Bible Discussion Replies PAGE 1115

We can only guess Albert, what John the Baptist said when Jesus, or any other person, was being baptized by him. In the case with Jesus, John could have said: 'To fulfil all righteousness as you have declared, I baptize you the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world'.

I don't believe that John would have baptized Jesus or anyone else in a name. For the people, his baptism was because of their declaration of their sins & the need of repentance. Of the Lord, His baptism was entirely different, involving the inauguration of His Ministry, obedience to the Father to fulfil it, & a foretaste of His Coming death, burial & resurrection. At the completion of His Baptism, the Father gave His 'full pleasure of His Son' & the descent of the Holy Spirit as that visible confirmation of this special Man & His Calling. Just my thoughts about this brief part of our Lord's Life.

Matthew 25:31-46,

Matthew 26:29, Revelation 22:1,2, John 14:1-4, 1Kings 8:27, Nehemiah 9:6,

Matthew 10:7,

I never thought of this before, but God himself had wisdom before he created the earth and everything on it and then it.

The scripture tells you: Luke 3:1-22, note Luke 3:16, Matthew 3:1-17, note Matthew 3:11-17, John 3:27-36,

Romans 6:3, Mark 10:38,

Acts 8:12-17, Acts 11:16, Acts 19:1-5, Acts 2:38,

This subject has been hotly contested and I just had a member of my small group take that stance this week. The fact that God is said to put "eternity" in men's hearts surely shows that there is a concept of it once we are at a certain age. ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). We also have Stephen who right before he died saw Christ standing on His throne; then he "fell asleep." Acts 7:60. We have the great "cloud of witnesses" of Hebrews 11; those under the throne who have been martyred ( Rev. 6:9-11); David's commentary about his son dying ( 2 Sam. 12:23) where he says that his son can't come to him but he shall go to see him (after death); the appearance of Moses and Elijah (although Elijah was translated) at the transfiguration; and verses about Sheol. Jesus has the parable about Lazarus and the rich man ( Luke 16:19-31) about the fate of O.T. people in both sections of Sheol; and the captivity being made captive ( Eph. 4:8 also prophesied in Psalm 68:18; Jesus promising the thief on the cross that today he would be in paradise ( Luke 23:43); and that would be followed by many saints coming out of their graves after the Resurrection ( Matthew 27:52-53). We also have Hebrews 9:27 which says man is destined to die once; then face the judgment.

There are many other confirming verses. We must keep in mind that when the word "qeber" is used defining the grave; and a person ceasing to exist it is the body. Sheol; however is the land of the dead. We must also keep in mind that the spirits of just men made perfect ( Heb. 12:23) would start with Christ the first of the firstfruits; so to speak. God is not the God of the dead but the living ( Luke 20:38). John 8:56 says that Abraham longed to see the day HE SAW IT AND REJOICED. We have Paul's vision of things unspeakable whether in the flesh or not he didn't know ( 2 Cor. 12:2). Finally; John's vision in Revelation literally saw the future.

The biggest issue is WHY people think soul sleep exists. It concerns me.

Alex, there are many! even millions who know the Scriptures well and understand. I have meet many of them. You are not alone, be encouraged.

Well said GiGi

Let's not play with words .The Scriptures are God's oral words written down on paper. It's the same thing.

GBU

I just wanted to reply, the locust didn't have power to kill. Revelation 9:3-6,10, it appears to give them time to repent from evil. Revelation 9:20,21, 2Peter 3:9, "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but all should come to repentance." 2Peter 3:9-14,

when john baptized jesus,what do you supposed he said? and in what name

this chapter is so inspiring

Genesis 4:10,11, Genesis 5:29, Genesis 7:23,

Alex, there are many! even millions who know the Scriptures well and understand. I have meet many of them. You are not alone, be encouraged.

Thank you,

I can now type one and a "half" handed now, since my surgery hand is regaining some dexterity. I appreciate your prayers.

Responding to ELB,

1John 4:1-20,

Genesis 41:8, Genesis 45:27, Exodus 6:9, Exodus 28:3, Exodus 35:12, Numbers 14:24, Deuteronomy 2:30, Deuteronomy 34:9, Joshua 5:1, Proverbs 18:14, Ezekiel 1:20, Romans 8:14-16, Haggi 1:14,

Isaiah 11:2,

Leviticus 20:27, Numbers 5:14,30,

Numbers 11:17,25,

Judges 9:23,

Hopefully these are helpful

Since you've directed your question to "the Body" in belief I'm a part of that.

I understand it simply as when I have been near-death I have cried out "let me live" followed with any repentance words, asking for forgiveness, understanding GOD's "Judgement " GOD's correction can help us.

Note also this Psalms might have been written by King David, 2Samuel 12:13 , 2Samuel 11, & 12, may be relevant to understanding, what you're looking for

Hey GiGi,

Good to hear it went well, may the healing hand of the Lord speed your recovery.

God bless,

RLW

1Peter 3:3, 1Peter 3,

Hey Raymond,

We see this in Matthew 17:1-9 Mark 9:2-10 and Luke 9:28-36, some may believe Moses and Elijah were in heaven and came and appeared, Jesus took Peter, James, and John up to the mountain, He was transfigured before them and Moses and Elijah appeared talking to Jesus.

If we take note of what Matthew writes, "And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. 8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. 9And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead"

It was a vision and a confirmation from God to these three that Jesus is the Son of God and the Law and Prophets will be fulfilled with the death and resurrection of Jesus. Mark 9:10 another place that shows things were hidden from the apostles until the Holy Spirit brought remembrance to them of what things Jesus had told them, John 14:26.

One other thing, Jesus is the Firstfruits of them that slept, 1 Corinthians 15:20. Jesus was the first to be raised from death Acts 2:24. No one has ascended to heaven, John 3:13 and no one will overcome death until Jesus returns on the day of redemption, Ephesians 4:30.

In my understanding of scripture to us today, Moses and Elijah are awaiting the resurrection, with no knowledge or time in death, to them, it has already come.

God bless,

RLW

oops, accidentally sent.

I would suggest that You call out to God like the man did to Jesus when seeking healing for his daughter.

"Lord, I believe, Help me in my unbelief!" He will!

Dear Trey

You have received such good replies already here. I would lie to add one thing.

If you lack faith in the gospel or in the words of Scripture or in that God will do what He has promised, I sugg

I've had several close to death experiences. The 1st I recall clearly was about 5 or 6 yrs old. I was being held by gentle being, clothed in white & no pain, back to unbearable pain & suffering. I heard myself speak as an adult outside of the situation. That may have been the closest I've ever been to Heaven itself, the place. 2nd time I was electrically shocked while in water, I saw a black hand cover the sky, enormous, I could only see light through the bend of two fingers & only a portion, it was so huge. 3rd & 4th time I was young adult, it was all black around, I could feel darkness & closeness to judgement. I begged for another chance. 5th time I could hear & see the EMTs I had a different view. I was at peace not struggling, no pain. Then as they put the heart zapper thing on 3rd time I think it was. I felt difficult pain again, coldness, struggle. Luke 23:43, Luke 16:15-31, Luke 20:35-38, Psalms 91:11, Matthew 4:11, Matthew 13:39,41,49, Luke 4:10, 2Thessalonians 1:6-12, 1Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 1, Psalms 97:2, * Hebrews 2:14,15, Genesis 5:24, 2Kings 2, Matthew 17:1-5, if GOD has allowed Ezekiel, John & others in the Scriptures to see Heaven then I cannot argue they did or not. * Acts 7:55, Jeremiah 52, Revelation 7, Isaiah 6:1, Ezekiel 1, Ezekiel 10,

Matthew 24:3-51, Matthew 25:31-46, we will all give account so may our Words be faithful.

Hi Suze,

I am home now. Surgery went well. I have a big bandage and surgery boot on my foot so I can bear a little weight on it, which is helpful. I have a knee scooter (borrowed) to get me across the room, etc. My hubby is here and helping me. So, I am in good hands.

Thank you for your prayers.

Hello Ann.

El Elyon is Hebrew for God Most High. An awesome name that sets the true God above any other in heaven or earth or hell. He is Most High because He is the only One that deserves our praises and is alone as deity.

I agree with GiGi. I believe when Elijah was caught up in the whirlwind he was set back down in short order on the street in Jerusalem in the middle of the 7-year tribulation that is still in our future.

Hi S.Spencer,

Home now. Thanks for your prayers.

The Scriptures are profitable to make us wise unto salvation, whether we hear it spoken or read it. It is powerful because it is GOD'S truth and is given to us by Him. The Holy Spirit uses the Scriptures in the regenerative work He does to make us believers. The Holy Spirit implants faith so that we come to know Jesus, the Living Word.

Let's not denigrate Scripture's role in a believer's life. Peter testified to Jesus, to Whom else shall we go, you have the Words of eternal life. Scriptures is the Word of Jesus. He spoke through the prophets from Moses to John on Patmos.

Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. The more Scriptures one intakes the more one's faith will increase.

I was just thinking the other day about my life experience, having been a believer all of my life and partaking of the Scriptures throughout my years. I was thinking how easily Scripture verses and events come to my memory at the most opportune times.

I can tell you that I cannot quote much from any other book I have read over the course of my life, but I can easily quote Scriptures. Not just a few, but a large number. So, how is this? I think it is just that the Word of God is alive and active. They are the most important words we can encounter. They are transformative. They are profitable for life and godliness.

I just think that God uses the His words in Scripture in our memory to recall them for us when the time and occasion is right.

It is in the Scriptures or by the speaking of the Gospel that we come to know our Savior. And the Holy Spirit in use uses the Scriptures to build us up in our most holy faith. The aim of reading and knowing Scripture is to know God more and more as we walk with Him daily.

Jesus said, "and this is eternal life, that You know Him who sent me and the Son."

If you're a young believer, first learn the salvation message found in the 4 gospels & The Book of Acts. In all sincerity, ask God in prayer to fill your heart with his word. (Knock & it shall be opened) listen to various sermons and follow along to fact check. Whet your appetite and the hunger will follow. Have a personal experience with God. Hold every speakers feet to the fire by checking references. Live sermons, radio, tv, personal reading. Take notes. Mark in your Bible. Highlight key verses. Pray & fast. Don't allow guilt for your imperfection discourage you. If you choose KJV, pay attention to middle English. It will soon become natural. Maybe befriend an older Christian. Join a study group and continue to ask for wisdom & knowledge of God's word. He will honor your sincere request. Once the word is in your heart, no one can take it from you. You will soon be reminded often about what the Bible has to say on multiple topics. Use what you have in your hand for specific questions. I would have enjoyed "Hey Google" in my young studies. But now that God answered my request, I can immediately bring forth a few paraphrases regarding most topics. I believe the Word is in my heart. I believe my heart helps my Brain to think. God helps my heart to be humble enough to receive His word. You can too. Develop your hunger. Feast on God's word often. Use your gifts and calling for we all have one.

Hello Darrell, Adam and Samuel

The Scriptures are pretty vague on this topic. This side of heaven we just do not know for sure.

This is my take on this. In this mortal life on earth we are bound by time. So, today is 4/8/2022. But when we die, we are not bound by time any longer.

With God, all of earth history and time has already happened in His omniscience and timelessness. Therefore, I think that when someone dies they immediately are at the point of the resurrection of the dead. the judgment, and eternal reign of Christ.

Although to us it may seem that a person has been dead for 5, 10, or 100 years, but on the other side on death, time does hold to anyone. One goes from mortal life, to death, to the resurrection, to the forever NOW.

I may be totally wrong on this. But it makes sense to me. We shall all see one day, won't we. And then the question will be answered.

I'd like to offer an alternative viewpoint to the absent with body present with Lord phrase.

First, it doesn't say that in the Bible. That phrase is actually from 2 Corinthians 5:8 where Paul said he would "rather" be absent from the body, and present with the Lord. He didn't say in 100% of all cases when people die that 100% of the time they will be "immediately" with the Lord. Paul was stating his preference. It doesn't mean Hitler and other mass murderers are with the Lord right now, simply because of this one verse.

Second, people often quote the verse about the man on the cross that Jesus said would be in "paradise" on that day as support. But Jesus didn't say 100% of all people, from this moment onward will 100% go to heaven, and zero people going to hell including Hitler? Jesus has the power to make exceptions and take people to heaven, but the word paradise is not necessarily the same as heaven. Some believe this word means a waiting area for the dead.

Lastly, there are many more Bible verses indicating that the dead are 'sleeping' and are awaiting the Lord to meet in the air and then face judgment. It says all will be judged, not just some. So, believing people go immediately to heaven without waiting on the Lord, and skipping judgment doesn't align with the other scriptures. God bless.

Daniel 12:2, Job 14:12, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18