Alex1939...Brenda good question...This wedding hall is the Kingdom of God and the friend that has no wedding garment is the Tare that satan has put there...Remember Jesus said to let them grow together till the Harvest...The wheat and the Tares...The Tares cannot have a wedding garment simply b/c he is satan's seed...That is gonna be burnt in the end...But the wheat and the Tares are friends simply b/c they live in the same body...Till the Harvest...They are the 2 men in the field...One taken and one left....An old friend that eats at my table has lifted up his heel against me...Which was Judas a type of satan...The Tare Satans seed.
....The Wheat is a baby Christ that New Creature..The H.G. The manchild that is gonna rule all nations...Simply b/c the sower of that good seed is Christ the bridegroom...Our wedding garment is Christ as the manchild..The H.G. THAT HAS TO BE BORN IN US...Whosoever receiveth one such child in my name receiveth me...She brought forth a man Child that is gonna rule all nations...Nothin availeth anything in Christ Jesus but a New CREATURE Which is the H.G. that has to be born in us via the seed of Christ and his NEW Covenant that he wrote with his own blood...The manchild which is the H.G. is the only thing that allows us to enter the Kingdom...Unless you receive the Kingdom of God as a lil Child you will in no wise enter there in.
....One thing that is for sure The Kingdom does not come till the BOOK is opened in Rev 5:9 ...As God tells Daniel..And after the book is opened then John saw a number that no man cd number of all ppl from around the world of all nations...And Rev. 12:10 says now is come Salvation and the Kingdom of our God and his Christ ( the H.G. is the manchild...Which is the that New Covenant in his blood and the Kingdom.
.....This N.C. is a different story then the O.C....While we were yet sinners Christ died for us...And i was found of them that sought me not and i was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.
alex1939...Brenda good question...But let us remember what Jesus did at Calvary,..He made a New Covenant in his blood...When he had taken the cup he said this is the New Covenant in my blood drink ye all of it...And if i be lifted up ( his blood ) i will draw ALL MEN unto me... Jeremiah 31:34...This is the Covenant i will make with the house of Israel and Judah I will put my words/laws in their hearts and MINDS and they shall shall ALL KNOW ME from the least to the greatest...And the Gentiles come into this Blood Covenant simply b/c if ye be in Christ then are you Abraham seed and are heirs according to the Promises...God so loved the world.
.....Many are called but few are Chosen...The only 1 Chosen is the H.G. that Gift of God to all the world..And is the Israel of God...But the book has to be opened 1st ....ok
( Matt 22:1-14) The invitations were sent out by a father arranging a wedding feast for his son (as Heavenly Father for His Son). The gospel (invitation) was given to Jews first (God's chosen people) but was made light of and rejected by them. So then wedding invitations (the gospel) went to others in the highways and hedges (gospel was preached to the Gentiles), and the wedding hall was filled. The wedding garment is our garment of salvation ( Isa 61:10) received through Christ. The man who is not wearing his wedding garment had not received salvation and is as the one in Matt 7:21-23 who pretended to be saved, but Jesus said, "I NEVER knew you."
Matthew 7:21-23 (NKJV) "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'
Many received the invitation to salvation, but only a few of God's chosen received it. (Many called, few chosen.)
Galatians 3:27 (KJV) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ (put on wedding garments).
2 Peter 1:10 (NKJV) Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your calling and election sure.
And the bible is very clear, especially when we get into the book of Revelation, is that when we are in heaven, we will be clothed in the robes of the righteousness of Christ.
In fact, we will have on white robes that have been dipped in blood. And they will be pure white. It is because of the purity of Christ and the forgiveness of Christ.
Only those people who have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ, and who are dressed in His righteousness, will be at God's banqueting table.
I completely agree with what GiGi has given you. If I might just piggyback off her post and share some additional information on these garments.
When someone gave a wedding feast, he also would provide wedding feast garments. Now if you wore your own clothes, you went to a changing area and you changed into the wedding feast garments.
They were white robes and they could not be dirty. If they got dirty, you had to go put another one on. So this guy just came in from the road and he has got his own clothes on. So the king comes in and he sees this man which did not have on a wedding garment.
In Verse 12, he says friend, and this is the word HETEROS in Greek. It is not friend like we are buddies, but acquaintances, like you would call someone on the street that you just met. "How are you today friend?" It doesn't mean that you are buddies.
The Greeks have different words for greetings. This one says Friend, how did you come in here not having on a wedding garment? And he was speechless. I mean, what are you going to say?
Then there's the condemnation Verse 13 and it seems like pretty harsh treatment. But then in Verse 14, we see the conclusion, and the teaching of the parable of the wedding feast:
It says, For many are called, but few are chosen. So now we can see the application of what it means that many are called, but few are chosen?
Even people who want to come to the wedding feast, if they don't have the proper garments, they will not be chosen.
This man was at the wedding feast. He was there. He was at the banqueting table, but he was asked leave. Well, he wasn't asked to leave, the ushers took him out.
He was not chosen. He didn't have the proper wedding garment on!
I am about out of space so I need to send another short post.
I think that this verse is referring to the robe of righteousness of Jesus Christ believers possess. We are clothed in His righteousness, not our own, so that we can stand before the Father and not be destroyed. Those attending the wedding feast of the Lamb will all be wearing this robe of righteousness of Jesus-therefore are believers.
What does it mean in Mt 22:11-14 that the king "noticed a man who wasn't wearing the proper clothes for a wedding" the man had no reply so he was thrown into the outer darkness. " For many are called, but few are chosen' does this mean that even if you're saved you might not be chosen? What are the proper wedding clothes?
God does not contradict Himself. Those apostles He called to preach the gospel were instructed as to what it was by either Jesus, Himself, or the Holy Spirit.
In the Epistles, we read most of what Paul wrote to explain and expound upon what he was taught by Jesus directly. Unfortunately, we do not have much of a record of what the 12 apostles preached on the gospel, but at the council in Jerusalem, the church leaders James and Peter and John agreed that Paul preached the same gospel as they did. I think that God knowing that Paul was a man of superb education and talent for writing, had him write much more than the other Apostles in explaining many facets of the gospel and teachings God wanted to establish in the church.
We are built a poem the foundation of the Apostles and Prophet Jesus Christ himself being the Chief Cornerstone, Paul gospel was the same gospel that Peter preached and that Philip preached, Peter preached repentance baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost in Acts chapter 2, in Acts chapter 8 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preach Christ unto them they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, Peter went to Cornelius household and preached Christ to them repentance they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, Paul met some of John's disciples he asked them how they were baptized if they receive the Holy Ghost, they were be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and received the Holy Ghost just like in Acts chapter 2 chapter 8 chapter 10, Acts 2:38 in the gospel in a nutshell the death burial and Resurrection repentance baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost the gift of Eternal life
Hi Skip, Texas seems to be the home of many Christians. I have Mennonite brothers and sisters there who are a lot like me only with likely better Bible understandings. I would believe that I could at least understand a little about being a captive made free. We know John reminded the well versed that God could raise up Children for Abraham out of the stones. I believe I am one. I like any one, who has been captive or may become captive find comfort in God's desire to free captives that desire in their hearts to be made free. Coming back out of Babylon was the beginning of Synagogues for the sake of the freed captives having to live with less than they had before they were taken away captive. The same freed began to consider their neighbors and teach them by their own life story how God separated them from Himself and re-gathered them by Faith. Brother Luke was a neighbor that may have never been able to enter the Temple but understood the Church by the Holy Spirit's leading. I know my thoughts are a little outside of your exact question. This one part as I write, I feel that I have Peace with God and man, the best I understand.
You are correct if you're talking about APPLICATION rather than INTERPRETATION.
The Holy Spirit can APPLY a Scripture passage to your specific circumstance, but I am referring to the INTENT of the author, the message the author intended. THAT can't change. The reader ought to strive to first find the meaning that the author intended to convey and then go on to an application.
Almonds, walnuts and rice: sign me up! However, there are more Californians coming to Texas than Texans migrating to California.
I've spent several months in your great state over the years at Mare Island and Edwards Air Force Base on assignment. Even called some Little League tournament games in Lancaster several decades ago.
So do you have any thoughts on how The Holy Spirit leads your interpretation on Jeremiah 29:11?
I think many people have read a scripture and found more in the same scripture sometime later and later again. The truth is the same but the interpretation can speak to the current condition of the person reading or listening. Spoken Gospel messages and Gospel Songs are the same way. The Holy Spirit reveals what we can understand at the moment. No two persons are in the exact same place at the same time hearing or reading scriptures. The scriptures are not limited by time or space, the Word of God is eternal.
But "true believers" differ on lots of points of doctrine and practice that are not the MAIN and PLAIN things. I'm positive that if you and I were to have a friendly discussion about our views of Christianity, were would disagree on some points. Although I have strong opinions about lots of doctrines, I grant that on some things I could be wrong.
There is ONE correct interpretation, the one that the author and Author intended. THAT is what we attempt to do.
What do you think of this for direction from God?
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jer 29:11
Yes, there's truth in them but also stuff that's not so true. We could include other classical writings by Greek and Roman philosophers that contain truth but all these, including the Apocrypha were never considered by either Jewish rabbis or early church fathers as Inspired by God according to the instructions given by God to Moses.
"And the LORD said unto [Moses], They have well spoken that which they have spoken. I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him."Deu 18:17-22
You alleged, "he [Paul] was taught by Jesus in the desert. Scripture says we are taught the same way."
I humbly disagree. Paul had direct revelation from Jesus. He heard and saw things that were not previously known to him.
"But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." Gal 1:11-12
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." 2Ti 3:16-17
Paul got revelation and wrote under the guidance of The Holy Spirit what we get to read today as Scripture. The Holy Spirit does guide us to understand The Scriptures, but exactly HOW is puzzling when you see good Christians differing on baptism or eschatology and lots of other doctrines that I would not classify as MAIN things that are the PLAIN things.
I would claim that when Jesus said this to His disciples, that He meant it ONLY for them, until they wrote what God wanted them to write for us...
"I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."Joh 16:12-13
If this was directed to us, The Holy Spirit has failed, and God does not fail. So I suggest that this was NOT written TO any other believers than The Apostles.
Thank you Jesse for this definition of Meno. It reminded me that there once was a Catholic Priest by the name Meno that was well privileged, was taught to read and write. He did read just enough to realize that he remained a sinner and had no peace. He had seen the persecution of the defenseless Christians who would not fight back even in unkind words as they were punished by death by all kinds of tortures. This Catholic Priest left the Roman Church and joined bu repentance and faith in one accord with these defenseless brethren. I never knew until now that his name meant permanency. It is amazing that some Christians hundreds of years later, who have not taken their neighbor to court, or far worse, can still live in this world by their faith in Jesus Christ as lambs.
Indeed we are taught by God's Spirit. Thanks for sharing John 2:27. One word that stands out to me in that verse is the word abideth/abide, MENO in the original language. MENO is a word that denotes permanency, God's Spirit permanently abiding in us and us in Him. I agree that He is our teacher.
You and I have a different understanding of Revelation 12:14 on who this woman is and the other symbolisms in that verse, but that's okay. I know there are different theories as to who this woman is. One group says this woman is Mary Baker Eddy, which I totally disagree with!
As many do not read the Apocrypha books, as they are not included anymore in the KJV Bible, there is much wisdom and truth in them. I just want to post a couple verses for you all I was reading the other night. I am very thankful we have access to them on this site for us to go through.
Wisdom of Solomon 1:1-7 Love righteousness, ye that be judges of the earth: think of the Lord with a good (heart,) and in simplicity of heart seek him.
2 For he will be found of them that tempt him not; and sheweth himself unto such as do not distrust him.
3 For froward thoughts separate from God: and his power, when it is tried, reproveth the unwise.
4 For into a malicious soul wisdom shall not enter; nor dwell in the body that is subject unto sin.
5 For the Holy Spirit of discipline will flee deceit, and remove from thoughts that are without understanding, and will not abide when unrighteousness cometh in.
6 For wisdom is a loving spirit; and will not acquit a blasphemer of his words: for God is witness of his reins, and a true beholder of his heart, and a hearer of his tongue.
7 For the Spirit of the Lord filleth the world: and that which containeth all things hath knowledge of the voice.
Wisdom of Solomon 1:11 Therefore beware of murmuring, which is unprofitable; and refrain your tongue from backbiting: for there is no word so secret, that shall go for nought: and the mouth that belieth slayeth the soul.
Wisdom of Solomon 1:22-24 As for the mysteries of God, they knew them not: neither hoped they for the wages of righteousness, nor discerned a reward for blameless souls.
23 For God created man to be immortal, and made him to be an image of his own eternity.
24 Nevertheless through envy of the devil came death into the world: and they that do hold of his side do find it.
Jesse, may the Spirit grace us with his wisdom and understanding. You stated that Paul was bold in his teachings; but could be so because he was taught by Jesus in the desert. Scripture says we are taught the same way.
1 John 2:27 But the anointing which you have received of him abideth in you, and you need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
Revelation 12:14 And to the woman (symbolic of the church, which is us) were given two wings of a great eagle (symbolic of the kingdom of heaven), that she might fly in the wilderness (the desert where you are taught by the Holy Spirit, which is Christ), into her place, nourished for a time, and times, and half a time (symbolic of the day of the Lord which began at John the Baptist crying as a voice in the desert and has continued now for 2000 years.
Ezekiel 17:1-24
Mark 1:3
John 1:23
Daniel 12:7
Daniel 12:11-12
BE BOLD, fear not it's Christ words, it's his WORKS.
There is only one Gospel. I truly believe that the infallible rule of interpreting scripture is that scripture interprets itself. All we can do is share our own understanding. We are all fallible human beings capable of misunderstanding. What scares me the most when I share my knowledge with people is that I might mislead someone by what I share, because in the back of my mind, I know I could be wrong. And that is a scary thought knowing that I will be held accountable for everything I share, even if I think "I know."
But you gotta love Paul. He was even bold enough to say that if anyone preached any other gospel than that which I have preached, let him be accursed. How can he make such a bold claim? I believe that it is because he was taught personally by Jesus Christ Himself for three years out in the Arabian Desert. You can't get any better teaching than that. Paul never contradicts what Jesus taught.
I agree that there were NOT two gospels, one for Jews and another for Gentiles, but ONE gospel encapsulated in 1 Cor 15:3-4.
Acts is not a particularly good place to ground fundamental doctrine, which is where some go to justify, baptismal regeneration and "The Apostles" gospel for instance.
Though I believe many of you on here would agree with me on this. I feel there may be some that are a bit confused on this matter. There is only ONE Gospel of Christ. No matter who preached it or who it was preached to. Christ is not divided.
I understand how some may think Paul had his "own" gospel. Which is not true. Of coarse everyone is unique and special in the Lord in there own way God made them. All are special and unique in the body of Christ.
What I would like to share is the three places Paul states "my gospel". Twice in Romans once in 2 Timothy. When reading these verses in the Textus Receptus all three verses have the same three words that they translate to "my gospel" in English. Which can lead to this confusing I totally understand. The three Greek words are, in English, "the, gospel, of me". "Of" is the expression or indication between things. Paul and the Gospel of Christ he preached.
Please ,dont get me started thinking about my cat ,i shall be snotty and tearfull all day ,your suggestion sounds feasable but im worried about this shutting down of the right half if my brain ,at my age i need it all ! I will be in cleveland tonight ! Cleveland england ! Its a small world ,i suppose its good to remember things ,good and bad ,God teaches us through our experiences and though we may wish to forget some of them we need to remember the lessons He teaches us .
....The Wheat is a baby Christ that New Creature..The H.G. The manchild that is gonna rule all nations...Simply b/c the sower of that good seed is Christ the bridegroom...Our wedding garment is Christ as the manchild..The H.G. THAT HAS TO BE BORN IN US...Whosoever receiveth one such child in my name receiveth me...She brought forth a man Child that is gonna rule all nations...Nothin availeth anything in Christ Jesus but a New CREATURE Which is the H.G. that has to be born in us via the seed of Christ and his NEW Covenant that he wrote with his own blood...The manchild which is the H.G. is the only thing that allows us to enter the Kingdom...Unless you receive the Kingdom of God as a lil Child you will in no wise enter there in.
....One thing that is for sure The Kingdom does not come till the BOOK is opened in Rev 5:9 ...As God tells Daniel..And after the book is opened then John saw a number that no man cd number of all ppl from around the world of all nations...And Rev. 12:10 says now is come Salvation and the Kingdom of our God and his Christ ( the H.G. is the manchild...Which is the that New Covenant in his blood and the Kingdom.
.....This N.C. is a different story then the O.C....While we were yet sinners Christ died for us...And i was found of them that sought me not and i was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.
.....Many are called but few are Chosen...The only 1 Chosen is the H.G. that Gift of God to all the world..And is the Israel of God...But the book has to be opened 1st ....ok
Matthew 7:21-23 (NKJV) "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'
Many received the invitation to salvation, but only a few of God's chosen received it. (Many called, few chosen.)
Galatians 3:27 (KJV) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ (put on wedding garments).
2 Peter 1:10 (NKJV) Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your calling and election sure.
And the bible is very clear, especially when we get into the book of Revelation, is that when we are in heaven, we will be clothed in the robes of the righteousness of Christ.
In fact, we will have on white robes that have been dipped in blood. And they will be pure white. It is because of the purity of Christ and the forgiveness of Christ.
Only those people who have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ, and who are dressed in His righteousness, will be at God's banqueting table.
I completely agree with what GiGi has given you. If I might just piggyback off her post and share some additional information on these garments.
When someone gave a wedding feast, he also would provide wedding feast garments. Now if you wore your own clothes, you went to a changing area and you changed into the wedding feast garments.
They were white robes and they could not be dirty. If they got dirty, you had to go put another one on. So this guy just came in from the road and he has got his own clothes on. So the king comes in and he sees this man which did not have on a wedding garment.
In Verse 12, he says friend, and this is the word HETEROS in Greek. It is not friend like we are buddies, but acquaintances, like you would call someone on the street that you just met. "How are you today friend?" It doesn't mean that you are buddies.
The Greeks have different words for greetings. This one says Friend, how did you come in here not having on a wedding garment? And he was speechless. I mean, what are you going to say?
Then there's the condemnation Verse 13 and it seems like pretty harsh treatment. But then in Verse 14, we see the conclusion, and the teaching of the parable of the wedding feast:
It says, For many are called, but few are chosen. So now we can see the application of what it means that many are called, but few are chosen?
Even people who want to come to the wedding feast, if they don't have the proper garments, they will not be chosen.
This man was at the wedding feast. He was there. He was at the banqueting table, but he was asked leave. Well, he wasn't asked to leave, the ushers took him out.
He was not chosen. He didn't have the proper wedding garment on!
I am about out of space so I need to send another short post.
I think that this verse is referring to the robe of righteousness of Jesus Christ believers possess. We are clothed in His righteousness, not our own, so that we can stand before the Father and not be destroyed. Those attending the wedding feast of the Lamb will all be wearing this robe of righteousness of Jesus-therefore are believers.
God does not contradict Himself. Those apostles He called to preach the gospel were instructed as to what it was by either Jesus, Himself, or the Holy Spirit.
In the Epistles, we read most of what Paul wrote to explain and expound upon what he was taught by Jesus directly. Unfortunately, we do not have much of a record of what the 12 apostles preached on the gospel, but at the council in Jerusalem, the church leaders James and Peter and John agreed that Paul preached the same gospel as they did. I think that God knowing that Paul was a man of superb education and talent for writing, had him write much more than the other Apostles in explaining many facets of the gospel and teachings God wanted to establish in the church.
Thank you!
And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.
Ephesians 4:1-6 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Amen.
Carleton
You are correct if you're talking about APPLICATION rather than INTERPRETATION.
The Holy Spirit can APPLY a Scripture passage to your specific circumstance, but I am referring to the INTENT of the author, the message the author intended. THAT can't change. The reader ought to strive to first find the meaning that the author intended to convey and then go on to an application.
Almonds, walnuts and rice: sign me up! However, there are more Californians coming to Texas than Texans migrating to California.
I've spent several months in your great state over the years at Mare Island and Edwards Air Force Base on assignment. Even called some Little League tournament games in Lancaster several decades ago.
So do you have any thoughts on how The Holy Spirit leads your interpretation on Jeremiah 29:11?
There is ONE correct interpretation, the one that the author and Author intended. THAT is what we attempt to do.
What do you think of this for direction from God?
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jer 29:11
Carleton
Yes, there's truth in them but also stuff that's not so true. We could include other classical writings by Greek and Roman philosophers that contain truth but all these, including the Apocrypha were never considered by either Jewish rabbis or early church fathers as Inspired by God according to the instructions given by God to Moses.
"And the LORD said unto [Moses], They have well spoken that which they have spoken. I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him."Deu 18:17-22
You alleged, "he [Paul] was taught by Jesus in the desert. Scripture says we are taught the same way."
I humbly disagree. Paul had direct revelation from Jesus. He heard and saw things that were not previously known to him.
"But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." Gal 1:11-12
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." 2Ti 3:16-17
Paul got revelation and wrote under the guidance of The Holy Spirit what we get to read today as Scripture. The Holy Spirit does guide us to understand The Scriptures, but exactly HOW is puzzling when you see good Christians differing on baptism or eschatology and lots of other doctrines that I would not classify as MAIN things that are the PLAIN things.
I would claim that when Jesus said this to His disciples, that He meant it ONLY for them, until they wrote what God wanted them to write for us...
"I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."Joh 16:12-13
If this was directed to us, The Holy Spirit has failed, and God does not fail. So I suggest that this was NOT written TO any other believers than The Apostles.
Indeed we are taught by God's Spirit. Thanks for sharing John 2:27. One word that stands out to me in that verse is the word abideth/abide, MENO in the original language. MENO is a word that denotes permanency, God's Spirit permanently abiding in us and us in Him. I agree that He is our teacher.
You and I have a different understanding of Revelation 12:14 on who this woman is and the other symbolisms in that verse, but that's okay. I know there are different theories as to who this woman is. One group says this woman is Mary Baker Eddy, which I totally disagree with!
As many do not read the Apocrypha books, as they are not included anymore in the KJV Bible, there is much wisdom and truth in them. I just want to post a couple verses for you all I was reading the other night. I am very thankful we have access to them on this site for us to go through.
Wisdom of Solomon 1:1-7 Love righteousness, ye that be judges of the earth: think of the Lord with a good (heart,) and in simplicity of heart seek him.
2 For he will be found of them that tempt him not; and sheweth himself unto such as do not distrust him.
3 For froward thoughts separate from God: and his power, when it is tried, reproveth the unwise.
4 For into a malicious soul wisdom shall not enter; nor dwell in the body that is subject unto sin.
5 For the Holy Spirit of discipline will flee deceit, and remove from thoughts that are without understanding, and will not abide when unrighteousness cometh in.
6 For wisdom is a loving spirit; and will not acquit a blasphemer of his words: for God is witness of his reins, and a true beholder of his heart, and a hearer of his tongue.
7 For the Spirit of the Lord filleth the world: and that which containeth all things hath knowledge of the voice.
Wisdom of Solomon 1:11 Therefore beware of murmuring, which is unprofitable; and refrain your tongue from backbiting: for there is no word so secret, that shall go for nought: and the mouth that belieth slayeth the soul.
Wisdom of Solomon 1:22-24 As for the mysteries of God, they knew them not: neither hoped they for the wages of righteousness, nor discerned a reward for blameless souls.
23 For God created man to be immortal, and made him to be an image of his own eternity.
24 Nevertheless through envy of the devil came death into the world: and they that do hold of his side do find it.
1 John 2:27 But the anointing which you have received of him abideth in you, and you need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
Revelation 12:14 And to the woman (symbolic of the church, which is us) were given two wings of a great eagle (symbolic of the kingdom of heaven), that she might fly in the wilderness (the desert where you are taught by the Holy Spirit, which is Christ), into her place, nourished for a time, and times, and half a time (symbolic of the day of the Lord which began at John the Baptist crying as a voice in the desert and has continued now for 2000 years.
Ezekiel 17:1-24
Mark 1:3
John 1:23
Daniel 12:7
Daniel 12:11-12
BE BOLD, fear not it's Christ words, it's his WORKS.
There is only one Gospel. I truly believe that the infallible rule of interpreting scripture is that scripture interprets itself. All we can do is share our own understanding. We are all fallible human beings capable of misunderstanding. What scares me the most when I share my knowledge with people is that I might mislead someone by what I share, because in the back of my mind, I know I could be wrong. And that is a scary thought knowing that I will be held accountable for everything I share, even if I think "I know."
But you gotta love Paul. He was even bold enough to say that if anyone preached any other gospel than that which I have preached, let him be accursed. How can he make such a bold claim? I believe that it is because he was taught personally by Jesus Christ Himself for three years out in the Arabian Desert. You can't get any better teaching than that. Paul never contradicts what Jesus taught.
God Bless!
I agree that there were NOT two gospels, one for Jews and another for Gentiles, but ONE gospel encapsulated in 1 Cor 15:3-4.
Acts is not a particularly good place to ground fundamental doctrine, which is where some go to justify, baptismal regeneration and "The Apostles" gospel for instance.
Though I believe many of you on here would agree with me on this. I feel there may be some that are a bit confused on this matter. There is only ONE Gospel of Christ. No matter who preached it or who it was preached to. Christ is not divided.
I understand how some may think Paul had his "own" gospel. Which is not true. Of coarse everyone is unique and special in the Lord in there own way God made them. All are special and unique in the body of Christ.
What I would like to share is the three places Paul states "my gospel". Twice in Romans once in 2 Timothy. When reading these verses in the Textus Receptus all three verses have the same three words that they translate to "my gospel" in English. Which can lead to this confusing I totally understand. The three Greek words are, in English, "the, gospel, of me". "Of" is the expression or indication between things. Paul and the Gospel of Christ he preached.
God Bless and have a wonderful day!