Paul said in 2 Corinthians 11:2 "For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
Then he goes on in verses 3-4 "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him."
So Amen KsK, There's no other way to the father but through the Son!
What then of Ephesians 5:31-32? Paul says the husband-wife union is a mystery that illustrates Christ and the church. But Paul still names our identity repeatedly as His Body ( Eph 1:22-23; 5:30; 1 Cor 12:27), "one new man," and a "new creature" ( 2 Cor 5:17; Gal 6:15)-never calling us the Bride. Even 2 Corinthians 11:2 ("espousedas a chaste virgin") is betrothal imagery used to guard the Body from deception; it does not rename the Body as the Bride nor collapse Israel's prophetic marriage into Paul's mystery people. Keeping these categories distinct preserves both God's faithfulness to Israel's covenants and the uniqueness of the church revealed "not made known" before Paul ( Eph 3:1-9; Rom 16:25-26).
On baptism: John's and Peter's water baptisms belonged to Israel's kingdom program ( Mark 1:4; Luke 7:29-30; Acts 2:38; 22:16)-covenantal, priestly, and preparatory for an earthly nation of priests ( Exod 19:6; Ezek 36:25-27). In this dispensation, Christ sent Paul "not to baptize, but to preach the gospel" ( 1 Cor 1:17), and there is "one baptism" ( Eph 4:5) by which the Spirit places us into Christ's death and resurrection ( Rom 6:3-5; 1 Cor 12:13; Col 2:11-12). Romans 6 describes that Spirit baptism's identification with Christ-not a ritual that completes salvation. We are saved by grace through faith apart from works ( Eph 2:8-9; Titus 3:5). Water may testify, but it cannot add to the finished cross-work ( John 19:30; Gal 2:21). To make it a salvation requirement would muddle Israel's kingdom commands with the Body's grace calling.
So, yes: saints from Israel's program and from the Body will both be with Christ and under His rule-but Scripture differentiates their identities and spheres. Israel/Zion/New Jerusalem is the Bride/Wife in prophecy and Revelation; the Body is the heavenly people of the mystery, bone of His bone and seated above. Keeping those distinctions guards the gospel of grace today and honors God's promises to Israel tomorrow.
Permit me to follow the example of Elihu and act in accordance with his statement in Job 32:21-22.
In a previous comment, you emphasized the importance of properly considering a matter before speaking, so as not to appear as "fools." I wonder if perhaps the claim that Christ will reign with the saints on earth was rebutted too quickly, without sufficient consideration.
The 144,000 mentioned in Revelation 14:2-3 are described as the firstfruits of those saved in Israel after the rapture, as verse 14 clarifies. However, this does not imply that Christ will not return to earth with them. They will return together with all who have inherited salvation, as seen in Revelation 21:1-3.
It is also important to note that the New Jerusalem, symbolically represented as the Bride, represents the spiritual Church or body of Christ. This is supported in Hebrews 12:22, 2 Corinthians 11:2, Ephesians 2:19-22, 1 Peter 2:5, and 1 Corinthians 3:9. Only those who have received the Spirit of Christ are considered part of the Church of Christ ( 1 Corinthians 12:13, Romans 8:9).
This Church will return to earth and reign with Christ for a thousand years, as indicated in Revelation 20:4, Revelation 12:5, and Revelation 19:15.
As Elihu said in Job 34:22: "If you have understanding, hear this; listen to the voice of my words."
Please note that my words are not intended as insults or to cause offense, for that would not reflect the love that the Lord Jesus expects from us. Rather, my intention is to encourage careful consideration of matters from a biblical perspective, rather than relying solely on worldly opinion. As the Lord Jesus said, many teach the traditions of men as doctrine, and as Paul says, we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth.
I am getting into tricky waters here; Lord help me communicate this as you would see fit.
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Galatians 1:6-9 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
Many are concerned about sin and falling away from Christ. What needs to be realized is passages like this which; if we think about it often aren't of concern before one makes a confession of faith and is in the world; especially if they haven't had a ritualistic religious background in their upbringing. The same principle would exist in the case of Adam and Eve; if there wasn't a tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the first place any attempt to tempt them would be fairly ineffective. Spiritual truth; therefore brings about the opening of the door for the counterfeit lest we should stray from His path. Pride and self righteousness can often be methods where Satan convinces us with all of our actions and activities in church that everything is alright. In short; therefore we need to value God's Word as gold and silver; and such admonitions are in Proverbs as a repeated theme of exhortation. To love someone as we should our Lord is to trust and value Him and hate not only our sin but any false teaching.
I understand that many consider the church as the bride. My understanding, not to say yours is wrong, is based on Ephesians 5:21-25. I see it as a symbolic usage of a man, his wife, and marriage to represent how we should submit ourselves to Christ. Husbands should love their wives as Jesus loved the church so much that He gave His life for it.
2 Corinthians 11:2 the Greek word harmozo, translated as espoused, seems to be used in a marriage context. Considering Corinth, their morals were not very good, and Paul warns of the danger of spiritual infidelity. Saying he was jealous would be like a father concerned for his child.
I see the church figuratively spoken of as the bride, but the church is not explicitly called the bride. I understand you and others may not agree, but this is how I perceive it.
Ephesians 5:24 "Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing."
Ephesians 5:25 "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;"
2 Corinthians 11:2 "For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ."
Revelation 14:4 - These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. There have been debates over this over the years. But you will see from 2 Kings 19:21, Isaiah 37:22, Jeremiah 14:17, 18:13, 31:4, 5, 21, Amos 5:2 and many other places in the Old Testament that Israel is called the virgin of God.
And these are all spiritual terms, especially 2 Kings 19:21. There are many of them. That's why in the New Testament, when Paul said in 2 Corinthians 11:2, he says I have engaged you to God, and God is a jealous God.
In James 4:4, James says that to be friends with this world is to commit adultery against God. This is spiritual. We are the bride of Christ. We're the bride in waiting. Spiritually we belong to Him. The 144,000 did not involve themselves in the religious system of the world. They remained pure. They are virgins. They are the Israel that was described in the Old Testament.
These are they which follow the Lamb wherever He goes. They were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. The firstfruits was always the first crop, part of the crop that would come up in the harvest. When the 144,000 were sealed, they were the first of God's fruit, saved, in the time of tribulation.
Yes Keygbo, biologically speaking, the word "Son only has one definition (a) male descendant". But 'son' doesn't always refer to biological descendency. Take for examples: Genesis 6:2, Job 1:6, Romans 8:14, "sons of God". In just these three examples, these "sons" have no biological connection to God. The first to either angels or the descendants of Seth; the second to angels/heavenly beings; and the third to those who are born again, led of God's Spirit & adopted into God's family. All these are God's sons, or sons of God.
And then we can take the idioms, "son of the road, or son of the soil". I'm sure you've heard of these not oft used expressions. Most would believe that if those phrases were used for a particular person, then it is understood that neither the road nor the soil gave birth to sons. Likewise, Revelation 1:5 speaks of Jesus being "the prince of the kings of the earth". I suspect that you wouldn't now believe that Jesus, as a prince, had his descendency in an earthly king (or, multiple kings). So yes, biologically, the son of an earthly king would be called a prince, but metaphorically, this is not so as there is no descendency to a human king - just a title.
Lucifer, or 'shining one' was given to the king of Babylon who lived & ruled by that satanic spirit. Sure, Satan was never called Lucifer, but he, as did the king, were described with the same phrase: "the shining one, son of the morning". So whether Satan is referred to as "the prince of the power of the air" ( Ephesians 2:2) or the "prince of darkness" (taken loosely from Ephesians 6:12), these both describe the same devil, one who has power over his demons that move about freely in the world and in the air, as well as to the devil & his demons who brings darkness to people's minds & spirits, keeping them in captivity to sin, yet making them believe that they are in light, joy & hope ( 2 Corinthians 11:14). And he is called a prince, meaning that he is the ruler, yet having no king above him.
The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the light of the world, and Lucifer (or Satan) is a fallen angel who became the Prince of Darkness through his rebellion. There is no biblical support for the idea that Lucifer and God the Father are both sons of God, with Lucifer being the firstborn. This idea conflicts with the clear teachings of Scripture that affirm Jesus alone as the Son of God.
Lucifer's origin: Lucifer was originally a high-ranking angel created by God, but he fell from grace due to pride and rebellion. The Bible makes no mention of Lucifer being a "son" of God in the sense of divine sonship.
Isaiah 14:12 (KJV) - "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!"
Ezekiel 28:15 (KJV) - "Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee."
Lucifer was a created being, not a son of God in the sense of the relationship between God and Christ. His title "son of the morning" refers more to his brilliance and beauty as a created being before his fall, not to any sonship status like Jesus Christ.
The true Son of God (Jesus Christ): The Bible is clear that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, not Lucifer. Christ is the eternal Word who became flesh and represents the light.
John 1:14 (KJV) - "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the ONLY begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."
John 8:12 (KJV) - "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
Lucifer's rebellion: Lucifer's role as the "Prince of Darkness" is a result of his rebellion against God. He is the leader of the forces of evil, not a divine son, and his nature stands in stark contrast to Christ, the true Son of God, who represents light.
John 10:30 I and my Father are one. Should we not consider other verses, John 17:11, John 17:20-23, John 14:28. These verses, Numbers 23:19, John 20:17, 2 Corinthians 11:31, Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 4:4-6, and 1 Peter 1:3. Then, in Revelation 21:22-23 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. 23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
God wanted to be with His people, He first instructed Moses to build a tabernacle, which was symbolic of Jesus. Jesus was born without sin, not by man but of the seed of a woman whose Father was God. God could dwell in Him. Like the tabernacle, Jesus was holy, not defiled. Jesus became the light of the world, the Shekinah Glory manifested in Him and God again dwelt with man in the flesh of Jesus, to me that is John 1:14.
I do thank you for your reply, and I hope and pray I do not offend anyone who reads what I post; our discussions should only inspire us to study, not to win or demean, if so, we all lose.
I will stop here; I do not want to get ahead of Jesse's work in Revelation. You are always welcome to reply to me GiGi.
For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bearfalsewitness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Apostle Paul said that we will be calls false witnesses for God in Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 15:15
Yea, and we are foundfalsewitnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
Apostle Paul warns us of false apostles.
2 Corinthians 11:13
For such arefalseapostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
Apostle Paul warns us of false Jews in the ministry.
2 Corinthians 11:26
In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils amongfalsebrethren;
Apostle Paul said that false Jews will spy and try to put us in bondage inwhich is the law.
Galatians 2:4
And that because offalsebrethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
Apostle Paul warns us of false science and vain babblings.
1 Timothy 6:20
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of sciencefalsely so called:
Apostle Paul warns us of false accusers.
2 Timothy 3:3
Without natural affection, trucebreakers,falseaccusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Satan took over the earth and the air, when Adam sinned against God.
Matthew 4:8
Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all thekingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
Lucifer used to be a beautiful Angel of Light. Now , he is called Satan the Devil.
Isaiah 14:12
How art thou fallen from heaven, OLucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
Satan is still dangerous to us right now.
2 Corinthians 2:11
LestSatanshould get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Satan can transform himself into a beautiful light .
2 Corinthians 11:14
And no marvel; forSatanhimself is transformed into an angel of light.
Satan can hurt the earthly body .
2 Corinthians 12:7
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger ofSatanto buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
Satan's followers are in the churches deceiving the mass . Wide is the gate to destruction.
Philippians 3:18
(For many walk,ofwhom I have told youoften, and now tell you even weeping, thatthey aretheenemiesofthecrossofChrist:
The Bible needs to be studied and taken seriously for the truth of the Gospel of Grace.
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing thewordoftruth.
Romans 1:16
ForIamnotashamedof the gospel of Christ: foritis the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
Verse 3 in this passage indicates a congregation somehow manipulates church officials in leadership to bring in new false teachers.
For this to occur of course there has to be a weakness among leadership which could include a lone Pastor who doesn't have anyone or enough Deacons and Elders under him who suddenly dies or cannot continue in ministry or called elsewhere; etc.
To go back further much of today's theological instruction has become compromised. Famous institutions have fought back in some instances (Geneva College being one that comes to mind); I won't bother researching those who now teach heresy who used to be trustworthy.
One major factor today of course is the increasing acceptance of female "Pastors"; again I won't mention anyone but a famous pastor who recently retired has a man and woman now teaching his megachurch. 2 Corinthians 11:3 says
But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. I am not aware of any women who are teaching even all basic tenants of scripture correctly; if they are of course they will realize quickly that a woman is not to teach or have authority over a man ( 1 Tim. 2:12) and quit that role. This is not to say that many brilliant authors or public speakers or evangelists can't be women but even there some limitations exist. The other day I sought counsel from an older lady in my church about a letter I was about to write to my cousin in regard to her soon to perish mother who isn't saved and my inability to attend the funeral for that reason who advised me to hold off and sensing the Lord in her counsel I followed her advice. To be continued
Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed ofAbraham? so am I.
Because of Abraham, we received the blessings through Jesus Christ of the Spirit through faith.
Galatians 3:14
That the blessing ofAbrahammight come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
We are bless to receive blessings of being Abraham's seed .
Galatians 3:29
And if ye be Christ's, then are yeAbraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Now Jesus Christ is made of the seed of David in the flesh.
Romans 1:3
Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of theseedof David according to the flesh;
Galatians 3:16
Now toAbrahamand his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
I truly believe that Jesus Christ is the first true Jew.
2 Timothy 2:8
Remember that JesusChristoftheseedofDavid was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
Romans 9:27
Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:
The first covenant that will run through Israel.
Genesis 15:18
In the same day theLordmade acovenantwith Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:
Some would say, " here it is, we are Spirit Jews and inherit all of Israel's covenants
.
Romans 8:17
And if children, thenheirs;heirsof God, and joint-heirswith Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Galatians 3:29
And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, andheirsaccording to the promise.
Are there people that don't want to hear the gospel of grace in Christ Jesus ? ?
Philippians 3:18-20
18(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
20For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Will we suffer persecution for spreading the gospel of grace ? ?
2 Timothy 3:12
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall sufferpersecution.
Now take the word " Circumcised " out for a second and add these words, repenting , baptized, tithing or working . It's amazing that we are in bondage to do something for Salvation.
Galatians 6:12
As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should sufferpersecutionfor the cross of Christ.
Who are this people that are putting us in bondage, when the gospel of grace is free .
2 Corinthians 11:13-15
13For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Apostle Paul wants to write down the person that are causing trouble with the gospel of grace and avoid them .
Romans 16:17
Now I beseech you, brethren,markthemwhich cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoidthem.
May our God in the Third Heaven protect us from wickedness.
Should we look at Apostle Paul as a Angel of God ? ?
Galatians 4:14
And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus
Apostle Paul might not be a angel , but he was the hardest working Apostle in history and we had the Twelve Apostles for the Jews.
1 Corinthians 15:9-10
9For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
10But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
We that are saved will be judging angels.
1 Corinthians 6:3
Know ye not that we shall judgeangels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
The only angel to be careful of is Satan himself.
2 Corinthians 11:14
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into anangelof light.
All Apostle Paul wants us to do is follow the gospel of grace in his Epistles.
Philippians 1:7
Even as it is meet for me to think thisofyou all, because I have you in my heart; in as much as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmationofthegospel, ye all are partakersofmygrace
May we know the Gospel of Grace in Apostle Paul's epistle.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Angels in Heaven believe that the Gospel of Grace is true for Salvation.
The only angels on earth and the universe are the fallen angels. The Holy Angels are in the Third Heaven .
Galatians 1:8
But though we, or anangelfrom heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Satan was a fallen angel and is still around.
2 Corinthians 11:14
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into anangeloflight.
We should not worship angels that are fallen.
Colossians 2:18
Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping ofangels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
The Holy Angeles are in Heaven waiting for the descending of the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 1:7
And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mightyangels,
Every Angel in the Bible has a male name, I don't think there's a female Angel .
We have the Holy Spirit of God and the Word of Truth here on earth.
Romans 8:26
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us withgroanings which cannot be uttered.
Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard thewordof truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with thatholySpirit of promise,
May we spread the gospel of grace .
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 may we believe the gospel for Salvation
Happy Valentine's Day , may we learn what love is.
What is true love today ? Is love giving the wife a new car , house, jewelry or a great dinner.
Most men don't think of love when the wife is sick or ill , they become blind to true love.
True love is God. We must love first in order to love one another.
1 Corinthians 16:22
If any manlovenot the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
If we that are saved by believing the gospel is to be married to Christ Jesus as for example, then we should show true love for Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:2
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to onehusband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
If the man love the church, the body of Christ Jesus, then he should love the Wife the same way.
Ephesians 5:24-27
24Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
25Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
This is God's true love for all of us.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
May God give us the strength to love one another in truth, truth is believing and sharing the gospel .
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the love of this gospel
It's very interesting that most people will not follow Apostle Paul's epistle for doctrine but will use his verse to align there belief .
They will use bride of Christ, Adoption of the Abraham, they will use speaking in tongue and the Lord's table. Now, I wonder if Peter, John, James and Jude speaks of all these subjects like Apostle Paul's epistle does.
My point is, Apostle Paul has all the answers to live a Christian life today for the Gentiles.
1. Bride of Christ
God is love and is marriage. Paul explains marriage by using the Church the body of Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:2
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chastevirginto Christ
2. Speaking in tongue
Apostle Paul gives the rule for speaking in tongue.
1 Corinthians 14:27
If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be bytwo,orat the most bythree, and that by course; and let one interpret.
3. Adoption of Abraham
We that are saved have the blessings from Abraham through Jesus Christ.
Galatians 3:14
That theblessingofAbrahammight come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
4. Lord's table
Apostle Paul gives the rules to the Gentiles for the Lord Table, because they were doing it all wrong.
1 Corinthians 10:16
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
May we fully understand why Jesus Christ chosen Apostle Paul and put the Twelve on the shelf for a season for the Kingdom of Heaven on earth to come. This is the Grace age of Church the body of Christ Jesus.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the body of Christ Jesus is the Church today and we must believe the gospel .
Bennymkje, you're a smart person, you should read between the lines and see , just think. Saul of Tarsus is our Apostle today. Jesus Christ is the author of the whole Bible, we must worship and follow .
Part 2
Apostle Paul and Apostle Peter separated with there own beliefs. Apostle Paul went to the Gentiles and Apostle Peter went to the Jews. We will never have a Jew knock on our door for the gospel of grace, it just not happened.
Galatians 2:7
But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of theuncircumcisionwas committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
God is speaking to us through Apostle Paul's epistle for doctrine and for instructions to live a glorious life on earth, until Jesus Christ calls us up in the clouds for the Rapture.
Romans 11:13
For I speak to youGentiles, inasmuch as I amtheapostleoftheGentiles, I magnify mineoffice:
1 Timothy 1:11
According to the gloriousgospelof the blessed God, which was committed tomytrust.
God in Heaven is given us a warning that we should take the gospel of grace serious. Apostle Paul was given the gospel of grace.
Romans 2:16
In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according tomygospel.
May God in Heaven open the blind eye of the people that been deceived by the serpent.
2 Corinthians 11:3
But I fear, lest by any means, as theserpentbeguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
May God bless our Bible study in righteousness and in love in Jesus Christ .
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Apostle Paul's gospel of grace given to him from above.
Apostle Paul could not trust his kinsmen or people that spoke the word twisted. They sound and look holy .
2 Corinthians 11:13
For such arefalseapostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
Apostle Paul had friends that betrayed him.
2 Corinthians 11:26
In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils amongfalsebrethren;
Galatians 2:4
And that because offalsebrethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
Be careful of Satan. UFO looks beautiful in the sky's and now the news talks about it.
2 Corinthians 11:14
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into anangeloflight.
We must be careful for the ones closest to us that may be deceiving us with the twisted word.
Philippians 4:6
Becarefulfornothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requestsbemade known unto God.
Saint Peter told his people go to Apostle Paul for Salvation 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 .
2 Peter 3:15
And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brotherPaulalso according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 may God bless you in this GOSPEL
2 Corinthians 11:13 - For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
That's very interesting. I'll share an English breakdown of the two Greek words in the bible that are important as far as transformation goes. One is METASKEMA. MATA in both words means change. Whenever you're denoting a change, you put META in front of the word. SKEMA is where we get our word schematic from, and it means an outward sketch. It is something without substance. It's just a sketch like an architectural drawing or a schematic drawing. And that is the word that is found here.
METASKEMATIDZO is the verb form, and this has to do with changing the outside, changing the human, the outside. METAMORPHOSIS is the other word. It means a transformation and change from within. It's a different nature, a different character.
And what is interesting is that Paul is saying here that these are false apostles, deceitful workers, and they are transforming themselves through discipline and human effort, changing the human to preach, and believe, and look and act like a Christian. That's scary. The reason why it's scary is because it's possible to do. It's possible to look, act, talk, and believe like a Christian, and not be a Christian. That's scary!
2 Corinthians 11:28 - Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
Can you imagine if you had a father's heart for all the converts in all the churches as a father does his child, and he keeps hearing, and he keeps praying, and he keeps visiting all the various churches. Now the word care is the word MERIMNAO. It means the occupation of the attention of your mind. Not only do I have all of these circumstances that I have to deal with, but I also am occupied, concerned, with all the churches.
2 Corinthians 11:4 - For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
For if he that cometh preaches another Jesus, and here the word another is the word ALLOS which means another of the same kind. For if he that comes preaches another Jesus of the same kind, whom we have not preached, or you receive another spirit, and this is the word HETEROS, of a different kind.
If you receive another spirit of a different kind, which you have not received, or received another gospel, and again the word is HETEROS, meaning a different gospel, which you have not accepted, you might well bear up with him.
2 Corinthians 11:6 - But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.
The word rude means untrained, not a professional speaker. And he's again quoting their criticism of him. Though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.
2 Corinthians 11:8 - I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.
He says I robbed other churches, taking wages of them to do you service. The word wages is the word rations, the rations of a soldier. They weren't given money; they were just given their food and clothing. So, he says I took money from other churches. Paul says I robbed other churches, that is, he received the necessities.
2 Corinthians 10:13 - But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.
The word "rule" in this verse means canon. The scriptures are canonized. They've been made official. He says the rule, the measuring rod of our ministry is as far as God has taken us. Look what he says: Which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.
So, in each one of these standards, he's giving a hint to us as to what he measures ministry by. He measures ministry by what God does. Isn't that brilliant! Who came up with that one? And why didn't we think of that before? Whatever ministry I have in the body of Christ is what God is doing. That's it! I can't tell you what I am. But whatever my function is in the body of Christ is what God does through me. The measuring rod that measures my life as to who I am, and my function in the body of Christ, is what God does.
2 Corinthians 11:1 - Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.
He says, would to God. The word would is an interjection that expresses a wish. I wish you could bear with, that is, tolerate me, a little in my foolishness: and indeed you are bearing with me.
Now that's a very sarcastic remark. That's not my judgment of his literary style, because pretty soon he's going to tell them look at what all the false teachers do to you, and you tolerate them. Can't you tolerate me in my foolishness? You're already tolerating them in theirs.
I truly believe that UFO are Satan and his fallen angels. Apostle Paul warns us about Satan's devices and he can transform himself into a angel of light.
I would recommend to stay away from this research, because it will invite demon's and devils.
2 Corinthians 11:14
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
The simplicity that is in Jesus, 2 Corinthians 11:3.
John also confirmed this, he said there were many things Jesus said and did that were not written down, but John wrote this, John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
Whether we seek in the Old or New Testament to those who were considered the followers of the true God we see evidence of a remnant that truly seek after Him; in other words not just confessors of Him but possessors of His Holy Spirit; His favor and His blessings. The fact that there are tares in with the wheat is discussed in churches that are true to proclaiming the Word; but conversely in today's typical Laodicean type churches it isn't discussed much if at all along with other hard doctrines. I have brought up the fact that God has His reasons for allowing wheat and tares to grow up together; although there certainly are some mysteries there on this side of heaven we can't comprehend fully as to why God is patient with vessels fit for destruction ( Romans 9:22).
Having briefly discussed the Apostles Peter and Paul I will go on to look at a case study; that of the Corinthians. We of course at face value tend to find this church as an embarrassing affront to the stalwart record of many other churches in the Epistles. We should remind ourselves that the Ephesian church had it all going seemingly right for themselves but they had developed what could have resulted in a fatal error in losing their first love according to Revelation 2. The Galatians had serious errors as well. The important fact is that at least in the short term the Corinthians really turned around in regard to their generosity ( 2 Corinthians 9) and obeyed Paul in regard to disciplining the man with the heinous sin (likely the one who was first mentioned in 1 Cor. 5:1). The idea of structured leadership and those in authority with integrity such as Paul; a TRUE Apostle results in the Body being built up. They had to get past the immaturity and being impressed with those bombastic individuals with convincing words that impressed those who were puffed up. ( 2 Corinthians 11:16-33). It doesn't seem this church accepted a false Christ; however.
Thank you, there is a lot in the first books of Genesis looking at the first 3 chapters. We look for the understanding and what does it mean that Adam was not deceived but it was Eve who was deceived by the serpent, 1 Timothy 2:14 and 2 Corinthians 11:3. We cannot begin to comprehend the plan of God. To Him, things that are not, are already done, the gifts and grace He gives are predestined to all who will accept the gifts He offered before the world was.
We live in a time when our life is so short we sometimes struggle to even imagine what eternity will be like. But our faith and our hope are in Jesus by Him we are brothers and sisters and the children of God and one day we will be with Him on a new earth that our imaginations cannot even picture.
First, I will say that yes, I do believe in a Triune God. I see several places in the Bible that show that Jesus is God. And, no, a title did not die for my sins either. Jesus Christ dies for my sins. As for the phrases "Son of God," and "Son of the living God," to a Hebrew/Jewish person (which Peter was) it is the same as claiming to be God. Jesus Himself claimed to be the Son of God in front of a Jewish crowd. Was He the Son of God? Indeed, He was.
But why would they accuse Him of blasphemy for claiming to be the Son of God? It's because to them, He was claiming to be God. They understood fully what Jesus was claiming when He said He was the Son of God. You may disagree with this but if you do some research from a Jewish standpoint on those two phrases and what they actually meant to a Hebrew/Jewish person at that time, it becomes clear as to why they accused Jesus of blasphemy when He told them He was the Son of God. To them, He was claiming to be God. At least, that's how they understood it.
I am not able to make the connection that 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 is about the "doctrine" of Jesus being God. It does mention those who preach another Jesus, but where is it saying that this other Jesus being preached comes from those who believe He is God? If that's what it means to preach another Jesus, then I suppose Verse 4 can be reversed to say that those who preach that Jesus is not God are the ones being mentioned here. Although neither of these apply.
I am running out of space so I will send a second short post.
Jesse, please don't take this wrong I care, and I am trying to understand. I have read your posts on Matthew and some of it is helpful, but I do not agree with your understanding of the meaning you give on some of the Greek words.
In Matthew 16:16 you are saying when Peter told Jesus He is the Son of the living God Peter is confessing to Jesus, that He is the Messiah and He is God. You also say Son of the Living God is a title of God, sorry I don't agree with that. I understand you and probably most on this site believe in a triune God and that Jesus is God, I am sorry, but a title did not die for my sins.
God cannot be the Messiah, if we deny Jesus is the Christ/Messiah we are a liar and an antichrist. The one who does that also denies the Father and the Son, 1 John 2:22.
The heart and truth of the gospel is Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, a man born of a virgin whose Father is God conceived by the Holy Ghost with flesh and blood who God the Father sent, John 3:16. Who became the Messiah when He was anointed with the Holy Ghost after John the Baptise baptized Him. He died for our sins, and we are to confess Him and believe He is the Son of God, 1 John 4:151 John 5:10. In the Son of God Jesus is our faith and the only hope of salvation. Jesus is the one Moses spoke of Deuteronomy 18:15
My understanding is 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 is about this doctrine; I know you and others on here will not agree.
Paul said in 2 Corinthians 11:2 "For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
Then he goes on in verses 3-4 "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him."
So Amen KsK, There's no other way to the father but through the Son!
What then of Ephesians 5:31-32? Paul says the husband-wife union is a mystery that illustrates Christ and the church. But Paul still names our identity repeatedly as His Body ( Eph 1:22-23; 5:30; 1 Cor 12:27), "one new man," and a "new creature" ( 2 Cor 5:17; Gal 6:15)-never calling us the Bride. Even 2 Corinthians 11:2 ("espousedas a chaste virgin") is betrothal imagery used to guard the Body from deception; it does not rename the Body as the Bride nor collapse Israel's prophetic marriage into Paul's mystery people. Keeping these categories distinct preserves both God's faithfulness to Israel's covenants and the uniqueness of the church revealed "not made known" before Paul ( Eph 3:1-9; Rom 16:25-26).
On baptism: John's and Peter's water baptisms belonged to Israel's kingdom program ( Mark 1:4; Luke 7:29-30; Acts 2:38; 22:16)-covenantal, priestly, and preparatory for an earthly nation of priests ( Exod 19:6; Ezek 36:25-27). In this dispensation, Christ sent Paul "not to baptize, but to preach the gospel" ( 1 Cor 1:17), and there is "one baptism" ( Eph 4:5) by which the Spirit places us into Christ's death and resurrection ( Rom 6:3-5; 1 Cor 12:13; Col 2:11-12). Romans 6 describes that Spirit baptism's identification with Christ-not a ritual that completes salvation. We are saved by grace through faith apart from works ( Eph 2:8-9; Titus 3:5). Water may testify, but it cannot add to the finished cross-work ( John 19:30; Gal 2:21). To make it a salvation requirement would muddle Israel's kingdom commands with the Body's grace calling.
So, yes: saints from Israel's program and from the Body will both be with Christ and under His rule-but Scripture differentiates their identities and spheres. Israel/Zion/New Jerusalem is the Bride/Wife in prophecy and Revelation; the Body is the heavenly people of the mystery, bone of His bone and seated above. Keeping those distinctions guards the gospel of grace today and honors God's promises to Israel tomorrow.
G&P
In a previous comment, you emphasized the importance of properly considering a matter before speaking, so as not to appear as "fools." I wonder if perhaps the claim that Christ will reign with the saints on earth was rebutted too quickly, without sufficient consideration.
The 144,000 mentioned in Revelation 14:2-3 are described as the firstfruits of those saved in Israel after the rapture, as verse 14 clarifies. However, this does not imply that Christ will not return to earth with them. They will return together with all who have inherited salvation, as seen in Revelation 21:1-3.
It is also important to note that the New Jerusalem, symbolically represented as the Bride, represents the spiritual Church or body of Christ. This is supported in Hebrews 12:22, 2 Corinthians 11:2, Ephesians 2:19-22, 1 Peter 2:5, and 1 Corinthians 3:9. Only those who have received the Spirit of Christ are considered part of the Church of Christ ( 1 Corinthians 12:13, Romans 8:9).
This Church will return to earth and reign with Christ for a thousand years, as indicated in Revelation 20:4, Revelation 12:5, and Revelation 19:15.
As Elihu said in Job 34:22: "If you have understanding, hear this; listen to the voice of my words."
Please note that my words are not intended as insults or to cause offense, for that would not reflect the love that the Lord Jesus expects from us. Rather, my intention is to encourage careful consideration of matters from a biblical perspective, rather than relying solely on worldly opinion. As the Lord Jesus said, many teach the traditions of men as doctrine, and as Paul says, we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth.
I am getting into tricky waters here; Lord help me communicate this as you would see fit.
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Galatians 1:6-9 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
Many are concerned about sin and falling away from Christ. What needs to be realized is passages like this which; if we think about it often aren't of concern before one makes a confession of faith and is in the world; especially if they haven't had a ritualistic religious background in their upbringing. The same principle would exist in the case of Adam and Eve; if there wasn't a tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the first place any attempt to tempt them would be fairly ineffective. Spiritual truth; therefore brings about the opening of the door for the counterfeit lest we should stray from His path. Pride and self righteousness can often be methods where Satan convinces us with all of our actions and activities in church that everything is alright. In short; therefore we need to value God's Word as gold and silver; and such admonitions are in Proverbs as a repeated theme of exhortation. To love someone as we should our Lord is to trust and value Him and hate not only our sin but any false teaching.
I understand that many consider the church as the bride. My understanding, not to say yours is wrong, is based on Ephesians 5:21-25. I see it as a symbolic usage of a man, his wife, and marriage to represent how we should submit ourselves to Christ. Husbands should love their wives as Jesus loved the church so much that He gave His life for it.
2 Corinthians 11:2 the Greek word harmozo, translated as espoused, seems to be used in a marriage context. Considering Corinth, their morals were not very good, and Paul warns of the danger of spiritual infidelity. Saying he was jealous would be like a father concerned for his child.
I see the church figuratively spoken of as the bride, but the church is not explicitly called the bride. I understand you and others may not agree, but this is how I perceive it.
Thank you for your reply.
God bless,
RLW
Ephesians 5:25 "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;"
2 Corinthians 11:2 "For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ."
Blessings
Revelation 14:4 - These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. There have been debates over this over the years. But you will see from 2 Kings 19:21, Isaiah 37:22, Jeremiah 14:17, 18:13, 31:4, 5, 21, Amos 5:2 and many other places in the Old Testament that Israel is called the virgin of God.
And these are all spiritual terms, especially 2 Kings 19:21. There are many of them. That's why in the New Testament, when Paul said in 2 Corinthians 11:2, he says I have engaged you to God, and God is a jealous God.
In James 4:4, James says that to be friends with this world is to commit adultery against God. This is spiritual. We are the bride of Christ. We're the bride in waiting. Spiritually we belong to Him. The 144,000 did not involve themselves in the religious system of the world. They remained pure. They are virgins. They are the Israel that was described in the Old Testament.
These are they which follow the Lamb wherever He goes. They were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. The firstfruits was always the first crop, part of the crop that would come up in the harvest. When the 144,000 were sealed, they were the first of God's fruit, saved, in the time of tribulation.
And then we can take the idioms, "son of the road, or son of the soil". I'm sure you've heard of these not oft used expressions. Most would believe that if those phrases were used for a particular person, then it is understood that neither the road nor the soil gave birth to sons. Likewise, Revelation 1:5 speaks of Jesus being "the prince of the kings of the earth". I suspect that you wouldn't now believe that Jesus, as a prince, had his descendency in an earthly king (or, multiple kings). So yes, biologically, the son of an earthly king would be called a prince, but metaphorically, this is not so as there is no descendency to a human king - just a title.
Lucifer, or 'shining one' was given to the king of Babylon who lived & ruled by that satanic spirit. Sure, Satan was never called Lucifer, but he, as did the king, were described with the same phrase: "the shining one, son of the morning". So whether Satan is referred to as "the prince of the power of the air" ( Ephesians 2:2) or the "prince of darkness" (taken loosely from Ephesians 6:12), these both describe the same devil, one who has power over his demons that move about freely in the world and in the air, as well as to the devil & his demons who brings darkness to people's minds & spirits, keeping them in captivity to sin, yet making them believe that they are in light, joy & hope ( 2 Corinthians 11:14). And he is called a prince, meaning that he is the ruler, yet having no king above him.
The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the light of the world, and Lucifer (or Satan) is a fallen angel who became the Prince of Darkness through his rebellion. There is no biblical support for the idea that Lucifer and God the Father are both sons of God, with Lucifer being the firstborn. This idea conflicts with the clear teachings of Scripture that affirm Jesus alone as the Son of God.
Lucifer's origin: Lucifer was originally a high-ranking angel created by God, but he fell from grace due to pride and rebellion. The Bible makes no mention of Lucifer being a "son" of God in the sense of divine sonship.
Isaiah 14:12 (KJV) - "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!"
Ezekiel 28:15 (KJV) - "Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee."
Lucifer was a created being, not a son of God in the sense of the relationship between God and Christ. His title "son of the morning" refers more to his brilliance and beauty as a created being before his fall, not to any sonship status like Jesus Christ.
The true Son of God (Jesus Christ): The Bible is clear that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, not Lucifer. Christ is the eternal Word who became flesh and represents the light.
John 1:14 (KJV) - "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the ONLY begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."
John 8:12 (KJV) - "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
Lucifer's rebellion: Lucifer's role as the "Prince of Darkness" is a result of his rebellion against God. He is the leader of the forces of evil, not a divine son, and his nature stands in stark contrast to Christ, the true Son of God, who represents light.
2 Corinthians 11:14
John 10:30 I and my Father are one. Should we not consider other verses, John 17:11, John 17:20-23, John 14:28. These verses, Numbers 23:19, John 20:17, 2 Corinthians 11:31, Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 4:4-6, and 1 Peter 1:3. Then, in Revelation 21:22-23 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. 23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
God wanted to be with His people, He first instructed Moses to build a tabernacle, which was symbolic of Jesus. Jesus was born without sin, not by man but of the seed of a woman whose Father was God. God could dwell in Him. Like the tabernacle, Jesus was holy, not defiled. Jesus became the light of the world, the Shekinah Glory manifested in Him and God again dwelt with man in the flesh of Jesus, to me that is John 1:14.
I do thank you for your reply, and I hope and pray I do not offend anyone who reads what I post; our discussions should only inspire us to study, not to win or demean, if so, we all lose.
I will stop here; I do not want to get ahead of Jesse's work in Revelation. You are always welcome to reply to me GiGi.
God bless,
RLW
Apostle Paul warns us of false witness.
Romans 13:9
For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bearfalsewitness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Apostle Paul said that we will be calls false witnesses for God in Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 15:15
Yea, and we are foundfalsewitnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
Apostle Paul warns us of false apostles.
2 Corinthians 11:13
For such arefalseapostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
Apostle Paul warns us of false Jews in the ministry.
2 Corinthians 11:26
In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils amongfalsebrethren;
Apostle Paul said that false Jews will spy and try to put us in bondage inwhich is the law.
Galatians 2:4
And that because offalsebrethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
Apostle Paul warns us of false science and vain babblings.
1 Timothy 6:20
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of sciencefalsely so called:
Apostle Paul warns us of false accusers.
2 Timothy 3:3
Without natural affection, trucebreakers,falseaccusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Genesis 1:26
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Satan took over the earth and the air, when Adam sinned against God.
Matthew 4:8
Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all thekingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
Lucifer used to be a beautiful Angel of Light. Now , he is called Satan the Devil.
Isaiah 14:12
How art thou fallen from heaven, OLucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
Satan is still dangerous to us right now.
2 Corinthians 2:11
LestSatanshould get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Satan can transform himself into a beautiful light .
2 Corinthians 11:14
And no marvel; forSatanhimself is transformed into an angel of light.
Satan can hurt the earthly body .
2 Corinthians 12:7
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger ofSatanto buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
Satan's followers are in the churches deceiving the mass . Wide is the gate to destruction.
Philippians 3:18
(For many walk,ofwhom I have told youoften, and now tell you even weeping, thatthey aretheenemiesofthecrossofChrist:
The Bible needs to be studied and taken seriously for the truth of the Gospel of Grace.
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing thewordoftruth.
Romans 1:16
ForIamnotashamedof the gospel of Christ: foritis the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
Verse 3 in this passage indicates a congregation somehow manipulates church officials in leadership to bring in new false teachers.
For this to occur of course there has to be a weakness among leadership which could include a lone Pastor who doesn't have anyone or enough Deacons and Elders under him who suddenly dies or cannot continue in ministry or called elsewhere; etc.
To go back further much of today's theological instruction has become compromised. Famous institutions have fought back in some instances (Geneva College being one that comes to mind); I won't bother researching those who now teach heresy who used to be trustworthy.
One major factor today of course is the increasing acceptance of female "Pastors"; again I won't mention anyone but a famous pastor who recently retired has a man and woman now teaching his megachurch. 2 Corinthians 11:3 says
But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. I am not aware of any women who are teaching even all basic tenants of scripture correctly; if they are of course they will realize quickly that a woman is not to teach or have authority over a man ( 1 Tim. 2:12) and quit that role. This is not to say that many brilliant authors or public speakers or evangelists can't be women but even there some limitations exist. The other day I sought counsel from an older lady in my church about a letter I was about to write to my cousin in regard to her soon to perish mother who isn't saved and my inability to attend the funeral for that reason who advised me to hold off and sensing the Lord in her counsel I followed her advice. To be continued
Apostle Paul is a Jew in the flesh.
2 Corinthians 11:22
Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed ofAbraham? so am I.
Because of Abraham, we received the blessings through Jesus Christ of the Spirit through faith.
Galatians 3:14
That the blessing ofAbrahammight come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
We are bless to receive blessings of being Abraham's seed .
Galatians 3:29
And if ye be Christ's, then are yeAbraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Now Jesus Christ is made of the seed of David in the flesh.
Romans 1:3
Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of theseedof David according to the flesh;
Galatians 3:16
Now toAbrahamand his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
I truly believe that Jesus Christ is the first true Jew.
2 Timothy 2:8
Remember that JesusChristoftheseedofDavid was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
Romans 9:27
Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:
The first covenant that will run through Israel.
Genesis 15:18
In the same day theLordmade acovenantwith Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:
Some would say, " here it is, we are Spirit Jews and inherit all of Israel's covenants
.
Romans 8:17
And if children, thenheirs;heirsof God, and joint-heirswith Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Galatians 3:29
And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, andheirsaccording to the promise.
Ray in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Are there people that don't want to hear the gospel of grace in Christ Jesus ? ?
Philippians 3:18-20
18(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
20For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Will we suffer persecution for spreading the gospel of grace ? ?
2 Timothy 3:12
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall sufferpersecution.
Now take the word " Circumcised " out for a second and add these words, repenting , baptized, tithing or working . It's amazing that we are in bondage to do something for Salvation.
Galatians 6:12
As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should sufferpersecutionfor the cross of Christ.
Who are this people that are putting us in bondage, when the gospel of grace is free .
2 Corinthians 11:13-15
13For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Apostle Paul wants to write down the person that are causing trouble with the gospel of grace and avoid them .
Romans 16:17
Now I beseech you, brethren,markthemwhich cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoidthem.
May our God in the Third Heaven protect us from wickedness.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Love is found in the gospel.
Galatians 4:14
And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus
Apostle Paul might not be a angel , but he was the hardest working Apostle in history and we had the Twelve Apostles for the Jews.
1 Corinthians 15:9-10
9For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
10But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
We that are saved will be judging angels.
1 Corinthians 6:3
Know ye not that we shall judgeangels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
The only angel to be careful of is Satan himself.
2 Corinthians 11:14
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into anangelof light.
All Apostle Paul wants us to do is follow the gospel of grace in his Epistles.
Philippians 1:7
Even as it is meet for me to think thisofyou all, because I have you in my heart; in as much as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmationofthegospel, ye all are partakersofmygrace
May we know the Gospel of Grace in Apostle Paul's epistle.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Angels in Heaven believe that the Gospel of Grace is true for Salvation.
Galatians 1:8
But though we, or anangelfrom heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Satan was a fallen angel and is still around.
2 Corinthians 11:14
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into anangeloflight.
We should not worship angels that are fallen.
Colossians 2:18
Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping ofangels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
The Holy Angeles are in Heaven waiting for the descending of the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 1:7
And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mightyangels,
Every Angel in the Bible has a male name, I don't think there's a female Angel .
We have the Holy Spirit of God and the Word of Truth here on earth.
Romans 8:26
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us withgroanings which cannot be uttered.
Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard thewordof truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with thatholySpirit of promise,
May we spread the gospel of grace .
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 may we believe the gospel for Salvation
What is true love today ? Is love giving the wife a new car , house, jewelry or a great dinner.
Most men don't think of love when the wife is sick or ill , they become blind to true love.
True love is God. We must love first in order to love one another.
1 Corinthians 16:22
If any manlovenot the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
If we that are saved by believing the gospel is to be married to Christ Jesus as for example, then we should show true love for Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:2
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to onehusband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
If the man love the church, the body of Christ Jesus, then he should love the Wife the same way.
Ephesians 5:24-27
24Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
25Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
This is God's true love for all of us.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
May God give us the strength to love one another in truth, truth is believing and sharing the gospel .
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the love of this gospel
They will use bride of Christ, Adoption of the Abraham, they will use speaking in tongue and the Lord's table. Now, I wonder if Peter, John, James and Jude speaks of all these subjects like Apostle Paul's epistle does.
My point is, Apostle Paul has all the answers to live a Christian life today for the Gentiles.
1. Bride of Christ
God is love and is marriage. Paul explains marriage by using the Church the body of Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:2
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chastevirginto Christ
2. Speaking in tongue
Apostle Paul gives the rule for speaking in tongue.
1 Corinthians 14:27
If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be bytwo,orat the most bythree, and that by course; and let one interpret.
3. Adoption of Abraham
We that are saved have the blessings from Abraham through Jesus Christ.
Galatians 3:14
That theblessingofAbrahammight come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
4. Lord's table
Apostle Paul gives the rules to the Gentiles for the Lord Table, because they were doing it all wrong.
1 Corinthians 10:16
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
May we fully understand why Jesus Christ chosen Apostle Paul and put the Twelve on the shelf for a season for the Kingdom of Heaven on earth to come. This is the Grace age of Church the body of Christ Jesus.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the body of Christ Jesus is the Church today and we must believe the gospel .
Part 2
Apostle Paul and Apostle Peter separated with there own beliefs. Apostle Paul went to the Gentiles and Apostle Peter went to the Jews. We will never have a Jew knock on our door for the gospel of grace, it just not happened.
Galatians 2:7
But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of theuncircumcisionwas committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
God is speaking to us through Apostle Paul's epistle for doctrine and for instructions to live a glorious life on earth, until Jesus Christ calls us up in the clouds for the Rapture.
Romans 11:13
For I speak to youGentiles, inasmuch as I amtheapostleoftheGentiles, I magnify mineoffice:
1 Timothy 1:11
According to the gloriousgospelof the blessed God, which was committed tomytrust.
God in Heaven is given us a warning that we should take the gospel of grace serious. Apostle Paul was given the gospel of grace.
Romans 2:16
In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according tomygospel.
May God in Heaven open the blind eye of the people that been deceived by the serpent.
2 Corinthians 11:3
But I fear, lest by any means, as theserpentbeguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
May God bless our Bible study in righteousness and in love in Jesus Christ .
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Apostle Paul's gospel of grace given to him from above.
2 Corinthians 11:13
For such arefalseapostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
Apostle Paul had friends that betrayed him.
2 Corinthians 11:26
In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils amongfalsebrethren;
Galatians 2:4
And that because offalsebrethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
Be careful of Satan. UFO looks beautiful in the sky's and now the news talks about it.
2 Corinthians 11:14
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into anangeloflight.
We must be careful for the ones closest to us that may be deceiving us with the twisted word.
Philippians 4:6
Becarefulfornothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requestsbemade known unto God.
Saint Peter told his people go to Apostle Paul for Salvation 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 .
2 Peter 3:15
And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brotherPaulalso according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 may God bless you in this GOSPEL
2 Corinthians 11:13 - For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
That's very interesting. I'll share an English breakdown of the two Greek words in the bible that are important as far as transformation goes. One is METASKEMA. MATA in both words means change. Whenever you're denoting a change, you put META in front of the word. SKEMA is where we get our word schematic from, and it means an outward sketch. It is something without substance. It's just a sketch like an architectural drawing or a schematic drawing. And that is the word that is found here.
METASKEMATIDZO is the verb form, and this has to do with changing the outside, changing the human, the outside. METAMORPHOSIS is the other word. It means a transformation and change from within. It's a different nature, a different character.
And what is interesting is that Paul is saying here that these are false apostles, deceitful workers, and they are transforming themselves through discipline and human effort, changing the human to preach, and believe, and look and act like a Christian. That's scary. The reason why it's scary is because it's possible to do. It's possible to look, act, talk, and believe like a Christian, and not be a Christian. That's scary!
2 Corinthians 11:28 - Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
Can you imagine if you had a father's heart for all the converts in all the churches as a father does his child, and he keeps hearing, and he keeps praying, and he keeps visiting all the various churches. Now the word care is the word MERIMNAO. It means the occupation of the attention of your mind. Not only do I have all of these circumstances that I have to deal with, but I also am occupied, concerned, with all the churches.
2 Corinthians 11:4 - For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
For if he that cometh preaches another Jesus, and here the word another is the word ALLOS which means another of the same kind. For if he that comes preaches another Jesus of the same kind, whom we have not preached, or you receive another spirit, and this is the word HETEROS, of a different kind.
If you receive another spirit of a different kind, which you have not received, or received another gospel, and again the word is HETEROS, meaning a different gospel, which you have not accepted, you might well bear up with him.
2 Corinthians 11:6 - But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.
The word rude means untrained, not a professional speaker. And he's again quoting their criticism of him. Though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.
2 Corinthians 11:8 - I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.
He says I robbed other churches, taking wages of them to do you service. The word wages is the word rations, the rations of a soldier. They weren't given money; they were just given their food and clothing. So, he says I took money from other churches. Paul says I robbed other churches, that is, he received the necessities.
2 Corinthians 10:13 - But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.
The word "rule" in this verse means canon. The scriptures are canonized. They've been made official. He says the rule, the measuring rod of our ministry is as far as God has taken us. Look what he says: Which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.
So, in each one of these standards, he's giving a hint to us as to what he measures ministry by. He measures ministry by what God does. Isn't that brilliant! Who came up with that one? And why didn't we think of that before? Whatever ministry I have in the body of Christ is what God is doing. That's it! I can't tell you what I am. But whatever my function is in the body of Christ is what God does through me. The measuring rod that measures my life as to who I am, and my function in the body of Christ, is what God does.
2 Corinthians 11:1 - Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.
He says, would to God. The word would is an interjection that expresses a wish. I wish you could bear with, that is, tolerate me, a little in my foolishness: and indeed you are bearing with me.
Now that's a very sarcastic remark. That's not my judgment of his literary style, because pretty soon he's going to tell them look at what all the false teachers do to you, and you tolerate them. Can't you tolerate me in my foolishness? You're already tolerating them in theirs.
I would recommend to stay away from this research, because it will invite demon's and devils.
2 Corinthians 11:14
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Hopefully, this was some help.
Ray
The simplicity that is in Jesus, 2 Corinthians 11:3.
John also confirmed this, he said there were many things Jesus said and did that were not written down, but John wrote this, John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
God bless,
RLW
Whether we seek in the Old or New Testament to those who were considered the followers of the true God we see evidence of a remnant that truly seek after Him; in other words not just confessors of Him but possessors of His Holy Spirit; His favor and His blessings. The fact that there are tares in with the wheat is discussed in churches that are true to proclaiming the Word; but conversely in today's typical Laodicean type churches it isn't discussed much if at all along with other hard doctrines. I have brought up the fact that God has His reasons for allowing wheat and tares to grow up together; although there certainly are some mysteries there on this side of heaven we can't comprehend fully as to why God is patient with vessels fit for destruction ( Romans 9:22).
Having briefly discussed the Apostles Peter and Paul I will go on to look at a case study; that of the Corinthians. We of course at face value tend to find this church as an embarrassing affront to the stalwart record of many other churches in the Epistles. We should remind ourselves that the Ephesian church had it all going seemingly right for themselves but they had developed what could have resulted in a fatal error in losing their first love according to Revelation 2. The Galatians had serious errors as well. The important fact is that at least in the short term the Corinthians really turned around in regard to their generosity ( 2 Corinthians 9) and obeyed Paul in regard to disciplining the man with the heinous sin (likely the one who was first mentioned in 1 Cor. 5:1). The idea of structured leadership and those in authority with integrity such as Paul; a TRUE Apostle results in the Body being built up. They had to get past the immaturity and being impressed with those bombastic individuals with convincing words that impressed those who were puffed up. ( 2 Corinthians 11:16-33). It doesn't seem this church accepted a false Christ; however.
Thank you, there is a lot in the first books of Genesis looking at the first 3 chapters. We look for the understanding and what does it mean that Adam was not deceived but it was Eve who was deceived by the serpent, 1 Timothy 2:14 and 2 Corinthians 11:3. We cannot begin to comprehend the plan of God. To Him, things that are not, are already done, the gifts and grace He gives are predestined to all who will accept the gifts He offered before the world was.
We live in a time when our life is so short we sometimes struggle to even imagine what eternity will be like. But our faith and our hope are in Jesus by Him we are brothers and sisters and the children of God and one day we will be with Him on a new earth that our imaginations cannot even picture.
God bless,
RLW
(Part 1):
First, I will say that yes, I do believe in a Triune God. I see several places in the Bible that show that Jesus is God. And, no, a title did not die for my sins either. Jesus Christ dies for my sins. As for the phrases "Son of God," and "Son of the living God," to a Hebrew/Jewish person (which Peter was) it is the same as claiming to be God. Jesus Himself claimed to be the Son of God in front of a Jewish crowd. Was He the Son of God? Indeed, He was.
But why would they accuse Him of blasphemy for claiming to be the Son of God? It's because to them, He was claiming to be God. They understood fully what Jesus was claiming when He said He was the Son of God. You may disagree with this but if you do some research from a Jewish standpoint on those two phrases and what they actually meant to a Hebrew/Jewish person at that time, it becomes clear as to why they accused Jesus of blasphemy when He told them He was the Son of God. To them, He was claiming to be God. At least, that's how they understood it.
I am not able to make the connection that 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 is about the "doctrine" of Jesus being God. It does mention those who preach another Jesus, but where is it saying that this other Jesus being preached comes from those who believe He is God? If that's what it means to preach another Jesus, then I suppose Verse 4 can be reversed to say that those who preach that Jesus is not God are the ones being mentioned here. Although neither of these apply.
I am running out of space so I will send a second short post.
Jesse, please don't take this wrong I care, and I am trying to understand. I have read your posts on Matthew and some of it is helpful, but I do not agree with your understanding of the meaning you give on some of the Greek words.
In Matthew 16:16 you are saying when Peter told Jesus He is the Son of the living God Peter is confessing to Jesus, that He is the Messiah and He is God. You also say Son of the Living God is a title of God, sorry I don't agree with that. I understand you and probably most on this site believe in a triune God and that Jesus is God, I am sorry, but a title did not die for my sins.
God cannot be the Messiah, if we deny Jesus is the Christ/Messiah we are a liar and an antichrist. The one who does that also denies the Father and the Son, 1 John 2:22.
The heart and truth of the gospel is Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, a man born of a virgin whose Father is God conceived by the Holy Ghost with flesh and blood who God the Father sent, John 3:16. Who became the Messiah when He was anointed with the Holy Ghost after John the Baptise baptized Him. He died for our sins, and we are to confess Him and believe He is the Son of God, 1 John 4:15 1 John 5:10. In the Son of God Jesus is our faith and the only hope of salvation. Jesus is the one Moses spoke of Deuteronomy 18:15
My understanding is 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 is about this doctrine; I know you and others on here will not agree.
God bless,
RLW