the sins of church congregations isn't given much attention as compared to particulary egregious ones of individuals as it still affects the overall witness as we see from exhortations written for the churches in Revelation 2 and 3; for example.
Look at God's faithfulness to Israel as stated in Jeremiah 31:36 where the courses of nature would have to change with the sun and moon for God to abandon His covenant promises. In fact the only covenant changed is that related to the method of worship with the law and sacrifices which was of course replaced by the perfect sacrifice under Christ which abolished therefore the old ordinances. (see Hebrews 9-10). The object of worship was therefore Christ; God had stated in Isaiah 1:11; see also Psalm 69:31.
In understanding the New Covenant we should perceive that it is still the same God with the same characteristics today that existed in the Old Testament from eternity. We would on the surface expect that to be a "no brainer"; but how often do we see the fear of God demonstrated as in Acts 5:1-11 with Ananias and Sapphira? Our commitments to God should not be of fools ( Ecclesiastes 5:4). See Matthew 5:33-35 for ungodly vows.
You wrote in another post that you provided much evidence to support the belief that the Church maintained its 'Sabbath Day worship' position. I may have missed it, as I only remember you quoted Constantine, the Laodicean Council, an RC Priest Enright, Jeremy Taylor, & maybe others. Yet, verifiable references were given you of men/writings such as Justin the Martyr, Ignatius of Antioch, the Didache (apostolic teachings), Clement of Alexandria, and others, who referred to Christians meeting on a Sunday rather than the Sabbath - all these were men who preceded the men/council you referred to. It is true that Sunday worship was ordered & ratified much later by those of the RC persuasion, but the point in this discussion is, where does the truth lie & does an RC edict cause all believers to blindly follow it? I would think that a lot more weight needs to be given to the testimony of those men (post-apostolic) & if not, then the reason(s) for their disallowance needs to be given.
And lastly, the Ten Commandments are a single unit of obedience & requirements for Israel, not given to Gentiles nor the Church. The breaking of even one of them meant judgement - for the Law could never give life ( Galatians 3:19-21). How many in the Church have converted that Law given only to Israel to now apply to the Church as well, still mystifies me (as I read how the Law, though holy & good, has now been abrogated through Christ's death). The point that should be discussed is the relationship of that old Law to the Law given us (applied to our hearts) by the Spirit, & why some choose to fuse the two together when it cannot be done. See Hebrews 7:12,18,19. 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,
Galations 3:24] Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
[25] But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
[26] For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
2nd Cor 3:3] Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
Amen, the law of sin and death Moses' law, Jesus gave us new laws, the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus which sets us free from the law of sin and death Romans 8:1-2. Jesus' words are spirit and life John 6:63. What are Jesus' laws Matthew the beatitudes and simultudes. Sin no more, be perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect, be holy, love one another. 100% conditional commandments.
Romans 8:1] There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
[2] For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
[3] For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
[4] That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Hebrews 7:19] For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
1st John 2:3] And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
[4] He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
James 2:[10] For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
If you want to live the Sabbath day and all those holidays and feast days be my guest to live like a Leviticus Jew by my guest. If you offend or break any of those points you are guilty of the whole law.
Hebrews 7:19] For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
The Apostle Paul said this in Corinthians.
2nd Cor 3:[7] But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:
[8] How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
[9] For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
[10] For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.
[11] For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.
[12] Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:
The law of Moses made nothing perfect, it was the brining in of the better hope that did Hebrews 7:9. The law of spirit and life as Jesus'words are spirit and life John 6:63. Churches of all kinds are still bound by the old law, that is why they still celebrate the Sabbath when Jesus is now our rest and not the Sabbath day anymore.
Gal.3[24] Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
[25] But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster
Rev 14:13] And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
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.
Romans 8:1] There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
[2] For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
[3] For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
I agree 100% what you have said that OT Israel knew nothing of a coming Messiah's Sacrifice of His Life for them & substitutionary payment. Hence, the word 'Gospel' mentioned in Hebrews 4 is not the same Gospel they received as is the complete Gospel that the Apostles preached post-Cross. (Perhaps not in the way it is preached in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
I believe the OT saints did what was required of them at that time to make them just with God. Their temporal rituals and sacrifices exemplified the Gospel and perhaps the resurrection was preached by "type" when Issac was offered as a sacrifice by Abraham. Hebrews 11:17-19.
However, could they have perceived it, being that Jeremiah 31:31-34 have not taken place yet?
When we study Hebrews in its entirety, we know that this new covenant was not to come under the Levitical covenant. This is clearly seen in Hebrews Ch 7 and 8.
So, when we look back at this, Israel mind was blinded and there was a veil upon their hearts, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 3:14-16. "But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the Old Testament, which vail is done away in Christ.
But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.
Nevertheless when "it" shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. (The "it" mentioned here is their hearts.)
When Israel turns their hearts to God the veil and the blindness shall be taken away.
This is what Paul is saying in Romans 11.
Israel was incapable of receiving the revelation of the Gospel under the Levitical High Priest and if you study the Gospels carefully, neither could the Apostles until the death of the one that filled the role of the Levitical Priesthood at the Cross.
(I believe this is what John's baptism was all about)
The resurrection began the new covenant under the new Priest hood. ( Hebrews 7:15-16.)
Now Christ faith in them will give them rest.
Thats future for them as a Nation
Part 4
The service in the temple made by hands was over as Jesus told the woman at the well, John 4:21-24. Soon in that generation, it would be physically gone and never be again. The animal sacrifices that never covered sin ended on the cross, the whole Levitical priesthood and sacrificial shadow service, Hebrews 7:11-13. Only the Messiah Himself could legitimately abolish once and forever the system of symbols that pointed forward to the atoning self-sacrifice of the spotless Lamb of God.
This was the cause of the sacrifices and oblations to cease in Dan 9:27. This unveils one of the most profound and decisive revelations of the Messiah's mission, the very goal, the things determined by the seventy-weeks prophecy, God's will, the work Jesus was sent to do John 5:36 John 17:54-6 the sixfold goal of Daniel 9:24.
In vs. 26 after 69 weeks the Messiah is cut off, which after means it is in the 70th week. The people of the prince that shall come are the judgment of God not in these 70 weeks. This connection between the coming of the Messiah and the destruction of the city is the crucial message of Daniel 9:26, 27. They had 490 years to be ready and accept their Messiah and the people of the prince that shall come is the outcome of Jerusalem's rejection of her Messiah.
Jesus related the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 to Israel's final refusal to accept Him as her Messiah, Matt. 21:33-44 Matt. 23:37-38; Luke 19:41-44. The abomination Jesus was referring to in Matt. 24:15 and Mark 13:14 was not to the future but to their near future when the Roman army would destroy Jerusalem and the Temple in their generation Luke 21:20-24.
See Part 5
I believe God's plan of finance for His Baptist Church's is to be tithes and offerings. Scriptural giving is one of the fundamentals of the faith. I believe that every Believer, as a steward of that portion of God's wealth entrusted to him or her, is obligated to support his or her Baptist Church financially. I believe that God has established the tithe as a basis of giving but that every Believer should also give other offerings sacrificially and cheerfully to the support of his or her Baptist Church for the relief of those in need, and the spread of the Gospel. I believe that Church members are commanded to bring their tithes and offerings into the Storehouse (Common Treasury) of their Baptist Church upon the first day of the week (Sunday). I believe that a Believer relinquishes all rights to direct the use of the tithe or offering once the gift has been made. I believe under grace we give, and do not pay, the tithe - "Abraham GAVE a tenth part of all." "Abraham GAVE the tenth part of the spoils," and this was four hundred years before the Law, and is confirmed in the New Testament, the Lord Jesus Himself said concerning the tithe, "... these ought ye to have done ..." ( Genesis 14:20; Leviticus 27:30; Proverbs 3:9, 10; Malachi 3:10; Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42; Acts 4:34, 35, 37; 1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 8:7; 2 Corinthians 9:6, 7; Galatians 6:6; Ephesians 4:28; 1 Timothy 5:17, 18; Hebrews 7:2, 4; 1 John 3:17).
The great commission in Matthew 28 comes after others discussing how we should pray more laborers are sent into the harvest. ( Matt. 9:38; Luke 10:2). It also follows the "test run" of the seventy sent out to proclaim the Good News ( Luke 10:1).
Jesus; of course was the "first of the firstfruits" ( 1 Cor. 15:23). He came to suffer as we did; but without sin and now sits at the right hand of God ever to intercede for us. ( Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25).
The fact that He was a man of sorrows as Isaiah predicted; and the life of the Apostles wasn't exactly a cakewalk serves as a reality check to the remnant who remains steadfast today in the Word. Jesus spent much time weeding people out; and it seems often that His own disciples were often more of a hindrance than anything else. Still; there is much to learn when we discover the principle of two or more together and how the Lord is present with us ( Matthew 18:20).
Today; there seems to be the concept of individual membership into the Body of Christ rather than how we are to function as a corporate entity. I have yet to see how various giftings can edify a church; the best I've seen is someone gifted in teaching as a Pastor; or an individual here or there that has occasionally said something profound in terms of a Word of wisdom or knowledge. At many of today's Pentacostal churches you see a heavy emphasis on tongues with little evident in terms of discernment; for instance.
Quite frankly; apart from a lack of sacrificial love found in many fellowships or perhaps contributing to it is the fact that where people feel most comfortable is relaxing at home; with their own circle of family or friends or for some singles just isolating themselves. Fact is; if we don't enjoy fellowshipping together it becomes a ritual which we perform for the minimum amount of time; with a minimum of effort and worst of all with little of our heart and soul invested.
c. Galatians 2:20. "Liberty". Since this whole chapter is on whether justification comes by the Law or by Christ, I feel that this verse is what is on Paul's mind when he writes on his 'crucifixion with Christ'. Certainly, Paul is not claiming a crucifixion akin to Christ's, but I believe that he is stating, that since Jesus' crucifixion was not only for mankind's redemption & for the Law, which could never be kept by man, but was now kept fully by the Lord & nailed to the Cross. Christ's crucifixion confirmed that the workings of the Law (not the Law itself) had died at the Cross, and that faith in the risen Christ alone could secure salvation.
Paul recognized this, as one who was once wholly dependent on the keeping of the Law to be acceptable to God; now, living in the Spirit & not in the flesh, Paul saw that his righteousness before God could never come through the Law but through faith in the Son of God Who died for him. Paul's 'crucifixion' in this sense meant that all that he once held dear in his doctrines & beliefs were now worthless & in opposition to the great merits of Christ's Sacrifice. Paul died to the old Law, even as Jesus' Death brought in a better Law ( Hebrews 7:19,22). Paul's identification with Christ was complete in his spiritual death when only faith in Jesus brought him righteousness.
So to your question: "So I am wondering how this factors into His words about taking up cross and following Him." Paul certainly knew the Truth from those three passages I quoted, as he shed his pharisaical garb & was now clothed with Christ & His Truth. And for us as well: when we fully believe & willingly accept the gracious Yoke of Christ, even though Discipleship might prove very costly & fully identifying with Christ's Death means the destruction of all that we held dear, tethered to Jesus alone, gives us the assurance of His ever-present Grace & Power at all times. If un-yoked to Christ, we're on our own.
But importantly please know it's Jesus & The Holy Spirit that intercede on our behalf, note Hebrews 1:14, Romans 8, Hebrews 7:22-26, John 16:23,27,
Verse 4 and 5 are also similar to Psalm 119:105 on God being a "lamp unto our feet."
Verses 6 through 14 could once again involve Christ prophetically or David himself as to enemies being justly recompensed. Verse 13 has a brief impreccatory word for "casting down" the wicked. We can look at Psalm 103:16 and no doubt many others on wealth being left to others of the wicked. (see also Jeremiah 5:28; Psalm 22:21).
The last verse about awaking and beholding His face in righteousness as well as having His likeness no doubt has allusions to the Resurrection and our eternal glorified state.
It may be well here with these repeated themes to consider how we should have as David did a "perfect hatred" for the wicked. ( Psalm 139:22). Such can only be with one filled with the Holy Spirit (as our own wickedness would make us judge others in the flesh with an unrighteous standard and also would condemn ourselves with such hypocricy). It is for jealousy of the God of Israel alone and His exalted state as the only Creator and Sovereign Lord that should lead us to a disdain of the world; the flesh and the Devil. It should also compel us to be preachers of righteousness for His Name's sake; knowing that God is a God of wrath as well as mercy; but that it is in this lifetime that we must be Born Again.
This completion is by the Spirit dwelling in us.
Hebrews 11:39-40. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
The law couldn't make one perfect.
Hebrews 7:19.
I believe Christ fulfilling the law, his righteousness imputed to us and the baptism of the Holyspirit is the consummation of all things.
God bless.
Hebrews 7:1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him.
2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;(Abraham would not tithe to a type)
3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.
4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
There's only ONE King of righteousness !!! King of Peace !!!
In Heaven now, Jesus is at the right hand of God, INTERCEDING FOR THE SAINTS. Those that are born again; or will be. He knows who His THIS DAY, disciples are now (men women and children). I've seen children that know the Word of God from their parents. They teach it to friends on the playgrounds.
HEBREWS 7:23-26
Do not allow Satan to shake your faith in what Jesus taught concerning His return.
Don't get weary in well-doing.
Jesus is returning. The Father will stand up and tell The Son, go get YOUR BRIDE. (people ready for the rapture of the Church). All those invited to the Wedding and the Feast. Read parable of the ten Virgins. (be full of the Holy Spirit's oil of gladness.
We are invited now. We must be born again. Looking for the Bridegroom. Men, women, children, infants, elderly, All Races. An invitation is printed with our names on it.
Again I say to all countries served by this website, you are invited too. Take hold of JESUS. Your religion will not give you access to this event. Be born again according to JOHN 3:16. Give thanks and praise daily. We'll be doing a lot of that when we first see Heaven.
To sinners: the invitations are gone out already. We must receive it and say YES. Don't chance it and procrastinate.
The verse about the Sabbath being made for man indicates that there is a superior principle involved. Namely; those things called "works" on the Sabbath that were added laws to the original statute were not to be considered legitimate. Whereby; a legitimate need such as eating; feeding animals; or healing men were frequently used as examples of how those principles of mercy; love and justice were to supercede superficial legalistic practices. Thus; Jesus would quote the scripture about Daniel and the shewbread as justification for His actions and that of the disciples. Those laws that were in effect specifically for the Jews were eventually superceded by grafting in of Jews and Gentiles; and since Christ is God in the flesh honoring Pentecost (which had a significant prophetic indication of Christ's fulfillment at the Ascencion after the Resurrection) we now are under grace. We are now under a New Covenant; which allows us to fulfill the law as He ever lives to intercede for us and His Spirit remains within us. (see Hebrews 7:25; Ephesians 1:13-14). There is no Temple; and animal sacrifices hence Jews have no way to follow former purification rites. We can choose to rest on Saturdays; or Sundays as I see it-just as we can still celebrate the Passover. Obviously there is much controversy here on this subject.
But Jesus rose in the power of an endless life ( Hebrews 7:16), and he's never going to go through death again, and neither will you in the resurrection. Your resurrection body, like his, will be a body that will never die. Your resurrection body will never age, and it will never decline.
2 Corinthians
5For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. 2We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. 3For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies.[a] 4While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it's not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. 5God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit.
6So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. 7For we live by believing and not by seeing. 8Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. 9So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him. 10For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.
[Christians are cremated in accidents or before burial. Some are lost at sea, etc. God knows all the circumstance's. Trust Him.
I welcome you to this site. I just want to assure you that You can pray to our God directly.
1 Timothy 2 :5-6 tells us that there is one Mediator between God and man, the Man Jesus Christ, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."
Jesus, at the Last Supper, instructed His disciples this way: "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you."
John 15:16
And in Hebrews 8:1 it says:
"Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of throne of the Majesty in the heavens."
And in Hebrews 7:24 it speaks of the priests of the Old Covenant compared to Jesus' priesthood:
"Also there were many priests because they were prevented by death from continuing. But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood Therefore He is able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them."
Mary, you do not need to pray to Mary or anyone else but God according to these Scriptures. Mary or any other saint would not receive your prayers because they know that Jesus is the only Mediator. They honor only Jesus. We can certainly ask other believers to pray for us, but this is a request we make to those who are still alive in this life. '
Do not be discouraged, trust in Jesus. Our Great God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, hears all of our prayers and we have Jesus' promise that our prayers are heard and answered by the Father according to His prefect will. Jesus is always making intercession for us to the Father. He is the best and foremost person we are to make our requests known to. The Holy Spirit even helps us in our praying ( Romans 8:26-27)
Therefore , the whole Godhead works to answer our prayers.
I encourage you to stay with us and continue learning from God's Word.
In Hebrews 7:21 it states the our Lord was a Priest by "oath"... Why couldn't he be from Judah by the same: Genesis 49:10.....
Your thoughts....
Thanks, Phil
Numbers 8:14, 1Kings 8:53, Jeremiah 1:5, Matthew 25:32-41, Luke 6:22, Acts 13:2, 2Corinthians 6:17, Hebrews 7:26, Matthew 22:1-14, 1Peter 2:9,
Romans 9:21-24,
Hopefully these are helpful
Assuming then that Jesus went into His Father's Presence after His Resurrection ( John 20:17), the question arises, 'for what purpose?' Again, there's room for speculation & debate, though without clear Scripture, my sense was that the whole period of His Crucifixion, agony in death, burial & resurrection, was a time of great silence in Heaven & waiting anticipation for all that would transpire. The Father Himself chose silence & I can see that the whole host of Heaven were in 'bated breath' awaiting that glorious instance of life from the dead of the Son of God. Then if that be the case, Jesus' Ascension demanded a victory celebration as He entered Heaven's portals as the Victor. A victory over death, over sin's deathly grip, over the limitations of the Old Covenant of Law & assurance of the Covenant of Grace through His Blood, over all satanic endeavours as Jesus takes up His Position (after Acts 1:9) at the Father's right Hand, ever living to make intercession of His blood-bought (through His High Priestly role).
Even as the high priests of old placed themselves between God & the people (during their short life span), offering sacrifices that would withhold God's Anger, so Jesus, in the order of Melchisedek & not Aaron, 'continues forever, having an unchangeable priesthood' ( Hebrews 7:23,24), displaying the marks of His Own Sacrifice on His Body, qualifying Him to be our High Priest forever interceding for us before the Father. Blessings brother in your pursuits.
Matthew 6:33
1timothy 2:5
John 14:13-14
Rest assured that the Father sees your heart and hears your prayer. When we believe on Jesus our the risen Savior (happy Easter) the only begotten Son of God and ask in His (Jesus) name , God will hear us. Jesus is always making intercession for us.
Hebrews 7:25
Heavenly Father,
Please move upon the cries of Claudio's heart. I pray that he would put You first in every thing he does so that all of his hearts desires and prayers for others will be answered by You according to Your will in Heaven, let it be done on the Earth as well Please keep him safe, break every curse that's been spoken or arranged over his life and generations and the same for his wife and her family. Please keep them safe today. Help Claudio with the (real estate) court case. Be merciful. To all involved. And work it out for the good and salvation of everyone involved. Help him get info about his grandma Dora and other relatives given up for adoption. Thank You God, in Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Colossians 4:2, Ephesians 3:20-21, Romans 8:26-28,
Psalm 57 kjv.
For the entire 3 1/2 years of Christ's ministry; they had never had a moment to doubt His victory over any circumtance; and had seen a few who were raised from the dead (Lazarus being only a week or so before Christ's crucifixion.) After Christ's repeated warnings "let this saying sink into your ears" ( Luke 9:44) where He predicted His crucifixion; AND all the related prophecies of the 'man of sorrows" from Isaiah 53; Psalm 22; and numerous other passages; they simply weren't prepared for the sudden letdown of His being arrested; tortured and killed. In human strength; during His agonies at Gethsemene; they simply fell asleep. When He was crucified; they simply were too emotionally spent to conceive that somehow He would be resurrected. Therefore they didn't even believe when the women reported the angels and the stone removed from the tomb.
It could be surmised that their betrayal in their minds led to Christ's death as though somehow it wasn't in the plan of redemption. After He came to them "incognito" in Luke 24; they finally got it only after he chastised their unbelief.
Up until this point; perhaps they weren't themselves prepared or having the strength to die themselves and to fulfill the Great Commission themselves. Christ in the flesh was all they knew; but after Pentecost; they were given what was promised from above with the Spirit indwelling after He had ascended to heaven; was seated in heavenly places; and ever interceding for us ( Hebrews 7:25).
It also means to "Hail" HIM meaning "to greet with enthusiastic approval", "salute", " acclimation of great success "
Understanding these meanings, we can take comfort & even joy in knowing HIS accomplishments, we can rejoice in all things. How would we react if HE arrives in the room? I imagine Jesus walking into a room in the flesh, wouldn't we "rejoice"? Wouldn't we salute Him, cheer or clap? Yes for sure!!! We would jump out of our seats rejoicing! Better than any sporting event, star etc.
We know there's power when Jesus was around & HE makes intercession for us. Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:27,
It says Matthew 18:20, HE is with us, John 16:23, John 14:14, Matthew 10:26-32,
When we look at the history of GOD's miracles, deliverances, love & provisions. We can "make glad" & salute HIM, rejoicing in THE LORD, what HE has done, what HE will do, Who HE is
Hopefully this is helpful & encouraging