I wouldn't argue with any of that . It is still true that we are all individual humans and will get on better with some people more than others but as long as we are still loving and respectful to those who we , love less let's put it that way , there shouldn't be a problem . I have six children and I would die for any of them but due to our differing personalities I get on better with some than others . John chapter 13 verse 23 , we can be sure that Jesus loved all his disciples but one is singled out here , chapter 21 verse 20 again one is singled out . It's human nature to be drawn more to some than others , as long as we are kind and respectful to all that's the best we can do . Love to you my Brother in Christ .
Even though there is a distinction between the children of God and the children of the world the scripture says to be kind to all men. Galatians 6:10.
However, we're not all Brothern.
John 1:11-12 says "He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the "sons of God, even to them that believe on his name"
Jesus also said in Matthew 12:50 "For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
Ephesians 2:19 states Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.
So, there is a clear distinction in scripture between God's children and those who haven't received him.
1 John 3:9-10 covers this well, "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
"Sons of God" emphasizes a natural, internal relationship with God rather than an external adoption. Becoming God's children involves a real change and transformation, not just a change in title or position. We partake in the divine nature.
All people are not naturally God's children. We must be born again through faith in Christ to become God's children.
This separates us from Adam.
We are now joint heirs with Christ. Romans 8:14-17 "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Simple rule for a Christian is to know he is not obliged to answer every atheist. Now as a believer understand the verse "Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people." (He.2:17) Without shedding of blood there is no redemption. God did not spare His own Son and his death for for the redemption of all mankind. A Christian is one who believes in his death and resurrection. His faith and works are not apart from him but is in him "Without me you can do nothing." Thus we die to the world so we may live with him forever. From this what do you think of Godly kill? He did it because He is Love. And this kill released man from his bondage to sin and death. So the kill the atheists talk about and what God speaks of are entirely two different things.
Now what is a Thanksgiving dinner without a turkey? Turkey lives off little creatures and these little 'critters; on something else.
Laws of nature show every life-form lives off another. This is at the bottom level. Whereas the Son made himself as an intercessor for the world so whoever partook him in faith has abundant life. As God made manifest His love we are to place ourselves even as he did. This is shown in the example of Seth stepping in place of Abel who was murdered by the wicked Cain.
I probably have mentioned before the elemental aspect of a covenant in regard to Adam and Eve which also holds for all mankind.
Because of Melchizedek apparently there was a historical prescident for true worship among some outside of Israel in ancient days as well. that brings up the idea that with Adam's progeny (from Seth on forward); it is likely that the descendants that became the first patriarchs when man spread to different areas of the earth meant that at the formation of each country there was some elemental truth from scripture; we find this in the symbolism in the Chinese language; as well as other cultures that believe there is a god greater than everytehing even if they don't know who it is. A similar tale of course is a common thread with the flood stories throughout the world; which proves the validity of the flood (Gilgamesh epic and Chinese language symbols once again).
Since God created all men; then of course they have a conscience albeit sometimes seared beyond redemption. God did promise no destruction by a flood for the earth but this earth will be destroyed by fire. What is the driving force behind sin is man's sin NATURE as well as the demons that control the world system in regard to the world; flesh and the Devil or lust of the eyes; pride of life; etc. That's why I say there is more hope for someone who actually desires to worship the Devil than someone who claims to be a "spiritual person" by any other means besides the true Christian faith. People say they aren't really that bad; and so called "white" magic isn't really that bad; or all the humanistic vibes of the New Age. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom and therefore by default the fear of hell brings men to consider their ways and often repent.
This brings more responsibility for those who have heard the truth and rejected it; whether it be the cities Christ said were to be punished worse than Sodom or those who have violated their vows to follow Christ.
How to read scripture: Part 2 on how NOT to read the Bible
In a bullet point presentation I would list things something like this in regard to this subject.
1. Do not regard scripture as just good literature; or as one of many sources of truth. As C.S. Lewis pointed out Christ Himself can only be taken as a liar; a madman or telling the truth. (from Mere Christianity: actually stated as Christ being the Devil Himself rather than a liar because of His claims to be Divine). What this does not mean is that you can't find certain elements of truth in other writings and/or religions. The SOURCE of all truth is in the Bible; but it doesn't mean that elements common to human understanding can't be replicated elsewhere. It also doesn't mean that corroborating facts can't be found elsewhere (such as in Macabees) that explain missing time periods or further explains things such as further details in genealogies; or the history of kings and empires. But the unique claims of truth in scripture are clear enough; there is no wiggle room for other religions which are called out as false with no uncertain terms.
2. Don't think you can figure out how to understand God's ways or Christ's salvation on your own understanding. Proverbs 14:12 warns about what seems right to a man leading to death. Someone can presume to follow the basic concepts in the Sermon on the Mount such as the "Golden rule" about doing unto others. In reality; however no one can love their enemies in their own strength or selflessly serve as our Lord did. To see God clearly we must realize that there is enmity between God an us (see Isaiah 59:1-2 and many other passages on this). If there was any other way; God would not have to send His Son to die on the cross to save His creation (man) from eternal damnation.
3. We can't explain away miracles due to natural circumstances from the Bible. There were some things unique to Christ such as forgiveness of sin; and control over nature.
This is my THIRD attempt as I keep wiping myself off the screen. I won't place the warning supporting verses here but will leave a short comment instead.
I will state first off that none of us can afford to be glib about this subject. Even God Himself has no pleasure in the death of the wicked (let the reader look that one up in Ezekiel; don't want to lose this page again searching myself....)
We can't comprehend the horror of hell; nor tolerate even the thought. We are; nonetheless according to the end of Isaiah 66 going to find an abhorrance of those in punishment; whether that represents the Millennial viewpoint or that in the eternal lake of fire. Again there are no words to express this state of the wicked upon death; we can only look to Christ and be thankful knowing what we are saved from.
Sin is like a progressive disease; and so is abandonment of correct doctrine such as denying the literal hell and then cherry picking what seems best to us from the Bible and disregarding the rest. That technically makes us a DEIST; much the same as Benjamin Franklin who I believe cut pages out from scripture that didn't suit his mindset. Even as believers we can't ultimately stop physical death; which is a secondary result of our sinful nature; even though we are transformed and in the process of sanctification until receiving new bodies we are only as a vapor in our earthly tabernacle.
Anyway before I forget I am going to say to everyone have a blessed commemoration of Christ's death and celebration of the Resurrection this Sunday.
Idolaters: Definition.MIriam Webster defines it in 2 ways (idolotry)
: the worship of a physical object as a god
: immoderate attachment or devotion to something
This second part of the definition should certainly stand out today; in light of one particular young lady in the music industry today. This immoderate or inordinate affection leads to idolizing movie stars; musicians; politicians and in fact anyone we find physically attractive; or wish to emulate because of some quality we are enamored with.
Lest we consider this concept too foreign for devoted church members that make an effort not to entangle themselves in these worldly things; we have to look at how many megapastors are idolized today. Deceiving and being deceived are coexistent ( 2 Tim. 3:13). Someone of course can be an obvious cult leader and have control over the very lives of their clan; but even those of that persuasion find that getting people to think they are being idolized from their own free will establishes their stronghold much more effectively. That is what is used much of the time initially by Satan as well who convinces us that our own corrupted heart truly has found something worth fantasizing about and blinding men's eyes to verses such as Jeremiah 17:9 and others warning of our depraved nature. Anyone who is a TRUE prophet of God (however that exists today) or let us say His mouthpiece is going to be as the prophets of old: largely rejected; outcast; persecuted and ridiculed. Sadly many who spend countless hours prancing about in well rehearsed performances are like Shakespeare said full of sound and fury but signifying nothing (MacBeth). Also duly note it is a tale told by an idiot.
Idolizing self is basically a definition for narcissism. Idolizing others is a demented form of worship. We blame others for making us a victim of circumstance and take no responsibility for our own actions or are holding someone up to impossible standards doomed to fail.
25 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?
26 When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.
27 Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.
28 Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
These verses at first glance seem to contradict the idea of the Grace of God. A basic argument that holds some water here is that the Spirit of God didn't work at it does today ( John 16:8) with a permanent indwelling as this and other verses promise.
We could also look at such instances as King Hezekiah in 2 Kings 20:6 who apparently had a righteous life and God heard his prayer to continue 15 more years. One good study is with Saul's foolishness which ended with an early death after he saught wisdom from the witch of Endor in 1 Samuel 28. We see other wicked kings as well have a shortened life; perhaps also Solomon. Of course we all die physically; and some would argue the soul dies also only the spirit goes on to eternity. I would add the solution is in verse 31 of Ezekiel 18 which mentions getting a new heart and spirit. This only comes through the Lord ( Ezekiel 36:26-27). Without this we can superficially ask forgiveness every time an outward sin is found; but this doesn't make us able to do good because of man's sin nature; and ignores sins of omission as well as one's we aren't aware of. It also shows how we shouldn't boast how long we haven't sinned as some foolishly proclaim; ignoring warnings in 1 John about the fact that we are a liar if we claim we have no sin. God's children are corrected even through their sin in the sanctification process.
When surveying the different dispensations (or eras for those who don't like that term) we see the same God granting grace and forgiveness even with different roles of the Holy Spirit; different methods of worship based on the old or new covenant(s) and in general a frequent transition from times of relative peace to turbulent wars; famines; and pestilences. One of the great mysteries is how man couldn't sin when in Eden before the fall; and yet how we can't go back to that state but must go through the cross and the "second Adam" in order to obtain righteousness and good standing once again with the Lord ( 1 Cor. 15:45).
The origin of sin itself came with what some may call "esoteric" knowledge (knowing the difference between good and evil). Violence and murder were to come quickly with Cain and it necessitated the first death of an animal in order to cover Adam and Eve. If all of nature was as it is stated in Isaiah 11 (focusing on verses 6-9) which is the description of the Millennium on God's Holy Mountain then death and slaying something would not be anywhere on earth before that time. This of course pointed to Christ's sacrifice and the prophecy of Genesis 3:15 was to come immediately after man's fall as well.
We see again during the Millennium period a time with man learning the art of war no more ( Isaiah 2:4); and of course Satan is said to be bound in that period according to Revelation 20. At the end of that time; however he is loosed as Revelation 21 states to deceive the WHOLE WORLD. This shows the utter hoplelessness of unregenerate man even with Christ ruling and reigning on earth at that time with the glorified saints (us). There are many instances of men in their distress calling out to the Lord in Psalms; etc. so God often can get men's attention that way; but there are times He will not respond and destruction and death commences. We dare not play with God thinking we can wait to the end to repent.
Introdution: According to 1 Thessalonians 5:9 we are not appointed to wrath. Romans 9:22 seems to indicate that there are indeed "vessels of wrath" doomed for destruction which seems to fulfill what some call "double predestination" or wicked destined for hell. We do know that all those who are NOT written in the Book of Life before the foundation of the world will accept the Mark of the Beast and in fact worship him. ( Rev. 13:8; 17:8 and also in chapter 20). Whether we just play out what is already determined; or God knows ahead of time what we will choose is something we can argue about.
Since this Antichrist is indeed the "man of sin" ( 2 Thess. 2:3) and we can also call the son of perdition in John 17:12 as representing Judas Iscariot who also was destined to betray God and be lost according to the prophecy in Psalm 55 along with the same fate for this Beast from these and other passages; we once again see God's hand in this. God is the one according to Thessalonians that sends "strong delusion" ( 2 Thess. 2:11). That is because people loved sin so much that they didn't want to repent; and we see this with the behaviors that occur during the Trumpet judgments in particular.
These facts are sobering; we know that if it weren't for His grace we would never see clearly our sin nature and hence we all would fall for this false Messiah. This world system has nothing to offer; nor does any man who is unregenerate to give lasting peace. Neither sacrifices of animals or man's own sufferings procure any justification or forgiveness of sins; and God is not impressed with any of our accomplishments. Self gratification no doubt will be a large part of the universal appeal; along with self preservation that eventually leads to the acceptance of this infamous mark. Luke 12:12 may have double fulfillment; both for the Apostles facing martyrdom and the end time saints who refuse the mark.
"St Mark presents the parables of Jesus as mysteries so 'his doctrine' explains the familial relationship of the Father Son in terms of the earth."
"And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,/Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow"
Here we see what makes the Gospel of St Mark distinct from others, especially that of St Matthew to which it has more affinity an others. In three chapters St Mark having revealed the power of the Son in healing of demons states the concept of family with God as the only Father includes both heaven and the earth on single standard: faith.
The significance of the Parable of the Sower owes to the faith which incorporates both heaven and the earth as one entity: the kingdom of God.
Before the worlds began God sent forth his word which shall not return to him void. So the harvest at the end ought to teach us the one world at a time as interpreted by false teachers is not from God. Satan has spread his tares so denying deity to Jesus the word become flesh by some is from bad motives. "But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come."(v.29)
The seed is good as the ground which is good. So we have the yield. "And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred."(v.8). The variation in yield shows up the nature of heart, a spiritual space. God formed all hearts alike and tries their works. :He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.:(Ps.33:15)
St Matthew presents the Sermon on the Mount, which in order to give a context of the Alpha and Omega aspect of the Son is set against the mountain. St Marks presents 'his doctrine' in terms of the two worlds framed by his word. So the earth is not to be detached from heaven where the word sown , fruit of which are yet to collected as well.
Mystery of heaven or of the earth is not in itself but is in the Son. Mystery of his Father was in his Will and consequently it as the unseen world was made to appear. God framed the worlds by his world and this mystery can only be explained by what is made to appear. (He.11:3). This being the case the Spirit gives us this line, " If any man have ears to hear, let him hear."(v.23). The key is faith, nothing else. So Jesus employed parables mystery of the kingdom of God can only be opened by faith and enter therein with the help of the Son. All other vain exercises, are temporal and not from God. So the world and how the system works so any fool may aspire to the highest office and sit there is temporal. "while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."(2 Co.4:18) So when we saw a dictator like Joseph Stalin striding like a Colossus for some 30 years, there was this mystery of divine Will also at work. Having caused some 20 million deaths he went out like a flesh. What was he but a flash in the pan! What is seen is temporal. Crooks fools innocents saints and all, have had their day. But the earth abides forever because the mystery of the Will is in lockstep with the Son fulfilling it. It is to this the key text refers. "He (man) knoweth not how./For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear." It is as deep calls unto the deep.
In an astonishing cosmic cycle that occurs every 2.4 million years, Mars' gravitational pull is shifting Earth's path around the sun, warming its climate and increasing vigorous deep ocean circulation, according to a new study published a week ago in the journal Nature Communications. God is in charge, for sure. So nations beat the drum, instead of joy what it brings, destruction! The Soviet empire collapsed within 8 decades.
And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. ( John 8:35).
When we consider the state of the human soul as well as the angelic realm we realize that access to the heavenly abode is only for those who kept their first estate; as opposed to those mentioned in Jude 6 who fell away after Lucifer's deception. Such is the case as well for men; unregenerate men are truly slaves to sin ( Romans 6:20). We find that our freedom indeed puts us into bondage while being a servant of Christ brings victory.
It is tempting to include some verses from secular songs which at least admit to the dazzling display that Satan appearing as an angel of light uses to delude the masses. ( 2 Cor. 11:14). Since he can no longer magnify God's name; Satan and his minions can only appeal to the nature of man; as he did when influencing Peter to speak as he did about Christ ( Matthew 16:23). Men's thoughts are on self preservation; not sacrificial love. We want to keep close those who are closest to us; which isn't necessarily wrong in itself but is if God is subservient; thus we hate our lives and keep it ( John 12:25). Hence is the paradox of living in Christ and it will come to it's fullest realization during the fires of the Tribulation. It is hard to comprehend just how powerful the delusion will be mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:11. GOD sends the strong delusion! As stated previously; the trumpet judgments still won't deter the world of it's sins; and in Revelation 9:14-21 after the 200,000,000 demon horde kill one third of all of the earth people STILL won't stop their abominable acts. Keep in mind this is well after the sixth SEAL where people at that time are still hiding in caves and fully aware of God and Christ on their thrones beginning judgment ( Rev. 6:16-17).
This of course will lead to the delusion mentioned in Psalm 2 and Revelation 19 where men come together at Armageddon and eventually try to fight God.
You ask how can I say what I said about those who do not believe Jesus is God or in the Triune nature of God to a friend. i did not say that personally to you, but since you don't believe Jesus is God nor that God is Triune, then it does apply to you. I don't say anything like this lightly, especially when I know a friend will be offended. But, the reason I can say this to a friend is because of the love of Christ Jesus in me for you and others. It is difficult to take a stance like I have because I run the risk of losing friendships, like yours. I don't want that to happen. I am glad you will pray for me. And I have been and will continue to pray for you, my brother. May the Holy Spirit teach and guide us both in all truth. I hope to have more conversations with you in time. For now, perhaps it is good to take a break from one another and spend tie in prayer for one another instead. But my love for you and your friendship remains as it has been, strong and true. God bless you in all sincerity.
Jesus says to the Samaritan woman "God is Spirit" Jn. 4:24.
This means that God is not just "a" spirit being, like angels. But He is pure Spirit. He is ALL Spirit, without components or parts.
Some say He is "simple" in this way, not made up of parts that He must derive outside of Himself. He is all of His attributes, they are not "things' that He possesses. He is Love, Power, Life, etc.
It is difficult for us who are material creatures to imagine what God is like in this, His "aseity" (what He is in essence)
How beautifully "OTHER" He is than any beings He created.
Also, the Holy Spirit is God, a distinct person in the Godhead along with the Father and the Spirit. He is spoken of as having a will, thoughts, can speak, pray, be grieved, be lied to, can regenerate, sanctify, and convict; teach, resurrect, and cause conception. He indwells, believers and the Father and the Son. He unites believers to God. He is not the Father, nor the Son, but has all the attributes of God and of a distinct person who has all of the divine nature fully.
I am thankful that you did answer my questions honestly and respectfully.
My postings about the Righteousness of God is not directed at you. I have been considering posting on this topic for weeks. But was waiting on the Holy Spirit to do so. I would have written the same thing weeks ago as I did today regardless of how you responded to my questions. So, please, I am sorry if I have offended you or feel like I was speaking to you specifically. I was not.
I know I had written previously about God's holiness, purity, and justice, which are all related along with His righteousness.
In writing about His Righteousness I wanted to highlight how the righteousness of Jesus is vastly superior to the righteousness of even the holiest human because He is God in the flesh and His Righteousness is the righteousness of God Himself, which is perfect, limitless, and all sufficient to cover the sins of humanity.
I do think you are in error in your thinking about Jesus as to who He truly is and also about the Triune nature of God, along with anyone else who denies Jesus is God and also that God, though One deity, exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. To me it is clearly revealed in Scripture through Jesus Christ in His life and words. But I do not intend to offend you. You are my friend and I care about you and your feelings. What I have said about believing in a different Jesus and God, I knew it would offend some on here. But, I don't think we are called not to say things that others will find hard to believe, or accept, or not be offended by, but rather, we are to speak the truth in love. That is what I did and what I intended.
Have a good evening Ronald. We can talk more on another topic tomorrow.
When I consider that the righteousness of Jesus is the righteousness of God lived out in the incarnation of His Son, then I am awed by how great must be the pure and holy way Jesus lived on this earth in His lifetime here. He must have stood out among all other people because NO ONE could lay any charge against Him of wrongdoing or ill-will or disobedience to God or offense against any man. he was completely and divinely pure and holy, without any taint of sin, no corruption of soul, no part of his human nature in rebellion against His Father or divine nature. In Him was perfect harmony of God and man without any conflict or dissonance. He as altogether righteous and because He was God in the flesh, His righteousness was infinitely immense enough to cover the sins of every person who every lived or will live.
We can know that all of our own sin can be covered by His righteousness and that His perfect sacrifice was infinitely sufficient to save my from my sins, death, hell, and the devil. His righteousness provides me with justification before God and awards me salvation and eternal life with him and the Father and the Holy Spirit forever. What a priceless treasure and gift God has given us. he gave us Himself. Hallelujah!
Mt. 1:23 quotes Is 7:14 as being fulfilled in Jesus. He is "Emmanuel, God with us"
John 20:28 Thomas calls Jesus, "My Lord and my God" and Jesus did not tell Thomas that that was NOT true.
1Peter 1:1 says our righteousness comes from God, and it comes to us in Jesus our Savior. The righteousness
of Jesus is the righteousness of God because He is God.
Is. 9:6 says that Jesus is the "Mighty God"
Rev.1: Jesus says that He is the "Almighty"
Col. 2:9-10 says that in Jesus the fulness of the Godhead dwelled bodily. He is Emmanuel, God with us. God revealed bodily.
Jesus is worshipped by believers (only God is to be worshipped) and Jesus accepted this worship.
Mt. 2:1-2 (by the magi)
Mt. 28:8-9, 17 (by the apostles)
In Rev.5:13 we read of the worship of God in heaven. Both the Father and the Lamb (Jesus) are given worship and it is said that this worship is to be given to both forever.
it is important for us to realize that only God is righteous enough to be our Redeemer, and that He became man in order that his holy blood could be shed for us as a sacrifice. No other blood would cleanse but the blood of God the Son. In His divinity, God has no blood because the divine nature is Spirit, but in His humanity as God in the flesh, He had divine blood to shed.
Jesus is the most unique person in all of creation and in God's transcendent realm, being both God and man in one person.
I have heard this quote often, don't know the author, but it is worth pondering (this is not a direct quote)
If Jesus is not God, then there is no Christianity and those who worship Jesus are nothing but idolaters. But if He is God, then those who deny He is God are blasphemers in the worst sense of the word, because they believe in another Jesus than what Scripture presents to us.
God's Word is truth. He revealed Himself to mankind in Scriptures so that we can know the truth about Him: what He is in His divine nature and who He is in His Persons.
OK getting back to my postings about God's attributes:
"R" GOD IS RIGHTEOUS
He always does what is good and right. He never deviates from being sinless. He always thinks, says, and does everything righteously from pure and holy motives. There is no shadow of "darkness" in Him as to evil. His righteousness is far above whatever righteousness man can perform because even our righteousness is tainted by sin.
Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" In all of history, there has never been and strictly human person who is sinless. so, there has never been a strictly human person who is able to save himself from the condemnation of sin let alone anyone else.
Because of the complete and utter fallenness of mankind, there can be no redeemer from among humanity. There is no one whose righteousness is so pure and complete to be efficacious for the removal of God's judgment upon ALL of mankind.
It takes the righteousness of God to save mankind and God determined that his righteousness would come to save mankind by His divine Son becoming a man, righteous in every way, since He is God and cannot be unrighteous, and dying as our sacrifice.
The divine Son of God was incarnated, as John says in John 1:1, 14, ad became man for our sake. As God said in the OT, it is God alone who is Savior (Is 43:1, 11; 45;21; Hos 13:4) therefore, Jesus is God who is our Savior. If He is not God, then He is not our Savior because no strictly human man can save anyone. It is God who saves, who, though God the Son, took on human flesh and nature to be the only Kinsmen Redeemer who can take a way our sin, be a perfect, worthy, and more than sufficient sacrifice for the sins of the whole world, and to be able to bear the complete wrath of God for mankind for all their sins. No mere human can do that,
In Titus 2:13 Jesus is called our "Great God and Savior"
What is the meaning of created? Does it mean something that is made out of nothing? I would have to say no, Jesus is the Son of God who was conceived in the womb of Mary, Matthew 1:20Luke 1:35, I do not think I would say He was created.
If so, when did He come into existence?
In God's plan before anything and physically when He was conceived in Mary's womb.
Do you believe that the Son is only human in nature?
Jesus is the Son of God fully human but without sin same as the first Adam, Scripture is clear when Jesus was baptized, He was anointed with the Holy Ghost/Spirit without measure, John 3:34. All the works of Jesus were done by the Spirit of God, Matthew 4:16Matthew 12:28Acts 10:38.
Do you believe that Jesus became "the Christ" during His lifetime (Adoptionism)?
I had never heard of Adoptionism until now, I had to look it up, it's false. Christ and Messiah are the same; Jesus was anointed by the Spirit of God after He was baptized by John, He then was made the Messiah/Christ fulfilling the prophecy in Daniel 9:25. Jesus is the Son of God conceived in the womb of Mary by the Holy Ghost/Spirit.
Do you believe Jesus ever aquired a divine nature in His earthly life?
If you mean a divine nature is to have all the attributes that make God who He is I would have to say no. If so, Jesus could not sin or be tempted, Matthew 4:1Hebrews 4:15. If so, Jesus living a perfect life without sin is meaningless. Jesus could not have died; Jesus was given the power of the Holy Spirit when He was anointed the Messiah. After He rose from the dead God gave Jesus all power in heaven and on earth, Matthew 28:18. God raised and placed Jesus on His right side, Ephesians 1:21-23. Jesus did not return to where He was before, God the Father placed everything under Jesus God's only begotten Son's feet and Jesus will reign until the last enemy is destroyed, 1 Corinthians 15:24-28.
So why would a true believer not want to believe in the Trinity? We know God the Father, our creator. We know Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, God Himself becoming incarnate as man so He could shed His divine blood for the salvation of mankind. We know the Holy Spirit, the fire that came to the Church so she can be wholly sanctified so the Bride can make Herself ready for the Marriage to Her precious Groom, the Lamb of God. A Bride without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, including the sin nature we are born with. All of it gone because Jesus isn't going to marry a grimy bride.
God is God so if He is all three in one, then He is. It is very plainly seen in the scripture for any child of God who rightly divides the word of God, which, I don't believe means arguing about His sovereignty. God Bless :)
I wish to enter this conversation with you even though we have discussed together this topic in other past converstations. I hope you do not mind.
In regards to the doctrine of the triune nature of God, several questions come to my mind.
Is God and has He always been one solitary person?
Before creation was He always and only alone, without anyone to love?
Did Jesus exist before creation? Did the Holy Spirit exist before creation?
If so, who were they in relation to the Father?
How did the Father, the Son, and the Spirit all create all that is, seen or unseen?
What does Scripture say about these questions?
Does Scripture teach that God is only one person who manifest in three forms, but all these manifestations are only one person?
(Modalism)
For those who do not believe in the triune nature of God (three persons that share equally one divine nature) I would like answers to these questions. Since you have declared you to be non-trinitarian maybe you can give me your views in answer to these questions in this post.
Do you believe the Son is a created being?
I so, when did He come into existence?
Do you believe that the Son is only human in nature?
Do you believe that Jesus became "the Christ" during His lifetime (Adptionism)?
Do you believe Jesus ever aquired a divine nature in His earthly life?
Do you believe that the will of the Father and the will of the Son are always the same or different?
Do you believe at a human being can truly save all men from sin and death by a perfect life in their own will?
How would a human being know that they are the Messiah from birth and thus know not to ever sin?
Do you believe that Jesus lived a sinless life?
Do you believe that the Father and the Son are one as Jesus said in Jn. 17 or that He and the Father are "in" one another and if they see Jesus, they see the Father?
How is it that Jesus AND the Father send the Holy Spirit if there is only one person as God?
Agape still comes from the Spirit; if I understand correctly it is equivalent to the fellowship or communion of the saints hence a commandment to love one another. It is part of His body; with Christ the head being the source of all things and the head of that body. I appreciate your expertise in Greek.
My point is as you can tell that all other loves in themselves have no inherent good in them without the Lord in control of us. It is like anything else in the sense that there is nothing bad in itself provided that God's laws are followed with a covenant marriage for instance in expressing the deepest human love. Even in that context; however when we allow any human passions to be in charge of our souls our sin nature utilizes these innate desires to steer us in the wrong way. The issue; of course is that there is no eternally lasting love that is in the human soul that can live outside of the life of Christ in us; and in 1 John 2:17 we see evidence of that truth. Doing the will of God is of course impossible ultimately in our human understanding. The world system for instance steers people toward a mindset that any punishment is too harsh and is judging someone and taking away their inherent value. Thus the innocent aren't vindicated and the guilty forced to deal up front with their issues and allow God's chastisement to take effect; which according to scripture can even lead believers to an early demise in taking communion unworthily; for instance. We can also look to the thief on the cross; his salvation came when dying for what he justly deserved which he himself stated to the other thief mocking Christ. Overprotectiveness for kids also is related at least in this country where kids who are spoiled and underworked find all kinds of trouble (drugs; sex; theft) rather than being in a household where there is a value of respect for parents; a work ethic; etc. Agape love presents the truth so one can be saved not make people content in sin.
To know Christ and to make Him known is the theme of the Navigators ministry and correlates with 1 John and other passages.
This is a good summary of understanding the personal meaning of Christ's sacrifice on the cross for atonement as well as our duties fulfilling our part in the Great Commission.
I imagine most here know the necessary doctrines of believing Christ is a member of the Godhead and thus Divinity Himself who was the only one who could atone for sins (as the sinless spotless Lamb of God) by becoming a man as we are without sin and remaining so throughout His earthly ministry; then dying on the cross and resurrecting from the dead 3 days later. Finally; He is to return once again physically to rule and reign on the earth.
2 Timothy 2:8 and 2 Thessalonians 2:2 show we should avoid the error of stating that the resurrection has already occurred or the day of the Lord is at hand. Matthew 24:26 states that the Lord hasn't come yet for those who say He is hiding somewhere and also states the likeness of His arrival as lightning in the very next verse. This should be enough to disclaim what Preterists state that the Lord has already come. Therefore I would contend that full Preterists that state this are far enough off in doctrine that we should avoid fellowship with them.
Assuming we have the essentials of salvation straightened out; there are many other warnings and admonitions in scripture such as testing ourselves to see if we are in the faith would involve ( 2 Corinthians 13:5). We need to accept that doctrines aren't just what is required to be saved; but also what is necessary to prove that we are bringing fruits worthy of repentance ( Matthew 3:8 and many other similar verses). We are not subject to the law in some sense IF we are truly dead to sin ( Romans 6:11) in one sense; because we have a new nature; but in the same token we DESIRE to obey Christ and love and serve Him as Lord; Master and Savior.
"Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers." Here we can understand the world of the body is a closed system where law of sin run through the whole lump of flesh and blood, so being 'woke and cancel culture' are merely BandAid that nation applies to a sepulcher of the past. Statues erected to commemorate men of yesteryears fall in disrepute but fighting the past is only to clear the way for those who shall be thrown down in future. Thus man fights the phantoms of the past. The real culprit is the law of sin.
The Don Quixotes who tilt at the windmills are themselves "whited sepulchers,"and as such Jesus observes,"Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity"(vv.27-28).
St Paul writes of being born again. "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new./And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ."(2 Co.5:17-18). What is this new creation but brought out of the world of the flesh to the everlasting life. Father of mercies accepted us in his Son. "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:/Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son."(Col.1:12-13).
Despite of this liberty if man would prefer darkness what shall we call them. They are enemies to Christ. Jesus denounced the Pharisees and scribes and it applies in our times as well. Their culture wars shall continue since they have by rejecting the prince of life has rejected the wisdom that Jesus Christ of God signifies to us. (1 Co.1:30)
v.33 "Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?"
"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption(2 Pe.1: 4)
"Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ./But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant./And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted."
Jesus as he delivered the doctrine of his Father he had as a man no place to lay his head. But God chose him as the Savior of the whole world. His holiness is founded not any world seen or in externals but on an quality, which is the DNA of the Father Son relationship. Faith is accordingly based on the Word which is eternal, and is the Law. He assured that his Father would never let go his divine nature. " Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?"(6:26) 'Behold' in this verse tells man to think of the word as already sent out and it is as good as done. So faith is what man would require as His children to take a lesson from the fowls. Similarly ants. Their worlds are organized vastly different from what we have devised so faith exercised by them no less true that we understand the term. Faith is one as the Gospel is. Holiness of God covers His creation.
Jesus set an example with his life so at every turn we read that at Bethphage he sent out for his carriage, "All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,/Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass."(21:4-5). His itinerary had been set even before the worlds began so word concerning would never change. Faith is thus serves every believer so there is no Master servant considerations to go into. He is sent exactly as he sent his disciples and everything concerning their ministry is thus arranged so any conditions demanded would be inappropriate.
Sermon on the Mount was an occasion for Jesus for presenting the doctrine of God. The emblem mentioned in 5:1 served as the witness. "Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples."
Blessedness was the portion for the multitudes and his disciples which was stipulated in the everlasting covenant. "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."(2 Pe.1:4) Blessedness allowed access to be partakers of the holiness of God to which he was the way. Now what Jesus presented was condemnation for those who refused to receive him.
It explains also the significance of the number of the beast. 666 applied to the tripartite nature of man whose body, spirit and soul resisting the day sanctified by God. This day was by a decree, the everlasting covenant, to his Son. The Pharisees and chief priest engaged in talk with him in order to trip him up than receive the good news gladly.
It was to a multitude Simon Peter preached the good news and their response was,"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?"(Ac.2:6,37-40) They heard the word of salvation,"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."(v.41)
The Spirit gives us an additional clue, where Command Number Three refers to the Son.(Three Thousand refers to number of souls saved in that day as the basis for the founding of the church age.)
Doctrine of Jesus stated, " But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant."(23:11) The Pharisees and the scribes instead sit in Moses' seat, "And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues." Are we in our times any better?
"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."
'All things' are included here. Worlds framed by the word of God are heaven and the earth that is the world abides forever so blessings of every one who is adopted the fellowship of God and the Son is entitled to it. "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?"(Ro.8:32) As children of light we ought to be circumspect to seek not the selfsame things as the ungodly in a frenzy rush in madcap adventures that eventually drive them to their destruction. "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:/Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world."(2 Pe.1:3-4)
Romans 8:16 says: "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:"
Hebrews 12:6 states: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Matthew 5:44-46 says
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
These verses bring a clear understanding of those who are His children and possess His Spirit from those who don't. We can't love our enemies in our own strength in the same way we can in Him; but perhaps the other side of the argument should be examined; we cannot hate our sin; our former "good deeds" and appreciate the verse in Jeremiah 17:9 about our hearts being "deceitfully wicked" apart from a revelation from God through His Spirit. This truth results in a response of repentance whose origin comes from God; and results in actions coming from a new heart or nature; rather than just outer actions in some attempt to be righteous in our own strength. Atheists can often be more "moral" than we are in charitable giving; for example but they cannot without self righteousness. Thus; no amount of penance; fasting; etc. can save us. Jesus begins the work and to those He has called and chosen He insures that they are sanctified and glorified after being saved as we see from Romans 8:30.
Other Gospel verses show that His sheep hear His voice. We have true love for other believers if we are saved as well as a true love for Christ and we trust Him as well and have Him not just as Savior but Lord and Master as well.
The enemy will often convince us otherwise but believers have overcome the world.
Most of us would say that the way you replied sarcastically is a sin. And as believers, we are to speak to others about such sin (offenses) but do so gently with compassion.
Momsage, we are to confess our sin in such a case and we will receive forgiveness and cleansing as John says in 1 Hn. 1:9 and also, if we have sinned and we are not aware that we have sinned, we have Jesus as our Advocate interceding for us before the Father, presenting His righteousness and His shed blood and the penalty He paid for ALL of our sins as the basis for justification. This is the only way for any one to be justified and therefore not be condemned.
So, if you do not think that your sarcasm is a sin and were to go to bed and die suddenly, you will be saved because your faith for salvation is in Jesus, not in our own sinlessness or godly actions/obedience to God.
If you recognize that your sarcasm actually is sin because it is not holy speech, then I would hope that you would confess it to God and receive His mercy. If you should die before confessing an act that you know is a sin, then you are still saved because your faith for salvation is in Jesus alone. He saves us 100%, not because we are sinless, but because we were and are sinful in our fallen nature and need to be saved by Him every second of every day until we are resurrected.
Momsage, I do not mean any finger pointing at you in this matter. my intentions are for your good and to support you in your walk as a believer. So, please, take my comments as such.
Part 1
Even though there is a distinction between the children of God and the children of the world the scripture says to be kind to all men. Galatians 6:10.
However, we're not all Brothern.
John 1:11-12 says "He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the "sons of God, even to them that believe on his name"
Jesus also said in Matthew 12:50 "For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
Ephesians 2:19 states Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.
So, there is a clear distinction in scripture between God's children and those who haven't received him.
1 John 3:9-10 covers this well, "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
"Sons of God" emphasizes a natural, internal relationship with God rather than an external adoption. Becoming God's children involves a real change and transformation, not just a change in title or position. We partake in the divine nature.
All people are not naturally God's children. We must be born again through faith in Christ to become God's children.
This separates us from Adam.
We are now joint heirs with Christ. Romans 8:14-17 "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
See part 2
Simple rule for a Christian is to know he is not obliged to answer every atheist. Now as a believer understand the verse "Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people." (He.2:17) Without shedding of blood there is no redemption. God did not spare His own Son and his death for for the redemption of all mankind. A Christian is one who believes in his death and resurrection. His faith and works are not apart from him but is in him "Without me you can do nothing." Thus we die to the world so we may live with him forever. From this what do you think of Godly kill? He did it because He is Love. And this kill released man from his bondage to sin and death. So the kill the atheists talk about and what God speaks of are entirely two different things.
Now what is a Thanksgiving dinner without a turkey? Turkey lives off little creatures and these little 'critters; on something else.
Laws of nature show every life-form lives off another. This is at the bottom level. Whereas the Son made himself as an intercessor for the world so whoever partook him in faith has abundant life. As God made manifest His love we are to place ourselves even as he did. This is shown in the example of Seth stepping in place of Abel who was murdered by the wicked Cain.
Because of Melchizedek apparently there was a historical prescident for true worship among some outside of Israel in ancient days as well. that brings up the idea that with Adam's progeny (from Seth on forward); it is likely that the descendants that became the first patriarchs when man spread to different areas of the earth meant that at the formation of each country there was some elemental truth from scripture; we find this in the symbolism in the Chinese language; as well as other cultures that believe there is a god greater than everytehing even if they don't know who it is. A similar tale of course is a common thread with the flood stories throughout the world; which proves the validity of the flood (Gilgamesh epic and Chinese language symbols once again).
Since God created all men; then of course they have a conscience albeit sometimes seared beyond redemption. God did promise no destruction by a flood for the earth but this earth will be destroyed by fire. What is the driving force behind sin is man's sin NATURE as well as the demons that control the world system in regard to the world; flesh and the Devil or lust of the eyes; pride of life; etc. That's why I say there is more hope for someone who actually desires to worship the Devil than someone who claims to be a "spiritual person" by any other means besides the true Christian faith. People say they aren't really that bad; and so called "white" magic isn't really that bad; or all the humanistic vibes of the New Age. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom and therefore by default the fear of hell brings men to consider their ways and often repent.
This brings more responsibility for those who have heard the truth and rejected it; whether it be the cities Christ said were to be punished worse than Sodom or those who have violated their vows to follow Christ.
In a bullet point presentation I would list things something like this in regard to this subject.
1. Do not regard scripture as just good literature; or as one of many sources of truth. As C.S. Lewis pointed out Christ Himself can only be taken as a liar; a madman or telling the truth. (from Mere Christianity: actually stated as Christ being the Devil Himself rather than a liar because of His claims to be Divine). What this does not mean is that you can't find certain elements of truth in other writings and/or religions. The SOURCE of all truth is in the Bible; but it doesn't mean that elements common to human understanding can't be replicated elsewhere. It also doesn't mean that corroborating facts can't be found elsewhere (such as in Macabees) that explain missing time periods or further explains things such as further details in genealogies; or the history of kings and empires. But the unique claims of truth in scripture are clear enough; there is no wiggle room for other religions which are called out as false with no uncertain terms.
2. Don't think you can figure out how to understand God's ways or Christ's salvation on your own understanding. Proverbs 14:12 warns about what seems right to a man leading to death. Someone can presume to follow the basic concepts in the Sermon on the Mount such as the "Golden rule" about doing unto others. In reality; however no one can love their enemies in their own strength or selflessly serve as our Lord did. To see God clearly we must realize that there is enmity between God an us (see Isaiah 59:1-2 and many other passages on this). If there was any other way; God would not have to send His Son to die on the cross to save His creation (man) from eternal damnation.
3. We can't explain away miracles due to natural circumstances from the Bible. There were some things unique to Christ such as forgiveness of sin; and control over nature.
This is my THIRD attempt as I keep wiping myself off the screen. I won't place the warning supporting verses here but will leave a short comment instead.
I will state first off that none of us can afford to be glib about this subject. Even God Himself has no pleasure in the death of the wicked (let the reader look that one up in Ezekiel; don't want to lose this page again searching myself....)
We can't comprehend the horror of hell; nor tolerate even the thought. We are; nonetheless according to the end of Isaiah 66 going to find an abhorrance of those in punishment; whether that represents the Millennial viewpoint or that in the eternal lake of fire. Again there are no words to express this state of the wicked upon death; we can only look to Christ and be thankful knowing what we are saved from.
Sin is like a progressive disease; and so is abandonment of correct doctrine such as denying the literal hell and then cherry picking what seems best to us from the Bible and disregarding the rest. That technically makes us a DEIST; much the same as Benjamin Franklin who I believe cut pages out from scripture that didn't suit his mindset. Even as believers we can't ultimately stop physical death; which is a secondary result of our sinful nature; even though we are transformed and in the process of sanctification until receiving new bodies we are only as a vapor in our earthly tabernacle.
Anyway before I forget I am going to say to everyone have a blessed commemoration of Christ's death and celebration of the Resurrection this Sunday.
Agape; RIch P
: the worship of a physical object as a god
: immoderate attachment or devotion to something
This second part of the definition should certainly stand out today; in light of one particular young lady in the music industry today. This immoderate or inordinate affection leads to idolizing movie stars; musicians; politicians and in fact anyone we find physically attractive; or wish to emulate because of some quality we are enamored with.
Lest we consider this concept too foreign for devoted church members that make an effort not to entangle themselves in these worldly things; we have to look at how many megapastors are idolized today. Deceiving and being deceived are coexistent ( 2 Tim. 3:13). Someone of course can be an obvious cult leader and have control over the very lives of their clan; but even those of that persuasion find that getting people to think they are being idolized from their own free will establishes their stronghold much more effectively. That is what is used much of the time initially by Satan as well who convinces us that our own corrupted heart truly has found something worth fantasizing about and blinding men's eyes to verses such as Jeremiah 17:9 and others warning of our depraved nature. Anyone who is a TRUE prophet of God (however that exists today) or let us say His mouthpiece is going to be as the prophets of old: largely rejected; outcast; persecuted and ridiculed. Sadly many who spend countless hours prancing about in well rehearsed performances are like Shakespeare said full of sound and fury but signifying nothing (MacBeth). Also duly note it is a tale told by an idiot.
Idolizing self is basically a definition for narcissism. Idolizing others is a demented form of worship. We blame others for making us a victim of circumstance and take no responsibility for our own actions or are holding someone up to impossible standards doomed to fail.
25 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?
26 When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.
27 Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.
28 Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
These verses at first glance seem to contradict the idea of the Grace of God. A basic argument that holds some water here is that the Spirit of God didn't work at it does today ( John 16:8) with a permanent indwelling as this and other verses promise.
We could also look at such instances as King Hezekiah in 2 Kings 20:6 who apparently had a righteous life and God heard his prayer to continue 15 more years. One good study is with Saul's foolishness which ended with an early death after he saught wisdom from the witch of Endor in 1 Samuel 28. We see other wicked kings as well have a shortened life; perhaps also Solomon. Of course we all die physically; and some would argue the soul dies also only the spirit goes on to eternity. I would add the solution is in verse 31 of Ezekiel 18 which mentions getting a new heart and spirit. This only comes through the Lord ( Ezekiel 36:26-27). Without this we can superficially ask forgiveness every time an outward sin is found; but this doesn't make us able to do good because of man's sin nature; and ignores sins of omission as well as one's we aren't aware of. It also shows how we shouldn't boast how long we haven't sinned as some foolishly proclaim; ignoring warnings in 1 John about the fact that we are a liar if we claim we have no sin. God's children are corrected even through their sin in the sanctification process.
When surveying the different dispensations (or eras for those who don't like that term) we see the same God granting grace and forgiveness even with different roles of the Holy Spirit; different methods of worship based on the old or new covenant(s) and in general a frequent transition from times of relative peace to turbulent wars; famines; and pestilences. One of the great mysteries is how man couldn't sin when in Eden before the fall; and yet how we can't go back to that state but must go through the cross and the "second Adam" in order to obtain righteousness and good standing once again with the Lord ( 1 Cor. 15:45).
The origin of sin itself came with what some may call "esoteric" knowledge (knowing the difference between good and evil). Violence and murder were to come quickly with Cain and it necessitated the first death of an animal in order to cover Adam and Eve. If all of nature was as it is stated in Isaiah 11 (focusing on verses 6-9) which is the description of the Millennium on God's Holy Mountain then death and slaying something would not be anywhere on earth before that time. This of course pointed to Christ's sacrifice and the prophecy of Genesis 3:15 was to come immediately after man's fall as well.
We see again during the Millennium period a time with man learning the art of war no more ( Isaiah 2:4); and of course Satan is said to be bound in that period according to Revelation 20. At the end of that time; however he is loosed as Revelation 21 states to deceive the WHOLE WORLD. This shows the utter hoplelessness of unregenerate man even with Christ ruling and reigning on earth at that time with the glorified saints (us). There are many instances of men in their distress calling out to the Lord in Psalms; etc. so God often can get men's attention that way; but there are times He will not respond and destruction and death commences. We dare not play with God thinking we can wait to the end to repent.
Introdution: According to 1 Thessalonians 5:9 we are not appointed to wrath. Romans 9:22 seems to indicate that there are indeed "vessels of wrath" doomed for destruction which seems to fulfill what some call "double predestination" or wicked destined for hell. We do know that all those who are NOT written in the Book of Life before the foundation of the world will accept the Mark of the Beast and in fact worship him. ( Rev. 13:8; 17:8 and also in chapter 20). Whether we just play out what is already determined; or God knows ahead of time what we will choose is something we can argue about.
Since this Antichrist is indeed the "man of sin" ( 2 Thess. 2:3) and we can also call the son of perdition in John 17:12 as representing Judas Iscariot who also was destined to betray God and be lost according to the prophecy in Psalm 55 along with the same fate for this Beast from these and other passages; we once again see God's hand in this. God is the one according to Thessalonians that sends "strong delusion" ( 2 Thess. 2:11). That is because people loved sin so much that they didn't want to repent; and we see this with the behaviors that occur during the Trumpet judgments in particular.
These facts are sobering; we know that if it weren't for His grace we would never see clearly our sin nature and hence we all would fall for this false Messiah. This world system has nothing to offer; nor does any man who is unregenerate to give lasting peace. Neither sacrifices of animals or man's own sufferings procure any justification or forgiveness of sins; and God is not impressed with any of our accomplishments. Self gratification no doubt will be a large part of the universal appeal; along with self preservation that eventually leads to the acceptance of this infamous mark. Luke 12:12 may have double fulfillment; both for the Apostles facing martyrdom and the end time saints who refuse the mark.
"St Mark presents the parables of Jesus as mysteries so 'his doctrine' explains the familial relationship of the Father Son in terms of the earth."
"And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,/Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow"
Here we see what makes the Gospel of St Mark distinct from others, especially that of St Matthew to which it has more affinity an others. In three chapters St Mark having revealed the power of the Son in healing of demons states the concept of family with God as the only Father includes both heaven and the earth on single standard: faith.
The significance of the Parable of the Sower owes to the faith which incorporates both heaven and the earth as one entity: the kingdom of God.
Before the worlds began God sent forth his word which shall not return to him void. So the harvest at the end ought to teach us the one world at a time as interpreted by false teachers is not from God. Satan has spread his tares so denying deity to Jesus the word become flesh by some is from bad motives. "But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come."(v.29)
The seed is good as the ground which is good. So we have the yield. "And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred."(v.8). The variation in yield shows up the nature of heart, a spiritual space. God formed all hearts alike and tries their works. :He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.:(Ps.33:15)
St Matthew presents the Sermon on the Mount, which in order to give a context of the Alpha and Omega aspect of the Son is set against the mountain. St Marks presents 'his doctrine' in terms of the two worlds framed by his word. So the earth is not to be detached from heaven where the word sown , fruit of which are yet to collected as well.
Mystery of heaven or of the earth is not in itself but is in the Son. Mystery of his Father was in his Will and consequently it as the unseen world was made to appear. God framed the worlds by his world and this mystery can only be explained by what is made to appear. (He.11:3). This being the case the Spirit gives us this line, " If any man have ears to hear, let him hear."(v.23). The key is faith, nothing else. So Jesus employed parables mystery of the kingdom of God can only be opened by faith and enter therein with the help of the Son. All other vain exercises, are temporal and not from God. So the world and how the system works so any fool may aspire to the highest office and sit there is temporal. "while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."(2 Co.4:18) So when we saw a dictator like Joseph Stalin striding like a Colossus for some 30 years, there was this mystery of divine Will also at work. Having caused some 20 million deaths he went out like a flesh. What was he but a flash in the pan! What is seen is temporal. Crooks fools innocents saints and all, have had their day. But the earth abides forever because the mystery of the Will is in lockstep with the Son fulfilling it. It is to this the key text refers. "He (man) knoweth not how./For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear." It is as deep calls unto the deep.
In an astonishing cosmic cycle that occurs every 2.4 million years, Mars' gravitational pull is shifting Earth's path around the sun, warming its climate and increasing vigorous deep ocean circulation, according to a new study published a week ago in the journal Nature Communications. God is in charge, for sure. So nations beat the drum, instead of joy what it brings, destruction! The Soviet empire collapsed within 8 decades.
And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. ( John 8:35).
When we consider the state of the human soul as well as the angelic realm we realize that access to the heavenly abode is only for those who kept their first estate; as opposed to those mentioned in Jude 6 who fell away after Lucifer's deception. Such is the case as well for men; unregenerate men are truly slaves to sin ( Romans 6:20). We find that our freedom indeed puts us into bondage while being a servant of Christ brings victory.
It is tempting to include some verses from secular songs which at least admit to the dazzling display that Satan appearing as an angel of light uses to delude the masses. ( 2 Cor. 11:14). Since he can no longer magnify God's name; Satan and his minions can only appeal to the nature of man; as he did when influencing Peter to speak as he did about Christ ( Matthew 16:23). Men's thoughts are on self preservation; not sacrificial love. We want to keep close those who are closest to us; which isn't necessarily wrong in itself but is if God is subservient; thus we hate our lives and keep it ( John 12:25). Hence is the paradox of living in Christ and it will come to it's fullest realization during the fires of the Tribulation. It is hard to comprehend just how powerful the delusion will be mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:11. GOD sends the strong delusion! As stated previously; the trumpet judgments still won't deter the world of it's sins; and in Revelation 9:14-21 after the 200,000,000 demon horde kill one third of all of the earth people STILL won't stop their abominable acts. Keep in mind this is well after the sixth SEAL where people at that time are still hiding in caves and fully aware of God and Christ on their thrones beginning judgment ( Rev. 6:16-17).
This of course will lead to the delusion mentioned in Psalm 2 and Revelation 19 where men come together at Armageddon and eventually try to fight God.
You ask how can I say what I said about those who do not believe Jesus is God or in the Triune nature of God to a friend. i did not say that personally to you, but since you don't believe Jesus is God nor that God is Triune, then it does apply to you. I don't say anything like this lightly, especially when I know a friend will be offended. But, the reason I can say this to a friend is because of the love of Christ Jesus in me for you and others. It is difficult to take a stance like I have because I run the risk of losing friendships, like yours. I don't want that to happen. I am glad you will pray for me. And I have been and will continue to pray for you, my brother. May the Holy Spirit teach and guide us both in all truth. I hope to have more conversations with you in time. For now, perhaps it is good to take a break from one another and spend tie in prayer for one another instead. But my love for you and your friendship remains as it has been, strong and true. God bless you in all sincerity.
Jesus says to the Samaritan woman "God is Spirit" Jn. 4:24.
This means that God is not just "a" spirit being, like angels. But He is pure Spirit. He is ALL Spirit, without components or parts.
Some say He is "simple" in this way, not made up of parts that He must derive outside of Himself. He is all of His attributes, they are not "things' that He possesses. He is Love, Power, Life, etc.
It is difficult for us who are material creatures to imagine what God is like in this, His "aseity" (what He is in essence)
How beautifully "OTHER" He is than any beings He created.
Also, the Holy Spirit is God, a distinct person in the Godhead along with the Father and the Spirit. He is spoken of as having a will, thoughts, can speak, pray, be grieved, be lied to, can regenerate, sanctify, and convict; teach, resurrect, and cause conception. He indwells, believers and the Father and the Son. He unites believers to God. He is not the Father, nor the Son, but has all the attributes of God and of a distinct person who has all of the divine nature fully.
I am thankful that you did answer my questions honestly and respectfully.
My postings about the Righteousness of God is not directed at you. I have been considering posting on this topic for weeks. But was waiting on the Holy Spirit to do so. I would have written the same thing weeks ago as I did today regardless of how you responded to my questions. So, please, I am sorry if I have offended you or feel like I was speaking to you specifically. I was not.
I know I had written previously about God's holiness, purity, and justice, which are all related along with His righteousness.
In writing about His Righteousness I wanted to highlight how the righteousness of Jesus is vastly superior to the righteousness of even the holiest human because He is God in the flesh and His Righteousness is the righteousness of God Himself, which is perfect, limitless, and all sufficient to cover the sins of humanity.
I do think you are in error in your thinking about Jesus as to who He truly is and also about the Triune nature of God, along with anyone else who denies Jesus is God and also that God, though One deity, exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. To me it is clearly revealed in Scripture through Jesus Christ in His life and words. But I do not intend to offend you. You are my friend and I care about you and your feelings. What I have said about believing in a different Jesus and God, I knew it would offend some on here. But, I don't think we are called not to say things that others will find hard to believe, or accept, or not be offended by, but rather, we are to speak the truth in love. That is what I did and what I intended.
Have a good evening Ronald. We can talk more on another topic tomorrow.
Part 3.
When I consider that the righteousness of Jesus is the righteousness of God lived out in the incarnation of His Son, then I am awed by how great must be the pure and holy way Jesus lived on this earth in His lifetime here. He must have stood out among all other people because NO ONE could lay any charge against Him of wrongdoing or ill-will or disobedience to God or offense against any man. he was completely and divinely pure and holy, without any taint of sin, no corruption of soul, no part of his human nature in rebellion against His Father or divine nature. In Him was perfect harmony of God and man without any conflict or dissonance. He as altogether righteous and because He was God in the flesh, His righteousness was infinitely immense enough to cover the sins of every person who every lived or will live.
We can know that all of our own sin can be covered by His righteousness and that His perfect sacrifice was infinitely sufficient to save my from my sins, death, hell, and the devil. His righteousness provides me with justification before God and awards me salvation and eternal life with him and the Father and the Holy Spirit forever. What a priceless treasure and gift God has given us. he gave us Himself. Hallelujah!
Pt. 2
Mt. 1:23 quotes Is 7:14 as being fulfilled in Jesus. He is "Emmanuel, God with us"
John 20:28 Thomas calls Jesus, "My Lord and my God" and Jesus did not tell Thomas that that was NOT true.
1Peter 1:1 says our righteousness comes from God, and it comes to us in Jesus our Savior. The righteousness
of Jesus is the righteousness of God because He is God.
Is. 9:6 says that Jesus is the "Mighty God"
Rev.1: Jesus says that He is the "Almighty"
Col. 2:9-10 says that in Jesus the fulness of the Godhead dwelled bodily. He is Emmanuel, God with us. God revealed bodily.
Jesus is worshipped by believers (only God is to be worshipped) and Jesus accepted this worship.
Mt. 2:1-2 (by the magi)
Mt. 28:8-9, 17 (by the apostles)
In Rev.5:13 we read of the worship of God in heaven. Both the Father and the Lamb (Jesus) are given worship and it is said that this worship is to be given to both forever.
it is important for us to realize that only God is righteous enough to be our Redeemer, and that He became man in order that his holy blood could be shed for us as a sacrifice. No other blood would cleanse but the blood of God the Son. In His divinity, God has no blood because the divine nature is Spirit, but in His humanity as God in the flesh, He had divine blood to shed.
Jesus is the most unique person in all of creation and in God's transcendent realm, being both God and man in one person.
I have heard this quote often, don't know the author, but it is worth pondering (this is not a direct quote)
If Jesus is not God, then there is no Christianity and those who worship Jesus are nothing but idolaters. But if He is God, then those who deny He is God are blasphemers in the worst sense of the word, because they believe in another Jesus than what Scripture presents to us.
God's Word is truth. He revealed Himself to mankind in Scriptures so that we can know the truth about Him: what He is in His divine nature and who He is in His Persons.
"R" GOD IS RIGHTEOUS
He always does what is good and right. He never deviates from being sinless. He always thinks, says, and does everything righteously from pure and holy motives. There is no shadow of "darkness" in Him as to evil. His righteousness is far above whatever righteousness man can perform because even our righteousness is tainted by sin.
Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" In all of history, there has never been and strictly human person who is sinless. so, there has never been a strictly human person who is able to save himself from the condemnation of sin let alone anyone else.
Because of the complete and utter fallenness of mankind, there can be no redeemer from among humanity. There is no one whose righteousness is so pure and complete to be efficacious for the removal of God's judgment upon ALL of mankind.
It takes the righteousness of God to save mankind and God determined that his righteousness would come to save mankind by His divine Son becoming a man, righteous in every way, since He is God and cannot be unrighteous, and dying as our sacrifice.
The divine Son of God was incarnated, as John says in John 1:1, 14, ad became man for our sake. As God said in the OT, it is God alone who is Savior (Is 43:1, 11; 45;21; Hos 13:4) therefore, Jesus is God who is our Savior. If He is not God, then He is not our Savior because no strictly human man can save anyone. It is God who saves, who, though God the Son, took on human flesh and nature to be the only Kinsmen Redeemer who can take a way our sin, be a perfect, worthy, and more than sufficient sacrifice for the sins of the whole world, and to be able to bear the complete wrath of God for mankind for all their sins. No mere human can do that,
In Titus 2:13 Jesus is called our "Great God and Savior"
John 1:1 calls Jesus God:" the Word was God"
Part 3 Trinity discussion,
Do you believe the Son is a created being?
What is the meaning of created? Does it mean something that is made out of nothing? I would have to say no, Jesus is the Son of God who was conceived in the womb of Mary, Matthew 1:20 Luke 1:35, I do not think I would say He was created.
If so, when did He come into existence?
In God's plan before anything and physically when He was conceived in Mary's womb.
Do you believe that the Son is only human in nature?
Jesus is the Son of God fully human but without sin same as the first Adam, Scripture is clear when Jesus was baptized, He was anointed with the Holy Ghost/Spirit without measure, John 3:34. All the works of Jesus were done by the Spirit of God, Matthew 4:16 Matthew 12:28 Acts 10:38.
Do you believe that Jesus became "the Christ" during His lifetime (Adoptionism)?
I had never heard of Adoptionism until now, I had to look it up, it's false. Christ and Messiah are the same; Jesus was anointed by the Spirit of God after He was baptized by John, He then was made the Messiah/Christ fulfilling the prophecy in Daniel 9:25. Jesus is the Son of God conceived in the womb of Mary by the Holy Ghost/Spirit.
Do you believe Jesus ever aquired a divine nature in His earthly life?
If you mean a divine nature is to have all the attributes that make God who He is I would have to say no. If so, Jesus could not sin or be tempted, Matthew 4:1 Hebrews 4:15. If so, Jesus living a perfect life without sin is meaningless. Jesus could not have died; Jesus was given the power of the Holy Spirit when He was anointed the Messiah. After He rose from the dead God gave Jesus all power in heaven and on earth, Matthew 28:18. God raised and placed Jesus on His right side, Ephesians 1:21-23. Jesus did not return to where He was before, God the Father placed everything under Jesus God's only begotten Son's feet and Jesus will reign until the last enemy is destroyed, 1 Corinthians 15:24-28.
See part 4.
God is God so if He is all three in one, then He is. It is very plainly seen in the scripture for any child of God who rightly divides the word of God, which, I don't believe means arguing about His sovereignty. God Bless :)
I wish to enter this conversation with you even though we have discussed together this topic in other past converstations. I hope you do not mind.
In regards to the doctrine of the triune nature of God, several questions come to my mind.
Is God and has He always been one solitary person?
Before creation was He always and only alone, without anyone to love?
Did Jesus exist before creation? Did the Holy Spirit exist before creation?
If so, who were they in relation to the Father?
How did the Father, the Son, and the Spirit all create all that is, seen or unseen?
What does Scripture say about these questions?
Does Scripture teach that God is only one person who manifest in three forms, but all these manifestations are only one person?
(Modalism)
For those who do not believe in the triune nature of God (three persons that share equally one divine nature) I would like answers to these questions. Since you have declared you to be non-trinitarian maybe you can give me your views in answer to these questions in this post.
Do you believe the Son is a created being?
I so, when did He come into existence?
Do you believe that the Son is only human in nature?
Do you believe that Jesus became "the Christ" during His lifetime (Adptionism)?
Do you believe Jesus ever aquired a divine nature in His earthly life?
Do you believe that the will of the Father and the will of the Son are always the same or different?
Do you believe at a human being can truly save all men from sin and death by a perfect life in their own will?
How would a human being know that they are the Messiah from birth and thus know not to ever sin?
Do you believe that Jesus lived a sinless life?
Do you believe that the Father and the Son are one as Jesus said in Jn. 17 or that He and the Father are "in" one another and if they see Jesus, they see the Father?
How is it that Jesus AND the Father send the Holy Spirit if there is only one person as God?
I appreciate your answers
My point is as you can tell that all other loves in themselves have no inherent good in them without the Lord in control of us. It is like anything else in the sense that there is nothing bad in itself provided that God's laws are followed with a covenant marriage for instance in expressing the deepest human love. Even in that context; however when we allow any human passions to be in charge of our souls our sin nature utilizes these innate desires to steer us in the wrong way. The issue; of course is that there is no eternally lasting love that is in the human soul that can live outside of the life of Christ in us; and in 1 John 2:17 we see evidence of that truth. Doing the will of God is of course impossible ultimately in our human understanding. The world system for instance steers people toward a mindset that any punishment is too harsh and is judging someone and taking away their inherent value. Thus the innocent aren't vindicated and the guilty forced to deal up front with their issues and allow God's chastisement to take effect; which according to scripture can even lead believers to an early demise in taking communion unworthily; for instance. We can also look to the thief on the cross; his salvation came when dying for what he justly deserved which he himself stated to the other thief mocking Christ. Overprotectiveness for kids also is related at least in this country where kids who are spoiled and underworked find all kinds of trouble (drugs; sex; theft) rather than being in a household where there is a value of respect for parents; a work ethic; etc. Agape love presents the truth so one can be saved not make people content in sin.
To know Christ and to make Him known is the theme of the Navigators ministry and correlates with 1 John and other passages.
This is a good summary of understanding the personal meaning of Christ's sacrifice on the cross for atonement as well as our duties fulfilling our part in the Great Commission.
I imagine most here know the necessary doctrines of believing Christ is a member of the Godhead and thus Divinity Himself who was the only one who could atone for sins (as the sinless spotless Lamb of God) by becoming a man as we are without sin and remaining so throughout His earthly ministry; then dying on the cross and resurrecting from the dead 3 days later. Finally; He is to return once again physically to rule and reign on the earth.
2 Timothy 2:8 and 2 Thessalonians 2:2 show we should avoid the error of stating that the resurrection has already occurred or the day of the Lord is at hand. Matthew 24:26 states that the Lord hasn't come yet for those who say He is hiding somewhere and also states the likeness of His arrival as lightning in the very next verse. This should be enough to disclaim what Preterists state that the Lord has already come. Therefore I would contend that full Preterists that state this are far enough off in doctrine that we should avoid fellowship with them.
Assuming we have the essentials of salvation straightened out; there are many other warnings and admonitions in scripture such as testing ourselves to see if we are in the faith would involve ( 2 Corinthians 13:5). We need to accept that doctrines aren't just what is required to be saved; but also what is necessary to prove that we are bringing fruits worthy of repentance ( Matthew 3:8 and many other similar verses). We are not subject to the law in some sense IF we are truly dead to sin ( Romans 6:11) in one sense; because we have a new nature; but in the same token we DESIRE to obey Christ and love and serve Him as Lord; Master and Savior.
"Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers." Here we can understand the world of the body is a closed system where law of sin run through the whole lump of flesh and blood, so being 'woke and cancel culture' are merely BandAid that nation applies to a sepulcher of the past. Statues erected to commemorate men of yesteryears fall in disrepute but fighting the past is only to clear the way for those who shall be thrown down in future. Thus man fights the phantoms of the past. The real culprit is the law of sin.
The Don Quixotes who tilt at the windmills are themselves "whited sepulchers,"and as such Jesus observes,"Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity"(vv.27-28).
St Paul writes of being born again. "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new./And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ."(2 Co.5:17-18). What is this new creation but brought out of the world of the flesh to the everlasting life. Father of mercies accepted us in his Son. "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:/Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son."(Col.1:12-13).
Despite of this liberty if man would prefer darkness what shall we call them. They are enemies to Christ. Jesus denounced the Pharisees and scribes and it applies in our times as well. Their culture wars shall continue since they have by rejecting the prince of life has rejected the wisdom that Jesus Christ of God signifies to us. (1 Co.1:30)
v.33 "Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?"
"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption(2 Pe.1: 4)
"Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ./But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant./And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted."
Jesus as he delivered the doctrine of his Father he had as a man no place to lay his head. But God chose him as the Savior of the whole world. His holiness is founded not any world seen or in externals but on an quality, which is the DNA of the Father Son relationship. Faith is accordingly based on the Word which is eternal, and is the Law. He assured that his Father would never let go his divine nature. " Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?"(6:26) 'Behold' in this verse tells man to think of the word as already sent out and it is as good as done. So faith is what man would require as His children to take a lesson from the fowls. Similarly ants. Their worlds are organized vastly different from what we have devised so faith exercised by them no less true that we understand the term. Faith is one as the Gospel is. Holiness of God covers His creation.
Jesus set an example with his life so at every turn we read that at Bethphage he sent out for his carriage, "All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,/Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass."(21:4-5). His itinerary had been set even before the worlds began so word concerning would never change. Faith is thus serves every believer so there is no Master servant considerations to go into. He is sent exactly as he sent his disciples and everything concerning their ministry is thus arranged so any conditions demanded would be inappropriate.
Sermon on the Mount was an occasion for Jesus for presenting the doctrine of God. The emblem mentioned in 5:1 served as the witness. "Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples."
Blessedness was the portion for the multitudes and his disciples which was stipulated in the everlasting covenant. "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."(2 Pe.1:4) Blessedness allowed access to be partakers of the holiness of God to which he was the way. Now what Jesus presented was condemnation for those who refused to receive him.
It explains also the significance of the number of the beast. 666 applied to the tripartite nature of man whose body, spirit and soul resisting the day sanctified by God. This day was by a decree, the everlasting covenant, to his Son. The Pharisees and chief priest engaged in talk with him in order to trip him up than receive the good news gladly.
It was to a multitude Simon Peter preached the good news and their response was,"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?"(Ac.2:6,37-40) They heard the word of salvation,"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."(v.41)
The Spirit gives us an additional clue, where Command Number Three refers to the Son.(Three Thousand refers to number of souls saved in that day as the basis for the founding of the church age.)
Doctrine of Jesus stated, " But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant."(23:11) The Pharisees and the scribes instead sit in Moses' seat, "And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues." Are we in our times any better?
"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."
'All things' are included here. Worlds framed by the word of God are heaven and the earth that is the world abides forever so blessings of every one who is adopted the fellowship of God and the Son is entitled to it. "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?"(Ro.8:32) As children of light we ought to be circumspect to seek not the selfsame things as the ungodly in a frenzy rush in madcap adventures that eventually drive them to their destruction. "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:/Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world."(2 Pe.1:3-4)
Hebrews 12:6 states: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Matthew 5:44-46 says
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
These verses bring a clear understanding of those who are His children and possess His Spirit from those who don't. We can't love our enemies in our own strength in the same way we can in Him; but perhaps the other side of the argument should be examined; we cannot hate our sin; our former "good deeds" and appreciate the verse in Jeremiah 17:9 about our hearts being "deceitfully wicked" apart from a revelation from God through His Spirit. This truth results in a response of repentance whose origin comes from God; and results in actions coming from a new heart or nature; rather than just outer actions in some attempt to be righteous in our own strength. Atheists can often be more "moral" than we are in charitable giving; for example but they cannot without self righteousness. Thus; no amount of penance; fasting; etc. can save us. Jesus begins the work and to those He has called and chosen He insures that they are sanctified and glorified after being saved as we see from Romans 8:30.
Other Gospel verses show that His sheep hear His voice. We have true love for other believers if we are saved as well as a true love for Christ and we trust Him as well and have Him not just as Savior but Lord and Master as well.
The enemy will often convince us otherwise but believers have overcome the world.
Most of us would say that the way you replied sarcastically is a sin. And as believers, we are to speak to others about such sin (offenses) but do so gently with compassion.
Momsage, we are to confess our sin in such a case and we will receive forgiveness and cleansing as John says in 1 Hn. 1:9 and also, if we have sinned and we are not aware that we have sinned, we have Jesus as our Advocate interceding for us before the Father, presenting His righteousness and His shed blood and the penalty He paid for ALL of our sins as the basis for justification. This is the only way for any one to be justified and therefore not be condemned.
So, if you do not think that your sarcasm is a sin and were to go to bed and die suddenly, you will be saved because your faith for salvation is in Jesus, not in our own sinlessness or godly actions/obedience to God.
If you recognize that your sarcasm actually is sin because it is not holy speech, then I would hope that you would confess it to God and receive His mercy. If you should die before confessing an act that you know is a sin, then you are still saved because your faith for salvation is in Jesus alone. He saves us 100%, not because we are sinless, but because we were and are sinful in our fallen nature and need to be saved by Him every second of every day until we are resurrected.
Momsage, I do not mean any finger pointing at you in this matter. my intentions are for your good and to support you in your walk as a believer. So, please, take my comments as such.
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