Further insights on coming of the Lord and 2 Peter 3:9
When we consider how God is patient and wanting to see no one to perish we certainly are aware of different perspectives of this statement. A Universalist; for example would take this to mean that eventually all will be made right with Christ (i.e all will be saved). This; of course is a spurious argument for what should be obvious by many other verses such as Matthew 7:13-14.
A second thought is that God is waiting to give everyone opportunity to "choose" whether or not to "accept Christ as their personal Savior." I am not going to use this space to delve into that argument either; I will leave it at this; in the end a set number will come to Christ and the same can be said for those who aren't ultimately saved. No matter how you slice it; Christ is already Lord and King of Glory whether or not we decide to acknowledge it; and if He truly is Lord then we can no longer dictate our own lives as to the terms of redemption or how we choose to live our lives after we are saved.
It makes more sense to me to look at those who are called and chosen as to their whole time frame (pre and post their statement of faith). We need to keep in mind that we were all following the god of this world before coming to Christ and therefore enemies of God. As such; we are under the mercy of His Divine Lordship as to being offered terms of peace and reconciliation through the means of the atonement. So His longsuffering is just as much for His people as for the unsaved masses in general in forestalling His judgment (and I would argue more so).
Whether we sling the term "common grace" to the fact that there is some comfort for the unregenerate while still in this earthly existence or not; we all need to realize that if saved we are dead to our old nature and lives on this earth. Pleasure only is for those He has called out ( Psalm 16:11) and there is no peace for the wicked ( Isaiah 48:22 and many other verses).
They could be basing their claim on any one of the following pieces of scripture:
John 1:1, John 1:14, John 8:24, John 8:58, John 10:30-33, John 20:28, Hebrews 1:8, Colossians 2:9, Philippians 2:5-8, Psalm 45:6.
The Bible tells us that we are to worship God alone, and yet Jesus received worship and never rebuked anyone who worshipped Him. We see evidence of this in Matthew 2:2, Matthew 2:11, Matthew 14:33, Matthew 28:9, John 9:35-38, Hebrews 1:6.
Isaiah 44:6 reads, "Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: "I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God besides me."
In Rev 1:17, it says "And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as a dead man." In Daniel 10:8-9, Daniel did the same thing. When he saw this vision of Christ, he fell down as he was dead. In Ezekiel 1:28, Ezekiel sees the vision and he falls down as a dead man. It goes on to say "Fear not; I am the first and the last: (the designation of God, found in Isaiah 41:4, and Isaiah 48:12).
In Revelation 1:18, it says I am He that lives, and this is another designation of God found in Psalm 84:2, and Joshua 3:10.
I am He that lives. God presents Himself to the Jews as the living God. He says I am He that lives, and was dead; literally, and became dead, and behold, I am living forevermore, His resurrection, His eternalness.
And then it reads, Amen; and I have the keys of hell and of death. Keys are a symbol of authority. Those who were in charge of the temple had the keys to the temple. We are told later on that the Lord (Jesus) will be in control of hell and death.
In Matthew 16:15, Jesus asks His disciples who do you say I am? Peter had the perfect answer. Peter said "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Peter was Jewish. The phrase "Son of the living God" from a Hebrew standpoint is a phrase used for God. To a Jew, claiming to be the Son of God was considered blasphemy, but that was Peter's response to who Jesus was
Not one person in the entire book of Acts were baptized in the titles, Father, Son & Holy Ghost.
For myself, once I was re-baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, I wanted so much more of God. I did not receive the Holy Ghost {w/ the utterance} right away, not until almost 3 years later.
I have a friend that is filled w/ the Holy Ghost w/ tongues & years ago was baptized in titles. Someone was trying to teach him about being baptized in Jesus name, but found it hard to understand.
He told us the other day that the Lord asked him a question, "What name are you baptized in"? He said "None". That's when the revelation came to him.
Now it's up to everyone to ask for revelation of Gods truth.
Don't argue about it. If you don't want to believe it, then dont'.
My church is a book of Acts assembly following Christ in all his ways w/ love and through the Apostles doctrine.
Jesus spoke, "I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last { Revelation 1}
"Hearken unto me O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I am also the last" { Isaiah 48}. I love his truth.
Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christ (Christ is the word, so there shall arise false words), and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; in so much that, IF IT WERE POSSIBLE (but is not possible), they should deceive the very elect.
Jude 1:4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, WHO WERE ORDAINED TO THIS CONDEMNATION .....
God says he himself has caused this and brought it to pass.
Luke 22:31 ....Satan has desired to have you, THAT HE MAY SIFT YOU as wheat ....
Luke 22:32 But I WILL PRAY FOR YOU: that your faith (the faith of Christ) fail not .... IT'S CHRIST'S WORKS ....
Isaiah 28:21 ....that he may do HIS WORK, HIS STRANGE WORK; and bring TO PASS his act, HIS STRANGE ACT.
Isaiah 45:9 Woe unto him that striveth with his maker! Let the potsherds strive with the potsherds of the earth, Shall the clay say to him that fashioned it, What makest thou? OR THY WORK, He hath no hands?
Isaiah 48:10 Behold I have refined the, but not with silver, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.
Matthew 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself; but endureth for awhile, and when tribulations and persecutions ariseth because of the WORD, by and by he is offended.
Christ had many disciples, but when the words became to hard for them they went the way of the world.
Matthew 13:23 ..... and false prophets, shall show great signs and wonders .....
Revelation .... and with him the false prophet ....were cast alive into the a lake of fire burning with BRIMSTONE
Isaiah 30:33 ....the breath of the Lord, like a stream of BRIMSTONE, doeth kindle it.
Isaiah 33:14 ...Who among us SHALL DWELL with the devouring fire ( Hebrews 12:29)? who amongst us SHALL DWELL with everlasting burning?
Isaiah 9:5 For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise and garments rolled in blood, but this (battle) shall be with burning and fuel of fire.
Isaiah 9:18 ...and the people shall be the fuel of the fire .....
Chris gave a good answer, I'd like to add to the discussion. Please note the verse right before, Jeremiah 29:11, Jeremiah 29:10, sometimes we want GOD to change our situations "right now", sometimes HE does, but I believe this promise, is for GOD's people when we need the encouragement for the troubled times & endurance in longer seasons. Notice in Daniel, he & his companions had went through many difficult moments but GOD in miraculous ways delivered them, protected them & even encouraged them. I believe it was after Daniel was thrown in the lions den that he fasted & humbly prayed about the promise made in Jeremiah 29:10,11, Daniel 9:1,2,3, still waiting on that promise of 70 years,
note Daniel 6:1,2,3, (for why I place the timing, seemingly after lions den) the noted scriptures referring to about Daniel's encouragement, & companions, some say "the greater the trial the greater the miraculous": Daniel 1:8,9,17, Daniel 2:12,13,17,23Daniel 3:12-27, Daniel 4:19,24,25, Daniel 5, Daniel 6:7,10,16,22,28, Daniel 9:23, Daniel 10:11,12,18, Daniel 11:1,
Luke 10:19, there are moments that are painful but when we look at Salvation, the pruning, witness to strengthen the Body of Believers, then we realize it didn't "hurt us".
I hope these scriptures give you strength & hope= 1Peter 4:12,13, 2Corinthians 1:3-7, John 15:1-2, 1Corinthians 4:5, 2Corinthians 3:2, Zechariah 13:9, Malachi 3:3, 2Timothy 2:10, Psalms 30:5,
Endure even undue trials= 2Timothy 2:3, 2Timothy 4:5, remember Timothy was with Paul in ministry during persecution. 1Peter 2:19, Mark 13:13, James 5:10,11,
Steve Gbu.....The trinity is very simple....Its Father Son and Granson that is gonna become as the Stars of heaven in multitudes....If ya can understand Abraham Issac and Jacob.... Remember Abraham offered up his only son Issac.. who does that remind us of, God the Father that offered up his only son Jesus....That ram caught in the thicked by his horns was symbolic of Christ and his Crown of thorns....And out of Issac came Jacob and Esau....Outta of Christ came the Wheat the H.G. and the Tares came out of Satans seed....Remember Jacob was the Granson and outta of Jacob came the 12 tribes...The great nation of Israel....But now under this new covenant, its the H.G...The 3 rd person that is the Israel of God...That heavenly Jacob in Isaiah 48 kjv is a picture of Israel of God...The sun nor any kind of heat can lite on them simply b/c they are spirits...As Jesus said that which is born of the spirit is spirit...Thats the H.G. the Israel of God....God Almighty told Moses that his name was ABRAHAM ISSAC AND JACOB...Simply b/c the Godhead is a picture of Abraham Issac and Jacob....Just as Abraham was multiplied as the sands of the seas so Almighty God will be multiplied as the stars of heaven....Thats y the Sower of the good seed wants to sow his precious seed in our hearts...That he might be multiplied as the stars of heaven..Thats y Jesus refers to the H.G. as the Promise the multiplication of Jesus...His offspring an Israel of God...Thats y jesus is saying to whom the word came..(His seed ) it made them Gods and the scriptures cannot be broken..
.....And also the Davidic kingdom was Jesse, David and Solomon....Father, Son and Granson...In Isaiah 11:1 we read of a heavenly Kingdom coming in the last days....Isaiah describes it as a Jesse, David and Solomon type kingdom coming in the last days when God wd gather his ppl a 2 nd Time a 2nd coming...As the H.G. cannot be born in us without the seed of Christ thus Christ is truly the father of the H.G..He has to know us.
Not to debate you on this because to hold the view you hold you would have to ignore 2 thirds of scripture.
Here's just a few.
Ezekiel 11:17-20 Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even gather you from the people, and assemble you out of the countries where ye have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.
And they shall come thither, and they shall take away all the detestable things thereof and all the abominations thereof from thence.
And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:
That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.
Jeremiah 32:37-40. Behold, I will gather them out of all countries, whither I have driven them in mine anger, and in my fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely:
And they shall be my people, and I will be their God:
And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them:
And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.
Isaiah 48:8-11. Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time that thine ear was not opened: for I KNEW THAT THOU WOULDEST DEAL VERY TREACHEROUSLY, AND WAST CALLED A TRANSGRESSORS FROM THE WOMB.
FOR MY NAME'S SAKE WILL I DEFER MINE ANGER, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off.
Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.
FOR MINE OWN SAKE, EVEN FOR MINE OWN SAKE, WILL I DO IT: FOR HOW SHOULD MY NAME BE POLLUTED? And I WILL NOT GIVE MY GLORY UNTO ANOTHER.
God's name is tied to the existence and restoration of Israel.
I would defer here to the Matthew Henry comment listed on this site as a particularly poignant analysis of Psalm 88. The first verse; indeed declares that God is of his salvation; that is the writer of the psalm. No doubt; the fate of Korah himself and some of his sons could fit into this narrative as well. We do well to heed to the warnings of the fate of the afterlife for the lost; as Matthew Henry points out-there is at least there is some natural light in this life. The lamp for the wicked goes out; as other verses state ( Job 18:15; Proverbs 13:9; etc) after death. There is no peace for the wicked ( Isaiah 48:22). As believers; Satan can accuse us and oppress us; to steal our joy and effectiveness. Once the Spirit refreshes us and we repent for misdeeds; then we recognize our Shephard and once again follow the straight and narrow. This is something foreign to the world at large. A self righteous man will never surrender his "righteousness" to God; even in hell; and at that time there is no more grace available. God will simply continue to be an enemy for all eternity. Regeneration; therefore must happen now; in this lifetime. Those who are not one of His children will never desire Christ without Divine revelation and that comes being one of His elect.
Perhaps reading Genesis chapter 1 to them. Let the word convince them by the power of God. Deuteronomy 6:4.
Isaiah 48:12-13, 46:9-11, 45:20-25, 44:6-9 all speak of the God of the Bible being the one and only God in all of time and creation. There is no other, and never will be another. So, for me. I would read these to a person (perhaps not all in one sitting) and let God do the rest.
There are probably many more verses you can find by searching key words. I will pray that God will prepare te hearts of those you will share with so that the true Word of God will be received by faith.
To add to discussion I just recently replied but felt led to add to my post. Just recently in Daniel I believe GOD revealed to me Daniel & his friends may have been, as captives of war made Eunuchs by Nebuchadnezzar- Daniel 1:1-3, Daniel 1:7-9, Daniel 1:10-11, each time it states those who were put over Daniel & his companions that title was given them 'over the Eunuchs' . There is no account of them having children that I've found. Futhermore when Nebuchadnezzar threatened people in his brutal way= Daniel 2:5, Daniel 2:12-13, Daniel 3:28-29, it was probably a very viable threat & intensely reality. Which now not only puts new light on Nebuchadnezzar's threats but his way of thinking.
Recently GOD's been showing me more in these scriptures. Daniel also is the only one that I've found where an angel says was greatly beloved, Daniel 10:11, Daniel 10:19, there seems to be a distinction in this address. GOD knows us & everything thing we have suffered, everything taken from us, even wrongful sterilization. He loves us! Hopefully this is also encouraging in a deep way as it has been to me. Yes I believe GOD addresses people personally & callings differ. Moses, Hosea, Ezekiel are few examples Daniel another. Sometimes HE calls us to do things others have not been called to nor had precedence for. Like Noah. In my life I've been reminded of this scripture more than once [1 Kigs 13:8-10,15,16,17,18,21,22,*24,] 1 Kings 13:1-32, we must obey GOD ALMIGHTY in what HE calls us to do personally.
When I say a distinction the wording is a little Different than Isaiah 48:14, 2 Samuel 2:24, 1 Kings 10:9, Revelations 1:5, Revelations 3:9, John 14:20, Mark 10:21, & even Matthew 3:17 because CHRIST is the SON, THE WAY TRUTH & LIGHT, LIFE. If I had my Exhaustive Concordance at hand, I would study it more fully.
I believe this is a principal that is biblical when we look into GOD's promises, HIS WORD, the accounts where GOD moves in & stops evil, changes events that seem impossible, overcoming. Exodus, Genesis, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, Ester, etc.
Mathew 24:35, Mark 13:31, Luke 21:33, Psalm 37:1-40,
Simple said: "Where does Jesus identify himself as God ? He does not ."
So you want us to disregard all of this scripture?
Isaiah 44:6
"Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God."
Isaiah 48:12
"Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last."
Revelation 1:8
"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty."
Revelation 1:17-18
17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Revelation 21:6-7
6 "And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely."
7 "He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son"
Revelation 22:12-17 12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. 14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. 15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. 16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Yes, certainly I am the first , but as is written in Isaiah 48:v.6 and 7:
6 Thou hast heard, see all this; and will not ye declare it? I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them.
7 They are created now, and not from the beginning; even before the day when thou heardest them not; lest thou shouldest say, Behold,I knew them.
And Paul Apostle wrote:1Cor.2:v.9-11:
9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which GOD hath prepared for them that love Him.
10 But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of GOD.
11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of GOD knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
Well, the battle is against THREE UNCLEAN SPIRITS LIKE FROGS - A SATANIC TRINITY
And the angel of the Lord said- Revelation 17:v.15: The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. Scripture is clear:This quoted verse reveals us the AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT of these spirits of demons like frogs which guide the peoples or rule the nations of all tongues in whole earth, through all kind of devilish systems, as religious systems (catholicism, and Judaism, and spiritism, budhism, islamism, among many others), and political systems, and military systems, and social and cultural systems, among others systems. In fact, Satan goes to and fro and from walking up and down among them.
By the way,the new NAME of Satan in the current time of Apocalypse is Dragon.Rev.12:v.9-And the great Dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his messengers(2Cor.11:v.13-15)were cast out with him.
10 Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the Power of His Christ...
WHO IS JESUS? PLEASE STUDY YOUR SCRIPTURE: Revelation 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. AND VERSE 17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: AND AGAIN IN REVELATION 22:13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. ----BUT IN ISAIAH 44:"Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God." AND AGAIN ISAIAH 48:12Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last.---WHY HE IS THE FIRST? BECAUSE HE IS THE BEGINNING OF ALL: GENESIS 1:1In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. AND HE IS THE LAST: ECCLESIASTES 12:7Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.--- AND AGAIN IN MATTHEW 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. AND ALSO IN ( MARK 14:24; LUKE 22:20; AND IN 1 CORINTHIANS 11:25) ALL OF THESE VERSES DECLARED ABOUT THE NEW COVENANT. BUT THE COVENANT IS EVERLASTING IN EXODUS 31:16"Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant." AND AGAIN IN LEVITICUS 24:8Every sabbath he shall set it in order before the LORD continually, being taken from the children of Israel by an everlasting covenant.---THERE IS A CONTINUATION (NEXT COMMENT)
Brother Perry, may CHRIST IN US grace us with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding.
God's WILL BE DONE in you battle with cancer.
Most have not been taught the truth about FAITH. Let's let scripture give insight to truth.
Philippians 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is THROUGH THE FAITH OF CHRIST, the righteousness which is of God by FAITH (OF CHRIST).
James 2:17 Even so FAITH (OF CHRIST), if it hath not works (OF CHRIST), is alone.
Man does nothing of himself ALL IS THE GIFT (WORKS) OF GOD.
If we apply these scriptures to Jesus and the woman with the issue of blood, we she her being healed by the faith that went from him to her. Faith and works (healing).
We know it was HIS FAITH and HIS WORKS because he told his followers that he felt virtue go out of him into her.
When Christ GIVES you his faith, his faith is followed by his works. Natural and physical healing often times is not the works being done, but spiritual healing.
Isaiah 43:7 .... I have created him for MY GLORY ....
Isaiah 48:11 ...and I will not give MY GLORY to another .....
Go in the FAITH and WORKS OF CHRIST and HIS WILL BE DONE in this battle (natural and spiritual).
At Revelation 21's point, it's post seventh trumpet, so when is comes to God and Jesus, the two have become virtually interchangeable. Jesus proclaimed Himself to be the "Alpha and Omega" in Revelation 1:8; 21:6; and in 22:13, where Jesus identifies himself as "the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end" in red words.
There's more:
Isaiah 44:6 "I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God".
Isaiah 48:12 "I am he; I am the first, I also am the last"
Jesus is the Word, a prime mover, who speaks in unison with the Great God Almighty.
I think it's misleading when we think of God as having a presence like us. In those verses you place Jesus sitting beside God and there you have the son sitting beside the Father. But I don't think that's what those verses is saying. Here's an example.
Psalms 16:8.I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Now do you vision God sitting down beside David ? are is David referring to him as the power in which he shall not be moved?
Here's another example of him being the power.
Luke 22:69. Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.
The right hand/power is an attribute in which he performs within the God head. Here's some examples.
Exodus 15:6. Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.
Isaiah 41:10. Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Romans 8:34. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Isaiah 48:13. Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned the heavens: when I call unto them, they stand up together.
This is just a few of many verses in which you see
He makes intercession from his right hand.
He makes us righteousness from his right hand.
His power is his right hand.
He judges from the right hand.
And as Isaiah 48:13 says along with the volume of the book
He created the world with his right hand.
So those verses proves He's God!! That why in Revelation 1:8 he's called the Almighty!!
Revelation 1:8 (KJV) I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Please remember that the sons of God have come for the pulling down of this world's 'Strongholds', religion being the strongest of them all ( 2 Cor. 10:4; Luke 11:21-23).
When it comes to the Medical Profession, please know that the believers live by faith, as the true and living God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob is their guide in all things. Remember how God took care of a host of 2m people for forty years. He fed them and provided them with water and other essentials. Even their shoes and garments didn't wear out. Also remember that out of the original group that crossed the Red Sea only Joshua & Caleb crossed the Jordan River. All the rest died in the wilderness, while only the new generation crossed the Jordan.
Rather than speaking from personal experience, we believe that the most effective way to be taught and to come to the understanding of 'The Chastening of the Lord' is by the Word of God itself
Chris. Still on Page 3. You say that after the Fall "the Purpose of God in Creation was thwarted". I am certain you don't believe that. You just haven't examined the thought. What does the Bible say about God and His Purpose? It specifically says it cannot be thwarted. The Purpose of God will stand.
Isaiah 14:24, 26-27 - The LORD of Hosts has sworn: "Surely, as I have planned, so will it be; as I have purposed, so will it stand. This the plan devised for the whole earth, and this is the hand stretched out over all the nations. The LORD of Hosts has purposed, and who can thwart Him? His hand is outstretched, so who can turn it back?
Ephesians 1:4-5 - According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.
Isaiah 46:9-11 - Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me. I distinguish the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come, saying: 'My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure.' I summon a bird of prey from the east, a man for My purpose from a far-off land. Truly I have spoken, truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, I will surely do it.
Isaiah 48:3 - I foretold the former things long ago; they came out of My mouth and I proclaimed them.
Suddenly I acted, and they came to pass.
Acts 4:28 - They carried out what Your hand and purpose had decided beforehand would happen.
Daniel 4:35 - All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, 'What have You done?'"
The confidence we have is that God is trustworthy. He is not fickle. If God says we will be eternally perfect, we will be. If God had created Adam and Eve perfect, they would have been. And neither they, nor the devil would have rebelled against God.
Chris, on to Page 3. The future does not exist. There can be no such thing as a future we can look into and determine what is going to happen. Isaiah 48 is clear on that. However, there appear to be certain things written in what Daniel 10:21 refers to as the Book of Truth, that give us a glimpse of things that God has determined will take place.
The Future as an observable entity one can observe or even travel into is a logical contradiction and practical impossibility. If there were such a thing as a Future God could be aware of, outside of Himself, then God would be subject to whatever is set in that Future. That is, if God is aware of events outside of Himself, that will take place, then He is bound by that knowledge and can't act to change what He knows to be true. God would therefore, not be free. The Future would determine what He does, given that what He knows about what will happen as fact, must happen. Let me explain. If God knows, through intuition, knowledge, vision, prescience or because He is all-knowing, then what He knows to be the fact, must in fact happen. Otherwise, He would be wrong about what He understood or the Future would not be certain.
If the Future God knows is not certain, then what God knows, is questionable. But if what He knows about the Future is in fact true, then God is locked into behaving as the Future reveals and incapable of changing it. Example: Jesus knows the Temple will be torn down at a specific time in the future. If the Temple is not torn down at that time, then Jesus was wrong about what He knew about future events. In other words, what Jesus knows about the future, has to take place. Otherwise, He doesn't know the future.
Therefore, we have to conclude that if God tells us something that will happen, it is not because He has some insight into the future. It has to be because He specifically planned and set it up that way. God cannot be a prisoner of the future. He has to be logically able to act freely.
Definitely referring to Christians. It's addressed to the whole world, not Israel specifically as Isaiah 48 is addressed. God gives many promises to the gentiles in this passage, to the point that Zion (a reference to Israel) cries out, "You've forgotten us!" God uses comforting language after Zion's concern is expressed. It reminds me of the prodigal son's brother who can't believe how well his father is treating the prodigal; but the father comforts and reminds him that he still has an inheritance. I read that this is the regathering of Israel in a commentary, but I don't see that anywhere in this passage. A parallel passage is in Revelation 7:15-16; and it's clear that this is a reference to people of all nations, tribes, tongues, people, etc...
To Word: Yes, Isaiah 45:21 tells us that, "... there is no GOD else beside Me..." Here, in this passage, "GOD" is also, the Hebrew word, "Elohiym" - plural (more than one).
Look at this passage: "...I am He; I am the first and the last... the LORD GOD and His Spirit hath SENT ME." Isaiah 48:12,16. This is Jesus, who was sent to this world by His Father and the Spirit.
Read Isaiah 48:1-19very carefully;can you see that God is telling us;every person"from the beginning" has had the knowledge of the gospel given to him.This knowledge does not have to come from a preacher, or even a book.(a believer is commanded to spread the good news, and read, i do not speak against this.)He has testified of everything he has spoken, since the beginning.We rebelled,did not hear
When we consider how God is patient and wanting to see no one to perish we certainly are aware of different perspectives of this statement. A Universalist; for example would take this to mean that eventually all will be made right with Christ (i.e all will be saved). This; of course is a spurious argument for what should be obvious by many other verses such as Matthew 7:13-14.
A second thought is that God is waiting to give everyone opportunity to "choose" whether or not to "accept Christ as their personal Savior." I am not going to use this space to delve into that argument either; I will leave it at this; in the end a set number will come to Christ and the same can be said for those who aren't ultimately saved. No matter how you slice it; Christ is already Lord and King of Glory whether or not we decide to acknowledge it; and if He truly is Lord then we can no longer dictate our own lives as to the terms of redemption or how we choose to live our lives after we are saved.
It makes more sense to me to look at those who are called and chosen as to their whole time frame (pre and post their statement of faith). We need to keep in mind that we were all following the god of this world before coming to Christ and therefore enemies of God. As such; we are under the mercy of His Divine Lordship as to being offered terms of peace and reconciliation through the means of the atonement. So His longsuffering is just as much for His people as for the unsaved masses in general in forestalling His judgment (and I would argue more so).
Whether we sling the term "common grace" to the fact that there is some comfort for the unregenerate while still in this earthly existence or not; we all need to realize that if saved we are dead to our old nature and lives on this earth. Pleasure only is for those He has called out ( Psalm 16:11) and there is no peace for the wicked ( Isaiah 48:22 and many other verses).
They could be basing their claim on any one of the following pieces of scripture:
John 1:1, John 1:14, John 8:24, John 8:58, John 10:30-33, John 20:28, Hebrews 1:8, Colossians 2:9, Philippians 2:5-8, Psalm 45:6.
The Bible tells us that we are to worship God alone, and yet Jesus received worship and never rebuked anyone who worshipped Him. We see evidence of this in Matthew 2:2, Matthew 2:11, Matthew 14:33, Matthew 28:9, John 9:35-38, Hebrews 1:6.
Isaiah 44:6 reads, "Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: "I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God besides me."
In Rev 1:17, it says "And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as a dead man." In Daniel 10:8-9, Daniel did the same thing. When he saw this vision of Christ, he fell down as he was dead. In Ezekiel 1:28, Ezekiel sees the vision and he falls down as a dead man. It goes on to say "Fear not; I am the first and the last: (the designation of God, found in Isaiah 41:4, and Isaiah 48:12).
In Revelation 1:18, it says I am He that lives, and this is another designation of God found in Psalm 84:2, and Joshua 3:10.
I am He that lives. God presents Himself to the Jews as the living God. He says I am He that lives, and was dead; literally, and became dead, and behold, I am living forevermore, His resurrection, His eternalness.
And then it reads, Amen; and I have the keys of hell and of death. Keys are a symbol of authority. Those who were in charge of the temple had the keys to the temple. We are told later on that the Lord (Jesus) will be in control of hell and death.
In Matthew 16:15, Jesus asks His disciples who do you say I am? Peter had the perfect answer. Peter said "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Peter was Jewish. The phrase "Son of the living God" from a Hebrew standpoint is a phrase used for God. To a Jew, claiming to be the Son of God was considered blasphemy, but that was Peter's response to who Jesus was
For myself, once I was re-baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, I wanted so much more of God. I did not receive the Holy Ghost {w/ the utterance} right away, not until almost 3 years later.
I have a friend that is filled w/ the Holy Ghost w/ tongues & years ago was baptized in titles. Someone was trying to teach him about being baptized in Jesus name, but found it hard to understand.
He told us the other day that the Lord asked him a question, "What name are you baptized in"? He said "None". That's when the revelation came to him.
Now it's up to everyone to ask for revelation of Gods truth.
Don't argue about it. If you don't want to believe it, then dont'.
My church is a book of Acts assembly following Christ in all his ways w/ love and through the Apostles doctrine.
Jesus spoke, "I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last { Revelation 1}
"Hearken unto me O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I am also the last" { Isaiah 48}. I love his truth.
Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christ (Christ is the word, so there shall arise false words), and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; in so much that, IF IT WERE POSSIBLE (but is not possible), they should deceive the very elect.
Jude 1:4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, WHO WERE ORDAINED TO THIS CONDEMNATION .....
God says he himself has caused this and brought it to pass.
Luke 22:31 ....Satan has desired to have you, THAT HE MAY SIFT YOU as wheat ....
Luke 22:32 But I WILL PRAY FOR YOU: that your faith (the faith of Christ) fail not .... IT'S CHRIST'S WORKS ....
Isaiah 28:21 ....that he may do HIS WORK, HIS STRANGE WORK; and bring TO PASS his act, HIS STRANGE ACT.
Isaiah 45:9 Woe unto him that striveth with his maker! Let the potsherds strive with the potsherds of the earth, Shall the clay say to him that fashioned it, What makest thou? OR THY WORK, He hath no hands?
Isaiah 48:10 Behold I have refined the, but not with silver, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.
Matthew 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself; but endureth for awhile, and when tribulations and persecutions ariseth because of the WORD, by and by he is offended.
Christ had many disciples, but when the words became to hard for them they went the way of the world.
Matthew 13:23 ..... and false prophets, shall show great signs and wonders .....
Revelation .... and with him the false prophet ....were cast alive into the a lake of fire burning with BRIMSTONE
Isaiah 30:33 ....the breath of the Lord, like a stream of BRIMSTONE, doeth kindle it.
Isaiah 33:14 ...Who among us SHALL DWELL with the devouring fire ( Hebrews 12:29)? who amongst us SHALL DWELL with everlasting burning?
Isaiah 9:5 For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise and garments rolled in blood, but this (battle) shall be with burning and fuel of fire.
Isaiah 9:18 ...and the people shall be the fuel of the fire .....
God Bless YOU!
Chris gave a good answer, I'd like to add to the discussion. Please note the verse right before, Jeremiah 29:11, Jeremiah 29:10, sometimes we want GOD to change our situations "right now", sometimes HE does, but I believe this promise, is for GOD's people when we need the encouragement for the troubled times & endurance in longer seasons. Notice in Daniel, he & his companions had went through many difficult moments but GOD in miraculous ways delivered them, protected them & even encouraged them. I believe it was after Daniel was thrown in the lions den that he fasted & humbly prayed about the promise made in Jeremiah 29:10,11, Daniel 9:1,2,3, still waiting on that promise of 70 years,
note Daniel 6:1,2,3, (for why I place the timing, seemingly after lions den) the noted scriptures referring to about Daniel's encouragement, & companions, some say "the greater the trial the greater the miraculous": Daniel 1:8,9,17, Daniel 2:12,13,17,23 Daniel 3:12-27, Daniel 4:19,24,25, Daniel 5, Daniel 6:7,10,16,22,28, Daniel 9:23, Daniel 10:11,12,18, Daniel 11:1,
Luke 10:19, there are moments that are painful but when we look at Salvation, the pruning, witness to strengthen the Body of Believers, then we realize it didn't "hurt us".
I hope these scriptures give you strength & hope= 1Peter 4:12,13, 2Corinthians 1:3-7, John 15:1-2, 1Corinthians 4:5, 2Corinthians 3:2, Zechariah 13:9, Malachi 3:3, 2Timothy 2:10, Psalms 30:5,
In correction= Isaiah 48:10,11, Malachi 3:2, Proverbs 3:11-35, Hebrews 12:7, 2Thessalonians 1:4,
Endure even undue trials= 2Timothy 2:3, 2Timothy 4:5, remember Timothy was with Paul in ministry during persecution. 1Peter 2:19, Mark 13:13, James 5:10,11,
James 5:13-18, 2Chronicles 7:14,
Hopefully these are helpful & encouraging
.....And also the Davidic kingdom was Jesse, David and Solomon....Father, Son and Granson...In Isaiah 11:1 we read of a heavenly Kingdom coming in the last days....Isaiah describes it as a Jesse, David and Solomon type kingdom coming in the last days when God wd gather his ppl a 2 nd Time a 2nd coming...As the H.G. cannot be born in us without the seed of Christ thus Christ is truly the father of the H.G..He has to know us.
Not to debate you on this because to hold the view you hold you would have to ignore 2 thirds of scripture.
Here's just a few.
Ezekiel 11:17-20 Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even gather you from the people, and assemble you out of the countries where ye have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.
And they shall come thither, and they shall take away all the detestable things thereof and all the abominations thereof from thence.
And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:
That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.
Jeremiah 32:37-40. Behold, I will gather them out of all countries, whither I have driven them in mine anger, and in my fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely:
And they shall be my people, and I will be their God:
And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them:
And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.
Isaiah 48:8-11. Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time that thine ear was not opened: for I KNEW THAT THOU WOULDEST DEAL VERY TREACHEROUSLY, AND WAST CALLED A TRANSGRESSORS FROM THE WOMB.
FOR MY NAME'S SAKE WILL I DEFER MINE ANGER, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off.
Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.
FOR MINE OWN SAKE, EVEN FOR MINE OWN SAKE, WILL I DO IT: FOR HOW SHOULD MY NAME BE POLLUTED? And I WILL NOT GIVE MY GLORY UNTO ANOTHER.
God's name is tied to the existence and restoration of Israel.
Isaiah 48:12-13, 46:9-11, 45:20-25, 44:6-9 all speak of the God of the Bible being the one and only God in all of time and creation. There is no other, and never will be another. So, for me. I would read these to a person (perhaps not all in one sitting) and let God do the rest.
There are probably many more verses you can find by searching key words. I will pray that God will prepare te hearts of those you will share with so that the true Word of God will be received by faith.
Recently GOD's been showing me more in these scriptures. Daniel also is the only one that I've found where an angel says was greatly beloved, Daniel 10:11, Daniel 10:19, there seems to be a distinction in this address. GOD knows us & everything thing we have suffered, everything taken from us, even wrongful sterilization. He loves us! Hopefully this is also encouraging in a deep way as it has been to me. Yes I believe GOD addresses people personally & callings differ. Moses, Hosea, Ezekiel are few examples Daniel another. Sometimes HE calls us to do things others have not been called to nor had precedence for. Like Noah. In my life I've been reminded of this scripture more than once [1 Kigs 13:8-10,15,16,17,18,21,22,*24,] 1 Kings 13:1-32, we must obey GOD ALMIGHTY in what HE calls us to do personally.
When I say a distinction the wording is a little Different than Isaiah 48:14, 2 Samuel 2:24, 1 Kings 10:9, Revelations 1:5, Revelations 3:9, John 14:20, Mark 10:21, & even Matthew 3:17 because CHRIST is the SON, THE WAY TRUTH & LIGHT, LIFE. If I had my Exhaustive Concordance at hand, I would study it more fully.
Mathew 24:35, Mark 13:31, Luke 21:33, Psalm 37:1-40,
2 Corinthians 5:17, Isaiah 48:6, Revelation 21:5, 2 Peter 3:13, Isaiah 65:17, Revelation 21:1,
Mathew 6:30-33
Hopefully this is helpful & encouraging.
So you want us to disregard all of this scripture?
Isaiah 44:6
"Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God."
Isaiah 48:12
"Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last."
Revelation 1:8
"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty."
Revelation 1:17-18
17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Revelation 21:6-7
6 "And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely."
7 "He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son"
Revelation 22:12-17 12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. 14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. 15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. 16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Based on Scripture - Jesus is God.
God Bless.
According to Isaiah 48:18 water is liken to peace.
so possibly a peace of mind. Philippians 4:7
interesting choice. thanks
2 Corinthians 4:17
Hebrews 11:25
James 5:10
Isaiah 48:10
Psalms 22:24
James 1:27
Hopefully these are helpful
Yes, certainly I am the first , but as is written in Isaiah 48:v.6 and 7:
6 Thou hast heard, see all this; and will not ye declare it? I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them.
7 They are created now, and not from the beginning; even before the day when thou heardest them not; lest thou shouldest say, Behold,I knew them.
And Paul Apostle wrote:1Cor.2:v.9-11:
9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which GOD hath prepared for them that love Him.
10 But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of GOD.
11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of GOD knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
Well, the battle is against THREE UNCLEAN SPIRITS LIKE FROGS - A SATANIC TRINITY
And the angel of the Lord said- Revelation 17:v.15: The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. Scripture is clear:This quoted verse reveals us the AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT of these spirits of demons like frogs which guide the peoples or rule the nations of all tongues in whole earth, through all kind of devilish systems, as religious systems (catholicism, and Judaism, and spiritism, budhism, islamism, among many others), and political systems, and military systems, and social and cultural systems, among others systems. In fact, Satan goes to and fro and from walking up and down among them.
By the way,the new NAME of Satan in the current time of Apocalypse is Dragon.Rev.12:v.9-And the great Dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his messengers(2Cor.11:v.13-15)were cast out with him.
10 Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the Power of His Christ...
God's WILL BE DONE in you battle with cancer.
Most have not been taught the truth about FAITH. Let's let scripture give insight to truth.
Philippians 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is THROUGH THE FAITH OF CHRIST, the righteousness which is of God by FAITH (OF CHRIST).
James 2:17 Even so FAITH (OF CHRIST), if it hath not works (OF CHRIST), is alone.
Man does nothing of himself ALL IS THE GIFT (WORKS) OF GOD.
If we apply these scriptures to Jesus and the woman with the issue of blood, we she her being healed by the faith that went from him to her. Faith and works (healing).
We know it was HIS FAITH and HIS WORKS because he told his followers that he felt virtue go out of him into her.
When Christ GIVES you his faith, his faith is followed by his works. Natural and physical healing often times is not the works being done, but spiritual healing.
Isaiah 43:7 .... I have created him for MY GLORY ....
Isaiah 48:11 ...and I will not give MY GLORY to another .....
Go in the FAITH and WORKS OF CHRIST and HIS WILL BE DONE in this battle (natural and spiritual).
GBU
At Revelation 21's point, it's post seventh trumpet, so when is comes to God and Jesus, the two have become virtually interchangeable. Jesus proclaimed Himself to be the "Alpha and Omega" in Revelation 1:8; 21:6; and in 22:13, where Jesus identifies himself as "the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end" in red words.
There's more:
Isaiah 44:6 "I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God".
Isaiah 48:12 "I am he; I am the first, I also am the last"
Jesus is the Word, a prime mover, who speaks in unison with the Great God Almighty.
John 10:30 sums it up.
I think it's misleading when we think of God as having a presence like us. In those verses you place Jesus sitting beside God and there you have the son sitting beside the Father. But I don't think that's what those verses is saying. Here's an example.
Psalms 16:8.I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Now do you vision God sitting down beside David ? are is David referring to him as the power in which he shall not be moved?
Here's another example of him being the power.
Luke 22:69. Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.
The right hand/power is an attribute in which he performs within the God head. Here's some examples.
Exodus 15:6. Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.
Isaiah 41:10. Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Romans 8:34. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Isaiah 48:13. Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned the heavens: when I call unto them, they stand up together.
This is just a few of many verses in which you see
He makes intercession from his right hand.
He makes us righteousness from his right hand.
His power is his right hand.
He judges from the right hand.
And as Isaiah 48:13 says along with the volume of the book
He created the world with his right hand.
So those verses proves He's God!! That why in Revelation 1:8 he's called the Almighty!!
Revelation 1:8 (KJV) I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Please remember that the sons of God have come for the pulling down of this world's 'Strongholds', religion being the strongest of them all ( 2 Cor. 10:4; Luke 11:21-23).
When it comes to the Medical Profession, please know that the believers live by faith, as the true and living God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob is their guide in all things. Remember how God took care of a host of 2m people for forty years. He fed them and provided them with water and other essentials. Even their shoes and garments didn't wear out. Also remember that out of the original group that crossed the Red Sea only Joshua & Caleb crossed the Jordan River. All the rest died in the wilderness, while only the new generation crossed the Jordan.
Rather than speaking from personal experience, we believe that the most effective way to be taught and to come to the understanding of 'The Chastening of the Lord' is by the Word of God itself
CHASTENING
Deut. 8:5
Job 5:17-19; 6:1-10; 23:10; 33:19
Psalms 6:1-10; 17:3; 30:1-12; 38:1-21; 94:12-14; 102:1-28; 116:1-19; 119:7,67,71
Proverbs 3:11
Isaiah 26:16
1 Cor. 11:32
Hebrews 12:5,6
James 1:12
1 Peter 1:7
Rev. 3:15-21
AFFLICTIONS
Psalms 34:19; 132:1
Isaiah 48:10
Acts 7:10; 20:23
2 Cor. 6:4
Col. 1:24
1 Thess 3:3
Hebrews 12:5-12
Rev. 3:18
SICKNESS AND HEALING
Exodus 15:26
Psalm 6:2
Isaiah 30:26
Jer. 30:17
Eze. 34:16
Hosea 6:1
Mal. 4:2
Matthew 10:8
Mark 2:17
Luke 5:31
James 5:15
1 Peter 2:24
Rev. 22:2
RELYING ON DOCTORS AND MEDICINE
2 Chr. 16:12,13
Job 13:4
Psalms 34:19; 108:12
Isaiah 30:1-3
Jer. 17:5-7,14
Hosea 5:13
Mark 5:25-29
Luke 8:43
MADE PERFECT THROUGH SUFFERING
Job 5:18; 23:10
Psalms 50:5; 119:67,71
Isaiah 48:10
Jer. 31:18
Hosea 5:15; 6:1
Romans 8:17
2 Cor. 4:17
Hebrews 2:10; 5:7-9; 12:10,11
1 Peter 4:1,12; 5:1,9,10
Rev. 3:19
Seek, and ye shall find ( Matthew 7:7).
In His Service.
Andy & Dianne van den Berg - Nova Scotia, Canada
Isaiah 14:24, 26-27 - The LORD of Hosts has sworn: "Surely, as I have planned, so will it be; as I have purposed, so will it stand. This the plan devised for the whole earth, and this is the hand stretched out over all the nations. The LORD of Hosts has purposed, and who can thwart Him? His hand is outstretched, so who can turn it back?
Ephesians 1:4-5 - According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.
Isaiah 46:9-11 - Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me. I distinguish the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come, saying: 'My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure.' I summon a bird of prey from the east, a man for My purpose from a far-off land. Truly I have spoken, truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, I will surely do it.
Isaiah 48:3 - I foretold the former things long ago; they came out of My mouth and I proclaimed them.
Suddenly I acted, and they came to pass.
Acts 4:28 - They carried out what Your hand and purpose had decided beforehand would happen.
Daniel 4:35 - All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, 'What have You done?'"
The confidence we have is that God is trustworthy. He is not fickle. If God says we will be eternally perfect, we will be. If God had created Adam and Eve perfect, they would have been. And neither they, nor the devil would have rebelled against God.
The Future as an observable entity one can observe or even travel into is a logical contradiction and practical impossibility. If there were such a thing as a Future God could be aware of, outside of Himself, then God would be subject to whatever is set in that Future. That is, if God is aware of events outside of Himself, that will take place, then He is bound by that knowledge and can't act to change what He knows to be true. God would therefore, not be free. The Future would determine what He does, given that what He knows about what will happen as fact, must happen. Let me explain. If God knows, through intuition, knowledge, vision, prescience or because He is all-knowing, then what He knows to be the fact, must in fact happen. Otherwise, He would be wrong about what He understood or the Future would not be certain.
If the Future God knows is not certain, then what God knows, is questionable. But if what He knows about the Future is in fact true, then God is locked into behaving as the Future reveals and incapable of changing it. Example: Jesus knows the Temple will be torn down at a specific time in the future. If the Temple is not torn down at that time, then Jesus was wrong about what He knew about future events. In other words, what Jesus knows about the future, has to take place. Otherwise, He doesn't know the future.
Therefore, we have to conclude that if God tells us something that will happen, it is not because He has some insight into the future. It has to be because He specifically planned and set it up that way. God cannot be a prisoner of the future. He has to be logically able to act freely.
Look at this passage: "...I am He; I am the first and the last... the LORD GOD and His Spirit hath SENT ME." Isaiah 48:12,16. This is Jesus, who was sent to this world by His Father and the Spirit.
Do you have a Bible comment or question?
Please Sign In or Register to post comments...
Report Comment
Which best represents the problem with the comment?