"St Mark presents the parables of Jesus as mysteries so 'his doctrine' explains the familial relationship of the Father Son in terms of the earth."
"And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,/Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow"
Here we see what makes the Gospel of St Mark distinct from others, especially that of St Matthew to which it has more affinity an others. In three chapters St Mark having revealed the power of the Son in healing of demons states the concept of family with God as the only Father includes both heaven and the earth on single standard: faith.
The significance of the Parable of the Sower owes to the faith which incorporates both heaven and the earth as one entity: the kingdom of God.
Before the worlds began God sent forth his word which shall not return to him void. So the harvest at the end ought to teach us the one world at a time as interpreted by false teachers is not from God. Satan has spread his tares so denying deity to Jesus the word become flesh by some is from bad motives. "But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come."(v.29)
The seed is good as the ground which is good. So we have the yield. "And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred."(v.8). The variation in yield shows up the nature of heart, a spiritual space. God formed all hearts alike and tries their works. :He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.:(Ps.33:15)
St Matthew presents the Sermon on the Mount, which in order to give a context of the Alpha and Omega aspect of the Son is set against the mountain. St Marks presents 'his doctrine' in terms of the two worlds framed by his word. So the earth is not to be detached from heaven where the word sown , fruit of which are yet to collected as well.
Mystery of heaven or of the earth is not in itself but is in the Son. Mystery of his Father was in his Will and consequently it as the unseen world was made to appear. God framed the worlds by his world and this mystery can only be explained by what is made to appear. (He.11:3). This being the case the Spirit gives us this line, " If any man have ears to hear, let him hear."(v.23). The key is faith, nothing else. So Jesus employed parables mystery of the kingdom of God can only be opened by faith and enter therein with the help of the Son. All other vain exercises, are temporal and not from God. So the world and how the system works so any fool may aspire to the highest office and sit there is temporal. "while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."(2 Co.4:18) So when we saw a dictator like Joseph Stalin striding like a Colossus for some 30 years, there was this mystery of divine Will also at work. Having caused some 20 million deaths he went out like a flesh. What was he but a flash in the pan! What is seen is temporal. Crooks fools innocents saints and all, have had their day. But the earth abides forever because the mystery of the Will is in lockstep with the Son fulfilling it. It is to this the key text refers. "He (man) knoweth not how./For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear." It is as deep calls unto the deep.
In an astonishing cosmic cycle that occurs every 2.4 million years, Mars' gravitational pull is shifting Earth's path around the sun, warming its climate and increasing vigorous deep ocean circulation, according to a new study published a week ago in the journal Nature Communications. God is in charge, for sure. So nations beat the drum, instead of joy what it brings, destruction! The Soviet empire collapsed within 8 decades.
Heresies did not occur happenstance; but their knowledge of good and evil is still where the fall of man left it. Eve let truth given to her aside and let the counsel of the serpent, that seemed better' decide. She let the context determine if it is good or evil. Thus the context of glory of this world has created in them a contextual truth so they serve both God and mammon. If Adam was not trustworthy with the glory and true riches let him as the Parable of the Shred Steward tells,"for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light./And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations./ He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much."( Luke 16:8-11)
"And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables" Mark gives us mystery of the family as is in heaven and on earth where God is one. He has set his throne which is the throne of sovereignty. He blessed all in his Son and the mystery is of his Will.
St Paul makes his sovereignty as the central plank so his good pleasure in his Son extended to all who received him in faith:
1:"hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ." This refers to the everlasting covenant where on day Six God expresses "behold, it was good"(Ge.1:31). This covenant is inclusive so it is not any nation but whosoever received the Son should have adoption, of children as stated in the next:
2: "as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, "unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,(Ep.1:3-6). So the man is adopted to himself so he is 'the Father who art in heaven.'
3: everlasting life is conditional so John's Gospel assures us "That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."( John 3:16). Today is the day of salvation is now while we are in our vile bodies and it refers our world of flesh and blood. Simultaneously the day refers in heaven as long as the Alpha and Omega mode of Jesus Christ extends and it is not for us to know. The point is we are saved according to the covenant, when we died to the world and to sin. We have a building of God, a spiritual body awaiting us. (2 Co.5:1)
Mark tells us in the next verse those who have dismissed this mystery shall not benefit from parables. "That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them."(4:12). Heresies did not occur happenstance.
Christ's ultimate sacrifice: Primary purpose was to do God's will.
In studying Christ's death on the cross and the resulting salvation of our souls it is no small thing to focus attention and time on such a matter on a regular basis. At least from our perspective the meaning to us personally must be considered with all due reverence for how He took us from death to life. John 17:6-8 makes clear that God was the one who gave Christ all the ones who were to be saved. The following verses ask for unity among them all; and to be in the world but not of it (in general). These verses prayed during His agony in Gethsemane are the summation of much of the earlier chapters in John clearly showing that God was the one who predetermined (predestined) all those who would be saved and hear His voice as His sheep.
However you slice it; there are some who will and will not come to Christ. Also God knows ahead of time who these people are so therefore certainly could have designated ahead of time who would be sheep and who would be a goat; who would be wheat and who a tare; etc. In other words; it wasn't up to Christ to give out any information that could lead someone to the truth in a merely intellectual manner and therefore much of His ministry was spent teaching in parables. Compare Mark 4:12 with Luke 8:12. The lack of insight given so that people can be saved is clear from the first passage; but Satan is used as the agent to blind men's hearts in the second example in Luke of the seed by the wayside.
There are as Deuteronomy 29:29 states some things in the Divine counsel which men are not privy to. Certain things can be searched out; however ( Proverbs 25:2). John 3:16 states that God so loved the world and sent His Son. We should keep in mind here that Christ came first and foremost to do the Father's will. All those called and chosen would be saved EXCEPT for the prophesied son of perdition (see Psalm 69:25; Psalm 41:9; Psalm 109).
"For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear." ( Mark 4:28)
Here we have a variation of the fruit-bearing tree with 'seed in itself' stated in the Abstract that shall never change. This is part of MOU between God and Man.(Ge.1:11) Any abrogation of the terms would be self-defeating since it the Law or the Word that is on the line. God cannot deny himself. It is His holiness.
The earth abides forever because it signifies the Son in the divine Will and a day is decreed for him and at the end of it there shall be gathering in sheaves. In the Parable of the Tares, we have this "and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn."(Matt.13:30)
There is a time lapse which explains the principle of Similitude where realities of heaven is compared with that of the earth. There is a variation also in the yield. In terms of Isaac blessings of God is converted in terms of yield. "Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him."(Ge.26:12) Cf. "But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold."(Matt.13:8) How come such variations though God created all hearts alike He tests their works and find their faith is not alike.(Ps.33:15) It is what the King's dream was all about.
(Dan.2:28-45)
Either we gather with Christ Jesus or we scatter which is what we find with the miry clay. Those who mixed God's word with doctrine of men "and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them." There is no place for them. It is what God does to the tares. Megachurches mean nothing; neither does it mean anything because the apostate church backed the winner. What shall they do when the rock hits them?
Jeremiah 17:8 along with Psalm 1 bring out the benefits of a tree whose roots are planted near the water. This steadfast faith in the Lord is contrasted in the next verse which describes the vicissitudes of the heart of unregenerate man. These vital concepts describe the state of a soul; who needs to be vigilant to bearing fruit and testing themselves to see if they are in the faith is a necessary prerequisite ( 2 Cor. 13:5). Those who do not bear fruit are cut off and burned; a figurative statement describing a very real state of the lost at Judgment Day (see John 15:2).
Surely all flesh is as grass ( 1 Peter 1:24) and like a vapor this life soon passes away ( James 4:14). Eternity is in men's hearts showing that indeed the nature of man is for their spirit to live forever after the body and soul perish ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). This means their legacy is either eternal glory and recognition of those things done while living for the Lord; or eternal damnation for the lack thereof. (see Matthew 25:34 and associated verses).
There is some hope for us who still are producing works of wood; hay and stubble ( 2 Tim. 2:21-23) to change to better works if we have a foundation in Christ ( 1 Cor. 3:11). This results in varying degrees or levels in the harvest and subsequent reward for those who are saved (see also Mark 4:20).
Those in the flesh and not Born Again can only interpret what they see around them in the world (the actions of others who serve as their peers and interpreted through their own understanding). God alone as I see it through predestination determines who will be saved. On our end it takes a fair evaluation of who we really are as compared to a righteous God which then leads to godly sorrow and repentance (which is indeed a gift from God as about half a dozen scriptures indicate). John 16:8 must enlighten us to our desperate plight that SHOULD be aided by proper evangelism appealing for individuals to repent.
2 Timothy 2:21 shows that we can clean ourselves so that we are not just vessels of clay but can be vessels of honor. Jesus tells us that he purges branches to produce more fruit ( John 15:2). We thus face that the lost are nothing but dead branches or profane vessels but we can through sanctification work towards purification and honor. We can perhaps see this also with the parable of the sower where some have the thorns of worldly cares snuff them out. ( Mark 4:18-19). A truly saved individual will pass the test of the trials which God places to test His own (see 1 Peter 1:7).
To succeed we need to be hidden in Christ ( Colossians 3:3) and truly be dead in Christ. Our old nature is impossible to put to death otherwise and will forever try to resurrect itself. God has put eternity into the hearts of men ( Ecclesiastes 3:11); yet that verse shows we cannot see to understand God who is basically beyond time and ourselves. Perhaps self preservation is a reflection that we are an eternal soul; thankfully God has the upper hand for those He has called and predestined will make it to glorification; and that for eternity ( Romans 8:30).
The concept of redemption or Kinsman redeemer is seen with the story of Ruth. Christ redeemed us from among men through His atoning sacrifice ( Galatians 3:13). He purchased us with His blood. He has removed our sins as far as the east is from the west ( Psalm 103:12 also read verses 13 to 14). We have passed from death to life ( John 5:24). His Spirit bears witness with our spirit as to our salvation ( Romans 8:16).
These and many other promises are things to meditate on and give comfort. We can only undestand such things if we are spiritually discerned; however and one of His children. ( 1 Cor. 2:14-15). Let us test ourselves to see if we are in the faith therefore ( 2 Cor. 13:5-6).
Jesus affirmed,"A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit."(Matt.7:11) The Spirit introduced in the very outset to establish God as the First Cause and genealogies serve the purpose of creating a holy family from Seth onwards. It is thus predestination works. Many are called but few are chosen because the seed was not in those who did not make their election sure. (Matt.22:14)
Will of God as the cause and the Earth as the effect is neat but because of man's disobedience we have this question from Jesus. "Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?" Satan has slipped in tares and what heresies we find in our midst owe to two parallel governances of God and Satan. God shall purge the earth of all tares. "But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men."(2 Pe.3:7)
The Spirit introduced in the creation account seven days, which are the seven pillars of the house that Wisdom has hewn. (Pr.9:1) Think of each pillar as the cause in the divine Will of the Father; each pillar is built up in a sequence,- cause alternating with effect and it shall be a continual process. The writer to the Hebrews speaks about the Son "And upholding all things by the word of his power." God rested from his labors and there is a continual process going on which no one shall ever know unless it is revealed to him. Hannah in her new song sings thus, "For the pillars of the earth are the Lord's, and he hath set the world upon them."( 1 Sa. 2:8)
In John 6:15 we read that Jesus resisted those who wanted to install him as king by force. Jesus Christ would not want to be the king of the Jews under their terms. "How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?" (Matt.26:53-54-NKJV)
It allowed no room for compromise. Temporal powers like of Imperial Rome are 'tares slipped in by the enemy'.
"For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear."
Here we are looking at the Parable of Jesus where the field is the world. The sower in the Gospel of St Mathew is God and the good seed is the word of God. St Matthew gives us four types of the ground that received it. In the parlance of the Spirit Number 4 is the word of God being true whether in north, south east or west.
Whereas the key verse quoted from St Mark speaks of the earth that abides forever.(Ec.1:4) God framed the worlds by his word so the writer to the Hebrews gives the will of God having an effect (He.11:3). It is faith of God given its full scope so there is no correction, or modification would be required. Consequently the entire divine Will beginning to show in a sequence,- and there be no variation. First the blade then the ear and so on. St Mark lays emphasis on eternal nature of the word of God, faith and hearts of men, which God formed alike.(Ps.33:15) So it is not an objective lesson from the nature that we are looking at. It is about Christ as the head and of the church.
This idea we find in the creation account, where 'seed in itself' speaks of a holy family, "And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so."(Ge.1:11) God commanded and the effect we read thus:"And it was so." Heaven signifies the will of God and the earth represented by the Son, (the visible image of the invisible God-Col.1:15) sets forth a chain of sequences that we call the church, or in whom is the seed of truth. Full corn in the ear is when 'the one seated upon the throne shall say, "It is done." "And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end."
And He earnestly warned them not to tell who He was. ( Mark 3:12).
This and 22 other verses apparently exist in the Gospels where Jesus warned either people or the demons cast out of individuals not to tell anyone who He was. This seems to be particularly focused on the area where the Jews were; for we see exceptions with these examples:
They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. ( Mark 5:1). Here after Jesus cast the legion of demons out of a man he told him to NOT follow Him right away "Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." ( Mark 5:19).
We see the same principal with the woman at the well. John 4 doesn't give any explicit command for the woman to stop; but she goes to her town and brings others; who come to faith and He remains 2 days with an unnamed town of Samaritans who also come to faith after hearing from Christ after the woman told them to come.
These incidences above show how the contrast exists with the Pharisees and religious order who were hell bent literally to oppose and try to destroy Christ from the onset. Christ had to ensure that His time wouldn't come until 3 1/2 years after he started the public ministry; as it was there were about 10 attempts on His life before the Crucifixion at the set time. This also showed a lack of faith in general among His own people; a Prophet is not honored in his hometown ( Mark 6:4). Contrast that with the pasage above and others where He stayed multiple days and no doubt they didn't want Him to leave.
This situation lead; no doubt to Jesus speaking in Parables which at one point at least He ONLY did when speaking to the crowds. ( Matthew 13:34; Mark 4:34). This is quite astonishing and shows how facts alone don't convince hardened hearts. Perhaps it allowed less people to blasphemy the Spirit the unforgiveable sin or cause other to be persuaded such ( Matthew 12:31).
Genesis 13:14-17 And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the LAND which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed FOR EVER. And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered. Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.
Hebrews 11:8-10 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an INHERITANCE, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the LAND OF PROMISE, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the HEIRS with him of the SAME PROMISE: For he looked for a CITY WHICH HATH FOUNDATIONS, whose BUILDER AND MAKER IS GOD.
Hebrews 11:13-18 These all died in faith, not having received the PROMISES, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were STRANGERS and PILGRIMS on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a BETTER COUNTRY , that is, an HEAVENLY: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God:
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 Promise of the Land, the Inheritance, the City, is the Kingdom of God, New Heavens and New Earth which are, ETERNAL, FOR EVER. It is not a piece of property on this sin-cursed earth which will be destroyed.
Thanks David0921. I'm sorry that I did not address the Scriptures you gave earlier as my comment would have been too long.
So to Revelation 13:8: "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world". I understand that the Lamb of God was to be the Sacrifice for mankind's sins, preordained/predestined even before the worlds were framed together. This verse's central point is that Jesus was brought forth as God's Lamb purely for the purpose of sacrificial death in demonstration of God's Love. Those who now under the Blood (OT & NT saints) are written in that Book of Life, otherwise referred to as the Lamb's Book of Life.
Mark 4:33,34 & Psalm 78:2: "parables". I understand that you equate the mention of 'parable' in these references as having the same meaning. That is not always the case. The parables that Jesus spoke were simple stories people could understand & relate to, but they pointed to the intended picture of the nature of God's Kingdom (which they could not comprehend).
The OT also had accounts given in a similar parable style (as in 2 Samuel 12:1-4; Isaiah 5:1-7; & others). But Psalm 78:2 you quoted (& in others), the Psalmist is not sharing just a story with a spiritual meaning, but some of the history of Israel which he hoped would stir the hearts & minds of his readers to learn from. So there is a difference in the meaning of 'parable', even as the Hebrew word, 'mashal' suggests, & Psalm 78:2 makes no suggestion to Jesus' use of such parables. To Page 2.
Revelation 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of THE LAMB SLAIN FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD.
Mark 4:33,34 And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it. But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
Psalms 78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
Chris,
The efficacy of Christ's payment for the sins of ALL whom He has saved or ever will save extends throughout the history of the world beginning from creation.
The Ceremonial Laws which Old Testament Israel were commanded to observe were "historical parables" designed to teach them, and us, about the nature of Salvation, the forgiveness of sins. Observance of these Ceremonial Laws did not save anyone. And apart from Salvation, there is no forgiveness of sins.
Old Testament Israel did not have the whole Bible as we do today; so there understanding of the Nature of Salvation would not have been nearly as complete as ours should be today. Although Jesus was critical of Nicodemus for not understanding that we must be "Born Again".
But God does not require an extensive knowledge of the Word of God to save because Salvation is 100% the Work of God Alone, i.e. Grace Alone. The Salvation of the 120,000 Ninevites who humbled themselves and repented of their wickedness at the preaching of Jonah is a beautiful example.
So once again, there is ONE AND ONLY ONE Salvation for anyone whom God saves throughout the history of the world. And that Salvation is by God's Grace Alone, apart from any obedience to the Law of God.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Acts 7:38 This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:
Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock{the LORD Jesus Christ}I will build my church{the Eternal Church, All True Believers throughout history, the ISRAEL OF GOD}; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Mark 4:34 But without a PARABLE spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
The historical events that God records in the Bible are absolutely accurate in their historical account. But God did not record these events in the first instance to give us a history lesson. They are recorded to teach us some aspect of the Gospel which is God's Judgment and Salvation program for Mankind and this World.
And the Book of Jeremiah, like the entire Bible, is exactly that.
The following are the fundamental rules of Bible interpretation that the God lays down:
Christ is the author of the Bible. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we behold his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:1,14
...the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit 2 Peter 1:21
Christ spoke in parables (earthly stories with a spiritual meaning). But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples. Mark 4:34
We compare spiritual with spiritual. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:13
As we approach the end of the world, and Christ's return, God is unsealing truths that have been kept sealed until the time of the end. This is spoken of as a vision that will speak at the end and not lie.
Daniel 12:9-10 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
Habakkuk 2:2-3 And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie:though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
The historical-grammatical method of interpretation is not found in the Bible. It seeks to discover the writer's intended meaning, customs of the times, and the writer's intended audience and thus fails to recognize that God is the author and that the whole Bible is written for us today.
Mark 4:10-12 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
When God uses the term "Israel" or "Judah" or "Jerusalem" He can be talking about the corporate body(National Israel or the New Testament Church) or ALL True Believers (the Elect of God). When talking about Salvation and the Gospel it is usually the latter; this is the case in Jeremiah as in many other parts of the Bible.
Furthermore, God is revealing truth in our Day that was hidden until we are near the end. Daniel 12:4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
God did not write the Bible in a way that it can be read like any other book to understand truth. We must use the principles that God establishes in the Bible to interpret Scripture. And then it is only God Himself that opens our spiritual understanding as we compare Scripture with Scripture applying those principles.
Habakkuk 2:3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
The liberty that you indirectly or directly speaking of, is an allowance or plead to continue in sin, resulting in a form of godliness but denying the power to make you truly godly. Your book learning that you so greatly esteem, has veiled you to shun the cross. Rom 8:5; Philippians 3:3; Philippians 3:18,19; No wonder Holy Spirit led me into mentioning the cross in our previous discussion, which you says, you didn't understand why I would mention this as relating to our topic. John 1:5; Reread.
Sad to say, as of now, these things maybe hidden from you & according to your faith, so is it being done unto you, for how can an unclean faith bring forth a pure vessel, 2 Timothy 2:21;
God in His great love for you is reaching out to you, I have not spoken from myself, but waited for His counsel in all our conversations, this is O & NT pattern; I've spoken plainly & felt from the beginning in reading your testimony, that God has a future purpose for you, when a farmer plants a seed, it takes much nurturing & patience & pruning to bring about fruit, but it is only accomplish within us, by a sincere love for the Truth, especially when His two edged sword is facing towards us, this I have had very much experience in. There He will make us to know His wisdom that is from above. & yet, same sword that cuts, also heals, bless the Lord, don't allow His Seed to remain among thorns, Mark 4:7; Jeremiah 4:3,4; Rev 18:4;
Philippians 2:2-11 goes through a detailed synopsis of how Christ; a member of the infinite Godhead came to earth and humbled himself to live as a man and to die on a cross. We often focus on how Christ's intimacy with the Father was affected; with the peak of course being at the crucifixion ( Matt. 27:46). The reverse; no doubt would have been excruciating for God the Father as well. For Christ to die for His enemies is beyond our comprehension; but for the Father in His eternal plans to plan on crushing the Son ( Isaiah 53:10) is also beyond our understanding. Yet God was "pleased" to do this!
The victory was complete; when He said "it is finished" and gave up his spirit at death. ( John 19:30). Death could not overtake Him ( Acts 2:24-32).
Looking at the entire earthly existence of Christ we see how profoundly He humbled Himself as a servant. One who created the heavens and the earth chose to live with total abandon to the cause; He had no place to rest His head ( Matt. 8:20). No doubt there were transient lodgings as recorded in scripture; the only place where it mentioned Him sleeping was on the boat ( Mark 4:38). Often He was up before dawn praying; and before He chose the 12 Disciples He was up all night ( Luke 6:12). Being the Son of God of course He knew all things; but nonetheless prayer was a key factor indicating communion with God. In the case of Peter Jesus prayed against the Devil's schemes ( Luke 22:32); in that case He knew about Peter's eventual restoration and strengthening of His brothers before the denial at Christ's trial took place. Doubtless He also prayed similar ways for the others; and clearly in these passages He knew all would betray Him as the prophecies indicate ( Matt. 26:31 from prophecy in Zech. 13:7). He also demonstrated the ultimate care for His mother ( John 19:25-29); but always put God above men's desires ( Matt. 12:46-50).
Hebrews 4:15 allows Him to intercede ( Heb. 7:25).
Chris, tell me, the experience you spoke of in your car, did you pull out your Strong's concordance for understanding, to correct your thoughts or for that matter to make you aware them? Or, was it the Light of God Spirit within you, that admonish you? Ephesians 5:13;
New life equated; being free from sin, not just in & of itself, but the best part, being partakers of the Divine Nature, union with John 17:21,22,23; Jesus came to show us the image & likeness that God created man in, Matt 11:29; Gal 5:22-24; this is the true dignity & glory of our creation, & how he took dominion over the earth. Mark 6:48,49; Mark 4:39-41; Matt 17:27; etc; fulfilling Gen 1:26 & will ultimately fulfill it through His body, the church, here on earth as it is in heaven.
I have not stated; as you're implying the perfecting of the body, physically, it still remains under the penalty of sin consequences. Yet can be pure & holy, being animated by the new birth & renewing of the mind by His Spirit; John 3:3-6; 1Thess 5:23,24; "wholly", not of position only, but possession.
The anti-Christ is Satan himself. Throughout history many have tried to identify the anti-Christ as some tyrant or other dastardly human being. But none of that fits when we understand that there are only two kingdoms that God is primarily concerned about. These two kingdoms are the Kingdom of Christ and the kingdom of Satan. And the warfare that exists between these two kingdoms is a Spiritual warfare. It is not national, political or social.
All of mankind throughout history ultimately belongs to one of those two kingdoms.
And much of the language that God uses in speaking about those two kingdoms is parabolic in nature.
We must remember:
Mark 4:9-13 And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them. And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?
Mark 4:33,34 And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it. But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
Psalms 78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
One of the principles for interpreting the Bible is laid down in Mark 4:33-34.
And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it. But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
The book of Revelation is replete with parabolic language that must be understood spiritually and not absolutely literally. And I understand that is not a very comfortable statement to accept for those that want to look at every verse in the Bible very literally. But it is what the Bible declares.
Unfortunately that makes the Bible very difficult to understand in many instances. And much of Revelation falls into that category.
The "first resurrection" spoken of in Rev 20 is, I believe, what happens when our spiritually dead soul becomes Born Again, i.e. raised to life, and God gives that person a brand new "resurrected soul". That person then is not subject to the "second death" i.e. the wrath of God which will be experienced if we have not become saved.
The Resurrection of our bodies occurs at the Last Day, simultaneous with the Rapture when believers will receive their Resurrected Spiritual bodies.
The 1000 years in Rev 20, I believe, is referring to the binding of Satan at the time of the Cross until the beginning of the Great Tribulation when Satan is loosed. ( Matt 24 and Mark 13).
This is a very incomplete answer to your questions, I know.
The following are the fundamental principles of Bible study that the God Himself lays down in the Bible:
Christ is the author of the whole Bible. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we behold his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." John 1:1,14
"Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit" 2 Peter 1:21
Christ spoke in parables, earthly stories with a heavenly meaning. "But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples." Mark 4:34
We compare spiritual with spiritual. "Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual." 1 Corinthians 2:13
The historical-grammatical method of interpretation employed by the churches seeks to discover the writer's intended meaning, and thus fails to recognize that God is the author and that we are to compare spiritual things with spiritual to discover the underlying gospel message.
Moreover, the churches fail to recognize that as we approach the end of the world, where we are today, God is unsealing truths that have been kept sealed until the time of the end ( Daniel 12:9-10). This is spoken of in the Bible as a vision that will speak at the end and not lie.
"And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand."
"And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry." Habakkuk 2:2-3
Luke 12:3 and Matthew 12:36 are eye opening; as we are to give account for everything said and nothing is secret to God.
I would like to say that I don't do any grumbling or complaining; but alas then I would be lying. Thankfully anything but blasphemy against the Spirit can be forgiven. As Jesus pointed out to the self-righteous Pharisees; these bad fruits come from within. And 2 Peter 2:21 makes it clear that it is better not to have known the truth than to become reprobate. The blood of Christ is our only hope as Jeremiah 17:9 shows how sick the heart is.
There are Post Millennialists who dispute this; but I don't believe anyone from the church age who is a believer will be at the Great White Throne Judgment. I DO have the opinion that since the verse indicates that those who aren't in the Book of Life are going to the lake of fire; there is room for those who physically survive the Millennial period to go through that as saved people and hence be translated into heaven without dying.
In any event; 1 Corinthians 3:15 indicates that one can make it into heaven and suffer loss. That would be analogous to losing rewards as Revelation 3:11 warns. Paul indicates how we run for the prize. Only a few gain great rewards; as would be indicated by those making 100 fold as opposed to 30 fold returns or others ( Mark 4:20). We should not be confined to just the saved and lost divisions when scripture gives us admonitions for certain crowns that those who persevere; are martyred or are pastors as well as other situations are given for faithfulness.
Matthew 6:19-21 shows us that our treasure is to be in heaven. And that means that He must trust us with earthly riches as well ( Luke 16:10-12) as a test; a prerequisite for heavenly riches. Our brothers in Christ that we support in the ministry will be able to enjoy the harvest with us (see John 4:37). That and personal witnessing are components of fulfilling the Great Commission to finish well.
hi Giannis! I can see where you might think I was saying that epilepsy is a sin. I was not saying that all cases of epilepsy are sin. The main cause for epilepsy is stress on the body. Whether that stress is caused by sin in the life of the body or by something ells. Only the person struggling with it can tell where that stress is coming from. I was trying to say that according to the KJB and some research that I have done, that the words lunatic and epileptic are derivative from the same latin word lunaticus which originally referred mainly to epilepsy and madness, as diseases thought to be caused by the moon. The King James Bible records "lunatic" in the Gospel of Matthew, which has been interpreted as a reference to epilepsy. I have had epileptic symptoms while committing the sin of adultery therefore the stress of knowing that I am committing sin is causing my epilepsy. It's a shame that we have drifted so fare from God that we start putting names for sin so that we can diagnose it as a disease or mental disorder when God just called it sin. The definition for lunatic is "great or wild foolishness" And anyone that would trade Gods love for pornography, adultery, lust, or any of the things in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 or anything that cools our affection for God is a lunatic and sore vexed with sin. I might add that LUST is a sin. Romans 1:21-32James 1:14-15Mark 4:19Matthew 5:27-28 What I am trying to accomplish in this fast is Psalms 51:9-17
P.S. Yes I am married to a wonderful woman that is supporting me in this fast and is helping through this. She prays for me every day.
The H.G. has to be born in us via the seed of Jesus which are his living words...As my words are spirit and life impling there is a baby Christ in his words which is the H.G. our new hearts and new spirit...A kingdom...Thats y Jesus is saying that which is born of the spirit is spirit...which is the H.G.... A Child of Promise from his good seed sown in our hearts...They don't refer to Jesus as the bridegroom for nothin....He wants to know us....He wants to multiply himself in humanity as the field is the world...That good seed is in his voice thus today if you will hear his voice (the good seed ) harden not your hearts....There is a kingdom in his seed the living word.... Mark 4:26....The Kingdom of God will come as a man who sows seed in his field...But the wheat is a baby christ simply b/c the Sower of that good seed is Christ the bridegroom....She brought forth a manchild which is the H.G.....That is gonna rule all nations with his rod of iron...That spirit of truth that is gonna reprove this whole world of sin and judgement and righteousness... John 16:8 kjv....But he cannot speak of himself for a season simply b/c he is just a new born babe in us desiring the sincere milk of the word....Thats y Jesus said that which is BORN of the spirit is spirit....Kings shall be your nursing father and queens shall be your nuring mothers....Men and women are gonna birth a Baby Christ in their hearts....Jeremiah saw all men in travail and birth pains Jeremiah 30:6....27 times in the O.T. The prophets saw all the world in travail and birth pains....The H.G. is a baby Christ the kingdom...Unless ya receive the Kingdom of God as a lil child you will in no wise enter there in....When he breathe on them he was propagating a Baby Christ the son of man....The H.G....Is the Granson....Simply b/c the H.G. cannot be born in us without the seed of Jesus ...Thats y Isaiah refers to Jesus as everlasting father he is the father of the H.G....The H.G. can only be born in us via seed of Jesus.
To really hammer this home; I need to discuss the other technique the enemy uses; namely that of telling us what we want to hear. All throughout church history; there has been a vacillation between outright persecution of the saints and damnable heresies that allow for any distraction and comfort in this life to take over and blind men to the truth. I would propose that the latter is far more damaging to the Saints today. Fear of man is something scripture warns against; but also flattery such as is warned of in Daniel 11:32 which the Antichrist himself will use to convince others to break his covenant and attack the Jews in the midpoint of the Tribulation.
No matter how you slice it; if we aren't truly convinced that the admonitions and warnings of scripture are real in our souls; we are not delivering a message that will prick the consciences of the recipients. This is really the firm root in ourselves spoken of in the parable of the seed and the sowers. ( Mark 4:17). This comes in conjunction with trusting God; and having a willing attitude towards reading and obeying it. I have found that if we trust in the Lord enough we can fairly predictably see the course of events when one is in error; including ourselves of course. Many seem to think that the curses and blessings in the Old Testament only were relevant to the Old Covenant. I would argue not. There are certain things that are ceremonial laws; and I believe the Sabbath Day is overruled; as it were with the Son of Man being Lord of the Sabbath ( Matthew 12:8). As far as the other 9 of the 10 Commandments along with other scriptures these are universal laws affecting a covenant of marriage (fornication and adultery); the sacredness of human life (murder); and boundaries (see Deut. 32:8).
In light of this; a true believer has some awareness that they are in a Covenant relationship with their Lord and Savior. See 1 Cor. 6:19-20.
"St Mark presents the parables of Jesus as mysteries so 'his doctrine' explains the familial relationship of the Father Son in terms of the earth."
"And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,/Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow"
Here we see what makes the Gospel of St Mark distinct from others, especially that of St Matthew to which it has more affinity an others. In three chapters St Mark having revealed the power of the Son in healing of demons states the concept of family with God as the only Father includes both heaven and the earth on single standard: faith.
The significance of the Parable of the Sower owes to the faith which incorporates both heaven and the earth as one entity: the kingdom of God.
Before the worlds began God sent forth his word which shall not return to him void. So the harvest at the end ought to teach us the one world at a time as interpreted by false teachers is not from God. Satan has spread his tares so denying deity to Jesus the word become flesh by some is from bad motives. "But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come."(v.29)
The seed is good as the ground which is good. So we have the yield. "And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred."(v.8). The variation in yield shows up the nature of heart, a spiritual space. God formed all hearts alike and tries their works. :He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.:(Ps.33:15)
St Matthew presents the Sermon on the Mount, which in order to give a context of the Alpha and Omega aspect of the Son is set against the mountain. St Marks presents 'his doctrine' in terms of the two worlds framed by his word. So the earth is not to be detached from heaven where the word sown , fruit of which are yet to collected as well.
Mystery of heaven or of the earth is not in itself but is in the Son. Mystery of his Father was in his Will and consequently it as the unseen world was made to appear. God framed the worlds by his world and this mystery can only be explained by what is made to appear. (He.11:3). This being the case the Spirit gives us this line, " If any man have ears to hear, let him hear."(v.23). The key is faith, nothing else. So Jesus employed parables mystery of the kingdom of God can only be opened by faith and enter therein with the help of the Son. All other vain exercises, are temporal and not from God. So the world and how the system works so any fool may aspire to the highest office and sit there is temporal. "while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."(2 Co.4:18) So when we saw a dictator like Joseph Stalin striding like a Colossus for some 30 years, there was this mystery of divine Will also at work. Having caused some 20 million deaths he went out like a flesh. What was he but a flash in the pan! What is seen is temporal. Crooks fools innocents saints and all, have had their day. But the earth abides forever because the mystery of the Will is in lockstep with the Son fulfilling it. It is to this the key text refers. "He (man) knoweth not how./For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear." It is as deep calls unto the deep.
In an astonishing cosmic cycle that occurs every 2.4 million years, Mars' gravitational pull is shifting Earth's path around the sun, warming its climate and increasing vigorous deep ocean circulation, according to a new study published a week ago in the journal Nature Communications. God is in charge, for sure. So nations beat the drum, instead of joy what it brings, destruction! The Soviet empire collapsed within 8 decades.
Heresies did not occur happenstance; but their knowledge of good and evil is still where the fall of man left it. Eve let truth given to her aside and let the counsel of the serpent, that seemed better' decide. She let the context determine if it is good or evil. Thus the context of glory of this world has created in them a contextual truth so they serve both God and mammon. If Adam was not trustworthy with the glory and true riches let him as the Parable of the Shred Steward tells,"for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light./And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations./ He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much."( Luke 16:8-11)
"And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables" Mark gives us mystery of the family as is in heaven and on earth where God is one. He has set his throne which is the throne of sovereignty. He blessed all in his Son and the mystery is of his Will.
St Paul makes his sovereignty as the central plank so his good pleasure in his Son extended to all who received him in faith:
1:"hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ." This refers to the everlasting covenant where on day Six God expresses "behold, it was good"(Ge.1:31). This covenant is inclusive so it is not any nation but whosoever received the Son should have adoption, of children as stated in the next:
2: "as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, "unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,(Ep.1:3-6). So the man is adopted to himself so he is 'the Father who art in heaven.'
3: everlasting life is conditional so John's Gospel assures us "That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."( John 3:16). Today is the day of salvation is now while we are in our vile bodies and it refers our world of flesh and blood. Simultaneously the day refers in heaven as long as the Alpha and Omega mode of Jesus Christ extends and it is not for us to know. The point is we are saved according to the covenant, when we died to the world and to sin. We have a building of God, a spiritual body awaiting us. (2 Co.5:1)
Mark tells us in the next verse those who have dismissed this mystery shall not benefit from parables. "That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them."(4:12). Heresies did not occur happenstance.
In studying Christ's death on the cross and the resulting salvation of our souls it is no small thing to focus attention and time on such a matter on a regular basis. At least from our perspective the meaning to us personally must be considered with all due reverence for how He took us from death to life. John 17:6-8 makes clear that God was the one who gave Christ all the ones who were to be saved. The following verses ask for unity among them all; and to be in the world but not of it (in general). These verses prayed during His agony in Gethsemane are the summation of much of the earlier chapters in John clearly showing that God was the one who predetermined (predestined) all those who would be saved and hear His voice as His sheep.
However you slice it; there are some who will and will not come to Christ. Also God knows ahead of time who these people are so therefore certainly could have designated ahead of time who would be sheep and who would be a goat; who would be wheat and who a tare; etc. In other words; it wasn't up to Christ to give out any information that could lead someone to the truth in a merely intellectual manner and therefore much of His ministry was spent teaching in parables. Compare Mark 4:12 with Luke 8:12. The lack of insight given so that people can be saved is clear from the first passage; but Satan is used as the agent to blind men's hearts in the second example in Luke of the seed by the wayside.
There are as Deuteronomy 29:29 states some things in the Divine counsel which men are not privy to. Certain things can be searched out; however ( Proverbs 25:2). John 3:16 states that God so loved the world and sent His Son. We should keep in mind here that Christ came first and foremost to do the Father's will. All those called and chosen would be saved EXCEPT for the prophesied son of perdition (see Psalm 69:25; Psalm 41:9; Psalm 109).
"For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear." ( Mark 4:28)
Here we have a variation of the fruit-bearing tree with 'seed in itself' stated in the Abstract that shall never change. This is part of MOU between God and Man.(Ge.1:11) Any abrogation of the terms would be self-defeating since it the Law or the Word that is on the line. God cannot deny himself. It is His holiness.
The earth abides forever because it signifies the Son in the divine Will and a day is decreed for him and at the end of it there shall be gathering in sheaves. In the Parable of the Tares, we have this "and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn."(Matt.13:30)
There is a time lapse which explains the principle of Similitude where realities of heaven is compared with that of the earth. There is a variation also in the yield. In terms of Isaac blessings of God is converted in terms of yield. "Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him."(Ge.26:12) Cf. "But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold."(Matt.13:8) How come such variations though God created all hearts alike He tests their works and find their faith is not alike.(Ps.33:15) It is what the King's dream was all about.
(Dan.2:28-45)
Either we gather with Christ Jesus or we scatter which is what we find with the miry clay. Those who mixed God's word with doctrine of men "and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them." There is no place for them. It is what God does to the tares. Megachurches mean nothing; neither does it mean anything because the apostate church backed the winner. What shall they do when the rock hits them?
Acts 16:13, Acts 17:2 Acts 18:4
"Protestants do not realize that by observing Sunday they accept the authority of the Spokesperson, the Pope." ( Our Sunday Visitor February 5, 1950.)
Jeremiah 17:8 along with Psalm 1 bring out the benefits of a tree whose roots are planted near the water. This steadfast faith in the Lord is contrasted in the next verse which describes the vicissitudes of the heart of unregenerate man. These vital concepts describe the state of a soul; who needs to be vigilant to bearing fruit and testing themselves to see if they are in the faith is a necessary prerequisite ( 2 Cor. 13:5). Those who do not bear fruit are cut off and burned; a figurative statement describing a very real state of the lost at Judgment Day (see John 15:2).
Surely all flesh is as grass ( 1 Peter 1:24) and like a vapor this life soon passes away ( James 4:14). Eternity is in men's hearts showing that indeed the nature of man is for their spirit to live forever after the body and soul perish ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). This means their legacy is either eternal glory and recognition of those things done while living for the Lord; or eternal damnation for the lack thereof. (see Matthew 25:34 and associated verses).
There is some hope for us who still are producing works of wood; hay and stubble ( 2 Tim. 2:21-23) to change to better works if we have a foundation in Christ ( 1 Cor. 3:11). This results in varying degrees or levels in the harvest and subsequent reward for those who are saved (see also Mark 4:20).
Those in the flesh and not Born Again can only interpret what they see around them in the world (the actions of others who serve as their peers and interpreted through their own understanding). God alone as I see it through predestination determines who will be saved. On our end it takes a fair evaluation of who we really are as compared to a righteous God which then leads to godly sorrow and repentance (which is indeed a gift from God as about half a dozen scriptures indicate). John 16:8 must enlighten us to our desperate plight that SHOULD be aided by proper evangelism appealing for individuals to repent.
2 Timothy 2:21 shows that we can clean ourselves so that we are not just vessels of clay but can be vessels of honor. Jesus tells us that he purges branches to produce more fruit ( John 15:2). We thus face that the lost are nothing but dead branches or profane vessels but we can through sanctification work towards purification and honor. We can perhaps see this also with the parable of the sower where some have the thorns of worldly cares snuff them out. ( Mark 4:18-19). A truly saved individual will pass the test of the trials which God places to test His own (see 1 Peter 1:7).
To succeed we need to be hidden in Christ ( Colossians 3:3) and truly be dead in Christ. Our old nature is impossible to put to death otherwise and will forever try to resurrect itself. God has put eternity into the hearts of men ( Ecclesiastes 3:11); yet that verse shows we cannot see to understand God who is basically beyond time and ourselves. Perhaps self preservation is a reflection that we are an eternal soul; thankfully God has the upper hand for those He has called and predestined will make it to glorification; and that for eternity ( Romans 8:30).
The concept of redemption or Kinsman redeemer is seen with the story of Ruth. Christ redeemed us from among men through His atoning sacrifice ( Galatians 3:13). He purchased us with His blood. He has removed our sins as far as the east is from the west ( Psalm 103:12 also read verses 13 to 14). We have passed from death to life ( John 5:24). His Spirit bears witness with our spirit as to our salvation ( Romans 8:16).
These and many other promises are things to meditate on and give comfort. We can only undestand such things if we are spiritually discerned; however and one of His children. ( 1 Cor. 2:14-15). Let us test ourselves to see if we are in the faith therefore ( 2 Cor. 13:5-6).
Agape.
Jesus affirmed,"A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit."(Matt.7:11) The Spirit introduced in the very outset to establish God as the First Cause and genealogies serve the purpose of creating a holy family from Seth onwards. It is thus predestination works. Many are called but few are chosen because the seed was not in those who did not make their election sure. (Matt.22:14)
Will of God as the cause and the Earth as the effect is neat but because of man's disobedience we have this question from Jesus. "Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?" Satan has slipped in tares and what heresies we find in our midst owe to two parallel governances of God and Satan. God shall purge the earth of all tares. "But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men."(2 Pe.3:7)
The Spirit introduced in the creation account seven days, which are the seven pillars of the house that Wisdom has hewn. (Pr.9:1) Think of each pillar as the cause in the divine Will of the Father; each pillar is built up in a sequence,- cause alternating with effect and it shall be a continual process. The writer to the Hebrews speaks about the Son "And upholding all things by the word of his power." God rested from his labors and there is a continual process going on which no one shall ever know unless it is revealed to him. Hannah in her new song sings thus, "For the pillars of the earth are the Lord's, and he hath set the world upon them."( 1 Sa. 2:8)
In John 6:15 we read that Jesus resisted those who wanted to install him as king by force. Jesus Christ would not want to be the king of the Jews under their terms. "How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?" (Matt.26:53-54-NKJV)
It allowed no room for compromise. Temporal powers like of Imperial Rome are 'tares slipped in by the enemy'.
"Full Corn In The Ear" (1 of 2)
"For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear."
Here we are looking at the Parable of Jesus where the field is the world. The sower in the Gospel of St Mathew is God and the good seed is the word of God. St Matthew gives us four types of the ground that received it. In the parlance of the Spirit Number 4 is the word of God being true whether in north, south east or west.
Whereas the key verse quoted from St Mark speaks of the earth that abides forever.(Ec.1:4) God framed the worlds by his word so the writer to the Hebrews gives the will of God having an effect (He.11:3). It is faith of God given its full scope so there is no correction, or modification would be required. Consequently the entire divine Will beginning to show in a sequence,- and there be no variation. First the blade then the ear and so on. St Mark lays emphasis on eternal nature of the word of God, faith and hearts of men, which God formed alike.(Ps.33:15) So it is not an objective lesson from the nature that we are looking at. It is about Christ as the head and of the church.
This idea we find in the creation account, where 'seed in itself' speaks of a holy family, "And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so."(Ge.1:11) God commanded and the effect we read thus:"And it was so." Heaven signifies the will of God and the earth represented by the Son, (the visible image of the invisible God-Col.1:15) sets forth a chain of sequences that we call the church, or in whom is the seed of truth. Full corn in the ear is when 'the one seated upon the throne shall say, "It is done." "And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end."
This and 22 other verses apparently exist in the Gospels where Jesus warned either people or the demons cast out of individuals not to tell anyone who He was. This seems to be particularly focused on the area where the Jews were; for we see exceptions with these examples:
They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. ( Mark 5:1). Here after Jesus cast the legion of demons out of a man he told him to NOT follow Him right away "Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." ( Mark 5:19).
We see the same principal with the woman at the well. John 4 doesn't give any explicit command for the woman to stop; but she goes to her town and brings others; who come to faith and He remains 2 days with an unnamed town of Samaritans who also come to faith after hearing from Christ after the woman told them to come.
These incidences above show how the contrast exists with the Pharisees and religious order who were hell bent literally to oppose and try to destroy Christ from the onset. Christ had to ensure that His time wouldn't come until 3 1/2 years after he started the public ministry; as it was there were about 10 attempts on His life before the Crucifixion at the set time. This also showed a lack of faith in general among His own people; a Prophet is not honored in his hometown ( Mark 6:4). Contrast that with the pasage above and others where He stayed multiple days and no doubt they didn't want Him to leave.
This situation lead; no doubt to Jesus speaking in Parables which at one point at least He ONLY did when speaking to the crowds. ( Matthew 13:34; Mark 4:34). This is quite astonishing and shows how facts alone don't convince hardened hearts. Perhaps it allowed less people to blasphemy the Spirit the unforgiveable sin or cause other to be persuaded such ( Matthew 12:31).
The TRUE presence of God causes division
Genesis 13:14-17 And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the LAND which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed FOR EVER. And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered. Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.
Hebrews 11:8-10 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an INHERITANCE, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the LAND OF PROMISE, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the HEIRS with him of the SAME PROMISE: For he looked for a CITY WHICH HATH FOUNDATIONS, whose BUILDER AND MAKER IS GOD.
Hebrews 11:13-18 These all died in faith, not having received the PROMISES, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were STRANGERS and PILGRIMS on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a BETTER COUNTRY , that is, an HEAVENLY: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God:
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 Promise of the Land, the Inheritance, the City, is the Kingdom of God, New Heavens and New Earth which are, ETERNAL, FOR EVER. It is not a piece of property on this sin-cursed earth which will be destroyed.
Christ "spoke in parables" Mark 4:33,34.
Thanks David0921. I'm sorry that I did not address the Scriptures you gave earlier as my comment would have been too long.
So to Revelation 13:8: "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world". I understand that the Lamb of God was to be the Sacrifice for mankind's sins, preordained/predestined even before the worlds were framed together. This verse's central point is that Jesus was brought forth as God's Lamb purely for the purpose of sacrificial death in demonstration of God's Love. Those who now under the Blood (OT & NT saints) are written in that Book of Life, otherwise referred to as the Lamb's Book of Life.
Mark 4:33,34 & Psalm 78:2: "parables". I understand that you equate the mention of 'parable' in these references as having the same meaning. That is not always the case. The parables that Jesus spoke were simple stories people could understand & relate to, but they pointed to the intended picture of the nature of God's Kingdom (which they could not comprehend).
The OT also had accounts given in a similar parable style (as in 2 Samuel 12:1-4; Isaiah 5:1-7; & others). But Psalm 78:2 you quoted (& in others), the Psalmist is not sharing just a story with a spiritual meaning, but some of the history of Israel which he hoped would stir the hearts & minds of his readers to learn from. So there is a difference in the meaning of 'parable', even as the Hebrew word, 'mashal' suggests, & Psalm 78:2 makes no suggestion to Jesus' use of such parables. To Page 2.
Revelation 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of THE LAMB SLAIN FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD.
Mark 4:33,34 And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it. But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
Psalms 78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
Chris,
The efficacy of Christ's payment for the sins of ALL whom He has saved or ever will save extends throughout the history of the world beginning from creation.
The Ceremonial Laws which Old Testament Israel were commanded to observe were "historical parables" designed to teach them, and us, about the nature of Salvation, the forgiveness of sins. Observance of these Ceremonial Laws did not save anyone. And apart from Salvation, there is no forgiveness of sins.
Old Testament Israel did not have the whole Bible as we do today; so there understanding of the Nature of Salvation would not have been nearly as complete as ours should be today. Although Jesus was critical of Nicodemus for not understanding that we must be "Born Again".
But God does not require an extensive knowledge of the Word of God to save because Salvation is 100% the Work of God Alone, i.e. Grace Alone. The Salvation of the 120,000 Ninevites who humbled themselves and repented of their wickedness at the preaching of Jonah is a beautiful example.
So once again, there is ONE AND ONLY ONE Salvation for anyone whom God saves throughout the history of the world. And that Salvation is by God's Grace Alone, apart from any obedience to the Law of God.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Acts 7:38 This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:
Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock{the LORD Jesus Christ}I will build my church{the Eternal Church, All True Believers throughout history, the ISRAEL OF GOD}; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Mark 4:34 But without a PARABLE spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
The historical events that God records in the Bible are absolutely accurate in their historical account. But God did not record these events in the first instance to give us a history lesson. They are recorded to teach us some aspect of the Gospel which is God's Judgment and Salvation program for Mankind and this World.
And the Book of Jeremiah, like the entire Bible, is exactly that.
The following are the fundamental rules of Bible interpretation that the God lays down:
Christ is the author of the Bible. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we behold his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:1,14
...the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit 2 Peter 1:21
Christ spoke in parables (earthly stories with a spiritual meaning). But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples. Mark 4:34
We compare spiritual with spiritual. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:13
As we approach the end of the world, and Christ's return, God is unsealing truths that have been kept sealed until the time of the end. This is spoken of as a vision that will speak at the end and not lie.
Daniel 12:9-10 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
Habakkuk 2:2-3 And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie:though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
The historical-grammatical method of interpretation is not found in the Bible. It seeks to discover the writer's intended meaning, customs of the times, and the writer's intended audience and thus fails to recognize that God is the author and that the whole Bible is written for us today.
If you feel inspired and have time, would you mind expounding on parables and Mark 4:10-12?
More specifically:
What is perception according to you and or scripture?
What is the purpose or meaning of "not understand" in verse 12?
Will you provide an example/s of a principle/s that God established to interpret scripture?
Peace
Mark 4:10-12 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
When God uses the term "Israel" or "Judah" or "Jerusalem" He can be talking about the corporate body(National Israel or the New Testament Church) or ALL True Believers (the Elect of God). When talking about Salvation and the Gospel it is usually the latter; this is the case in Jeremiah as in many other parts of the Bible.
Furthermore, God is revealing truth in our Day that was hidden until we are near the end. Daniel 12:4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
God did not write the Bible in a way that it can be read like any other book to understand truth. We must use the principles that God establishes in the Bible to interpret Scripture. And then it is only God Himself that opens our spiritual understanding as we compare Scripture with Scripture applying those principles.
Habakkuk 2:3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
The liberty that you indirectly or directly speaking of, is an allowance or plead to continue in sin, resulting in a form of godliness but denying the power to make you truly godly. Your book learning that you so greatly esteem, has veiled you to shun the cross. Rom 8:5; Philippians 3:3; Philippians 3:18,19; No wonder Holy Spirit led me into mentioning the cross in our previous discussion, which you says, you didn't understand why I would mention this as relating to our topic. John 1:5; Reread.
Sad to say, as of now, these things maybe hidden from you & according to your faith, so is it being done unto you, for how can an unclean faith bring forth a pure vessel, 2 Timothy 2:21;
God in His great love for you is reaching out to you, I have not spoken from myself, but waited for His counsel in all our conversations, this is O & NT pattern; I've spoken plainly & felt from the beginning in reading your testimony, that God has a future purpose for you, when a farmer plants a seed, it takes much nurturing & patience & pruning to bring about fruit, but it is only accomplish within us, by a sincere love for the Truth, especially when His two edged sword is facing towards us, this I have had very much experience in. There He will make us to know His wisdom that is from above. & yet, same sword that cuts, also heals, bless the Lord, don't allow His Seed to remain among thorns, Mark 4:7; Jeremiah 4:3,4; Rev 18:4;
Philippians 2:2-11 goes through a detailed synopsis of how Christ; a member of the infinite Godhead came to earth and humbled himself to live as a man and to die on a cross. We often focus on how Christ's intimacy with the Father was affected; with the peak of course being at the crucifixion ( Matt. 27:46). The reverse; no doubt would have been excruciating for God the Father as well. For Christ to die for His enemies is beyond our comprehension; but for the Father in His eternal plans to plan on crushing the Son ( Isaiah 53:10) is also beyond our understanding. Yet God was "pleased" to do this!
The victory was complete; when He said "it is finished" and gave up his spirit at death. ( John 19:30). Death could not overtake Him ( Acts 2:24-32).
Looking at the entire earthly existence of Christ we see how profoundly He humbled Himself as a servant. One who created the heavens and the earth chose to live with total abandon to the cause; He had no place to rest His head ( Matt. 8:20). No doubt there were transient lodgings as recorded in scripture; the only place where it mentioned Him sleeping was on the boat ( Mark 4:38). Often He was up before dawn praying; and before He chose the 12 Disciples He was up all night ( Luke 6:12). Being the Son of God of course He knew all things; but nonetheless prayer was a key factor indicating communion with God. In the case of Peter Jesus prayed against the Devil's schemes ( Luke 22:32); in that case He knew about Peter's eventual restoration and strengthening of His brothers before the denial at Christ's trial took place. Doubtless He also prayed similar ways for the others; and clearly in these passages He knew all would betray Him as the prophecies indicate ( Matt. 26:31 from prophecy in Zech. 13:7). He also demonstrated the ultimate care for His mother ( John 19:25-29); but always put God above men's desires ( Matt. 12:46-50).
Hebrews 4:15 allows Him to intercede ( Heb. 7:25).
Your strengthening the fig leaf covering here!
Chris, tell me, the experience you spoke of in your car, did you pull out your Strong's concordance for understanding, to correct your thoughts or for that matter to make you aware them? Or, was it the Light of God Spirit within you, that admonish you? Ephesians 5:13;
New life equated; being free from sin, not just in & of itself, but the best part, being partakers of the Divine Nature, union with John 17:21,22,23; Jesus came to show us the image & likeness that God created man in, Matt 11:29; Gal 5:22-24; this is the true dignity & glory of our creation, & how he took dominion over the earth. Mark 6:48,49; Mark 4:39-41; Matt 17:27; etc; fulfilling Gen 1:26 & will ultimately fulfill it through His body, the church, here on earth as it is in heaven.
I have not stated; as you're implying the perfecting of the body, physically, it still remains under the penalty of sin consequences. Yet can be pure & holy, being animated by the new birth & renewing of the mind by His Spirit; John 3:3-6; 1Thess 5:23,24; "wholly", not of position only, but possession.
The anti-Christ is Satan himself. Throughout history many have tried to identify the anti-Christ as some tyrant or other dastardly human being. But none of that fits when we understand that there are only two kingdoms that God is primarily concerned about. These two kingdoms are the Kingdom of Christ and the kingdom of Satan. And the warfare that exists between these two kingdoms is a Spiritual warfare. It is not national, political or social.
All of mankind throughout history ultimately belongs to one of those two kingdoms.
And much of the language that God uses in speaking about those two kingdoms is parabolic in nature.
We must remember:
Mark 4:9-13 And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them. And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?
Mark 4:33,34 And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it. But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
Psalms 78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
Those are good questions.
One of the principles for interpreting the Bible is laid down in Mark 4:33-34.
And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it. But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
The book of Revelation is replete with parabolic language that must be understood spiritually and not absolutely literally. And I understand that is not a very comfortable statement to accept for those that want to look at every verse in the Bible very literally. But it is what the Bible declares.
Unfortunately that makes the Bible very difficult to understand in many instances. And much of Revelation falls into that category.
The "first resurrection" spoken of in Rev 20 is, I believe, what happens when our spiritually dead soul becomes Born Again, i.e. raised to life, and God gives that person a brand new "resurrected soul". That person then is not subject to the "second death" i.e. the wrath of God which will be experienced if we have not become saved.
The Resurrection of our bodies occurs at the Last Day, simultaneous with the Rapture when believers will receive their Resurrected Spiritual bodies.
The 1000 years in Rev 20, I believe, is referring to the binding of Satan at the time of the Cross until the beginning of the Great Tribulation when Satan is loosed. ( Matt 24 and Mark 13).
This is a very incomplete answer to your questions, I know.
Christ is the author of the whole Bible. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we behold his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." John 1:1,14
"Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit" 2 Peter 1:21
Christ spoke in parables, earthly stories with a heavenly meaning. "But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples." Mark 4:34
We compare spiritual with spiritual. "Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual." 1 Corinthians 2:13
The historical-grammatical method of interpretation employed by the churches seeks to discover the writer's intended meaning, and thus fails to recognize that God is the author and that we are to compare spiritual things with spiritual to discover the underlying gospel message.
Moreover, the churches fail to recognize that as we approach the end of the world, where we are today, God is unsealing truths that have been kept sealed until the time of the end ( Daniel 12:9-10). This is spoken of in the Bible as a vision that will speak at the end and not lie.
"And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand."
"And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry." Habakkuk 2:2-3
I would like to say that I don't do any grumbling or complaining; but alas then I would be lying. Thankfully anything but blasphemy against the Spirit can be forgiven. As Jesus pointed out to the self-righteous Pharisees; these bad fruits come from within. And 2 Peter 2:21 makes it clear that it is better not to have known the truth than to become reprobate. The blood of Christ is our only hope as Jeremiah 17:9 shows how sick the heart is.
There are Post Millennialists who dispute this; but I don't believe anyone from the church age who is a believer will be at the Great White Throne Judgment. I DO have the opinion that since the verse indicates that those who aren't in the Book of Life are going to the lake of fire; there is room for those who physically survive the Millennial period to go through that as saved people and hence be translated into heaven without dying.
In any event; 1 Corinthians 3:15 indicates that one can make it into heaven and suffer loss. That would be analogous to losing rewards as Revelation 3:11 warns. Paul indicates how we run for the prize. Only a few gain great rewards; as would be indicated by those making 100 fold as opposed to 30 fold returns or others ( Mark 4:20). We should not be confined to just the saved and lost divisions when scripture gives us admonitions for certain crowns that those who persevere; are martyred or are pastors as well as other situations are given for faithfulness.
Matthew 6:19-21 shows us that our treasure is to be in heaven. And that means that He must trust us with earthly riches as well ( Luke 16:10-12) as a test; a prerequisite for heavenly riches. Our brothers in Christ that we support in the ministry will be able to enjoy the harvest with us (see John 4:37). That and personal witnessing are components of fulfilling the Great Commission to finish well.
it is Jehovah's ( psalm 83:18) will for believers to understand and bear fruit.
2Timothy 3:15-17; Matthew 7:7,8; Mark 4:20; John 17:3
P.S. Yes I am married to a wonderful woman that is supporting me in this fast and is helping through this. She prays for me every day.
To really hammer this home; I need to discuss the other technique the enemy uses; namely that of telling us what we want to hear. All throughout church history; there has been a vacillation between outright persecution of the saints and damnable heresies that allow for any distraction and comfort in this life to take over and blind men to the truth. I would propose that the latter is far more damaging to the Saints today. Fear of man is something scripture warns against; but also flattery such as is warned of in Daniel 11:32 which the Antichrist himself will use to convince others to break his covenant and attack the Jews in the midpoint of the Tribulation.
No matter how you slice it; if we aren't truly convinced that the admonitions and warnings of scripture are real in our souls; we are not delivering a message that will prick the consciences of the recipients. This is really the firm root in ourselves spoken of in the parable of the seed and the sowers. ( Mark 4:17). This comes in conjunction with trusting God; and having a willing attitude towards reading and obeying it. I have found that if we trust in the Lord enough we can fairly predictably see the course of events when one is in error; including ourselves of course. Many seem to think that the curses and blessings in the Old Testament only were relevant to the Old Covenant. I would argue not. There are certain things that are ceremonial laws; and I believe the Sabbath Day is overruled; as it were with the Son of Man being Lord of the Sabbath ( Matthew 12:8). As far as the other 9 of the 10 Commandments along with other scriptures these are universal laws affecting a covenant of marriage (fornication and adultery); the sacredness of human life (murder); and boundaries (see Deut. 32:8).
In light of this; a true believer has some awareness that they are in a Covenant relationship with their Lord and Savior. See 1 Cor. 6:19-20.