f. Jesus' time of suffering & death came, but also His glorious resurrection, that through this Divine Act of God to redeem ALL men to Himself, both Jew & Gentile would now be acceptable to Him through faith in the efficacy of the shed Blood. Was the Sabbath & the Law still current for the Jew? As long as they lived according to the requirements of the Law, they had to abide by it & were judged by it; if they failed in one part of the given Law, they had failed in all ( Galatians 5:3, Romans 2:13, James 2:10). When the Jew put aside the Law as necessary for salvation, then the application of the Cross became real: that which was based on faith & promise, & not on the letter that only served to reveal him his sin & to draw him to Christ ( Galatians 3:24).
g. So why then is the keeping of the Sabbath still necessary? For the Jew without Christ, it remains a day of rest, as an act of obedience to God, & using that occasion for religious exercises. For the Jew & Gentile who is now "in Christ", the Sabbath, as all other Laws, have no binding, other than the importance of setting a Rest Day aside from our labours, & the Laws that reveal God's Mind & Purpose for both religious & social responsibility. If one, whether Jew, Gentile or Christian, chose to keep any of the Laws, including Sabbath, then they were bound to keep it & the whole Law - there's no option to pick & choose. And by keeping the Law to justify ourselves before God, even one Law, then precludes us from the Grace of God through Christ, because that is diametrically opposed to the meaning of the Law ( Galatians 5:4).
I don't believe that the "works" in Matthew 16:27 is mentioned by Jesus in respect to salvation. He speaks of rewards according to what "every man has done". Also, Romans 2:6. The Matthew verse could speak of the righteous who receive reward for their deeds, or to the unrighteousness, who receive nothing because their deeds were evil, coming from the darkness of their hearts ( John 3:19,20).
And then in the New Testament economy, post Cross, where salvation is granted to the sinner because of God's Grace through our faith in Christ's Work ( Ephesians 2:8-10), we're reminded that no "works" can enter into this Divine arrangement as that would negate "grace". And 'works' was primarily the obedience & dependence on the given Law of God, which could only show man's failure before God & inability to justify himself. But 'works' would include those other things that those outside the purview of the Cross, could try to use to establish his favour with God.
And then we come to the Epistle of James, which the RCs use to justify their belief & position: James 2:14-18. They maintain that both 'faith & works' are necessary for salvation, rather "for further justification". This was the point that Martin Luther, at the Reformation, opposed the RC Church on: he maintained that the believer is fully saved & justified at the moment of salvation & it's not a progressive justification, to which the RC Church stated: that justification cannot be a once only immediate act of God, but that through the Christian's walk (i.e. in a life of producing works worthy of his salvation), the believer is increasingly justified by God. If this were so, then justification comes by faith & works.
Rather, James tells us that 'works' naturally follow a true salvation, without which it proves a defective salvation. James does not hint at all that there is an on-going work of justification by 'works', rather that justification is a declaration by God of the sinner as being no longer guilty before Him.
Though there are many Scriptures to support the after life & into eternity with God, there are very few that can fully support the immediate passage of the spirit & soul after death takes its grip. Clear portions, as Mishael has showed, about the penitent thief & Lazarus are often used & I would add to his list: 2 Corinthians 5:1-8. Herein, we see Paul's hope that when his "earthly tabernacle is dissolved" (or, passed away in death), God will provide a heavenly one. In fact, he says that he is confident (convinced) that while we're in this body on Earth, thus we're absent from the Lord. Rather, his desire was to be absent from his body (leave his mortal body behind at death), & be found in the Lord's presence. To me, these verses & those others given, show that at death, the spirit that cannot be destroyed by death does not linger aimlessly near a grave or under water, but returns to God Who gave it. For those who've rejected Christ, their spirits too are held captive awaiting coming judgement.
All people can ONLY be saved by FAITH: faith being the implicit trust & looking to God to save them though not having seen Him. For the Jew, they received the Law from God & though none could fully obey its demands, it served to show them there sin, the need for sacrifice & of course, a faith that looked only to God & looked forward to God to provide a better Sacrifice. Most Jews didn't do this, though some did ( Hebrews 11) but God is the Judge of their hearts. For those without the Law (Gentiles), the laws written within us condemned us ( Romans 2:12-16) & we have to stand before God on that basis &/or the rejection of God's Sacrifice. "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name" ( John 1:12). And of course, we receive Him only by faith, not by works or sacrifice.
I can't answer your last question; it must be something wired in us to know what & where 'our shame' (our less honourable) body parts are.
Their faith which looked ahead & our faith also had to ultimately rest on a better Sacrifice bringing in a better Covenant ( Hebrews 7:19,22). Their faith had to find its hope in Jesus, God's Sacrifice, as ours also, post-Cross, does. Their justification & ours also rest in the Holy One from God. There has been no other way for anyone to be cleansed, forgiven & accepted. To the Gentile unreached with the Gospel, Romans 2:12-16 speaks of these who are also subject to the law written within them & by this law they are judged & will perish, as the law accuses them or they find excuse to sin. But why should they be condemned if Christ is not preached to them? Again, are there any readied by God to go to them so they might hear & believe? We have heard of accounts of tribes so grateful for the Gospel to come, as their hearts have been prepared to look for & receive it. Then there have been those who have been violent to the message, bringing death to the messenger. Those such as Jim Elliot & his four companions reaching out to the Huaorani tribe in Ecuador; or John Chau missionary to the Sentinelese people in the Andaman Islands (off the E. Indian coast) were all martyred for Jesus.
Or, to the good, decent people we know of, yet never moved to hear or respond to the Gospel. Will their decency & goodness be sufficient to save them in spite of sin? Romans 6:23 and Titus 3:5,6, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour". Even 'all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags' in God's Sight, so as much as we would long & hope for the ultimate saving of even those still without Christ even in death, I believe the Scripture is clear that a person's response to the Cross in this life determines his fate & sadly that fate is both horrible & eternal.
1. Thanks for that. Many have been saying once a christian and that's it. As you rightly said, end time event is not salvation. You receive salvation when you become born again and grace is imparted into you. But at the seat of judgement, you need mercy. The grace given to you at salvation is to overcome sin and do what you are assigned to do. You will give account of the use of the grace; what you used the grace for: Romans 2:5-7 "5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:"
At the judgement seat, you need mercy. And mercy is at the discretion of the Lord.
2. The issue of two men on the same bed is not in support of homosexuality. Rather, it is an assumption by those who conclude on the perversion. Being in the same bed together is not to mean they were sexually cordial. It is a family thing. And it does not mean they are both men; the word "men" could be used as unisex to mean a species. Thank you again
Romans 3:31 is a great verse but looking at what Paul said earlier, i.e. "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference" (3:20-22).
A few things here: Paul was speaking to all there (both Jew & Gentile converts) yet some stumbled on this matter, particularly from Jewry who were once under the Law & were circumcised, which marked them as God's chosen. To those still applying the Law to their lives & putting themselves under it, are obliged to keep all the Law ( Galatians 5:3). And "whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." ( James 2:10). But the Law was given to Israel, not only as God's Standard of living for them, but to show them that they couldn't keep the Law, rather they fell far short of it. Hence, each year animal sacrifice was made to cover those sins. But after Jesus' death & resurrection, those who come by faith to Him are no longer bound to the Law, as God's Gift to us was the only One to have fully kept (& fulfilled) its Holy demands.
So Paul makes a clear distinction: either you keep the whole Law & by it you will be judged: "as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law" ( Romans 2:12), or you take hold of God's Righteousness which comes by faith in Christ. There's no possibility of fusing the two together for they oppose each other. "Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace" ( Galatians 5:4). So the observance of the Sabbath day was a hallmark of Israel & they faithfully observed it. To make the Sabbath observance mandatory now means that we are no longer in the liberty of Christ but in bondage ( Galatians 5:1).
Every believer starts the journey of Repentance as a baby ( Matthew 11:25; Luke 10:21; Romans 2:20; 1 Cor. 3:1; 1 Peter2:2). Then they grow into a child of God ( Mark 10: 10:15) and eventually into an adult. Trust us, that does not happen during a 'truck' ride.
Matthew 18:3. Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
1 Peter 2:2. As newborn babies, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.
Matthew 7:13,14. Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the road, that leadeth to destruction (e.g. wildfires, pandemic, hurricanes, etc.) and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
In case you are wondering what Satan's strongholds are in his kingdom ( 2 Cor. 10:4).
- Religion. Consider the history of the Mystery Babylon and the Mother of Harlots ( Rev. 17:5). Do not forget the hundreds of years of the Inquisition during which time the Vatican ordered millions killed under their direction in the most cruel way anyone can imagine ( worse than the methods used by Al-Qaeda).
- Political Authorities.
- The Medical Profession.
- The Media Industry.
- The Legal Profession and Business Community.
- Sports and Entertainment.
Please remember: For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith ( 1 John 5:4).
The little children you referred to are the 'believers' that start their journey of repentance as babies ( Matthew 11:25; Luke 10:21; Romans 2:20; 1 Cor. 3:1; 1 Peter 2:2).
The word of God is spiritually discerned and not understood by the natural man ( 1 Cor. 2:14).
On the contrary: He that is spiritual judgeth all things ( 1 Cor. 2:15).
In Reply on the meaning and/or use of the word "rapture
Read Romans 24 you'll find your answer. 37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark,
39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
The everlasting Law God established with those that desire to be called His children still stands.
The 10 Commandments still stand.
Any time we sin we are under the Law.
Everyone sins: Everyday!
Blood ordinances were fulfilled by the death of Christ ( Matthew 26:28, Romans 2:29, Colossians 1:14)
Priestly duties connected to the sons of Aaron were fulfilled in Christ. ( Hebrews 8:1)
The Temple was destroyed; as promised: ( Matthew 24:2)
Deuteronomy 29:29
"The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children FOR EVER, that we may do all the words of this law."
1 Chronicles 16:17
"And hath confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an EVERLASTING covenant,"
Ephesians 2:15
"Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ORDINANCES; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;"
Hebrews 7:12
"For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law."
Matthew 27:51
"And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;"
All has not been fulfilled.
All will not be fulfilled until the return of Christ.
Believe the words of Jesus.
Mathew 5:18
"For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."
Concerning works;
Why would Jesus care to evaluate the WORKS of the churches that are on earth at the end times when He comes back if they don't matter? ( Revelation 2:2, 9, 13, 19. 3:1, 3:8, 3:15)
Hi Ann, this is a predictable discussion. I know all the verses you shared and agree with them, because I believe in the Bible- all of it, not just cherry picked verses. Have you read the entire chapter context around these verses? Because it completes the thought and explains what exactly it means. I can pluck out things too that only share part of the picture, like 1 Timothy 2:15.
You said something before worth analyzing: "FAITH or WORKS??? It CAN'T BE BOTH!"
Why not? Who said it can't be both? It is both. The Bible already says it's both and even already predicted this exact believe and refused it. James 2:17 says faith without works is dead- do you believe that? If not, what is your explanation for not believing this part of the Bible?
Since you believe Paul, do you believe what he wrote in Romans 7? He talked about his deep struggle in trying to avoid sin and do good. Why would he struggle if doing good isn't necessary one bit? He called himself captive (prisoner) of sin. He was in deep torment to try to do good. If no good works was necessary why didn't he instead just party and live a life of sin and not worry about spreading the gospel, if he was already 'saved'? The Bible makes the answer clear.
James 2:19 - even demons believe in God and Jesus, including satan. So, if all that's needed to be saved and go to heaven is to believe does that mean satan will go to heaven? If not, why? Hitler attended church and might have been a Christian in his early years, so will we see him in heaven too, despite Romans 2:6?
Is it 'wrong' to do good works? If so, why does the Bible say in multiple places to do good? Matthew 7:16-23. Jesus says most people will go to hell and you'll know his followers by their fruit. If good isn't needed, then why would Jesus say this. Was he lying? It would be a very hard argument to make that living a fruitful life of good works is 'bad', because that's exactly what the Bible says to do and how you can recognize genuine Christians. Christians aren't saved by good works, though. That's a logical fallacy to assume that. Grace alone saves. If someone wants to follow Jesus, however, it requires action, doing things.
Reading the entire chapter context of the Bible clears up such misunderstandings. God bless you in your journey for the truth.
The *real Jews* are not circumcised by flesh but in spirit. Read Romans 2 : 28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
Matthew 7:26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
Hi Deason, the reason I think that believing in Jesus isn't enough is that the Bible already says that believing isn't enough. Even satan and demons know the truth and believe in Jesus, so do you think they're saved? James 2:19, if obedience wasn't important, then why did Jesus say it was? He said you don't love Jesus if you don't obey Him. So, for those who disobey Jesus, do you think it's likely that you go to heaven and be rewarded as much as those who spent their life in service and obedience to Him? Romans 2:6 Satan wants to deceive Christians into believing you don't have to be obedient because he's trying to get more people to go to hell. James 2:26. And what about the many verses saying to repent and confess of your sin? Matthew 4:17 If it wasn't necessary then why did Jesus say it was? If obedience wasn't necessary, why would Jesus say it was? The real question is does someone fully believe the Bible and do they truly believe Jesus? Matthew 7:22
Acts 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
Romans 2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: (29) But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Romans 2:16
"In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men BY JESUS CHRIST according to my gospel."
John 5:22
"For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed ALL JUDGEMENT UNTO THE SON:"
Victor on Romans 2. Brother I think you have been slanted in your view of the prophets. Paul, of all the apostles was a man of clear understanding of God's word, law and purpose for humanity. As Saul, he persecuted God's people and thought he was doing God's will. When he was converted and named Paul...how much clearer do you think he was from that point on?
God is a fair judge. In today's world you hear of people doing bad things and 'getting away with it', at least temporarily. They will be judged accordingly. I don't believe anyone gets by with anything. Romans 2:6-11. Also, just because the Bible doesn't describe something doesn't mean something 'didn't happen'. For example, no one in the Bible is described as using the restroom, but we can assume they did. Likewise, you can read several stories without reading about them eating or sleeping, so we shouldn't assume they didn't, because that was omitted. Likewise, just because it doesn't say the daughters were punished doesn't mean they weren't.
wow...so much deception is what i see in the comments....Half Trues...2 main Errors...Tribulation is Not God's Wrath...and Day of Christ is Not same as Day of The Lord...Day of Christ is Jesus coming for His Bride...Day of The Lord is Time of 3 Years of God's Wrath upon The Wicked that are Still in Power on Earth...Falling Away is The Church of The Last Days...Luke Warm and Sick... Isa 5 shows God removing The Hedge around His Vineyard...All Over The World...Not just tiny Israel. The Church has been Grafted In to Israel.. Eph. 2:11-20 and Romans 2:29,30...God only has ONE Bride since The Beginning ..Not Two ... Matthew 25: 6..Jesus is Coming for His Bride at Midnight....Our Darkest Hour . PRAY
To believe what you just said you'd have to disregard so many parts of the Bible. Just one of the scriptures above proves it, but it doesn't stop there- many scriptures saying no one has extra privileges or salvation above anyone else. Since you're accusing others of believing lies what if you're the one sharing falsehoods? The devil wants to divide people and spread lies. Romans 2:11, Acts 10:34, 1 Peter 1:17, James 2:1-4, Mark 16:15.
Thank you Debra and yes our Abba Father has Redeemed in Christ all those He Knows as His Own Galatians 3:28 - Colossians 3 and Romans 2:10-11 and by His Foreknowledge Romans 8:29 has Chosen us to be conformed into the image of Christ and not one of us will be lost, He Protects our Souls as we work out our Salvation not meaning work for it Provides for our needs. God's Love and Blessings - Anne.
Romans 2 12 we will be judged accordingly. 1 without living by the law .2those living buy the law. it is interesting to note how the conscience works in all this. this is why he created us this way, Consequently how we live is how we will be judged.If however we are in Christ, we shall not see death! We will not see death,through the shed blood of Christ we will enter into eternal life immediately
Romans 2:9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile Romans 2:10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
Hello, does this mean you do not believe all scripture like Luke 12:10? Since it clearly says those who blaspheme won't be forgiven, are you saying blasphemers are forgiven? opposite of what it says . Christians need to continually report and ask forgiveness of sin and try to not conform to the world: Romans 2:2. Matthew 7:21-23 is how Jesus will respond to Christians who deny Him. Rom 6:1-2.
Cheryl, Romans 2:28-29 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Yahweh's? Salvation is for: All that are Called( John 6:44) Called Not Only Jews But Gentiles Also---I Will Call Them My People( Romans 9:24-33, 10: 1-21) Being of The Blood line Does not Guarantee Salvation( Romans 2:28-29) Through their Fall Salvation is Come Unto The Gentiles to Provoke Them to Jealousy( Romans 11:11) All Nations, Kindreds, People and Tongues, Stood Before The Throne( Revelation 7:9
Marlo: Not Sure what You're Saying. Jews Today Don't Believe in Jesus as The Savior. They're Still Waiting for Elijah to Show-Up. We Know that was John The Baptist. All that have Been Circumcised in Their Heart are Now Jews( Romans 2:28- 29) I Think that's what You're Saying.
Only those Born-again, Washed by The Blood of The Lamb, Elected Before The Foundation of The World --- Ali Pre has Posted it for Us. It's not a Worldly Bloodline It's Spiritual. Read Romans Chapter 11, Galatians 3:21-29: We are All One in Christ/ He is a Jew which is One Inwardly and Circumcision is that of The Heart( Romans 2:28-29/ Whosoever is not Found in The Book of Life( Revelation 20:15
f. Jesus' time of suffering & death came, but also His glorious resurrection, that through this Divine Act of God to redeem ALL men to Himself, both Jew & Gentile would now be acceptable to Him through faith in the efficacy of the shed Blood. Was the Sabbath & the Law still current for the Jew? As long as they lived according to the requirements of the Law, they had to abide by it & were judged by it; if they failed in one part of the given Law, they had failed in all ( Galatians 5:3, Romans 2:13, James 2:10). When the Jew put aside the Law as necessary for salvation, then the application of the Cross became real: that which was based on faith & promise, & not on the letter that only served to reveal him his sin & to draw him to Christ ( Galatians 3:24).
g. So why then is the keeping of the Sabbath still necessary? For the Jew without Christ, it remains a day of rest, as an act of obedience to God, & using that occasion for religious exercises. For the Jew & Gentile who is now "in Christ", the Sabbath, as all other Laws, have no binding, other than the importance of setting a Rest Day aside from our labours, & the Laws that reveal God's Mind & Purpose for both religious & social responsibility. If one, whether Jew, Gentile or Christian, chose to keep any of the Laws, including Sabbath, then they were bound to keep it & the whole Law - there's no option to pick & choose. And by keeping the Law to justify ourselves before God, even one Law, then precludes us from the Grace of God through Christ, because that is diametrically opposed to the meaning of the Law ( Galatians 5:4).
And then in the New Testament economy, post Cross, where salvation is granted to the sinner because of God's Grace through our faith in Christ's Work ( Ephesians 2:8-10), we're reminded that no "works" can enter into this Divine arrangement as that would negate "grace". And 'works' was primarily the obedience & dependence on the given Law of God, which could only show man's failure before God & inability to justify himself. But 'works' would include those other things that those outside the purview of the Cross, could try to use to establish his favour with God.
And then we come to the Epistle of James, which the RCs use to justify their belief & position: James 2:14-18. They maintain that both 'faith & works' are necessary for salvation, rather "for further justification". This was the point that Martin Luther, at the Reformation, opposed the RC Church on: he maintained that the believer is fully saved & justified at the moment of salvation & it's not a progressive justification, to which the RC Church stated: that justification cannot be a once only immediate act of God, but that through the Christian's walk (i.e. in a life of producing works worthy of his salvation), the believer is increasingly justified by God. If this were so, then justification comes by faith & works.
Rather, James tells us that 'works' naturally follow a true salvation, without which it proves a defective salvation. James does not hint at all that there is an on-going work of justification by 'works', rather that justification is a declaration by God of the sinner as being no longer guilty before Him.
All people can ONLY be saved by FAITH: faith being the implicit trust & looking to God to save them though not having seen Him. For the Jew, they received the Law from God & though none could fully obey its demands, it served to show them there sin, the need for sacrifice & of course, a faith that looked only to God & looked forward to God to provide a better Sacrifice. Most Jews didn't do this, though some did ( Hebrews 11) but God is the Judge of their hearts. For those without the Law (Gentiles), the laws written within us condemned us ( Romans 2:12-16) & we have to stand before God on that basis &/or the rejection of God's Sacrifice. "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name" ( John 1:12). And of course, we receive Him only by faith, not by works or sacrifice.
I can't answer your last question; it must be something wired in us to know what & where 'our shame' (our less honourable) body parts are.
Their faith which looked ahead & our faith also had to ultimately rest on a better Sacrifice bringing in a better Covenant ( Hebrews 7:19,22). Their faith had to find its hope in Jesus, God's Sacrifice, as ours also, post-Cross, does. Their justification & ours also rest in the Holy One from God. There has been no other way for anyone to be cleansed, forgiven & accepted. To the Gentile unreached with the Gospel, Romans 2:12-16 speaks of these who are also subject to the law written within them & by this law they are judged & will perish, as the law accuses them or they find excuse to sin. But why should they be condemned if Christ is not preached to them? Again, are there any readied by God to go to them so they might hear & believe? We have heard of accounts of tribes so grateful for the Gospel to come, as their hearts have been prepared to look for & receive it. Then there have been those who have been violent to the message, bringing death to the messenger. Those such as Jim Elliot & his four companions reaching out to the Huaorani tribe in Ecuador; or John Chau missionary to the Sentinelese people in the Andaman Islands (off the E. Indian coast) were all martyred for Jesus.
Or, to the good, decent people we know of, yet never moved to hear or respond to the Gospel. Will their decency & goodness be sufficient to save them in spite of sin? Romans 6:23 and Titus 3:5,6, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour". Even 'all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags' in God's Sight, so as much as we would long & hope for the ultimate saving of even those still without Christ even in death, I believe the Scripture is clear that a person's response to the Cross in this life determines his fate & sadly that fate is both horrible & eternal.
At the judgement seat, you need mercy. And mercy is at the discretion of the Lord.
2. The issue of two men on the same bed is not in support of homosexuality. Rather, it is an assumption by those who conclude on the perversion. Being in the same bed together is not to mean they were sexually cordial. It is a family thing. And it does not mean they are both men; the word "men" could be used as unisex to mean a species. Thank you again
A few things here: Paul was speaking to all there (both Jew & Gentile converts) yet some stumbled on this matter, particularly from Jewry who were once under the Law & were circumcised, which marked them as God's chosen. To those still applying the Law to their lives & putting themselves under it, are obliged to keep all the Law ( Galatians 5:3). And "whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." ( James 2:10). But the Law was given to Israel, not only as God's Standard of living for them, but to show them that they couldn't keep the Law, rather they fell far short of it. Hence, each year animal sacrifice was made to cover those sins. But after Jesus' death & resurrection, those who come by faith to Him are no longer bound to the Law, as God's Gift to us was the only One to have fully kept (& fulfilled) its Holy demands.
So Paul makes a clear distinction: either you keep the whole Law & by it you will be judged: "as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law" ( Romans 2:12), or you take hold of God's Righteousness which comes by faith in Christ. There's no possibility of fusing the two together for they oppose each other. "Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace" ( Galatians 5:4). So the observance of the Sabbath day was a hallmark of Israel & they faithfully observed it. To make the Sabbath observance mandatory now means that we are no longer in the liberty of Christ but in bondage ( Galatians 5:1).
Matthew 18:3. Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
1 Peter 2:2. As newborn babies, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.
Matthew 7:13,14. Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the road, that leadeth to destruction (e.g. wildfires, pandemic, hurricanes, etc.) and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
In case you are wondering what Satan's strongholds are in his kingdom ( 2 Cor. 10:4).
- Religion. Consider the history of the Mystery Babylon and the Mother of Harlots ( Rev. 17:5). Do not forget the hundreds of years of the Inquisition during which time the Vatican ordered millions killed under their direction in the most cruel way anyone can imagine ( worse than the methods used by Al-Qaeda).
- Political Authorities.
- The Medical Profession.
- The Media Industry.
- The Legal Profession and Business Community.
- Sports and Entertainment.
Please remember: For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith ( 1 John 5:4).
Seek, and ye shall find ( Matthew 7:7).
In His Service.
Andy & Dianne van den Berg - Nova Scotia, Canada
The little children you referred to are the 'believers' that start their journey of repentance as babies ( Matthew 11:25; Luke 10:21; Romans 2:20; 1 Cor. 3:1; 1 Peter 2:2).
The word of God is spiritually discerned and not understood by the natural man ( 1 Cor. 2:14).
On the contrary: He that is spiritual judgeth all things ( 1 Cor. 2:15).
Read Romans 24 you'll find your answer. 37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark,
39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
Concerning the Law;
The everlasting Law God established with those that desire to be called His children still stands.
The 10 Commandments still stand.
Any time we sin we are under the Law.
Everyone sins: Everyday!
Blood ordinances were fulfilled by the death of Christ ( Matthew 26:28, Romans 2:29, Colossians 1:14)
Priestly duties connected to the sons of Aaron were fulfilled in Christ. ( Hebrews 8:1)
The Temple was destroyed; as promised: ( Matthew 24:2)
Deuteronomy 29:29
"The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children FOR EVER, that we may do all the words of this law."
1 Chronicles 16:17
"And hath confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an EVERLASTING covenant,"
Ephesians 2:15
"Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ORDINANCES; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;"
Hebrews 7:12
"For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law."
Matthew 27:51
"And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;"
All has not been fulfilled.
All will not be fulfilled until the return of Christ.
Believe the words of Jesus.
Mathew 5:18
"For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."
Concerning works;
Why would Jesus care to evaluate the WORKS of the churches that are on earth at the end times when He comes back if they don't matter? ( Revelation 2:2, 9, 13, 19. 3:1, 3:8, 3:15)
Also look at:
James 2:14-26 - "Faith without works is dead"
Revelation 14:13
Revelation 20:12
You said something before worth analyzing: "FAITH or WORKS??? It CAN'T BE BOTH!"
Why not? Who said it can't be both? It is both. The Bible already says it's both and even already predicted this exact believe and refused it. James 2:17 says faith without works is dead- do you believe that? If not, what is your explanation for not believing this part of the Bible?
Since you believe Paul, do you believe what he wrote in Romans 7? He talked about his deep struggle in trying to avoid sin and do good. Why would he struggle if doing good isn't necessary one bit? He called himself captive (prisoner) of sin. He was in deep torment to try to do good. If no good works was necessary why didn't he instead just party and live a life of sin and not worry about spreading the gospel, if he was already 'saved'? The Bible makes the answer clear.
James 2:19 - even demons believe in God and Jesus, including satan. So, if all that's needed to be saved and go to heaven is to believe does that mean satan will go to heaven? If not, why? Hitler attended church and might have been a Christian in his early years, so will we see him in heaven too, despite Romans 2:6?
Is it 'wrong' to do good works? If so, why does the Bible say in multiple places to do good? Matthew 7:16-23. Jesus says most people will go to hell and you'll know his followers by their fruit. If good isn't needed, then why would Jesus say this. Was he lying? It would be a very hard argument to make that living a fruitful life of good works is 'bad', because that's exactly what the Bible says to do and how you can recognize genuine Christians. Christians aren't saved by good works, though. That's a logical fallacy to assume that. Grace alone saves. If someone wants to follow Jesus, however, it requires action, doing things.
Reading the entire chapter context of the Bible clears up such misunderstandings. God bless you in your journey for the truth.
Beware of dogs ( Gal. 5:15), beware of evil workers, beware of the concision ( Romans 2:28)
Revelation 22:14-15.
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.
For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
You have to stop and ponder on what real dogs do. Their noses are always where they shouldn't be, etc.
It's stunning to ponder. I've worked with people like that. Run in packs; respect nothing; have to be the king of the pack.
I said it was brutal.
A spirit is a demon; dog spirit.
29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
Matthew 7:26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
Romans 2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: (29) But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
"In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men BY JESUS CHRIST according to my gospel."
John 5:22
"For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed ALL JUDGEMENT UNTO THE SON:"
But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.