"SINS" in Bible Discussions

 
  • Richard H Priday - 16 hours ago
    Ezekiel 18:25-28 states:

    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.
  • Bennymkje - 20 hours ago
    Mark 7:32-37

    "(Jesus)he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak."

    As with the raising of Jairus' daughter Jesus does healing and St Mark intends us to see it as significant. "And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him./And he took him aside from the multitude,." In the case of the man with palsy, "And it was noised that he was in the house."(2:1) He saw the faith who found an ingenious way to get the man before Jesus. "When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee."(2:1-5,10) Who was Jesus? "But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins," it was faith that connected him to the world. His Father sent him with a mandate that made sin standing athwart man and his malady. So he addressed it by forgiving him. Their faith was good as of the impotent man.

    Whether in the house or in the open, the man in need of a cure was on one-to -one with Jesus and faith was what effected the healing. In the case of the Syrophoenician woman who sought out Jesus when he visited their environs, the demon-possessed damsel was in her house while her mother displayed her faith. She was as much an intercessor as Jesus stood in relation to his Father. "Behold I and the children which God hath given me./ Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;/And deliver them.(He.2:13-15)" Her daughter was instantly healed as in the case of the deaf and dumb man. " And straightway his ears were opened,... and he spake plain."(v.35) What is the significance of a man's spittle when it was the means to heal him? It just proves," Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same." His humanity fits with his need.
  • GiGi - In Reply - 1 day ago
    Dear Kevin,

    I will pray for a job to be provided to you that will allow you to work in peace of mind and heart My son also suffers from anxiety and depression and has panic attacks from stressful situations also. Finding the right fit job has been an ongoing journey for him. He is 34. His first baby is due in May and he just began a new job this week. So, if you could pray for him I would appreciate that. His name is also Kevin.

    Kevin, I want to declare to you that your sins are all forgiven in Jesus Christ when He died in our place. This forgiveness is given to us as a gift and we can be assured that we are forgiven when we embrace Him and His work of salvation in faith. So, you say your faith is weak, yet you do believe the gospel. You do not need to have but simple faith in what He has done and declared in the Scriptures. He died and rose for you to provide forgiveness and salvation unto those who believe on Him.

    I am so glad you have shared your needs on this site. It is always a good thing to ask others to pray for oneself. So, be blessed by the Lord today and trust that He hears our prayers, knows our desires and every need and will bring answers that are the best for us.
  • Richard H Priday - 2 days ago
    The last part of the first stanza of the song "He knows my name" from the 2014 "If We're Honest" album of Francesca Battestelli states this:

    True to who You are

    You saw my heart

    And made

    Something out of nothing

    We really can't disengage the concept of the comprehension that we have nothing to offer but a "broken and contrite heart" as Psalm 51:8 states when we first come to a saving faith. God Himself grants repentance ( 2 Tim. 2:25 and 2 places in Acts) but this results in our heartfelt plea for God's mercy. In the same logic salvation isn't a one way street. Realizing our own unworthiness and helplessness is what unregenerate man cannot or will not concede in this lifetime as we see illustrated in Jeremiah 18:12. Man finds ways to justify demon worship as giving them something; of course we see a perfect example in Acts 19:25-28 for example where a whole town spent an afternoon rioting; or in 1 Kings 18:28 with the so called "prophetic contest" between idols and the true and living God.

    This illustration of what theologians title "Irresistable Grace" (not my favorite term) seems to fit here. Some could say that our response of realization of our sins; along with a verbal affirmation ( Romans 10:9-12) is a choice we make; rather than a response to the Spirit's prompting. I would agree as to the general search for truth that some have may come first for many; although we can't rule out a "Damascus Road" sort of conversion today either. In the mindset of unregenerate man; to be controlled or "possessed" by the Holy Spirit which results in a predictable response makes us robots and is a frightening concept in "losing our individual freedom of choice"; etc. Man's logic doesn't consider that our Creator should have ownership or mastery over His own created beings and of course we can struggle even as believers in trusting God to see us through the trials of life. This ties into the verse in Luke 17:33-37 in regard to really living when we lose our life
  • Ronald Whittemore - In Reply - 3 days ago
    Hi Jaz,

    I do not believe is bad to be interested in that, we can study other people's beliefs and understanding of a particular scripture, but we must pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. When I discuss anything with a brother or sister on this site a subject that we have different understandings of, I in prayer study to see both views and confirm the truth even if I am wrong the Holy Spirit will show us the truth maybe not that minute but if continue to pray about it the truth will come. All things are not revealed to us like Paul said about milk and meat it is not our time it is God's time.

    I cannot say anyone is bad because of their understanding of prophecy, I can only say my understanding is different if they are willing to sit down together and study for the truth do so. We must not be dogmatic we must do it in love of the truth.

    Salvation is by faith Jesus the Son of God shed His blood for our sins and was raised from the dead, a gift of grace from God His Father who gave Him to die for us in the plan of God that was conceived before the foundation of this world not understanding prophecy.

    I do not know how much you have studied Revelation; you may know this but the events in Revelation are in order but it's not chronological order from start to finish. It is more of a circular order of the same events; John adds more information of parts of the same event in other chapters of what is going on at the same time.

    As in Rev. 11, the two witnesses, parts of Rev. 12 and Rev. 13 show different things going on, but they are happening during the 42 months, a time, and times, and half a time, 3.5 years of Satan, the beast out of the bottomless pit, and the false prophet not different times. There are parallels between the visions John wrote down all through Revelation that we must recognize.

    God bless,

    RLW
  • Richard H Priday - 4 days ago
    The Mark of the Beast: What we need to know

    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.
  • Bennymkje - 1 week ago
    Ge.1Mark 4:1-11 "Unto you given" (1 of 2)

    "And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables" Mark gives us mystery of the family as is in heaven and on earth where God is one. He has set his throne which is the throne of sovereignty. He blessed all in his Son and the mystery is of his Will.

    St Paul makes his sovereignty as the central plank so his good pleasure in his Son extended to all who received him in faith:

    1:"hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ." This refers to the everlasting covenant where on day Six God expresses "behold, it was good"(Ge.1:31). This covenant is inclusive so it is not any nation but whosoever received the Son should have adoption, of children as stated in the next:

    2: "as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, "unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,(Ep.1:3-6). So the man is adopted to himself so he is 'the Father who art in heaven.'

    3: everlasting life is conditional so John's Gospel assures us "That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."( John 3:16). Today is the day of salvation is now while we are in our vile bodies and it refers our world of flesh and blood. Simultaneously the day refers in heaven as long as the Alpha and Omega mode of Jesus Christ extends and it is not for us to know. The point is we are saved according to the covenant, when we died to the world and to sin. We have a building of God, a spiritual body awaiting us. (2 Co.5:1)

    Mark tells us in the next verse those who have dismissed this mystery shall not benefit from parables. "That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them."(4:12). Heresies did not occur happenstance.
  • Richard H Priday - 1 week ago
    More on the Tribulation

    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.
  • GiGi - 1 week ago
    "S" God is SAVIOR

    God alone is the Savior of men.

    Is. 19:20 says that God will send a savior and defender. ad God identifies the Savior as the Holy One of Israel ( a name of God) in Is. 43:3. In 43:11 God says that apart from Him there is NO Savior. Also Hos. 13:4

    God calls Himself Savior in Is. 45:21; 49:26; 60:16. Jesus is called the Savior of the world John 4:42; Acts 5:31; 13:23, 1 Tim. 4:10,

    the Father sent the Son to as Savior ( 1 Jn. 4:14)

    and Jude 1:25 says that Jesus our only God and Savior and He should be glorified and honored the SAME as the Father who is God ( Jn. 5:23) thus claiming equality with the Father. (also see Jn. 5:18; Jn. 10: 30-38; 8:58)

    So, in light of these truths of Scripture, It is fact that God alone is our Savior, and the Father sent His Divine Son into the world to save sinners.

    Hallelujah! Because every human that has ever lived needs to be saved from their sins, and Jesus, God the Son, is this Savior, and no mere man can save anyone.
  • GiGi - In Reply - 1 week ago
    Hello Ronald,

    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.
  • GiGi - 1 week ago
    GOD IS RIGHTEOUS

    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!
  • GiGi - 1 week ago
    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"

    John 1:1 calls Jesus God:" the Word was God"
  • Bennymkje - 1 week ago
    Mark 2:14-20 "At the house of Levi"

    "When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

    Jesus as the Son of God knew what was in the mind of man. But he did not make it a point to separate man according to his profession or morals before he condescended to sit with him or sup in any convivial company. But when he say faith among them he responded. It was thus at the house he came to heal the man with palsy what struck him was the faith of four who took trouble to bring him to the fore. "When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee."(2:5).He understood man was sinful so how sinful the matter of degrees did not interest him. The word of his Father was sent out calling all unto repentance. It was potent enough to enthuse the good to hear the call and make peace with God. For example St Luke speaks of Simeon of Jerusalem who was just and devout,"waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him./And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ./ And he came by the Spirit into the temple."( Luke 2:25-27). God let him see his heart's desire before he died. Then there was Anna the prophetess. It is of them Jesus meant when he referred the righteous. They were led by the Spirit of Christ and the anointing of the Holy Ghost would come only after hid resurrection.

    But sinners whom came as in the case of Levi or the man with palsy did not came across him by coincidence,- but the call had gone forth before the worlds began and went to the ends of the world; it was their faith in exercising completed the calling and election sure. vv.15-16 The house of Levi was a microcosm of the world. So many were saved as there were many who went away as they came in because of their disbelief.
  • Bennymkje - 1 week ago
    Mark 2:1-12 (2 of 2)

    1:22-24 "And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,/ Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us?"

    How come the Gospels are replete with the aspect of Trinity and yet man stumble over it? Devil has set him to coin outlandish concepts of 'accelerationalism' as though an historical imperative to bring down his own house. God is in charge and ungodly men cannot know the unclean spirit that spins his head to think of his home a charnel house. This is how the unclean spirit tore down the man in the synagogue of Capernaum.

    Similarly when Jesus would heal the man with palsy, his detractors cried 'blasphemy'. Do we not see it in our own times, After kicking the dog what does man say, He howls, hasten his end,'hang him',

    Jesus worked so he would say,"Mu Father worketh hitherto, and I work.

    vv.10-12

    "But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)/I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house./And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all.
  • Bennymkje - 1 week ago
    Mark 2:1-12 "We never saw it on this fashion" (1 of 2)

    "And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion."

    Authority of Jesus evidently came from the doctrine of his Father; and the word become flesh could say,"I am the truth". Unlike the scribes whose authority, as Jesus faulted them, reeked of hypocrisy (1:22) he walked the straight and narrow line. John testifies,"For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken./I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say."( John 12:49-50) Where did he learn from? He was in the bosom of his Father so what he said and did was defining the Father inside out.( John 1:18)

    While healing the man with palsy, his response we read,"immediately" he arose. He proved "I and my Father are one" and Mark's delineation spares no pains to tell this relation. "He that has the Father has the Son as well. He that has the Son has the Father also' when Jesus made it possible 'inso much that they were all amazed." They glorified God.( 1 John 2:23)

    In the previous chapter he was in a synagogue in Capernaum, the unclean spirit 'cried out,"I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God." In the world of the Spirit even unclean spirits know the Holy One of God" but they do not want to follow him. In what was the scribes and the Pharisees who did not live by what they preached? Their uncleanness arose from hypocrisy a spiritual malady. Mark here takes us again to Capernaum. In the domestic setting what does the scribes say," Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?"(2:7) He was indeed of God to see through them. The tag 'immediately' in v.8 "And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit", is an indication that his deity worked even when he emptied himself.
  • Bennymkje - 1 week ago
    Mark 1 :1-11 The word of God-sound and sign (2 of 2)

    v.5 " And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins"

    The great revival 'in all the land of Judaea and they of Jerusalem' was not because of John's austerity or of his person but the voice of the Lord worked with men as he 'shaketh the wilderness; the Lord shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh.". Hinds calve as surely men see a great light dawning on them.(Ps.29:8-9). Here also Isaiah saw ahead ,"The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up."(Matt.4:14-16). The same voice that inspired Isaiah did enthuse John's Father. The Angel of the Lord is how the sound becomes a sign. St Luke report of it, "And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God./And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."( Luke 1:16-17) At first Zecharias would not believe and his temporary dumbness was a sign. As surely as calves of a hind.

    v.11 "And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Here we have both word as a sound as a sign.

    Compared to other gospels Mark tells us salient features of the Advent of the Son with great economy of words. "And immediately the spirit driveth him into the wilderness."(v.12)
  • Bennymkje - 1 week ago
    Mark 1:1-11 (1of 2)

    "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;/As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee."(vv.1-2)

    Mark presents Jesus as the Son of God. He does not say he was the Word become flesh but in his obedience to the Word, he is shown as born of God. His faith makes him human as John or anyone of us. "Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."( John 1:12-13) Above the quote is from Malachi (3:1) which has not become entangled with that of the quote from next verse. About this we shall take up at the end of the note on v.3

    "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." (v.3)

    This cites Prophet Isaiah who did not say it in a vacuum but inspired of God who commanded so the knowledge of his glory in terms of man gave expression to the word of God which itself manifests the other worldly quality of faith."The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God."(2 Co.4:6;Is.40:3) St Paul asks, "But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world." It is thus truth written in our inward parts make sense of it.(Ro.10:18)

    quote from Isaiah is set in place by the preceding verse. "Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins." This refers to the remnant of Israel at the eleventh hour as it were, delivered from fire. Compare the quote from Malachi. "behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts."(Mal.3:1) Mark's quote therefore fits with the Advent of Jesus Christ as more closer in time. The voice of the Lord reaches the ends of the world as risen Christ promises. (Matt.28:20) '
  • MotherMac - 1 week ago
    Reply to KJV on Isaiah 53:5

    Thank you for taking time to help me understand Isaiah 53:5.

    Healing puts back in place something that is out of order. Healing fixes things. Jesus' purpose in the land of the living was to make us whole.

    It seems that Jesus reassured people that came to him for healing that their sins would not hinder their healing if they believed. Isaiah 53:5 is referring to both body and soul. In one scripture , the devils knew the prophesy of Isaiah concerning him. Jesus not only heals the "sin-sick soul, (transgression, iniquities) but the mind, BODY and soul. (COVID, Cancer, AIDS, Heart

    Trouble, High blood pressure, diabetes) I noticed that in many conversation with the sick, Jesus mentions "sin." He was connecting sickness and sin.

    St. James also mentioned Elders of the Church in relations to prayers for healing "sickness. and "sin."

    The words " the chastisement of our peace, (our anxieties)

    was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." "Jesus stripes" are talking about healing every part of us that need fixing.
  • Chris - In Reply - 2 weeks ago
    Hi Jazzmanrd. Not sure whether you're wanting to better understand this phrase in Nehemiah 1:5, or not. In case you are, Nehemiah, in his anguished prayer to God, described how he viewed this mighty God, Who alone could save His people & prosper his (Nehemiah's) request to the Babylonian king, Artaxerxes.

    Sometimes, our present understanding of English words have changed as culture & word usage evolves. So here in this verse, Nehemiah describes the Almighty God as "great and terrible". In Hebrew, the word used for 'terrible' is 'yare', which means 'to take fright'. One might think, why should we be frightened or terrified of a God Who is merciful, kind & gracious? Though many Christians today hold only to such a view of God, we know from reading all the Scriptures, that God is also a God of Wrath & of Justice, all within His Glorious Holiness. So, in confronting such a God, anyone whose heart is not right with Him, would do well to tremble & shake in His Presence, even as Nehemiah knew this God Who had the Power to consign all of Israel to destruction for their many sins. Even the Hebrews writer could state, "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" ( Hebrews 10:31).

    So the word we could use today instead of 'terrible' would be 'awesome', not as the world uses the word, but unto the Living God before Whom we would stand struck with awe in both His Power, but also His great Grace.
  • Bennymkje - 2 weeks ago
    Matt.26:26-29 "Salvator Mundi"

    The superscription is the Latin phrase for the Savior of the World and while we study the last supper let us keep this aspect of the Son in our mind. Each gospel has something to tell us about the significance of it.

    "And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;/ For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."(26:27-28) Luke also treats the same. He does it after he blesses the cup. which is by offering it to his Father. "And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves." Divide it among yourselves is similar to the act of the Sower in the Parable. "Behold, a sower went forth to sow;" The field is the world where the heart is not alike. In vv.4-6 we read how the seed come to nought or produced very little. the fault lay entirely with the heart of man. "but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."( 1 John 1:7-9). Blood of Jesus is not at fault but the heart of man is. Out of it comes heresies since it is not entirely good. Like the proverbial curates egg it is half half. So some of the time man runs with his brethren and claims."I have seen the light Hallelujiah" and at other time he is chasing with politicians to do their bidding. Limited salvation as some sects claim is a case in point. If they stumble at this what else is there for them? "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all."(Jas.2:10)

    Notice it is "after supper" that he said " Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you." As with the bread they have had partaken the bread during the Last supper "this do in remembrance of me."( Luke 22:19-20). If one makes 'this cup' to mean his blood, what are we to assume? Man's reason is at fault.
  • Bennymkje - 2 weeks ago
    Matt.26:17-30 Bread and wine" (2 of 2)

    "This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead."( John 21:14)

    Now we shall go back to the key text:

    "And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body." Jesus speaks of bread as my body.' He is referring to the act of breaking,- and his spiritual body is never to be broken, and the sacrament was to be done in memory of him. "this do in remembrance of me."(1 Co.11:24)

    Similarly the wine refers to his blood. "For this is my blood of the new testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins."(v.28) From v.29 the Spirit clues us in what sense we are to interpret the bread and wine. The bread and wine they drink foreshadowing the everlasting covenant shall continue in the day of regeneration as well. The newness of heaven and the earth refers to their regeneration. Same testament but their spiritual bodies shall make it all new. "But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."(v.29) until I drink it 'new' ought to make it clear the testament is not the subject but the creation. That day is the day of regeneration. Alpha and Omega aspect both hinge on the day decreed as the covenant. Unto this day and that day refers to the Son.
  • Richard H Priday - 2 weeks ago
    Necessary doctrines: Fruit vs non fruit bearing activities

    When we get into practical things; for instance the last few chapters of Romans after the lengthy dissertation on the depravity of man (no one is rightous); and the "Gospel of Grace" related to covenants and the like; there could be a tendancy to discount our behaviors as being as important as these doctrinal truths. The fact is they are both important and we can't live bearing good fruit without following the truth and showing obedient love for Christ with our lifestyles. We only need to look at Luke 6:46 to see the importance of doing what He says; and John 14:15 which shows that if we love Him we will obey His commandments. The basic command to love one another is seen in both the Gospel of John and first John as a necessary mandate for a true brother in Christ. This should be a basic litmus test to draw out those who are Judas Iscariot's in our midst. These issues make things difficult when we follow such commandments as 1 Corinthians 5:11 where we are told not to even eat with one who is living in immorality or other sins as a LIFESTYLE or continuing pattern who calls themself a "Christian". This should eliminate many prosperity Gospel folks who are "swindlers"; and those practicing idolatry where a false Christ is worshipped at least in the midst of a given true fellowship of saints. There are times when we can witness to others who are in error if we are not worshipping where they are if we can have some control on the meeting situation. In short; producing good fruit is mentioned in numerous scriptures and thus only occurs with a true believer as the Parable of the Sower indicates. This is essential doctrine which is evidenced by those who are drowning in perdition due to the cares of this world overtaking them ( 1 Timothy 6:9; see also Matthew 13:23). The attitude toward authority covered in Romans 13:1-2; we are called whenever it doesn't contradict scripture to obey authorities.
  • Richard H Priday - 2 weeks ago
    Essential doctrines

    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.
  • Bennymkje - 2 weeks ago
    Matt.25:34 Alpha Omega-glory (2 of 2)

    Earlier we quoted,"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)" This glory sets Jesus Christ as the Apostle as well as the high priest of our profession. Alpha aspect gives us the decree. "The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek." (110:4). The Spirit gives us a clue how he has organized the Bible narrative in the encounter between Abraham and Melchizedek. The High Priest of the Most High is meeting Abraham from whom the lineage of Jesus Christ springs from according to his humanity. He.7:9 annotates the Alpha and Omega in the encounter. "And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth." (Ge.14:19). Earlier God blessed Abraham which sets all families in the earth which is confirmed by Melchizedek. (Ge.12:3). The bread and wine symbolizes the spiritual significance of our glory. "Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,/And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever." (Re.1:5-6). Every believer is called to be kings and priests, nothing less.

    Coming back to the key verse the right hand indicates holy angels with him include us. "on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world."
  • Bennymkje - 2 weeks ago
    Matt.25:34." Alpha and Omega (1 of 2)

    " Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world"

    "When the Son of man shall come in his glory," v.31 must be understood in its correct setting. Jesus in his humanity emptied himself of the glory so in all things he shall like men, -namely of the seed of Abraham. Matt.1:1 so begins as the son of Abraham; "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) Nevertheless the Holy Spirit enumerates generation of Jesus as following those of heavens. (Ge.2:4)

    Here we shall examine the glory factor related to the Alpha Omega aspect of the Son. In his prayer to his Father he speaks of it. "And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was."( John 17:5). This glory is based on the word. "As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him./And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." The cloud of witnesses were thus part of his glory. and sanctified by truth. So Jesus prays, "Sanctify them by truth: thy word is truth" (John17:10)

    In his transfiguration on the mount the three disciples were present. Jesus wanted them to hold it a secret till he had completely perfected the will of his Father. From the above we see how man trivializes this glory by playing to the gallery and for the praise of men? In our Savior we are assured of life eternal. "that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." Instead of truth how false teachers make Jesus with limited salvation. Such doctrine of man shall do much worse. "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."
  • Momsage - In Reply - 3 weeks ago
    Hi Rethamae4: In reading the scriptures of Adam and Eve it says that Cain was the FIRST male child. I think we can believe that Eve had daughters before Cain was born which is why she was thrilled to finally have a male child. Abel is Cain's brother but it doesn't say he was born right after Cain; just that she again bare another man child, Abel. Again Eve could have had daughters in-between Cain and Abel. After Seth was born, Adam lived another 800 years bearing sons and daughters. They were told by God to replenish the earth so brothers marrying sisters and cousins marrying cousins was allowed by God then.

    "The biblical narrative focuses primarily on these three sons, as they played significant roles in the early events of human history. Seth's line is particularly emphasized because it is through him that the godly lineage continued, leading to figures such as Noah and eventually to Abraham and the establishment of the Israelite people." Quoted from Bible Study Tools

    I hope this reply helps. God Bless :)
  • Richard H Priday - 3 weeks ago
    The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? ( Jeremiah 17:9).

    I thought that I should be honest here as to the state of my own heart. When a woman the other day showed kindness to me at the store a few days ago I suddenly found myself thinking about how it made me feel and if there was something in the future there. Those situations are times when those not grounded in the Word can suddenly be swept away into something outside the will of God. Being a man; of course there are some women no doubt who would chalk that off to the stupidity of a man as opposed to their greater senses of judgment on such matters. Frankly I don't really care about that analysis; I have done much thinking about my actions and much scriptural analysis in recent years but have to admit that there are some real weaknesses here that the enemy could easily exploit if I am off guard.

    Such madness of course in my own situation as many may know led to my wife excusing her own actions in getting involved with a long term friend at work (which probably commenced long before I realized it). My former Pastor had the wisdom when I was going through the separation to advise me NOT to be alone with a woman in a car or similar situation as I was still a married man but didn't seem to mind when the divorce was final. My belief holds firm about remarriage being wrong when a former spouse is alive but that isn't the focus here. Such vigilence that my former Pastor had is similar to what Billy Graham did not allowing himself to be in an elevator alone with a woman. "I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?" ( Job 31:1).

    I am of the firm belief that fornication and adultery are two chief ways that men will "drown in perdition" ( 1 Timothy 6:9). There are other sins related here such as covetousness; which I may go into more detail in the next post.

    When temptation calls; flee.
  • Richard H Priday - 1 month ago
    But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. ( John 5:17).

    Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. ( Colossians 3:23-24).

    These two verses demonstrate to us that work in the secular or "spiritual" realm is to be done with all of our might (following the principal of Ecclesiastes 9:10). Christ actually states that in some cases such as John 4:38 that they have reaped what others have sown. John 4 discusses the conversion of the Samaritan woman (woman at the well) and her evangelistic campaign. In this case she did the sowing and the Disciples reaped the benefits. It is interesting to think that she was the first evangelist listed even before the Disciples were sent out two by two (I think). Even Jesus didn't have to work that hard in that respect; such gratitude for being saved by sins was shown in other women such as Mary Magdeline. Would we all approach the Great Commission with such eagerness.

    When it comes to our everyday jobs I am grateful in my situation even with just part time work being all that I can do with other responsibilities that I am surrounded by people that work hard. I work doing food prep in a high school kitchen; and especially with intense State Inspection coming those who would want to mess about won't remain very long. Having supervisors that I respect in each of the other surrounding schools in the District where we are sent on occasion is an added bonus; along with the lady from one of them that joined our team today. There are a number of passages discussing employer and employee relations (in many cases servant and master analogy). Our work ethic isn't a substitute for sharing God's Word; but an opportune moment won't earn any respect if we don't have a foundation of trusted service for the weeks or months before such a conversation can occur.
  • Bennymkje - 1 month ago
    Re.11:8 "the Sign" (1 of 2)

    "And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city," Martyrdom of two witnesses lying in the street is a sign. We have Jesus telling his disciples how to respond to the cities where they were not received. "And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet./Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city."(Matt.10:14-15). When Jesus concludes his 'woe to ye' indictment he says,"Behold, your house is left unto you desolate." (Matt.23:38). This was a sure indication that the house was not worthy since they had rejected the prince of peace. "And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you." Israel shall never be at rest till they receive him, "For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord."(23:39). The two witnesses lying in the street of the great city is to be spiritually understood. They serve as a sign of doom of disasters that shall visit upon them. The names of cities are interchangeable. The stone that angel cast down signals the fall of Babylon (Re.18:21) and it could be applied to all cities of the world.

    The sign of his coming is sure of the day of judgment for these cities. "For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities./Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works."(Re.18:5-6) We see it even now. 'Globalism' was the watchword of nations living deliciously and' Greed is good was their mantra. Now it is dead. The beast who shall appear is part of long line of powers- that-be and they shall do evil. " And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition."(17:11)
  • Chris - In Reply - 1 month ago
    MotherMac, I've just copied your response (hereunder) into this thread, or else our comments will be all over the place. You just need to hit the Reply button at the end of the comment you're replying to, rather than starting a new comment. So you wrote:

    "Thank you for your reply. I certainly do want to avoid leading someone wrong. God forbid. In chapter 12, verse 1, I am reading

    we also are Those words speaks to me as the time in which he was living."

    When the writer of this letter was sent to the Hebrews who resided outside of Israel (it's been suggested, Italy, or thereabouts), he was certainly encouraging them to keep their eyes set on Jesus, patiently running the race of faith in Christ. So yes, as the Hebrews in Italy (?) were being encouraged, so are we to be when reading it.

    But if thinking of 'the carnal view or divine view of Christ', apart from verse 2, where the writer encourages us to only look to 'Jesus, the Author & Finisher of our faith', I can't see where one sees Christ from a carnal viewpoint. But if you're thinking that in verse 1, the cloud of witnesses (as those mentioned in chapter 11), were without knowledge of a coming Divine Christ, their Redeemer, then their view was according to the knowledge given them. But if their love for God & faith in Him to keep & deliver them held strong, the merits of the Coming One's Sacrifice would avail for them as well. In other words, their ignorance (carnal view?) of what was to come, would not preclude them from sharing in what we post-Cross have received through Jesus' Sacrifice for our sins. So, I'm unsure whether I've really understood your thoughts here, so I apologize if I haven't & thus your unsatisfied reading of all this.


Do you have a Bible comment or question?


Please Sign In or Register to post comments...