The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. ( Genesis 49:10)
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. ( 1 Peter 4:11)
When taking a look at scripture; there are roles women play as Prophetess; prayer; teaching children; or the "virtuous woman" summing up Proverbs 31. When it comes to the 10 Commandments and the laws of the Lord in the Old Testament; or the rules about women remaining silent in the New Testament ( 1 Corinthians 14:34-35) it seems in regard to instruction in law continues as a man's responsibility. That would have further implications in regard to teaching established DOCTRINE related to the law; or the Gospel of Grace which expounds the full meaning of what is concealed in the Old Testament but revealed fully now.
When we try to fully grasp these concepts in human understanding; of course we fall short. An example that gives us insight is in Exodus 15:20 which shows Miriam; the older sister of Moses and Aaron as the first Prophetess in scripture. We could say in some way that Moses acted as the first Prophet in the Bible; at least in predicting what would happen to Israel in the last days in Deuteronomy 4; but Deuteronomy 18 talks about the coming Prophet like Moses who must be heeded (Christ). Technically Abraham was called a Prophet; the first example in the Bible but his predictions were toward his descendants when giving the family blessings at his death.
We see with Miriam that she foolishly spoke out about the second wife of Abraham of African descent and was struck with leprosy temporarily. Her best moment was in the role of the victory song as they crossed the Red Sea.
I suppose today's scripture from Joshua 24:18 is as good a place as any to tackle that subject. As for the entire Bible as we have it today; there is no verse in scripture mentioning all the written texts as a whole; probably because they weren't complete yet.
1 Corinthians 13:10 mentions things passing away when the partial is complete; or something to that affect. Revelation also has verses warning about not adding or subtracting which could mean adding to that book or all scripture. Since the written texts originally came from oratory (with the exception of the 10 Commandments originally penned by God Himself); God planned it out so that the scribes would count every LETTER of a scroll; and get rid of a copy to start again if it was even slightly off. 2 Timothy 3:16 explains that all scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching; reproof; etc.
I have discussed in older posts a summation of the Apocrypha as to truths of historic or moral truths that are borrowed from true scripture; which always states "thus saith the Lord" except for places like Ruth and Esther; or Song of Solomon. God's truths are absolute; as we see from the claims of Christ's divinity; and the laws in the 10 Commandments. The repetitive themes such as scriptures being repeated again in the New Testament to enhance their true meanings bring a cohesiveness to the Bible. We also have such admonitions as 1 John 4:2 stating what any "spirit" testifies about Christ having come in the flesh.
That would correlate with verses like Matthew 16:17 where it is clear that Christ's DIVINITY (as the "I am") can only be understood or revealed through the Spirit. I noticed that myself pre conversion it didn't enter my mind that Christ was God or part of the "Godhead". As our spirit testifies with "his Spirit"( Romans 8:16) that we are His children and His Word is truth the Lord will build our discernment of truth as we grow and mature in Him to know what is true (see also John 10:27).
St Mark gives us two commandments which shall explain what keeps the kingdom of God together. Merriam -Webster explains the scribe as a member of a learned class in ancient Israel through New Testament times studying the Scriptures and serving as copyists, editors, teachers, and jurists. One of their class, who was present when Jesus put to silence the Sadducees had a question to ask. He would have pored over the texts in order to interpret all the law and the prophets wanted to tempt Jesus as St Matthew puts it. That the ten commandments could be reduced to two must have come as a surprise to him. Never in his understanding had this truth dawned as to what Jesus signified. As the Lord from heaven the Decalogue began from one ("God is one") and also ended with him. This made both heaven and the earth on single yardstick in the matter of fulfilling the will of God. God is a Spirit and without its sovereignty and without obeying it a many may make it his business to preach but is an ignoramus as the Pharisees and the scribes who were out to destroy Jesus who was the fulfillment of the Law. When God sent his Son Jesus was a sign to which Prophet Isaiah had predicted (Is.7:14). They also heard him deliver the doctrine of hid Father which we know as the Sermon on the Mount.
The writer to the Hebrews place the role of the Son, "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,/Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son," (He.1:1-2). In their opposition what did the ten in the Decalogue meant? They were judged already. The two commandments represented the deity and humanity of the Son. "On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."(Matt.22:40). The Word as the sound and as a sign made the kingdom of God work. Their questions were to no avail because faith without works is dead. The discreet answer of the scribe is in "with all your heart, with all your soul etc., v.33
Jesus was Prophet; Priest and King. He fulfilled roles which no other individual was allowed to do in scripture. David acted as Priest when needed when he was a king; but only due to his own sin. Solomon had to complete building the Temple because David was disallowed according to scripture because of certain acts of violence (I am guessing partly due to having Uriah killed off to get Bathsheeba). Even though Solomon commissioned men to do the work on the Temple we see no direct priestly action by him; only a dedication of the nation of Israel and prayers lifted up and the beginning of the operations there. Generally kings were not allowed to offer sacrifices; a Levite was needed first off. This disqualified Saul's attempt when he presumptuously went ahead with it rather than waiting for the right person to do the job and that resulted in being dethroned and his life started to fall apart. Prophets also kept away from sacrifices; but in the case of Christ He fulfilled the prophecies Himself by BEING our sacrifice and hence exalted by the Father to rule and reign as King on the earth in the Millennium.
The Bible describes many kings along with exhaustive lists of their actions which sadly were predominantly evil. The length of their reign as well as the fate of the nation at large was tied into blessings and cursings. Transgressions would cause a downfall; and in the case of the few righteous kings it exalted the nation ( Proverbs 14:34). After Solomon compromised he forfeited his own length of life as well as the nation being able to rule permanently without being under the thumb of other nations. In Ecclesiastes his conclusion after discussing all his own vanity and of life in general was to "fear God and keep his commandments" at the end of chapter 12. Through Christ alone can we fulfill the law because we are grafted in to the true vine inheriting His righeousness because of His victory.
The Bible as a whole gives a systematic and cohesive narrative clearly describing certain truths; at least all necessary for instruction and teaching in righteousness ( 2 Tim. 3:16). The idea of the law of God is intermingled in the Genesis story; with the first covenant of God being established with the marriage of Adam and Eve which was instituted by God Himself. There was apparently the concept of a sacrifice long before the laws that were in Exodus; Leviticus and Deuteronomy as indicated by the offerings brought forth by Abel and Cain. And we also have the mysterious Melchizedek who was a true priest of God but not under known lineage in the line of the Jews.
The law; of course comes in Exodus and Deuteronomy with the basic 10 Commandments; as well as the 600 odd other laws releting to various national laws; moral laws and ceremonial laws specific to Israel as well as to mankind in whole. Those who would question that need to carefully read the Old Testament where we see passages such as God describing the Amorites ( Gen. 15:16); as well as the destruction of other nations; even Nineveh after God spared it due to repentance for a time in the time of Jonah. Verses about marriage in regard to Abraham and Isaac as well as John the Baptist clearly indicate the law was recognized by the Egyptians as well as with Herod having his brother's wife ( Mark 6:18) which led to his beheading indirectly after imprisonment. We see in Amos 1:13-14 scripture where Ammon was to be destroyed for what is described as mutilating pregnant women (a nice way to say it). There are other verses as well where people are given back punishment based on what they've done similar to this; it fits in basically to an "eye for an eye". We even see special healing given to a Gentile (Naaman the Syrian) in the Old Testament.
This concept of the law shows exceptions to basic principles of God's actions in the O.T and N.T.
The consistency of the Bible and uniqueness of Christ
In my last post I describe how the incident in John 9 set apart Christ as doing something new; that only God could perform.
This wasn't something the religious Pharisees could deal with; as the lengthy account of this incident makes painfully clear.
We also see Jesus' claims to be able to forgive sins as something unique; yet the many prophecies in Isaiah should have been enough to convince the Jews that this indeed was the true Messiah. There were references there to healing the blind; ministry reaching out to the Gentiles; as well as things such as Isaiah 61 that Jesus quoted and then cut off before the next verse got into the Second Coming and establishing His Kingdom on the earth at that time.
In the analysis of the "Old" and "New" covenants it is better to say that the New one developed the full meaning of the Old.
It certainly doesn't eliminate moral expectations in regard to murder; adultery and covetousness in the original 10 Commandments; we can look to Colossians 2:16 as to the exception of a mandate for "Holy days" as to not enforcing Saturday as the day of rest. This is a hotbed of controversy for some so I won't elaborate further. It is clear ceremonial laws changed; in regard to foods eaten the Cornelious episode makes that abundantly clear. ( Acts 10).
Christ became the sacrifice for our sins so no further sacrifice is needed. ( Psalm 40:6-8). Clearly the grace of the N.T. is seen in the Old Testament; particularly in regard to the sacrifice of a contrite and broken heart as seen in Psalm 51 and many other places. God Himself at some point abhorred the sacrifices due to the hypocrisy ( Isaiah 1:14). Many call Isaiah the Gospel of the O.T. and it is needed reading to understand prophetic things to come regarding Christ and God's call to the Gentiles.
Many places appear to show Christ before He came on earth physically; it is an interesting study in itself. So is the Godhead.
Anyone with access to a concordance; even a basic list in small print of corresponding verses shows the integrity and cohesiveness of all of the Bible; both Old and New Testaments. This dwarfs the historical references in the Apocrypha; in which many of the details that are verifiable are in Maccabees; 1 and 2. The feast of Dedication is found in the N.T. but not mentioned specifically in the Old; hence Maccabees is helpful describing this as well. These facts are important for archaeological and historical accuracy as well as the veracity of the teachings in the Bible; whether in the old covenant of the law or the New Covenant. When we compare information in scripture to other secular teachings and those of other faiths; we see elemental truths as well as the same events clearly indicated in many cases; or closely paralleled.
In the case of the law; for example there are repetitive passages in the Pentateuch in regard; for instance to the 10 commandments found in Exodus and Deuteronomy; then Jesus quotes many of the same passages when contenting with the Pharisees to expound the deeper meanings of intentions of the heart when it comes to marriage and divorce; hatred for someone; and lustful thoughts. Love your neighbor as yourself comes from Leviticus 19:18 which I wasn't even aware of until recently.
The empires of history are in Daniel as well as the final world government summarized in Daniel 7:4-6 and Revelation 13:2.
We see the same cross references relating to most of the major events of the Tribulation especially found in the endo of chapter 11 and all of 12 in Daniel. Jesus Himself in Matthew 24:15 stated the importance of Daniel's visions from Daniel 12:11. This also was foreshadowed in the story in Maccabees about Antiochus Epiphanes which time frame is alluded to in parts of Daniel 11 that seem to shift into the time of the end in verse 40.
We do well to study the Word as the Bereans did ( 2 Tim. 2:15).
"For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial."
Faith with works in the case of Jesus was perfect."And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." Col.1 19-20) "Reconciling all things unto himself" is explained in the episode in the house of Bethany. In him is the fulness so the king in the Parable rewarded " Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."(25:40)
"Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker." Pr.17:5. In our times so much anger and ill-will that has spawned a whole lot of platforms where those who espouse their grievances converge. Domestic terrorism is bred on social platforms so who spreads as well as listens are equally to blame. "A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue." It is thus nations have advanced with good seed and the tares intermingled. There shall be a day of judgment where the separation shall be strictly between the goats and the sheep. Many are called but few are chosen.
This being the case there are no sheep or goats preserved by geographical borders or by doctrine of men. Every man shall give account of himself.
Needless to say, Satan has deceived the man who believes in his country above others. He may call the migrants as 'vermin' because his color is not right, neither is his culture. He is wicked no less. "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all."(Jas.2:10). When he invokes from a position of authority, as the pope of yore who invoked people of faith to crusade he is guilty. "Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven:"(Matt.5:19)
Necessary doctrines: Fruit vs non fruit bearing activities
When we get into practical things; for instance the last few chapters of Romans after the lengthy dissertation on the depravity of man (no one is rightous); and the "Gospel of Grace" related to covenants and the like; there could be a tendancy to discount our behaviors as being as important as these doctrinal truths. The fact is they are both important and we can't live bearing good fruit without following the truth and showing obedient love for Christ with our lifestyles. We only need to look at Luke 6:46 to see the importance of doing what He says; and John 14:15 which shows that if we love Him we will obey His commandments. The basic command to love one another is seen in both the Gospel of John and first John as a necessary mandate for a true brother in Christ. This should be a basic litmus test to draw out those who are Judas Iscariot's in our midst. These issues make things difficult when we follow such commandments as 1 Corinthians 5:11 where we are told not to even eat with one who is living in immorality or other sins as a LIFESTYLE or continuing pattern who calls themself a "Christian". This should eliminate many prosperity Gospel folks who are "swindlers"; and those practicing idolatry where a false Christ is worshipped at least in the midst of a given true fellowship of saints. There are times when we can witness to others who are in error if we are not worshipping where they are if we can have some control on the meeting situation. In short; producing good fruit is mentioned in numerous scriptures and thus only occurs with a true believer as the Parable of the Sower indicates. This is essential doctrine which is evidenced by those who are drowning in perdition due to the cares of this world overtaking them ( 1 Timothy 6:9; see also Matthew 13:23). The attitude toward authority covered in Romans 13:1-2; we are called whenever it doesn't contradict scripture to obey authorities.
Necessary doctrines: Fulfilling the Great Commission
In Matthew 25; starting in verse 14 we see the Parable of the talents. The first two individuals are rewarded with eternal rewards far greater than invested in this life but in accordance to their faithfulness now. The last servant of course lost it all including apparently his soul. There is a slightly different viewpoint in the parallel Parable in Luke 19 where reward is lost; but it would appear hell would be for those who wouldn't have Christ rule over them which is mentioned after the example of this servant at the end of the Parable. Either way; Jesus made it clear that we are commanded to go out and spread the Good News of the Gospel. A true believer therefore is in danger of losing rewards in heaven; making it in through the "skin of their teeth" ( 1 Cor. 3:15); while a professing Christian may not even be saved if they are not recognized by Christ as a true believer as we see in the Parable of the 5 unwise virgins. We see a similar pattern in the admonition that anyone who teaches others to break one of the "least commandments" ( Matthew 5:19) will be the least in heaven (i.e. loss of rewards). This makes one consider what happens for a greater commandment and how that is defined. This would be of course a "damnable heresy" ( 2 Peter 2:1) and clearly indicates damnation for such individuals in hell.
The great difficulty we have here is if we try to define what is necessary doctrine or unnecessary is that all of scripture is connected so that we are in danger of "cherry picking" what we want to follow rather than what is needed. We also have to look at the attitude of the heart. In the tale of Ananias and Sapphira; it is often overlooked that the problem was not that only a portion of what was sold was brought to the church offering; but that they had lied about their commitment or vow that was made to give all. The other issue is what people say is hard to understand. More to come..
My last post (if it gets uploaded) gets into the basic doctrines needed to be understood for salvation. I would better state that as necessary doctrines that accompany a correct proclamation of our salvation which need to come from a truly regenerated heart to have any real effect. In terms of the law; we no longer need to continue to uphold all the hundreds of laws in the Torah. This is due to some being only for those who were in National Israel; and some which were ceremonial. Following the law never resulted in anyone being saved due to a state of perfection; and in the same logic adhering to the "doctrines of grace" or any and all correct ones doesn't guarantee anything either. The true essence of the law was explained by our Lord when He discussed the attitudes of the heart in Matthew 5 (in the case of verse 28 how looking after a woman lustfully means adultery in the heart).
I would contend that there are universal laws which involve the dignity of human life related to murder; marriage; etc. which are incumbent on all men to follow and which were established from the time of Adam and his immediate offspring as we see with the murder of Abel by Cain the firstborn male of our common ancestory. Even in the Ten Commandments there are certain things such as coveting in the Tenth Commandment that may not have punishment that is as extreme as a death penalty; and clearly we all break God's law in commission; omission or thought on a regular basis. The main concept here is that we are not to be lawless (as we are about to see the coming of the "lawless one" ( 2 Thess. 2:8). We are also not to be legalists by attempting to follow scripture but with a cold heart; or in the sense of creating new rules not in scripture (don't dance; don't smoke; don't drink; etc) which may be fine in their own right; but can't be pushed as a direct scriptural commandment.
Thus I would contend rules about our conduct also as essential.
That is true Rainwalker, in reference to Genesis 26:5. But the question: what were the "commandments, statutes and laws" that were given to Abraham to obey? We aren't given the specifics apart from God's clear directions to him. And even if they were the same as those given to Moses (and that's an IF), how would those laws given to Abraham & later to Israel, come to bear upon those now in Christ Jesus & been given God's Spirit to reside in them?
As even the apostle stated in Romans 7:10, "And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death"; could there be any Law given, whether to Abraham, Moses, & Israel, as pure & righteous as those Laws were, have given to any of them, life (i.e. the promise of eternal life)? Each one had to stand by their faith before God, the Law giving them absolutely no justification before God ( Romans 3:20).
Likewise, the Law can have no bearing on those now In Christ, for we stand by faith alone in Christ's finished Work for us & for all who would come to Him & believe on Him. Do we then remain lawless? Rather, the Law of Faith ( Romans 3:27) now stands, as it did before to those under the Old Covenant, but now this Law (of Faith) is energized in us by the Holy Spirit giving us power to live triumphantly & acceptably before God - that which the Old Law could never do & was never designed to do. Abraham wasn't accepted simply on how well he kept whatever Laws were given him, but that it was his faith that took him beyond the letter, where he obeyed God, claimed God's Promises, & looked beyond what the physical eye & mind could apprehend ( Hebrews 11:8-10).
Hello Jpiegaro. This is a subject that has been debated often & it really boils down to how one approaches & understands God's Word on this matter, as also with other subjects.
My understanding on this, indeed on all matters pertaining to Israel, is that the Ten Commandments which includes the necessity of keeping the Sabbath Day holy was wholly incumbent upon Israel & Israel alone. No other people received the Decalogue, as also with circumcision, the festivals, sacrifices, priestly functions, other laws, etc. Unfortunately, when the Jew turned to Christ, as also with the Gentile, the knowledge they had or we received from the Old Testament are presumed to be automatically passed onto & applied to those now In Christ. We readily acknowledge the laws concerning our relationship to God & to one another, as given in the OT, but then imply that Sabbath-keeping must also apply to us. We do so in ignorance.
Shabbat (Hebrew, from the root, Shin-Bet-Tav), being the seventh day, means 'to cease, to end, to rest', & Israel was to sanctify (set apart) this day for cessation from all activity, even as the LORD Himself hallowed it ( Exodus 20:10,11). There could be no transposition of this Sabbath Day to any other day; hence, it was never 're-converted' to become a Sunday, thus the term 'Christian Sabbath' really is a misnomer. One can use the 7th day, or any day, as a day of rest as desired, but I don't ever see it as a requirement for those who are In Christ Jesus, as those now under a new Law given us (even, imputed in us) by the Holy Spirit ( Romans 8:2) & also being led of the Spirit ( Galatians 5:18). When we look at the Gospels & the Acts of the Apostles, we find many references to the Sabbath Day, since either the Law was still in force (pre-Cross) or the apostles took advantage of the day for ministry to the Jews in synagogues (in Acts). But in NT Church practise, they met on the 1st Day of the Week, with no reference to the old Law of Sabbath(s).
No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. HEREBY KNOW WE THAT WE DWELL IN HIM, AND HE IN US, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
What John is saying is that no man has seen God at any time but if we love one another God dwells in us. In other words God today can manifest himself through believers in loving one another, "and the world sees That!
John 13:34-35, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
"What makes this so unique?" What's new about it? Isn't it listed in the Commandments? What's unique and new about it is that he causes it!
Look at verse 35.
"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,.
( God gave us his Spirit that causes us to love the Brothern.)
God's Spirit, "The Holyspirit" causes those who loves God to love his brother also. 1 John 4:21"
Romans 5:5.
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Thanks GiGi for that detailed & timely reminder of what our Christian attitudes ought to be & how they are then expressed to others; and this examination by each one of us has to be first addressed when the seeds within our hearts & minds begin to germinate. Unless the feelings that arise within are not arrested early enough, we may well have to regret our words or behavior.
But then the matter of 'what then is sin'? I think most would agree that it is much more than violating the Ten Commandments, even as our Lord pointed His hearers to their own hearts to correctly understand this subject. But when it comes down to those regrettable things that arise within us which are not specifically addressed in the Word, we may find license to overlook them & treat them as not sinful, merely aberrations arising from the flesh. So, it may boil down to, 'what is sinful to some, may not be to others' (at least, until all are truly led of the Spirit to recognize sin for what sin is, or to those particularly sensitive to any deviation from the holy, to re-examine their beliefs by the Spirit's Guidance). And I too, have had to re-read my comments here, not only for clearly conveying my thoughts, but also to see whether my words could be hurtful or misunderstood, words arising from a mind overly passionate about the subject. I guess that I have failed in this as well at times. Blessings.
About perfectness. I think the Bible uses this word with various meanings
1. Lets see as Richard says Matthew 5:48, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.". Now the verb "be" in grk (esesthai) is in the future tense and denotes an expectation. So what Jesus is actually saying here (as I understand it) is that He expects us to become perfect like God is. Well this is impossible, isn't it? So what He means is that He expects us to strive to be like God (in character). And how is that to be done? By following His commandments, which commandments reveal the character of God to us. And since one aspect (and probably the most important) of God's character is love Jesus asks us to love each other like God does. This is something gradual, isn't it? It is something that we keep aquiring through our whole life.
If we compare it with Hebrews 5:8,9, "8Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;" Here Jesus iwas made perfect by obeying God's commandments.
So perfectness again here means a whole route/course that we follow in our lives during which, by following God's commandements/directions we keep growing spiritually and getting to be like God in character more and more.
2. But in Hebrews 10:14, "For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified", the word perfect has a different meaning. It means the one who has no sins. So we were perfected by Jesus' Blood, that is we are righteous through His sacrifice.
3. In Hebrews 11:38-40 says, "39And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:40God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect."
Here perfectness is something that we will aquire in Heaven when we will be dressed up with our new spiritual body, completely freed from sin, death etc
God knows who are his and shall delver them who keep the truth. Long ago I belonged to a cult group that taught that there shall be animal sacrifices as before. Their reasoning was that God never errs in His commandments. It was a mismatch of so many doctrines of man. They wanted to control the minds by mind-numbing 'tarrying' meetings for the Holy Spirit Their true intent was to enforce their will- worship (Touch not, taste not and in their dress ) over their congregants by enforcing themselves as the Levites under the Order of Aaron. As a Sunday school teacher the more I began studying the word of God by myself, the scales fell of my eyes as it were, and I left their Assembly.
Shortly thereafter they sent two of their two brethren to ask me what 'speaking in tongues' meant for me, intending to say it was of devil if I were to leave them. I admitted I was mistaken and the truth has freed me. They tried to frighten by saying that I would go back to them on my knees within two years. i simply laughed them out. There are many such e false shepherds out there and it is none of our business to meddle with them. God's promises are always yea in his Son.
Earlier I placed this reply which was shoddy having written half-awake and after posting my conclusion on Is.2. It gave me a sleepless night so I first tackled what needed to be written down and this is same and cleaned up of typos
"For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us."(2:14)
Up Down
This ministry of reconciliation is across while what we considered under 'the other sheep' ( John 10:16). The worlds of the Spirit and the body were reconciled up and down. "The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies". Then the question arises what is 'the rod of thy strength'? "And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations." The Word of God prevails over his enemies. These events are given in Re.19:13-18; Ps.110:2
Here we have even unto the world which is length and breadth of the earth. "and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." All power given unto the risen Christ covers both heaven and the earth. That explains the great army of saints following the Word of white arrayed in white.(Matt.28:18-20)
Across
St Paul refers to the Gospel of peace between the Jews and the Gentiles, "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;/And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross" (vv.15-16) The cross is the focus while the sword is the focus in up and down.
Time of the Gentiles
This occurs on the earth since the time tag of 42 months establish the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. "for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months." Jewish diaspora in waves under Assyria, Babylon and Rome are referred as the time of the Gentiles.(Re.11:2). What occurs in Palestine in our times falls under this heading.
The 144,000 who are sealed in place of 12 tribes are neither Jews nor the Gentiles but martyrs.(Re.7) "is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?" (Ze. 3:3)
You are giving a great highlight about JESUS's work, and quoted John 10:16, that says: Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold (the Gentiles): them also I MUST bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. In my vision, JESUS was speaking of His Universal work bringing the Gentile people to salvation according the plan of GOD the Father in to create one Universal fold and one Universal Shepherd.
There is an wonderful and wise interpretation of Paul Apostle, saying to the Church of Ephesians 2:12-18
12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without GOD in the world:
13 But NOW in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
14 For He is our peace, who hath MADE BOTH ONE, and hath BROKEN DOWN the middle wall of partition between us;
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;
16 And that He might reconcile both unto GOD in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off (the Gentiles), and to them that were nigh(the Jews).
18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. - Hallelujaaaah!!!
"I don't believe that the Pope is speaking for God allowing for same sex marriages and the Pope isn't great, matter of fact I believe the the Pope is Satan himself." I don't believe he speaks for God either and, indeed, he personifies Satan himself. I was being factious. I left Catholicism too when I left my Catholic home at 18. I couldn't stand it and was so relieved when it was in my past.
I don't know exactly what you mean when you say "and have been searching for a long time for the "true" religion." "True religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." James 1:7. Because you are a true believer, God is in your heart, soul and mind. You belong to God. Those who are true believers are The Church of God, sometimes called the Kingdom of God. You are a part of the Body of Christ. This is your religion. James is saying if you love God you will show His love unconditionally, but especially to the needy and keep yourself holy. If you wonder how you can "keep unspotted in the world" do this - read Exodus 20: 1-17. These are the ten commandments of God-not laws-commandments written by God Himself. "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous." 1 John 5: 3 and Jesus said: "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:30. Some Christians teach a Sinning/Christian doctrine but this is false. We may have weakness and faults as a true believer. These are not sins. When we are born again we are not "perfect", of course, but God helps us overcome these weaknesses and faults by maturing in Him but we are to "go and sin no more." John 8: 3-11/ 11- ....... And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." I know I have been preaching :) and if I have presumed things about you that are wrong please forgive me, I just want to help if I can. God Bless :) I hope you will respond.
Jesus before his ascension warned his disciples not to figure out the end time by their intellect. It was set under divine seal of Authority (Ac.1:7).
"And he (God) rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made." Number Seven is not about week but Day in which days are counted in several multiples of seven.God's promise to Israel was conditional. They were to observe His commandments with whole heart and soul and might.(*'ye shall do my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them".)
"And ye shall dwell in the land in safety./ And the land shall yield her fruit, and ye shall eat your fill, and dwell therein in safety." Then Moses goes on to add, "And if ye shall say, What shall we eat the seventh year? behold, we shall not sow, nor gather in our increase./Then I will command my blessing upon you in the sixth year, and it shall bring forth fruit for three years."(Le.25:18-21). Significance of the number Three refers to the Son. When he said, 'My Father works hitherto and I also work explains the glory of the Word that the Spirit of Christ signifies. His work shall be done only when Christ Jesus announces, 'It is done.'(Re.21:6)
Jubilee of God redeeming the earth would mark the inauguration of new heaven and the earth. (see under N- numbers command/jubilee). The rest we are exhorted to enter corresponds with the rest, which under the Law of Moses was for two years. (He.4:11). The land belongs to God in this age or in the one to come.(Le.25:23)
*Coming back to the word of God, you shall keep my judgments in v.18 God exhorts them to keep His judgments as Christ in them did. His will is perfect and reckons no Israel or Gentile nations in his Son. His Fellowship with Man allows no further distinctions.
I understand your passion and I believe you may have misunderstood parts of my post; I am sorry. Your first question is yes, I am a follower of Jesus. Jesus answered the scribe and said, Mark 12: 29-30 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And yes, I do, but am I perfect, NO.
I do not belong to any denomination; I have attended many denominations but Catholic and I am in my 70s and there is not a church close to me now that I feel comfortable going to. John 1:1 I will say my understanding is different and too long to explain in this reply maybe another thread.
What I meant about Matthew 28:19 is in this verse Jesus told them to go baptizing people in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. People use this to support the Trinity doctrine but nowhere in the New Testament is anyone baptized in the name of the three, people were only baptized in the name of Jesus not that there was no baptizing in the New Testament, but they were only baptized in the name of Jesus.
As you listed Acts 4:10-12 only by the name of Jesus and "none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. And that name is who they baptized people in the New Testament not of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Now in many churches, a person must believe in the Trinity for salvation, and if they do not confess the Trinity, they are not a Christian. Can you show me where that was said or was taught anywhere in the New Testament?
I am sorry we do not agree on this, and I hope this helps you understand my last post, and may we be guided by the Holy Spirit in our study for the truth, we are one body.
I don't remember who believes what in this forum, but I feel a duty to defend Jesus and defend the truth, so I will share God's word. I feel that's the least I can do as a Christ follower. Do you consider yourself a Christ follower?
If you don't believe Jesus is God then I wonder if you believe Christians are in violation of the 1st of the 10 commandments? Because if you don't think Jesus is God or divine then you might think putting Jesus #1 in their life is bad? If you can explain your religious doctrine or denomination more that would be helpful.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1 KJV
It is like Matthew 28:19
I'd like to ask about your comment, "the baptizing in the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit but nowhere do we see it in the New Testament all were baptized in the name of Jesus and only in the name of Jesus are we saved."
I don't totally understand this comment yet. Are you saying you don't see baptizing isn't in the new testament? Because you replied with a verse that is in the new testament, so you seemed to have refuted your own comment?
And the latter half of your comment is "...and only in the name of Jesus are we saved."
But the Bible says precisely that in Acts 4:12. It says:
"Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:10-12 KJV
It says the name of Jesus Christ is through whom we are saved. It says it plain as day. Did I understand your comment correctly?
Also it flat out says Jesus is God in John 1:1 "Word was God" and it says Jesus is the Word in at least a couple other verses
Tags are used in the case of command as well as to indicate the fullness of Jesus Christ. Expressions like "unto this day" 'on that day" forever" etc., are tags. "I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever."(1 Ki.9:3)
The name of the Father is holiness of the Gospel, which is one. (One Lord , one faith-Ep.4:5).
The Son has a command number, which is Three. The Word made flesh makes his command number Four.
The Number Five is with respect the Son and all souls given "As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him."( John 17:2) The principle of Association is applied to man in terms of his earthly circumstances. Thus his ox is counted as five. For this reason in the Law we have God commanding Moses, "If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep".(Ex.22:1)
What does the Jubilee (5x10) signify? The land belongs to God and the glory of the land is in harmony with the glory of the Son as heir to all things. With the jubilee year the land is to be left fallow. This rest signified rest that is promised to saints redeemed from earth.
1260 days of the ministry of Jesus is reckoned as baseline so both the Lord from heaven and the Son of man serves as a scale.
In the Parable of the Five Wise virgins and Five Foolish virgins where the command number is Ten, indicating the Will of God. (Matt.25:1-13)
(See entry under T-Ten commandments)
The virgins were redeemed from the world and they would have died to sin with taking baptism by water. They were to do the perfect will of God, which was their reasonable service. The Foolish five did no further in walking closer to the Lord. On the other hand the Five Wise virgins redeeming the times were evil did all to be kept from the ungodly ways. In short they followed the prompting of the indwelling Spirit.
Command numbers are tags used by the Spirit to distinguish from numbers of numerical value.
The Spirit in organizing the narrative of the Scripture uses numbers in a manner different from its normal use. Tags are different from command number.
In the vision of The Woman Clothed with the Sun , the red dragon has ten horns which is a command number to indicate judgment as in the Decalogue. The Spirit indicates that the dragon has been already under judgment. (Re.12:4). The number 10 refers as a tag as in the measurement: an omer is one tenth of an ephah (Ex.16:36). To indicate man's life multiples of 10 serve as tag. Similarly the Spirit intends a generation by 10x10 or 10x100 or 10x1000 to indicate end times. For example in the matter of gospel the command number is 12. Multiples of 12 in the upper room before the day of Pentecost held 120(1210) in number. On Mount Sion the number of first fruits are counted, 144,000. "And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads (Re.14:1)". Number 144,000 is a command number meaning the divine Will with regards to what constitutes first fruits (12x12x1000).
Forty days indicate time imposed on man in preparation for fulfilling divine Will. "Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant-the Ten Commandments (Ex.34:28-NIV). On the other end Jesus Christ was seen after resurrection for forty day before he ascended to the heavens.(Ac.1:3)
'And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us ( John 1:14). This testimony is number 4. Number 4 has significance in terms of the world that is set on four cardinal directions. (Re.7:1) Salvation is thus in terms of four gospels and the judgement aspect as in the vision of the four carpenters, - Ze.1:20.
"Song of Ascents" under the entry D- degrees (1 of 2)
A title given to fifteen psalms from 120 to 134 inclusive of which four are attributed to King David and one to his son Solomon. There were three appointed feasts namely Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles. By tradition pilgrims expressing their joy in going up to Jerusalem would have sung. There are 15 songs in this series and each psalm may correspond to the step leading a pilgrim.
Historically the children of Israel showed that they moved on their bellies in the wilderness. How often did they grumble against Moses and Aaron? (Ex.16:3) They would have stoned them and they despised manna, which God gave. He fed them with angel's food. Yet what was their cry? "And said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?"(Nu.11:4-5) God sent them quails, which gives us a revealing glimpse as to why they stopped short from doing the commandments with their heart and soul. Their rebellious spirit brought cancer to their souls since they would not worship God, a Spirit in spirit and truth. "And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.(106:15). A wasting disease nevertheless.
These are examples and left for 'our admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come'. In short the Spirit warns us to search our hearts well as we are pilgrims and sojourners even as they. The Spirit of Christ revealed to Prophet Elisha what motivated his servant, "And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man (Naaman) turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and olive-yards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants? (2 Ki.5:26)
" For the Lord hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation./ This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it."/
I am sorry Jema, I didn't mean to bombard you, I was just answering you.
Two short replies I believe I need to tell you and I won't expect a reply.
The Commandments were not LAWS. They were commands written by God not to be disobeyed. If they are the laws you say that we are no longer expected to obey them then why do we? None of you have ever answered that question.
MERRIAN-WEBSTER DICTIONARY
Bewitched:
controlled or affected by or as if by a magic spell
influenced, attracted, or charmed as if by magic
The only criteria you have for saying I am bewitched is just because I believe the 4th commandment needs to be obeyed and believers should take one day of rest from their labors each week. Your implication that I am bewitched seems kind of harsh and unloving but maybe I've misunderstood your meaning. Anyway, I will end this discussion on the subject of the Sabbath and if I reply to any of your other discussions on this forum, I'll be sure to keep it short. I do understand where you are coming from, my daughter is the same way. God Bless :)
Dear Momsage , as I've said before , I admire your passion for this subject but , may I suggest that you may have neglected other parts of the Bible in your zeal for this one subject ? Amos Ch 3 V 1+2 . The Bible is a whole and scripture supports and illuminates scripture . I have never said that anyone should ignore any of the ten commandments . Have you read the book of Galatians ? Ch 3 is especially helpful in this subject . I'm not much of a person to get into big debates , but there are plenty on here who enjoy that sort of thing , maybe you should direct your posts to them . Much love to you in Christ .
The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. ( Genesis 49:10)
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. ( 1 Peter 4:11)
When taking a look at scripture; there are roles women play as Prophetess; prayer; teaching children; or the "virtuous woman" summing up Proverbs 31. When it comes to the 10 Commandments and the laws of the Lord in the Old Testament; or the rules about women remaining silent in the New Testament ( 1 Corinthians 14:34-35) it seems in regard to instruction in law continues as a man's responsibility. That would have further implications in regard to teaching established DOCTRINE related to the law; or the Gospel of Grace which expounds the full meaning of what is concealed in the Old Testament but revealed fully now.
When we try to fully grasp these concepts in human understanding; of course we fall short. An example that gives us insight is in Exodus 15:20 which shows Miriam; the older sister of Moses and Aaron as the first Prophetess in scripture. We could say in some way that Moses acted as the first Prophet in the Bible; at least in predicting what would happen to Israel in the last days in Deuteronomy 4; but Deuteronomy 18 talks about the coming Prophet like Moses who must be heeded (Christ). Technically Abraham was called a Prophet; the first example in the Bible but his predictions were toward his descendants when giving the family blessings at his death.
We see with Miriam that she foolishly spoke out about the second wife of Abraham of African descent and was struck with leprosy temporarily. Her best moment was in the role of the victory song as they crossed the Red Sea.
1 Corinthians 13:10 mentions things passing away when the partial is complete; or something to that affect. Revelation also has verses warning about not adding or subtracting which could mean adding to that book or all scripture. Since the written texts originally came from oratory (with the exception of the 10 Commandments originally penned by God Himself); God planned it out so that the scribes would count every LETTER of a scroll; and get rid of a copy to start again if it was even slightly off. 2 Timothy 3:16 explains that all scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching; reproof; etc.
I have discussed in older posts a summation of the Apocrypha as to truths of historic or moral truths that are borrowed from true scripture; which always states "thus saith the Lord" except for places like Ruth and Esther; or Song of Solomon. God's truths are absolute; as we see from the claims of Christ's divinity; and the laws in the 10 Commandments. The repetitive themes such as scriptures being repeated again in the New Testament to enhance their true meanings bring a cohesiveness to the Bible. We also have such admonitions as 1 John 4:2 stating what any "spirit" testifies about Christ having come in the flesh.
That would correlate with verses like Matthew 16:17 where it is clear that Christ's DIVINITY (as the "I am") can only be understood or revealed through the Spirit. I noticed that myself pre conversion it didn't enter my mind that Christ was God or part of the "Godhead". As our spirit testifies with "his Spirit"( Romans 8:16) that we are His children and His Word is truth the Lord will build our discernment of truth as we grow and mature in Him to know what is true (see also John 10:27).
St Mark gives us two commandments which shall explain what keeps the kingdom of God together. Merriam -Webster explains the scribe as a member of a learned class in ancient Israel through New Testament times studying the Scriptures and serving as copyists, editors, teachers, and jurists. One of their class, who was present when Jesus put to silence the Sadducees had a question to ask. He would have pored over the texts in order to interpret all the law and the prophets wanted to tempt Jesus as St Matthew puts it. That the ten commandments could be reduced to two must have come as a surprise to him. Never in his understanding had this truth dawned as to what Jesus signified. As the Lord from heaven the Decalogue began from one ("God is one") and also ended with him. This made both heaven and the earth on single yardstick in the matter of fulfilling the will of God. God is a Spirit and without its sovereignty and without obeying it a many may make it his business to preach but is an ignoramus as the Pharisees and the scribes who were out to destroy Jesus who was the fulfillment of the Law. When God sent his Son Jesus was a sign to which Prophet Isaiah had predicted (Is.7:14). They also heard him deliver the doctrine of hid Father which we know as the Sermon on the Mount.
The writer to the Hebrews place the role of the Son, "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,/Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son," (He.1:1-2). In their opposition what did the ten in the Decalogue meant? They were judged already. The two commandments represented the deity and humanity of the Son. "On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."(Matt.22:40). The Word as the sound and as a sign made the kingdom of God work. Their questions were to no avail because faith without works is dead. The discreet answer of the scribe is in "with all your heart, with all your soul etc., v.33
Jesus was Prophet; Priest and King. He fulfilled roles which no other individual was allowed to do in scripture. David acted as Priest when needed when he was a king; but only due to his own sin. Solomon had to complete building the Temple because David was disallowed according to scripture because of certain acts of violence (I am guessing partly due to having Uriah killed off to get Bathsheeba). Even though Solomon commissioned men to do the work on the Temple we see no direct priestly action by him; only a dedication of the nation of Israel and prayers lifted up and the beginning of the operations there. Generally kings were not allowed to offer sacrifices; a Levite was needed first off. This disqualified Saul's attempt when he presumptuously went ahead with it rather than waiting for the right person to do the job and that resulted in being dethroned and his life started to fall apart. Prophets also kept away from sacrifices; but in the case of Christ He fulfilled the prophecies Himself by BEING our sacrifice and hence exalted by the Father to rule and reign as King on the earth in the Millennium.
The Bible describes many kings along with exhaustive lists of their actions which sadly were predominantly evil. The length of their reign as well as the fate of the nation at large was tied into blessings and cursings. Transgressions would cause a downfall; and in the case of the few righteous kings it exalted the nation ( Proverbs 14:34). After Solomon compromised he forfeited his own length of life as well as the nation being able to rule permanently without being under the thumb of other nations. In Ecclesiastes his conclusion after discussing all his own vanity and of life in general was to "fear God and keep his commandments" at the end of chapter 12. Through Christ alone can we fulfill the law because we are grafted in to the true vine inheriting His righeousness because of His victory.
The Bible as a whole gives a systematic and cohesive narrative clearly describing certain truths; at least all necessary for instruction and teaching in righteousness ( 2 Tim. 3:16). The idea of the law of God is intermingled in the Genesis story; with the first covenant of God being established with the marriage of Adam and Eve which was instituted by God Himself. There was apparently the concept of a sacrifice long before the laws that were in Exodus; Leviticus and Deuteronomy as indicated by the offerings brought forth by Abel and Cain. And we also have the mysterious Melchizedek who was a true priest of God but not under known lineage in the line of the Jews.
The law; of course comes in Exodus and Deuteronomy with the basic 10 Commandments; as well as the 600 odd other laws releting to various national laws; moral laws and ceremonial laws specific to Israel as well as to mankind in whole. Those who would question that need to carefully read the Old Testament where we see passages such as God describing the Amorites ( Gen. 15:16); as well as the destruction of other nations; even Nineveh after God spared it due to repentance for a time in the time of Jonah. Verses about marriage in regard to Abraham and Isaac as well as John the Baptist clearly indicate the law was recognized by the Egyptians as well as with Herod having his brother's wife ( Mark 6:18) which led to his beheading indirectly after imprisonment. We see in Amos 1:13-14 scripture where Ammon was to be destroyed for what is described as mutilating pregnant women (a nice way to say it). There are other verses as well where people are given back punishment based on what they've done similar to this; it fits in basically to an "eye for an eye". We even see special healing given to a Gentile (Naaman the Syrian) in the Old Testament.
This concept of the law shows exceptions to basic principles of God's actions in the O.T and N.T.
In my last post I describe how the incident in John 9 set apart Christ as doing something new; that only God could perform.
This wasn't something the religious Pharisees could deal with; as the lengthy account of this incident makes painfully clear.
We also see Jesus' claims to be able to forgive sins as something unique; yet the many prophecies in Isaiah should have been enough to convince the Jews that this indeed was the true Messiah. There were references there to healing the blind; ministry reaching out to the Gentiles; as well as things such as Isaiah 61 that Jesus quoted and then cut off before the next verse got into the Second Coming and establishing His Kingdom on the earth at that time.
In the analysis of the "Old" and "New" covenants it is better to say that the New one developed the full meaning of the Old.
It certainly doesn't eliminate moral expectations in regard to murder; adultery and covetousness in the original 10 Commandments; we can look to Colossians 2:16 as to the exception of a mandate for "Holy days" as to not enforcing Saturday as the day of rest. This is a hotbed of controversy for some so I won't elaborate further. It is clear ceremonial laws changed; in regard to foods eaten the Cornelious episode makes that abundantly clear. ( Acts 10).
Christ became the sacrifice for our sins so no further sacrifice is needed. ( Psalm 40:6-8). Clearly the grace of the N.T. is seen in the Old Testament; particularly in regard to the sacrifice of a contrite and broken heart as seen in Psalm 51 and many other places. God Himself at some point abhorred the sacrifices due to the hypocrisy ( Isaiah 1:14). Many call Isaiah the Gospel of the O.T. and it is needed reading to understand prophetic things to come regarding Christ and God's call to the Gentiles.
Many places appear to show Christ before He came on earth physically; it is an interesting study in itself. So is the Godhead.
Anyone with access to a concordance; even a basic list in small print of corresponding verses shows the integrity and cohesiveness of all of the Bible; both Old and New Testaments. This dwarfs the historical references in the Apocrypha; in which many of the details that are verifiable are in Maccabees; 1 and 2. The feast of Dedication is found in the N.T. but not mentioned specifically in the Old; hence Maccabees is helpful describing this as well. These facts are important for archaeological and historical accuracy as well as the veracity of the teachings in the Bible; whether in the old covenant of the law or the New Covenant. When we compare information in scripture to other secular teachings and those of other faiths; we see elemental truths as well as the same events clearly indicated in many cases; or closely paralleled.
In the case of the law; for example there are repetitive passages in the Pentateuch in regard; for instance to the 10 commandments found in Exodus and Deuteronomy; then Jesus quotes many of the same passages when contenting with the Pharisees to expound the deeper meanings of intentions of the heart when it comes to marriage and divorce; hatred for someone; and lustful thoughts. Love your neighbor as yourself comes from Leviticus 19:18 which I wasn't even aware of until recently.
The empires of history are in Daniel as well as the final world government summarized in Daniel 7:4-6 and Revelation 13:2.
We see the same cross references relating to most of the major events of the Tribulation especially found in the endo of chapter 11 and all of 12 in Daniel. Jesus Himself in Matthew 24:15 stated the importance of Daniel's visions from Daniel 12:11. This also was foreshadowed in the story in Maccabees about Antiochus Epiphanes which time frame is alluded to in parts of Daniel 11 that seem to shift into the time of the end in verse 40.
We do well to study the Word as the Bereans did ( 2 Tim. 2:15).
"For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial."
Faith with works in the case of Jesus was perfect."And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." Col.1 19-20) "Reconciling all things unto himself" is explained in the episode in the house of Bethany. In him is the fulness so the king in the Parable rewarded " Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."(25:40)
"Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker." Pr.17:5. In our times so much anger and ill-will that has spawned a whole lot of platforms where those who espouse their grievances converge. Domestic terrorism is bred on social platforms so who spreads as well as listens are equally to blame. "A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue." It is thus nations have advanced with good seed and the tares intermingled. There shall be a day of judgment where the separation shall be strictly between the goats and the sheep. Many are called but few are chosen.
This being the case there are no sheep or goats preserved by geographical borders or by doctrine of men. Every man shall give account of himself.
Needless to say, Satan has deceived the man who believes in his country above others. He may call the migrants as 'vermin' because his color is not right, neither is his culture. He is wicked no less. "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all."(Jas.2:10). When he invokes from a position of authority, as the pope of yore who invoked people of faith to crusade he is guilty. "Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven:"(Matt.5:19)
When we get into practical things; for instance the last few chapters of Romans after the lengthy dissertation on the depravity of man (no one is rightous); and the "Gospel of Grace" related to covenants and the like; there could be a tendancy to discount our behaviors as being as important as these doctrinal truths. The fact is they are both important and we can't live bearing good fruit without following the truth and showing obedient love for Christ with our lifestyles. We only need to look at Luke 6:46 to see the importance of doing what He says; and John 14:15 which shows that if we love Him we will obey His commandments. The basic command to love one another is seen in both the Gospel of John and first John as a necessary mandate for a true brother in Christ. This should be a basic litmus test to draw out those who are Judas Iscariot's in our midst. These issues make things difficult when we follow such commandments as 1 Corinthians 5:11 where we are told not to even eat with one who is living in immorality or other sins as a LIFESTYLE or continuing pattern who calls themself a "Christian". This should eliminate many prosperity Gospel folks who are "swindlers"; and those practicing idolatry where a false Christ is worshipped at least in the midst of a given true fellowship of saints. There are times when we can witness to others who are in error if we are not worshipping where they are if we can have some control on the meeting situation. In short; producing good fruit is mentioned in numerous scriptures and thus only occurs with a true believer as the Parable of the Sower indicates. This is essential doctrine which is evidenced by those who are drowning in perdition due to the cares of this world overtaking them ( 1 Timothy 6:9; see also Matthew 13:23). The attitude toward authority covered in Romans 13:1-2; we are called whenever it doesn't contradict scripture to obey authorities.
In Matthew 25; starting in verse 14 we see the Parable of the talents. The first two individuals are rewarded with eternal rewards far greater than invested in this life but in accordance to their faithfulness now. The last servant of course lost it all including apparently his soul. There is a slightly different viewpoint in the parallel Parable in Luke 19 where reward is lost; but it would appear hell would be for those who wouldn't have Christ rule over them which is mentioned after the example of this servant at the end of the Parable. Either way; Jesus made it clear that we are commanded to go out and spread the Good News of the Gospel. A true believer therefore is in danger of losing rewards in heaven; making it in through the "skin of their teeth" ( 1 Cor. 3:15); while a professing Christian may not even be saved if they are not recognized by Christ as a true believer as we see in the Parable of the 5 unwise virgins. We see a similar pattern in the admonition that anyone who teaches others to break one of the "least commandments" ( Matthew 5:19) will be the least in heaven (i.e. loss of rewards). This makes one consider what happens for a greater commandment and how that is defined. This would be of course a "damnable heresy" ( 2 Peter 2:1) and clearly indicates damnation for such individuals in hell.
The great difficulty we have here is if we try to define what is necessary doctrine or unnecessary is that all of scripture is connected so that we are in danger of "cherry picking" what we want to follow rather than what is needed. We also have to look at the attitude of the heart. In the tale of Ananias and Sapphira; it is often overlooked that the problem was not that only a portion of what was sold was brought to the church offering; but that they had lied about their commitment or vow that was made to give all. The other issue is what people say is hard to understand. More to come..
My last post (if it gets uploaded) gets into the basic doctrines needed to be understood for salvation. I would better state that as necessary doctrines that accompany a correct proclamation of our salvation which need to come from a truly regenerated heart to have any real effect. In terms of the law; we no longer need to continue to uphold all the hundreds of laws in the Torah. This is due to some being only for those who were in National Israel; and some which were ceremonial. Following the law never resulted in anyone being saved due to a state of perfection; and in the same logic adhering to the "doctrines of grace" or any and all correct ones doesn't guarantee anything either. The true essence of the law was explained by our Lord when He discussed the attitudes of the heart in Matthew 5 (in the case of verse 28 how looking after a woman lustfully means adultery in the heart).
I would contend that there are universal laws which involve the dignity of human life related to murder; marriage; etc. which are incumbent on all men to follow and which were established from the time of Adam and his immediate offspring as we see with the murder of Abel by Cain the firstborn male of our common ancestory. Even in the Ten Commandments there are certain things such as coveting in the Tenth Commandment that may not have punishment that is as extreme as a death penalty; and clearly we all break God's law in commission; omission or thought on a regular basis. The main concept here is that we are not to be lawless (as we are about to see the coming of the "lawless one" ( 2 Thess. 2:8). We are also not to be legalists by attempting to follow scripture but with a cold heart; or in the sense of creating new rules not in scripture (don't dance; don't smoke; don't drink; etc) which may be fine in their own right; but can't be pushed as a direct scriptural commandment.
Thus I would contend rules about our conduct also as essential.
As even the apostle stated in Romans 7:10, "And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death"; could there be any Law given, whether to Abraham, Moses, & Israel, as pure & righteous as those Laws were, have given to any of them, life (i.e. the promise of eternal life)? Each one had to stand by their faith before God, the Law giving them absolutely no justification before God ( Romans 3:20).
Likewise, the Law can have no bearing on those now In Christ, for we stand by faith alone in Christ's finished Work for us & for all who would come to Him & believe on Him. Do we then remain lawless? Rather, the Law of Faith ( Romans 3:27) now stands, as it did before to those under the Old Covenant, but now this Law (of Faith) is energized in us by the Holy Spirit giving us power to live triumphantly & acceptably before God - that which the Old Law could never do & was never designed to do. Abraham wasn't accepted simply on how well he kept whatever Laws were given him, but that it was his faith that took him beyond the letter, where he obeyed God, claimed God's Promises, & looked beyond what the physical eye & mind could apprehend ( Hebrews 11:8-10).
My understanding on this, indeed on all matters pertaining to Israel, is that the Ten Commandments which includes the necessity of keeping the Sabbath Day holy was wholly incumbent upon Israel & Israel alone. No other people received the Decalogue, as also with circumcision, the festivals, sacrifices, priestly functions, other laws, etc. Unfortunately, when the Jew turned to Christ, as also with the Gentile, the knowledge they had or we received from the Old Testament are presumed to be automatically passed onto & applied to those now In Christ. We readily acknowledge the laws concerning our relationship to God & to one another, as given in the OT, but then imply that Sabbath-keeping must also apply to us. We do so in ignorance.
Shabbat (Hebrew, from the root, Shin-Bet-Tav), being the seventh day, means 'to cease, to end, to rest', & Israel was to sanctify (set apart) this day for cessation from all activity, even as the LORD Himself hallowed it ( Exodus 20:10,11). There could be no transposition of this Sabbath Day to any other day; hence, it was never 're-converted' to become a Sunday, thus the term 'Christian Sabbath' really is a misnomer. One can use the 7th day, or any day, as a day of rest as desired, but I don't ever see it as a requirement for those who are In Christ Jesus, as those now under a new Law given us (even, imputed in us) by the Holy Spirit ( Romans 8:2) & also being led of the Spirit ( Galatians 5:18). When we look at the Gospels & the Acts of the Apostles, we find many references to the Sabbath Day, since either the Law was still in force (pre-Cross) or the apostles took advantage of the day for ministry to the Jews in synagogues (in Acts). But in NT Church practise, they met on the 1st Day of the Week, with no reference to the old Law of Sabbath(s).
I would like to add to what Gigi has shared.
1 John 4:12-16.
No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. HEREBY KNOW WE THAT WE DWELL IN HIM, AND HE IN US, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
What John is saying is that no man has seen God at any time but if we love one another God dwells in us. In other words God today can manifest himself through believers in loving one another, "and the world sees That!
John 13:34-35, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
"What makes this so unique?" What's new about it? Isn't it listed in the Commandments? What's unique and new about it is that he causes it!
Look at verse 35.
"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,.
( God gave us his Spirit that causes us to love the Brothern.)
God's Spirit, "The Holyspirit" causes those who loves God to love his brother also. 1 John 4:21"
Romans 5:5.
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
I hope this helps. God bless.
But then the matter of 'what then is sin'? I think most would agree that it is much more than violating the Ten Commandments, even as our Lord pointed His hearers to their own hearts to correctly understand this subject. But when it comes down to those regrettable things that arise within us which are not specifically addressed in the Word, we may find license to overlook them & treat them as not sinful, merely aberrations arising from the flesh. So, it may boil down to, 'what is sinful to some, may not be to others' (at least, until all are truly led of the Spirit to recognize sin for what sin is, or to those particularly sensitive to any deviation from the holy, to re-examine their beliefs by the Spirit's Guidance). And I too, have had to re-read my comments here, not only for clearly conveying my thoughts, but also to see whether my words could be hurtful or misunderstood, words arising from a mind overly passionate about the subject. I guess that I have failed in this as well at times. Blessings.
About perfectness. I think the Bible uses this word with various meanings
1. Lets see as Richard says Matthew 5:48, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.". Now the verb "be" in grk (esesthai) is in the future tense and denotes an expectation. So what Jesus is actually saying here (as I understand it) is that He expects us to become perfect like God is. Well this is impossible, isn't it? So what He means is that He expects us to strive to be like God (in character). And how is that to be done? By following His commandments, which commandments reveal the character of God to us. And since one aspect (and probably the most important) of God's character is love Jesus asks us to love each other like God does. This is something gradual, isn't it? It is something that we keep aquiring through our whole life.
If we compare it with Hebrews 5:8,9, "8Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;" Here Jesus iwas made perfect by obeying God's commandments.
So perfectness again here means a whole route/course that we follow in our lives during which, by following God's commandements/directions we keep growing spiritually and getting to be like God in character more and more.
2. But in Hebrews 10:14, "For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified", the word perfect has a different meaning. It means the one who has no sins. So we were perfected by Jesus' Blood, that is we are righteous through His sacrifice.
3. In Hebrews 11:38-40 says, "39And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:40God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect."
Here perfectness is something that we will aquire in Heaven when we will be dressed up with our new spiritual body, completely freed from sin, death etc
God knows who are his and shall delver them who keep the truth. Long ago I belonged to a cult group that taught that there shall be animal sacrifices as before. Their reasoning was that God never errs in His commandments. It was a mismatch of so many doctrines of man. They wanted to control the minds by mind-numbing 'tarrying' meetings for the Holy Spirit Their true intent was to enforce their will- worship (Touch not, taste not and in their dress ) over their congregants by enforcing themselves as the Levites under the Order of Aaron. As a Sunday school teacher the more I began studying the word of God by myself, the scales fell of my eyes as it were, and I left their Assembly.
Shortly thereafter they sent two of their two brethren to ask me what 'speaking in tongues' meant for me, intending to say it was of devil if I were to leave them. I admitted I was mistaken and the truth has freed me. They tried to frighten by saying that I would go back to them on my knees within two years. i simply laughed them out. There are many such e false shepherds out there and it is none of our business to meddle with them. God's promises are always yea in his Son.
Earlier I placed this reply which was shoddy having written half-awake and after posting my conclusion on Is.2. It gave me a sleepless night so I first tackled what needed to be written down and this is same and cleaned up of typos
[Comment Removed]
"For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us."(2:14)
Up Down
This ministry of reconciliation is across while what we considered under 'the other sheep' ( John 10:16). The worlds of the Spirit and the body were reconciled up and down. "The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies". Then the question arises what is 'the rod of thy strength'? "And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations." The Word of God prevails over his enemies. These events are given in Re.19:13-18; Ps.110:2
Here we have even unto the world which is length and breadth of the earth. "and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." All power given unto the risen Christ covers both heaven and the earth. That explains the great army of saints following the Word of white arrayed in white.(Matt.28:18-20)
Across
St Paul refers to the Gospel of peace between the Jews and the Gentiles, "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;/And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross" (vv.15-16) The cross is the focus while the sword is the focus in up and down.
Time of the Gentiles
This occurs on the earth since the time tag of 42 months establish the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. "for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months." Jewish diaspora in waves under Assyria, Babylon and Rome are referred as the time of the Gentiles.(Re.11:2). What occurs in Palestine in our times falls under this heading.
The 144,000 who are sealed in place of 12 tribes are neither Jews nor the Gentiles but martyrs.(Re.7) "is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?" (Ze. 3:3)
Bennymkje
You are giving a great highlight about JESUS's work, and quoted John 10:16, that says: Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold (the Gentiles): them also I MUST bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. In my vision, JESUS was speaking of His Universal work bringing the Gentile people to salvation according the plan of GOD the Father in to create one Universal fold and one Universal Shepherd.
There is an wonderful and wise interpretation of Paul Apostle, saying to the Church of Ephesians 2:12-18
12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without GOD in the world:
13 But NOW in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
14 For He is our peace, who hath MADE BOTH ONE, and hath BROKEN DOWN the middle wall of partition between us;
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;
16 And that He might reconcile both unto GOD in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off (the Gentiles), and to them that were nigh(the Jews).
18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. - Hallelujaaaah!!!
I don't know exactly what you mean when you say "and have been searching for a long time for the "true" religion." "True religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." James 1:7. Because you are a true believer, God is in your heart, soul and mind. You belong to God. Those who are true believers are The Church of God, sometimes called the Kingdom of God. You are a part of the Body of Christ. This is your religion. James is saying if you love God you will show His love unconditionally, but especially to the needy and keep yourself holy. If you wonder how you can "keep unspotted in the world" do this - read Exodus 20: 1-17. These are the ten commandments of God-not laws-commandments written by God Himself. "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous." 1 John 5: 3 and Jesus said: "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:30. Some Christians teach a Sinning/Christian doctrine but this is false. We may have weakness and faults as a true believer. These are not sins. When we are born again we are not "perfect", of course, but God helps us overcome these weaknesses and faults by maturing in Him but we are to "go and sin no more." John 8: 3-11/ 11- ....... And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." I know I have been preaching :) and if I have presumed things about you that are wrong please forgive me, I just want to help if I can. God Bless :) I hope you will respond.
Jesus before his ascension warned his disciples not to figure out the end time by their intellect. It was set under divine seal of Authority (Ac.1:7).
"And he (God) rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made." Number Seven is not about week but Day in which days are counted in several multiples of seven.God's promise to Israel was conditional. They were to observe His commandments with whole heart and soul and might.(*'ye shall do my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them".)
"And ye shall dwell in the land in safety./ And the land shall yield her fruit, and ye shall eat your fill, and dwell therein in safety." Then Moses goes on to add, "And if ye shall say, What shall we eat the seventh year? behold, we shall not sow, nor gather in our increase./Then I will command my blessing upon you in the sixth year, and it shall bring forth fruit for three years."(Le.25:18-21). Significance of the number Three refers to the Son. When he said, 'My Father works hitherto and I also work explains the glory of the Word that the Spirit of Christ signifies. His work shall be done only when Christ Jesus announces, 'It is done.'(Re.21:6)
Jubilee of God redeeming the earth would mark the inauguration of new heaven and the earth. (see under N- numbers command/jubilee). The rest we are exhorted to enter corresponds with the rest, which under the Law of Moses was for two years. (He.4:11). The land belongs to God in this age or in the one to come.(Le.25:23)
*Coming back to the word of God, you shall keep my judgments in v.18 God exhorts them to keep His judgments as Christ in them did. His will is perfect and reckons no Israel or Gentile nations in his Son. His Fellowship with Man allows no further distinctions.
I understand your passion and I believe you may have misunderstood parts of my post; I am sorry. Your first question is yes, I am a follower of Jesus. Jesus answered the scribe and said, Mark 12: 29-30 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And yes, I do, but am I perfect, NO.
I do not belong to any denomination; I have attended many denominations but Catholic and I am in my 70s and there is not a church close to me now that I feel comfortable going to. John 1:1 I will say my understanding is different and too long to explain in this reply maybe another thread.
What I meant about Matthew 28:19 is in this verse Jesus told them to go baptizing people in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. People use this to support the Trinity doctrine but nowhere in the New Testament is anyone baptized in the name of the three, people were only baptized in the name of Jesus not that there was no baptizing in the New Testament, but they were only baptized in the name of Jesus.
As you listed Acts 4:10-12 only by the name of Jesus and "none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. And that name is who they baptized people in the New Testament not of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Now in many churches, a person must believe in the Trinity for salvation, and if they do not confess the Trinity, they are not a Christian. Can you show me where that was said or was taught anywhere in the New Testament?
I am sorry we do not agree on this, and I hope this helps you understand my last post, and may we be guided by the Holy Spirit in our study for the truth, we are one body.
God bless,
RLW
I don't remember who believes what in this forum, but I feel a duty to defend Jesus and defend the truth, so I will share God's word. I feel that's the least I can do as a Christ follower. Do you consider yourself a Christ follower?
If you don't believe Jesus is God then I wonder if you believe Christians are in violation of the 1st of the 10 commandments? Because if you don't think Jesus is God or divine then you might think putting Jesus #1 in their life is bad? If you can explain your religious doctrine or denomination more that would be helpful.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1 KJV
It is like Matthew 28:19
I'd like to ask about your comment, "the baptizing in the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit but nowhere do we see it in the New Testament all were baptized in the name of Jesus and only in the name of Jesus are we saved."
I don't totally understand this comment yet. Are you saying you don't see baptizing isn't in the new testament? Because you replied with a verse that is in the new testament, so you seemed to have refuted your own comment?
And the latter half of your comment is "...and only in the name of Jesus are we saved."
But the Bible says precisely that in Acts 4:12. It says:
"Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:10-12 KJV
It says the name of Jesus Christ is through whom we are saved. It says it plain as day. Did I understand your comment correctly?
Also it flat out says Jesus is God in John 1:1 "Word was God" and it says Jesus is the Word in at least a couple other verses
Tags are used in the case of command as well as to indicate the fullness of Jesus Christ. Expressions like "unto this day" 'on that day" forever" etc., are tags. "I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever."(1 Ki.9:3)
The name of the Father is holiness of the Gospel, which is one. (One Lord , one faith-Ep.4:5).
The Son has a command number, which is Three. The Word made flesh makes his command number Four.
The Number Five is with respect the Son and all souls given "As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him."( John 17:2) The principle of Association is applied to man in terms of his earthly circumstances. Thus his ox is counted as five. For this reason in the Law we have God commanding Moses, "If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep".(Ex.22:1)
What does the Jubilee (5x10) signify? The land belongs to God and the glory of the land is in harmony with the glory of the Son as heir to all things. With the jubilee year the land is to be left fallow. This rest signified rest that is promised to saints redeemed from earth.
1260 days of the ministry of Jesus is reckoned as baseline so both the Lord from heaven and the Son of man serves as a scale.
In the Parable of the Five Wise virgins and Five Foolish virgins where the command number is Ten, indicating the Will of God. (Matt.25:1-13)
(See entry under T-Ten commandments)
The virgins were redeemed from the world and they would have died to sin with taking baptism by water. They were to do the perfect will of God, which was their reasonable service. The Foolish five did no further in walking closer to the Lord. On the other hand the Five Wise virgins redeeming the times were evil did all to be kept from the ungodly ways. In short they followed the prompting of the indwelling Spirit.
Command numbers are tags used by the Spirit to distinguish from numbers of numerical value.
The Spirit in organizing the narrative of the Scripture uses numbers in a manner different from its normal use. Tags are different from command number.
In the vision of The Woman Clothed with the Sun , the red dragon has ten horns which is a command number to indicate judgment as in the Decalogue. The Spirit indicates that the dragon has been already under judgment. (Re.12:4). The number 10 refers as a tag as in the measurement: an omer is one tenth of an ephah (Ex.16:36). To indicate man's life multiples of 10 serve as tag. Similarly the Spirit intends a generation by 10x10 or 10x100 or 10x1000 to indicate end times. For example in the matter of gospel the command number is 12. Multiples of 12 in the upper room before the day of Pentecost held 120(1210) in number. On Mount Sion the number of first fruits are counted, 144,000. "And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads (Re.14:1)". Number 144,000 is a command number meaning the divine Will with regards to what constitutes first fruits (12x12x1000).
Forty days indicate time imposed on man in preparation for fulfilling divine Will. "Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant-the Ten Commandments (Ex.34:28-NIV). On the other end Jesus Christ was seen after resurrection for forty day before he ascended to the heavens.(Ac.1:3)
'And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us ( John 1:14). This testimony is number 4. Number 4 has significance in terms of the world that is set on four cardinal directions. (Re.7:1) Salvation is thus in terms of four gospels and the judgement aspect as in the vision of the four carpenters, - Ze.1:20.
A title given to fifteen psalms from 120 to 134 inclusive of which four are attributed to King David and one to his son Solomon. There were three appointed feasts namely Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles. By tradition pilgrims expressing their joy in going up to Jerusalem would have sung. There are 15 songs in this series and each psalm may correspond to the step leading a pilgrim.
Historically the children of Israel showed that they moved on their bellies in the wilderness. How often did they grumble against Moses and Aaron? (Ex.16:3) They would have stoned them and they despised manna, which God gave. He fed them with angel's food. Yet what was their cry? "And said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?"(Nu.11:4-5) God sent them quails, which gives us a revealing glimpse as to why they stopped short from doing the commandments with their heart and soul. Their rebellious spirit brought cancer to their souls since they would not worship God, a Spirit in spirit and truth. "And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.(106:15). A wasting disease nevertheless.
These are examples and left for 'our admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come'. In short the Spirit warns us to search our hearts well as we are pilgrims and sojourners even as they. The Spirit of Christ revealed to Prophet Elisha what motivated his servant, "And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man (Naaman) turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and olive-yards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants? (2 Ki.5:26)
" For the Lord hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation./ This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it."/
Two short replies I believe I need to tell you and I won't expect a reply.
The Commandments were not LAWS. They were commands written by God not to be disobeyed. If they are the laws you say that we are no longer expected to obey them then why do we? None of you have ever answered that question.
MERRIAN-WEBSTER DICTIONARY
Bewitched:
controlled or affected by or as if by a magic spell
influenced, attracted, or charmed as if by magic
The only criteria you have for saying I am bewitched is just because I believe the 4th commandment needs to be obeyed and believers should take one day of rest from their labors each week. Your implication that I am bewitched seems kind of harsh and unloving but maybe I've misunderstood your meaning. Anyway, I will end this discussion on the subject of the Sabbath and if I reply to any of your other discussions on this forum, I'll be sure to keep it short. I do understand where you are coming from, my daughter is the same way. God Bless :)
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