There is but one olive tree; some branches were cut off that we might be grafted in. We should not boast but be thankful, because by doing so, we could be cut off, Romans 11:17-21. We think today the Church, the body of Christ, as being Gentiles, but the Church, the body of Christ, started with the Jews," to the Jew first", that began at Pentecost, Romans 1:16. We, by the grace of God, were added to the olive tree and the Church, the body of Christ.
Of the Jews, the Lord saves a remnant through Christ, then and today, while the rest fell for the reconciliation of the world, us. God is not done with Israel; their return to God through faith in Christ will be like life from the dead, Romans 11:15.
Have we become ignorant of the mystery of their blindness in part and become wise in our own conceits until the fullness, meaning, completion, fulfillment, or the total of the Gentiles? When will that be? Tomorrow, years from now. Are we ready? Are we looking for things that are not coming?
Is our faith strong enough that we are willing to face death? There are many teachings out there, but only one truth. Deception is thick; we are in spiritual warfare, Colossians 2:8, 1 John 4:1. Discernment is critical in spiritual warfare; it enables believers to differentiate between truth and falsehood, particularly in the context of teachings and prophecies.
It is found in prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as Jesus said in John 16:13-14 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
The Sabbath Day was given specifically as a day of rest. There was no core requirement that it should also be a worship day, though the Jewish priests conducted their business continually throughout the week. So even now, if any desire to still abide by the fourth Commandment, then to give that seventh day entirely to rest, recuperation, & spiritual activities would be in order. But to insist that those who are In Christ must worship only on that day, goes against NT teaching; even as you quoted Mark 2:27, where Jesus was reprimanded for 'working' (i.e. picking ears of corn to satisfy hunger) on the Sabbath. Yes, by Law, Jesus broke that Commandment, but Jesus was showing to those Pharisees that the Sabbath observance must not interfere with a necessity of life (in this case, hunger). Why? The Sabbath was given for man's benefit (for rest & rejuvenation) and not the other way around (i.e. for man to have to suffer in hunger, thereby negating the complete rest that the Sabbath Day was meant to give him). And of course, through His Sacrifice, Jesus altogether removed the commandments that kept man bound in his sin, nailing them to the Cross ( Colossians 2:9-17). And if we still adhere to the Law, the apostle states that "we have fallen from grace" ( Galatians 5:4), for we simply cannot be justified through the Law and Grace - it is one or the other and to expect justification by the Law will not work before God.
I realize that I have written much but I really hope you might read these verses given and wait on God's Spirit to help you understand and appropriate these Truths in your heart. It won't be easy because of past recollections, but I pray that the Holy Spirit would help you understand the great significance of Christ's death for us, justifying by faith and not by to the Law, and even changing those apostles who once strongly held onto Jewish Laws and traditions, to wholly embrace Christ & obedience to His Law through the Spirit. Blessings.
I want to share with you why it is not only unwise but dangerous to blur the distinction between Paul's message and the twelve apostles. God gave Paul a unique dispensation of grace, revealing the "mystery" of the Body of Christ, a truth hidden until his ministry ( Ephesians 3:1-9; Colossians 1:25-27). When we blend his message with the kingdom program preached by Peter and the others, we risk corrupting the gospel of grace.
Peter preached to Israel, offering the promised kingdom upon national repentance and baptism ( Acts 2:38; 3:19). Paul preached justification by faith alone apart from works of the law ( Romans 3:28; Ephesians 2:8-9). To confuse these messages is to either add works to grace, or to remove Israel's kingdom promises. Paul warned that adding to his gospel of grace produces "another gospel" ( Galatians 1:6-9), and he pronounced a curse on anyone who preached such.
Blending also robs believers of assurance. If salvation depends partly on works, ordinances, or kingdom requirements, then we can never rest in the finished work of Christ. The beauty of Paul's message is that Christ did it all-our salvation is complete in Him ( Colossians 2:10). Mixing law and grace leaves Christians unstable, unsure if they have done enough, and strips the cross of its sufficiency.
Finally, confusion weakens the testimony of the Church. The Body of Christ is not Israel, nor is it inheriting an earthly kingdom. Our hope is heavenly ( Philippians 3:20-21; Colossians 3:1-4). When we preach Israel's program as our own, we not only deny our identity but also cloud Israel's future promises, making God appear unfaithful.
For these reasons, we must carefully obey 2 Timothy 2:15: rightly divide the word of truth. Blending the programs corrupts the gospel, shakes assurance, and dishonors God's distinct plans.
If there is nothing to divide, why did Paul say to rightly divide the word of truth?
"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." 2nd Cor. 5:19
2 Corinthians 5:19 teaches that in Christ, God reconciled the world to Himself, not imputing (counting) people's sins against them. This reconciliation is complete, covering sins of the past, the present, and even those of the future, because Christ's sacrifice was once for all.
Past Sins: The believer's past life of sin has been fully forgiven through Christ's blood. "And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses" ( Colossians 2:13). God does not hold a believer's former life of sin against them: "And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus" ( 1 Corinthians 6:11).
Present Sins: As believers still live in the flesh, we sometimes stumble, yet Christ's sacrifice continually avails for us. "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous" ( 1 John 2:1). His righteousness is always applied to us: "Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin" ( Romans 4:8).
Future Sins: Because Christ's sacrifice was once for all, even future sins are covered. "But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God" ( Hebrews 10:12). This does not encourage sin but assures us that no sin can separate us from God's love. "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life nor things present, nor things to come shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" ( Romans 8:38-39).
If your "battle" is with believing that Jesus is God, may I suggest the following scriptures for your consideration:
Genesis 1:1 along with John 1:1-3, Revelation 19:13, Colossians 1:15-17, Matthew 1:23, John 10:30, John 14:9, Mark 2:5-7, John 8:58, John 20:28, Isaiah 9:6, Philippians 2:5-7, Colossians 2:9, 1 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 1:8, 2 Peter 1:1, Revelation 1:8, John 5:18, 1 John 5:20, Luke 24:52, John 9:38, Acts 10:25-26, Titus 2:13, Hebrews 1:3, Revelation 22:13, Micah 5:2, John 17:5, John 1:14. There are more, but these should suffice.
You mention that "Christians say that there is no separation between Christ and God," and that the bible shows otherwise. Jesus said I and my Father are one, and He also said that if you have seen Me, you have seen the Father. This may not mean anything to you, but in the book of Hebrews, Jesus is described as the APOUGASMA (the out beam) of God's glory, God projecting Himself through the time/space factor in the person of Christ. Jesus Christ, being God, was never separated from the source. This is why Jesus can say if you have seen Me, you have seen the Father.
The best example I can give would be taking a flashlight in a dark room and shining it on a wall. The flashlight is the source, and the light is projected on the wall from the source. There is no separation unless the flashlight is turned off. Now, imagine the flashlight being God, and the light shining on the wall is Jesus, again, no separation. Jesus is said to be the true light which came down from heaven, the APOUGASMA of God.
If you are sincerely struggling with the deity of Jesus Christ (Him being God), I hope these scriptures I've provided might help. Also, if you would like, I can share my personal understanding on Matthew 26:39 and Luke 22:42 and why Christ would ask this.
If I may ask, are you a Christian? If so, who do you say Jesus is?
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.
Then the obvious questions: does God use His Foreknowledge in determining who hears the Gospel message, who must respond to His Call to salvation (i.e. to His chosen/elect), and the elimination of all who are not so appointed? This is where the understanding of God's Love must be brought in, for if we believe that God loves all of us, in spite of our apathy to Him and rejection of Him, we can never appreciate the extension of that Love (persistent Love) "who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." If you believe in such a Love that God has, as I do, and that He is indeed an Omniscient God, why then should God detach that Love (which Love is God personified), from anything else He does, even from His Foreknowledge? If some believe that God randomly selects some to be saved, and others not, is this Love in action? Or even, that those whom God as destined to not be saved and to suffer His punishment, is actually God loving them to their eternal death?
Then we could go on to discuss "Total Depravity", or the incapability of a lost, wretched, sin-bound person to even be convicted, repent & turn to God. If we look at Ephesians 2:1-5 or Colossians 2:13, referring to sinners being dead in their sin (spiritually dead), it is clear that our lives are so overcome by sin that we are separated totally from a Holy Righteous God. But can that unregenerate sinner still not, under the working of the Holy Spirit, not realize his folly and turn to the Lord? He might be spiritually dead but his spirit is still alive - if not, he must be physically dead ( James 2:26). So that spiritual deadness doesn't preclude the sinner from still realizing the gravity of his sinful condition, but that deadness keeps him separate from God, until that spark of serious contemplation of his life is taken hold of by the Spirit of God, which leads him to repentance and faith. Onto Page 3.
Don't confuse our sins being forgiven with being saved that is a totally separate issue. Yes our sins were forgiven at the cross, that does not mean we are sinless that would be contradictory to the scripture for we know that we are born in sin and shaping in an equity, it only means that our sins are not being held against us. Let's face it from a very young age through our entire life occasionally we will sin that's just how the flesh operates, but those sins have already been forgiven by the blood of Jesus on the cross See below.
Forgiveness at the cross is the specific act where God cancels the debt of our sins by Jesus' sacrifice. Forgiveness means our sins are wiped away and not held against us. Ephesians 1:7 says we have redemption and forgiveness through Jesus' blood. Colossians 2:13-14 shows that Jesus' death canceled the record of our sins. Forgiveness is a key part of reconciliation but focuses specifically on sin's penalty being removed.
My understanding of Reconciliation refers to God restoring the broken relationship between Himself and humanity caused by sin. Because of sin, humanity was separated from God ( Isaiah 59:2). Through Jesus' death, this barrier is removed, and peace is established. As 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 explains, God reconciled us to Himself through Christ, no longer counting our sins against us. This means the relationship is healed and restored.
Forgiveness at the cross is the specific act where God cancels the debt of our sins by Jesus' sacrifice. Forgiveness means our sins are wiped away and not held against us. Ephesians 1:7 says we have redemption and forgiveness through Jesus' blood. Colossians 2:13-14 shows that Jesus' death canceled the record of our sins. Forgiveness is a key part of reconciliation but focuses specifically on sin's penalty being removed.
Justification is God's legal declaration that a sinner is righteous because of faith in Jesus Christ. It is the act where God credits Christ's righteousness to us, not because of our works, but by grace through faith. Romans 3:23-24 teaches that all have sinned but are justified freely by God's grace through Jesus. Romans 5:1 states that being justified brings peace with God and salvation. Justification secures our right standing with God and guarantees eternal life.
In summary: Reconciliation restores relationship, forgiveness removes sin's guilt, and justification legally declares us righteous and saves us through faith in Christ's work on the cross.
c. Paul's baptism. I mentioned this earlier with Scriptures that Paul continued to baptize, at least accepted its relevancy, during his ministry. I quoted, Acts 18:7,8 (Jews and Gentiles in Corinth); Acts 19:1-5 (disciples at Ephesus); Romans 6:3,4 (the meaning & relevance of water baptism); 1 Corinthians 1:14-17 (Paul's ministry was to preach the Gospel, but he still baptized); Colossians 2:11,12 (baptism as identification with Christ). So baptism in water was still very much practised during Paul's ministry. I can't think of any Scripture showing that Paul "later taught that baptism was not part of the gospel of grace revealed to him."
It is true that Peter preached to Israel who were under the Law (and also to the Gentiles: Acts 15:7), but I cannot see that his message was anything of Grace under the Law. Rather Acts 15:7-11 was Peter's direct confrontation to those "Pharisees which believed" (Judaizers?) who promoted circumcision and the keeping of the Law of Moses for the Gentiles, when Peter stated that it would be "a yoke upon the neck of the disciples (new converts), which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear".
So clearly, the Law of Moses (including "obedience to commands and rituals") was removed from those now believing from both Jewish & Gentile stock. So, why didn't Peter preach this "mystery of the Gospel (which included Gentiles)"? Maybe, that wasn't an essential part of his preaching to the Jews, yet the message of salvation remained the same.
And, did Paul not believe in water baptism? He must have: he was baptized himself ( Acts 9:17.18) and spoke of it ( Acts 18:7,8; Acts 19:1-5; Romans 6:3,4; 1 Corinthians 1:14-17; Colossians 2:11,12). So whatever differences we might perceive between the two apostles, would be so minor as to be inconsequential when understanding the vital message of the Gospel, that it was faith alone that saves plus nothing else. GBU.
However, when Jesus was resurrected in His glorified body, He defeated and triumphed over death and the grave, Satan, and all principalities and powers. Colossians 2:15 describes how Jesus openly made a spectacle of them. I believe this was part of the celebration of the victory when Jesus, through the Spirit, went to the angels chained in darkness, made a spectacle of them, showing that He had triumphed over them and that they are eternally defeated.
I wonder if they bowed a knee to Him then or will have to in the Great Day, as said in Philippians 2:10, "things/those under the earth".
I will leave it here. I understand some may not agree, but this is my understanding of this. May our study be for the truth.
Hi Pandakraft. You can check out the following Bible passages: Matthew 7:1-5; Luke 6:37; John 7:24 (when we do have to make a judgement, it needs to be done righteously, i.e. correctly considering the whole matter without being censorious. See also 1 Corinthians 6:1-5 for judgement in the Church); Romans 14:1-13; 1 Corinthians 4:3-5; Colossians 2:16,17; James 4:11,12.
We see several themes in the next verses. First of all Jesus was our example to follow in submitting to the Father's will.
Secondly we see that Christ through this was lifted up and highly exalted. This shows that in the earthly realm; God had this plan for Christ to rule as King in His stead essentially; and through His sacrifice be able to justly rule over man as the Perfect Man.
The world is judged; therefore to vindicate Christ's rightful rule over the powers of the air (Satan) in the world system; as well as to have the final judgment of all wicked unrepentant. A third point that is not emphasized here is how His saints in glorified bodies will also rule and reign with Him in an exalted state in the age to come.
Colossians 2: 12-15
12Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
13For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
14Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
15That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
We realize in verse 12 that we are spared from the judgment of the sheep and goats; and the Great White Throne Judgment. This; along with the fact that we have the Bema Seat Judgment for our actions as stated in Corinthians ( 2 Cor. 5:10) we also are fearing God as to the authority He wields and that all of our actions will be out in the open with our motives judged. We must be distinct from the world as verse 14 and 15 suggests or the "salt and light" as mentioned in the Gospels.
To the contrary, if, when you refer to " unbelievers" you meant the elect of God who have not been converted to the truth, it seems that scripture supports the idea that good works could have a positive affect in their conversion process.
The idea that good works can influence the unregenerate to belief in Christ cannot be supported by scripture. God's Word tells there is none good, and that we are dead in sin unless and until God regenerates them to life as shown in the following verses.
Ephesians 2:1,5 KJVS
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; [5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
Colossians 2:13 KJVS
And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Romans 3:10-12 KJVS
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: [11] There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. [12] They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Christ was also referred to as the 2nd Adam ( 1 Cor. 15:45; also seen in Romans 5). Hence Adam was designed in the image of God but because of his sin it affected all his offspring therefore we inherited his sin nature during conception ( Psalm 51:5). Men at that time when Christ lived on the earth expected the Messiah to come to earth and vanquish them of their enemies; hence tried to make him king ( John 6:15). His reaction was to go to withdraw Himself to the mountains (likely to pray).
A cursory examination of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 shows statements that at first seem to contradict the law; or at the very least make the ramifications more severe for our thoughts about things that may or may not become actions. This was illustrated with lusting after a woman being adultery in the heart; and more stringent laws on putting away one's wife. This explanation was brought out further in Matthew 19:8 with the Pharisees on the subject as to the concepts tied in with Deuteronomy 24. This shows that Christ was; as a member of the Godhead able to define and even change what was considered the law to make it more perfect as no one before Him ever was able to live out a sinless life following the law perfectly. Ultimately certain ceremonial laws were brought to an end as seen in Acts 10:15; but alluded to in Mark 7:18-19.
Hence the method of rituals related to the animal sacrifices also was to be ended with the New Covenant. Overall we can say the 10 Commandments as a moral law remain as a universal statute; although the mandatory 7th day of rest only given for Israel and its occupants has been replaced with Sunday as a day of rest although Colossians 2:16-17 says we should avoid disputes over Sabbath Days and I would add Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath ( Matthew 12:8). I am not here to get into a debate over that issue.
To have the law in our hearts was a future promise that Christ demonstrates ( Jeremiah 31:16-18).
I thought about starting a new series of postings describing Christ as He is in the Old Testament and New (as many like to say concealed and then revealed). There is a certain broad base of topics especially in regard to the law (OT) and grace (NT). As with many theological doctrines there may be a general progress historically and according to God's plans with the Old and New Covenants; etal.; nonetheless mutual exclusivity can't be a viable option despite how tempting it may be to draw what seems like an easy conclusion. This is because Christ is the fullness of the law and thus Matthew 5:18 stands firm. The person of Christ is the essence of the summation of all the attributes of God ( Colossians 2:9). As to His earthly ministry and humbling Himself to live out a brief existence in time and space to accomplish God's purpose as the atonement for our sins certainly encompasses many prophetic promises and basically sums all of the Bible as the end of all things is preached by the Messiah and the New Testament ends shortly after the Resurrection discussing all things into eternity we need to know. Nonethless of course His eternal presence and glory as stated in Revelation 1 is a foreshadowing of how we all shall behold Him in all His splendor soon.
In regard to that thought it becomes clear to me that much of what has gone wrong with the Internet in particular is that Christ Himself as He truly is often seems to be sidetracked with all the predictions; dreams; visions and novel interpretations of often subjective experiences people have. If we aren't as John in Revelation 1; or the other prophets in falling flat on our faces with any story given about such matters then it is pretty clear they are spurious. Our obsession has to be on Him not any other agenda. John 17:3 comes close to the Navigators motto to "know Him and make Him known".
I pray this helps some people see more clearly into who He is and His manifold ways.
The only way to be safe by the evil spirits, we need to read and pray continually everyday for God to speak to us . The devil will tempt our spirit and then we could sin in our flesh.
Galatians 5:18-21
18But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
It is easy for the devil to use man to deceive us with all the worldly things .
Colossians 2:8
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of theworld, and not after Christ.
A rich Christian can fall very easily.
1 Timothy 6:17
Charge them that are rich in thisworld, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
Apostle Paul said that Demas loved this world and departed , but still saved .
2 Timothy 4:10
For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this presentworld, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
Drinking alcohol can put us in a bad spirit of this world.
Titus 2:12
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness andworldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this presentworld;
Apostle Paul is telling us that the Ten Commandments does not save us, It condemns us .
2 Corinthians 3:7
But if theministrationof death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:
The law brings us to death.
Romans 7:5
For when we were intheflesh,themotionsofsins, which were bythelaw, did work in our members to bring forthfruitunto death.
We are not saved by following the Ten Commandments, we are saved by believing the gospel of grace.
Galatians 2:16
Knowing that a man is not justified bytheworksofthelaw, but bythefaithofJesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified bythefaithofChrist, and not bytheworksofthelaw: for bytheworksofthelaw shall nofleshbe justified.
Apostle Paul is telling us not to sin in the flesh and is call out the sin in the flesh.
Galatians 5:19-23
19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
No man on earth can follow all of the Ten Commandments, that's why Jesus Christ nail it on the cross.
Colossians 2:14
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way,nailing it to his cross
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the Holy Spirit keeps us from sinning and the Word of God cleanses us from sin.
8Beware 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.
9For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
10And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
11In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
12Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
13And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
14Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
15And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
16Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
17Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
18Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
19And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
20Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
21(Touch not; taste not; handle not;
22Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
23Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfy of the flesh.
When we work, we earn a salary for what we did, if we are not a believer, then we are going to be judged by our salary of sins.
Romans 6:23
For thewagesofsinis death; but the giftofGod is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Apostle Paul was a Pharisee that was well educated in Hebrew and Greek. Apostle Paul was a blasphemer and had Jews killed for believing in Jesus, but he did it ignorantly.
1 Timothy 1:13
Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly inunbelief.
Jesus Christ died on the cross for all our sins , why are we praying repentance for our sins for Salvation , when He took all our sins and washed it with His own blood. We are calling God a lier if we repent of our sins for Salvation. Repentance is changing our minds in the direction of God.
Colossians 2:13
And you, being dead in yoursins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven youalltrespasses;
Jesus Christ died for all our sins for our Salvation by just believing.
1 Corinthians 15:3
For I delivered unto you first ofallthat which I also received, how that Christ died foroursinsaccording to the scriptures;
Jesus Christ didn't come to save the righteous, He came to save sinners.
1 Timothy 1:15
This is a faithful saying, and worthy ofallacceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to savesinners; of whom I am chief.
Now we need to know, what do we believe for Salvation for today ? ?
We have to believe the gospel that Jesus Christ gave to Apostle Paul in his Epistles. 1 Christian 15:1-4 gospel
Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed ofthegospelof Christ: for it isthepower of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; totheJew first, and also totheGreek.
May we all believe and put aside Unbelief ! !
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the gospel for today by just believing
Apostle Paul was circumcision twice , one by flesh and one by spirit.
Philippians 3:5
Circumcisedtheeighthday, ofthestock of Israel, ofthetribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew oftheHebrews; as touchingthelaw, a Pharisee;
Finally, God separate us from the flesh. We are free from the bondage of sin, but not license to sin. And it doesn't make us a Jew inwardly or outwardly .
Colossians 2:11
In whom also ye arecircumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Apostle Paul is speaking to Jews.
Romans 2:28-29
28For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
29But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Ray , in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 keep the gospel of grace in your mind .
The reason some don't believe the trinity is because they don't believe the scriptures and they don't believe Jesus Christ is God.
When you read this verse, Jesus Christ is the Word. The three are one and that means trinity.
1 John 5:7
For there arethreethat bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and thesethreeare one.
Jesus Christ is the Word and the Word is God.
John 1:1
In the beginning was theWord, and theWordwas with God, and theWordwas God.
Jesus Christ the Word became flesh on earth.
John 1:14
And theWordwas 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.
Remember that Jesus Christ is the Word of God.
Matthew 24:35
Heavenandearthshall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
Matthew 28:18
AndJesus cameandspake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me inheavenandinearth.
Jesus Christ said that He is God.
Matthew 22:32
IamtheGod of Abraham, andtheGod ofIsaac, andtheGod of Jacob? Godis nottheGod ofthedead, but oftheliving.
Jesus Christ said that the Father in Heaven is one with Him in the Trinity.
John 10:30
IandmyFatherareone.
Jesus Christ is our great God and Saviour.
Titus 2:13
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Jesus Christ is the Godhead.
Colossians 2:9
For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
Jesus Christ is God manifested in the flesh.
1 Timothy 3:16
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 God died for us on the cross.
Colossians 2:14 - Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
The word handwriting means a hand written certificate of debt. The bible says that every person, as soon as they sin, they are indebted to God for the payment for that sin, which no one can pay. But He blotted it out, which was contrary to us, and He took it out of the way, He removed it. He removed the debt, nailing it to his cross;
That's a very interesting statement. You'll remember in Matthew 27:37 when Jesus was nailed on the cross, and this is true for every criminal, is that they would put a plaque above the person on the cross which would list their crimes.
And so that's what this phrase is making reference to, that all my offences were nailed to the cross, on that plaque if you would, all of my sins, and that Jesus died for me. He nailed my handwriting certificate of debt to the cross for me.
Colossians 3:1 - If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
It starts out by saying, if you then be risen with Christ. The word "if" used here is a First-Class Condition Assumed to be True. It is literally translated since. Since you then are risen with Christ, seek those things (There's your command) which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God.
The verb tense is continually seek the things above, the things of heaven, and not the things on the earth. So, we have to ask the question, what am I seeking? Every morning when I get up, I'm seeking something. Most of the time it's in the human. We're told that we are citizens of the kingdom of heaven, and we're to seek the things of Christ, not the things of the earth.
Colossians 2:5 - For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
For though I am absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying, (more literally rejoicing) and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
Those are two military terms, "your order," and the word stedfastness. One means to be in an orderly arrangement or to be lined up properly like a military formation. And stedfastness is the solidity of the strength of that military force. And as far as the order goes, we see that in Chapter 3 Verse 18. He's going to set out the order of this life that we have in Christ.
Colossians 2:7 - Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
The King James says rooted. The word with the "ed" on the end is supposed to give you the sense that it's already happened. Of course that's the Perfect Tense, having been rooted. You have already been rooted in Christ. Once you've received Christ, He is deeply rooted.
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.
Beware lest any man spoil you, and that's the word for rob, like a robbery. This word for philosophy is the only place in the NT that it's found. PHILEO means love, and SOPHOS means wisdom. It's the love of wisdom. You study knowledge in order to get wisdom.
Don't let anyone spoil or rob you through philosophy, and empty deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments (elements) of the world, and not after Christ. Some are very good at presenting scientific facts that they hook together, and they take the logical and reasonable elements of the world and make the presentation sound acceptable. But if it's not according to Christ, it's to be rejected.
Colossians 1:29 - Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working. The word striving is an athletic term, AGONIDZO. It's our word agony but it was used to describe what the athlete goes through. Paul says I'm laboring to the point of exhaustion, agonizing according to His energy, which is energizing in me in power.
What a verse! Paul always gave the credit to Christ. Christ is the one who is energizing in me. And I labor according to His energy which is energizing in me. No human effort. He says it's all the moving and compelling of God's Spirit that makes me do what I do.
Colossians 2:1 - For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
Paul says for I would that you knew what great conflict I have for you. The word conflict is the word AGONA. It's where we get our English word agony from. And it is an athletic term. When an athlete is told to get involved in the Agona, they're told to strive, or to push.
Paul says I am in this conflict just like an athlete. I have great conflict for you. Paul is in Rome, and he heard what's happening there in Colossae, and he's involved in a great battle with his own self in his heart for these believers.
Apostle Paul repented for writing a strong letter that made the Corinthian Church sad. Apostle Paul is already saved, but he still repented .
2 Corinthians 7:8
For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do notrepent, though I didrepent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season
My point about repentance is, we don't repent of our sins for Salvation. Jesus Christ took all our sins and nailed on the cross.
Colossians 2:14
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way,nailing it to his cross;
Today we believe the gospel of grace and after we have been saved, we can repent or read the Bible for cleansing of the sins .
Ephesians 5:26
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with thewashingofwaterby the word,
May God Almighty in the third Heaven help us to repent more often if needed as a Christian.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 no repentance required for this gospel of grace
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
We are adopted to the family of God. The minute we get save, we are adopted in the family of God
We do not become Jews, we will have the blood of God through the Spirit.
1. Let's start in Genesis, God said it will start with the seed of the woman.
Genesis 3:15
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thyseedand herseed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Galatians 4:4
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of awoman, made under the law,
Romans 1:3
Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of theseedofDavidaccording to the flesh;
2 Timothy 2:8
Remember that Jesus Christ of theseedofDavidwas raised from the dead according to my gospel:
2. Jesus Christ's father is God in Heaven. The Father carries the identity of the child. Marry carried the identity of Jesus Christ through the flesh by the seed of Daved in the woman in Genesis.
Matthew 1:18
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his motherMarywas espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
3. We get adopted the minute we believe the finished work of the cross that Apostle Paul calls my gospel. We are circumcised in the family of God.
Colossians 2:11
In whom also ye arecircumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Ephesians 1:5
Having predestinated us unto theadoptionof children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Romans 8:15
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit ofadoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Romans 8:23
And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for theadoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1CORINTHIANS 15:1-4 believe only
There is but one olive tree; some branches were cut off that we might be grafted in. We should not boast but be thankful, because by doing so, we could be cut off, Romans 11:17-21. We think today the Church, the body of Christ, as being Gentiles, but the Church, the body of Christ, started with the Jews," to the Jew first", that began at Pentecost, Romans 1:16. We, by the grace of God, were added to the olive tree and the Church, the body of Christ.
Of the Jews, the Lord saves a remnant through Christ, then and today, while the rest fell for the reconciliation of the world, us. God is not done with Israel; their return to God through faith in Christ will be like life from the dead, Romans 11:15.
Have we become ignorant of the mystery of their blindness in part and become wise in our own conceits until the fullness, meaning, completion, fulfillment, or the total of the Gentiles? When will that be? Tomorrow, years from now. Are we ready? Are we looking for things that are not coming?
Is our faith strong enough that we are willing to face death? There are many teachings out there, but only one truth. Deception is thick; we are in spiritual warfare, Colossians 2:8, 1 John 4:1. Discernment is critical in spiritual warfare; it enables believers to differentiate between truth and falsehood, particularly in the context of teachings and prophecies.
It is found in prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as Jesus said in John 16:13-14 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
God bless,
RLW
The Sabbath Day was given specifically as a day of rest. There was no core requirement that it should also be a worship day, though the Jewish priests conducted their business continually throughout the week. So even now, if any desire to still abide by the fourth Commandment, then to give that seventh day entirely to rest, recuperation, & spiritual activities would be in order. But to insist that those who are In Christ must worship only on that day, goes against NT teaching; even as you quoted Mark 2:27, where Jesus was reprimanded for 'working' (i.e. picking ears of corn to satisfy hunger) on the Sabbath. Yes, by Law, Jesus broke that Commandment, but Jesus was showing to those Pharisees that the Sabbath observance must not interfere with a necessity of life (in this case, hunger). Why? The Sabbath was given for man's benefit (for rest & rejuvenation) and not the other way around (i.e. for man to have to suffer in hunger, thereby negating the complete rest that the Sabbath Day was meant to give him). And of course, through His Sacrifice, Jesus altogether removed the commandments that kept man bound in his sin, nailing them to the Cross ( Colossians 2:9-17). And if we still adhere to the Law, the apostle states that "we have fallen from grace" ( Galatians 5:4), for we simply cannot be justified through the Law and Grace - it is one or the other and to expect justification by the Law will not work before God.
I realize that I have written much but I really hope you might read these verses given and wait on God's Spirit to help you understand and appropriate these Truths in your heart. It won't be easy because of past recollections, but I pray that the Holy Spirit would help you understand the great significance of Christ's death for us, justifying by faith and not by to the Law, and even changing those apostles who once strongly held onto Jewish Laws and traditions, to wholly embrace Christ & obedience to His Law through the Spirit. Blessings.
I want to share with you why it is not only unwise but dangerous to blur the distinction between Paul's message and the twelve apostles. God gave Paul a unique dispensation of grace, revealing the "mystery" of the Body of Christ, a truth hidden until his ministry ( Ephesians 3:1-9; Colossians 1:25-27). When we blend his message with the kingdom program preached by Peter and the others, we risk corrupting the gospel of grace.
Peter preached to Israel, offering the promised kingdom upon national repentance and baptism ( Acts 2:38; 3:19). Paul preached justification by faith alone apart from works of the law ( Romans 3:28; Ephesians 2:8-9). To confuse these messages is to either add works to grace, or to remove Israel's kingdom promises. Paul warned that adding to his gospel of grace produces "another gospel" ( Galatians 1:6-9), and he pronounced a curse on anyone who preached such.
Blending also robs believers of assurance. If salvation depends partly on works, ordinances, or kingdom requirements, then we can never rest in the finished work of Christ. The beauty of Paul's message is that Christ did it all-our salvation is complete in Him ( Colossians 2:10). Mixing law and grace leaves Christians unstable, unsure if they have done enough, and strips the cross of its sufficiency.
Finally, confusion weakens the testimony of the Church. The Body of Christ is not Israel, nor is it inheriting an earthly kingdom. Our hope is heavenly ( Philippians 3:20-21; Colossians 3:1-4). When we preach Israel's program as our own, we not only deny our identity but also cloud Israel's future promises, making God appear unfaithful.
For these reasons, we must carefully obey 2 Timothy 2:15: rightly divide the word of truth. Blending the programs corrupts the gospel, shakes assurance, and dishonors God's distinct plans.
If there is nothing to divide, why did Paul say to rightly divide the word of truth?
G&P
"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." 2nd Cor. 5:19
2 Corinthians 5:19 teaches that in Christ, God reconciled the world to Himself, not imputing (counting) people's sins against them. This reconciliation is complete, covering sins of the past, the present, and even those of the future, because Christ's sacrifice was once for all.
Past Sins: The believer's past life of sin has been fully forgiven through Christ's blood. "And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses" ( Colossians 2:13). God does not hold a believer's former life of sin against them: "And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus" ( 1 Corinthians 6:11).
Present Sins: As believers still live in the flesh, we sometimes stumble, yet Christ's sacrifice continually avails for us. "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous" ( 1 John 2:1). His righteousness is always applied to us: "Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin" ( Romans 4:8).
Future Sins: Because Christ's sacrifice was once for all, even future sins are covered. "But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God" ( Hebrews 10:12). This does not encourage sin but assures us that no sin can separate us from God's love. "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life nor things present, nor things to come shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" ( Romans 8:38-39).
Any thoughts?
If your "battle" is with believing that Jesus is God, may I suggest the following scriptures for your consideration:
Genesis 1:1 along with John 1:1-3, Revelation 19:13, Colossians 1:15-17, Matthew 1:23, John 10:30, John 14:9, Mark 2:5-7, John 8:58, John 20:28, Isaiah 9:6, Philippians 2:5-7, Colossians 2:9, 1 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 1:8, 2 Peter 1:1, Revelation 1:8, John 5:18, 1 John 5:20, Luke 24:52, John 9:38, Acts 10:25-26, Titus 2:13, Hebrews 1:3, Revelation 22:13, Micah 5:2, John 17:5, John 1:14. There are more, but these should suffice.
You mention that "Christians say that there is no separation between Christ and God," and that the bible shows otherwise. Jesus said I and my Father are one, and He also said that if you have seen Me, you have seen the Father. This may not mean anything to you, but in the book of Hebrews, Jesus is described as the APOUGASMA (the out beam) of God's glory, God projecting Himself through the time/space factor in the person of Christ. Jesus Christ, being God, was never separated from the source. This is why Jesus can say if you have seen Me, you have seen the Father.
The best example I can give would be taking a flashlight in a dark room and shining it on a wall. The flashlight is the source, and the light is projected on the wall from the source. There is no separation unless the flashlight is turned off. Now, imagine the flashlight being God, and the light shining on the wall is Jesus, again, no separation. Jesus is said to be the true light which came down from heaven, the APOUGASMA of God.
If you are sincerely struggling with the deity of Jesus Christ (Him being God), I hope these scriptures I've provided might help. Also, if you would like, I can share my personal understanding on Matthew 26:39 and Luke 22:42 and why Christ would ask this.
If I may ask, are you a Christian? If so, who do you say Jesus is?
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.
Then the obvious questions: does God use His Foreknowledge in determining who hears the Gospel message, who must respond to His Call to salvation (i.e. to His chosen/elect), and the elimination of all who are not so appointed? This is where the understanding of God's Love must be brought in, for if we believe that God loves all of us, in spite of our apathy to Him and rejection of Him, we can never appreciate the extension of that Love (persistent Love) "who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." If you believe in such a Love that God has, as I do, and that He is indeed an Omniscient God, why then should God detach that Love (which Love is God personified), from anything else He does, even from His Foreknowledge? If some believe that God randomly selects some to be saved, and others not, is this Love in action? Or even, that those whom God as destined to not be saved and to suffer His punishment, is actually God loving them to their eternal death?
Then we could go on to discuss "Total Depravity", or the incapability of a lost, wretched, sin-bound person to even be convicted, repent & turn to God. If we look at Ephesians 2:1-5 or Colossians 2:13, referring to sinners being dead in their sin (spiritually dead), it is clear that our lives are so overcome by sin that we are separated totally from a Holy Righteous God. But can that unregenerate sinner still not, under the working of the Holy Spirit, not realize his folly and turn to the Lord? He might be spiritually dead but his spirit is still alive - if not, he must be physically dead ( James 2:26). So that spiritual deadness doesn't preclude the sinner from still realizing the gravity of his sinful condition, but that deadness keeps him separate from God, until that spark of serious contemplation of his life is taken hold of by the Spirit of God, which leads him to repentance and faith. Onto Page 3.
Don't confuse our sins being forgiven with being saved that is a totally separate issue. Yes our sins were forgiven at the cross, that does not mean we are sinless that would be contradictory to the scripture for we know that we are born in sin and shaping in an equity, it only means that our sins are not being held against us. Let's face it from a very young age through our entire life occasionally we will sin that's just how the flesh operates, but those sins have already been forgiven by the blood of Jesus on the cross See below.
Forgiveness at the cross is the specific act where God cancels the debt of our sins by Jesus' sacrifice. Forgiveness means our sins are wiped away and not held against us. Ephesians 1:7 says we have redemption and forgiveness through Jesus' blood. Colossians 2:13-14 shows that Jesus' death canceled the record of our sins. Forgiveness is a key part of reconciliation but focuses specifically on sin's penalty being removed.
I hope that helps.
God bless
Forgiveness at the cross is the specific act where God cancels the debt of our sins by Jesus' sacrifice. Forgiveness means our sins are wiped away and not held against us. Ephesians 1:7 says we have redemption and forgiveness through Jesus' blood. Colossians 2:13-14 shows that Jesus' death canceled the record of our sins. Forgiveness is a key part of reconciliation but focuses specifically on sin's penalty being removed.
Justification is God's legal declaration that a sinner is righteous because of faith in Jesus Christ. It is the act where God credits Christ's righteousness to us, not because of our works, but by grace through faith. Romans 3:23-24 teaches that all have sinned but are justified freely by God's grace through Jesus. Romans 5:1 states that being justified brings peace with God and salvation. Justification secures our right standing with God and guarantees eternal life.
In summary: Reconciliation restores relationship, forgiveness removes sin's guilt, and justification legally declares us righteous and saves us through faith in Christ's work on the cross.
c. Paul's baptism. I mentioned this earlier with Scriptures that Paul continued to baptize, at least accepted its relevancy, during his ministry. I quoted, Acts 18:7,8 (Jews and Gentiles in Corinth); Acts 19:1-5 (disciples at Ephesus); Romans 6:3,4 (the meaning & relevance of water baptism); 1 Corinthians 1:14-17 (Paul's ministry was to preach the Gospel, but he still baptized); Colossians 2:11,12 (baptism as identification with Christ). So baptism in water was still very much practised during Paul's ministry. I can't think of any Scripture showing that Paul "later taught that baptism was not part of the gospel of grace revealed to him."
Thank you again for your time & input. Blessings.
It is true that Peter preached to Israel who were under the Law (and also to the Gentiles: Acts 15:7), but I cannot see that his message was anything of Grace under the Law. Rather Acts 15:7-11 was Peter's direct confrontation to those "Pharisees which believed" (Judaizers?) who promoted circumcision and the keeping of the Law of Moses for the Gentiles, when Peter stated that it would be "a yoke upon the neck of the disciples (new converts), which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear".
So clearly, the Law of Moses (including "obedience to commands and rituals") was removed from those now believing from both Jewish & Gentile stock. So, why didn't Peter preach this "mystery of the Gospel (which included Gentiles)"? Maybe, that wasn't an essential part of his preaching to the Jews, yet the message of salvation remained the same.
And, did Paul not believe in water baptism? He must have: he was baptized himself ( Acts 9:17.18) and spoke of it ( Acts 18:7,8; Acts 19:1-5; Romans 6:3,4; 1 Corinthians 1:14-17; Colossians 2:11,12). So whatever differences we might perceive between the two apostles, would be so minor as to be inconsequential when understanding the vital message of the Gospel, that it was faith alone that saves plus nothing else. GBU.
However, when Jesus was resurrected in His glorified body, He defeated and triumphed over death and the grave, Satan, and all principalities and powers. Colossians 2:15 describes how Jesus openly made a spectacle of them. I believe this was part of the celebration of the victory when Jesus, through the Spirit, went to the angels chained in darkness, made a spectacle of them, showing that He had triumphed over them and that they are eternally defeated.
I wonder if they bowed a knee to Him then or will have to in the Great Day, as said in Philippians 2:10, "things/those under the earth".
I will leave it here. I understand some may not agree, but this is my understanding of this. May our study be for the truth.
God bless,
RLW
Secondly we see that Christ through this was lifted up and highly exalted. This shows that in the earthly realm; God had this plan for Christ to rule as King in His stead essentially; and through His sacrifice be able to justly rule over man as the Perfect Man.
The world is judged; therefore to vindicate Christ's rightful rule over the powers of the air (Satan) in the world system; as well as to have the final judgment of all wicked unrepentant. A third point that is not emphasized here is how His saints in glorified bodies will also rule and reign with Him in an exalted state in the age to come.
Colossians 2: 12-15
12Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
13For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
14Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
15That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
We realize in verse 12 that we are spared from the judgment of the sheep and goats; and the Great White Throne Judgment. This; along with the fact that we have the Bema Seat Judgment for our actions as stated in Corinthians ( 2 Cor. 5:10) we also are fearing God as to the authority He wields and that all of our actions will be out in the open with our motives judged. We must be distinct from the world as verse 14 and 15 suggests or the "salt and light" as mentioned in the Gospels.
Verses 16-18
To the contrary, if, when you refer to " unbelievers" you meant the elect of God who have not been converted to the truth, it seems that scripture supports the idea that good works could have a positive affect in their conversion process.
The idea that good works can influence the unregenerate to belief in Christ cannot be supported by scripture. God's Word tells there is none good, and that we are dead in sin unless and until God regenerates them to life as shown in the following verses.
Ephesians 2:1,5 KJVS
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; [5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
Colossians 2:13 KJVS
And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Romans 3:10-12 KJVS
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: [11] There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. [12] They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Christ was also referred to as the 2nd Adam ( 1 Cor. 15:45; also seen in Romans 5). Hence Adam was designed in the image of God but because of his sin it affected all his offspring therefore we inherited his sin nature during conception ( Psalm 51:5). Men at that time when Christ lived on the earth expected the Messiah to come to earth and vanquish them of their enemies; hence tried to make him king ( John 6:15). His reaction was to go to withdraw Himself to the mountains (likely to pray).
A cursory examination of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 shows statements that at first seem to contradict the law; or at the very least make the ramifications more severe for our thoughts about things that may or may not become actions. This was illustrated with lusting after a woman being adultery in the heart; and more stringent laws on putting away one's wife. This explanation was brought out further in Matthew 19:8 with the Pharisees on the subject as to the concepts tied in with Deuteronomy 24. This shows that Christ was; as a member of the Godhead able to define and even change what was considered the law to make it more perfect as no one before Him ever was able to live out a sinless life following the law perfectly. Ultimately certain ceremonial laws were brought to an end as seen in Acts 10:15; but alluded to in Mark 7:18-19.
Hence the method of rituals related to the animal sacrifices also was to be ended with the New Covenant. Overall we can say the 10 Commandments as a moral law remain as a universal statute; although the mandatory 7th day of rest only given for Israel and its occupants has been replaced with Sunday as a day of rest although Colossians 2:16-17 says we should avoid disputes over Sabbath Days and I would add Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath ( Matthew 12:8). I am not here to get into a debate over that issue.
To have the law in our hearts was a future promise that Christ demonstrates ( Jeremiah 31:16-18).
I thought about starting a new series of postings describing Christ as He is in the Old Testament and New (as many like to say concealed and then revealed). There is a certain broad base of topics especially in regard to the law (OT) and grace (NT). As with many theological doctrines there may be a general progress historically and according to God's plans with the Old and New Covenants; etal.; nonetheless mutual exclusivity can't be a viable option despite how tempting it may be to draw what seems like an easy conclusion. This is because Christ is the fullness of the law and thus Matthew 5:18 stands firm. The person of Christ is the essence of the summation of all the attributes of God ( Colossians 2:9). As to His earthly ministry and humbling Himself to live out a brief existence in time and space to accomplish God's purpose as the atonement for our sins certainly encompasses many prophetic promises and basically sums all of the Bible as the end of all things is preached by the Messiah and the New Testament ends shortly after the Resurrection discussing all things into eternity we need to know. Nonethless of course His eternal presence and glory as stated in Revelation 1 is a foreshadowing of how we all shall behold Him in all His splendor soon.
In regard to that thought it becomes clear to me that much of what has gone wrong with the Internet in particular is that Christ Himself as He truly is often seems to be sidetracked with all the predictions; dreams; visions and novel interpretations of often subjective experiences people have. If we aren't as John in Revelation 1; or the other prophets in falling flat on our faces with any story given about such matters then it is pretty clear they are spurious. Our obsession has to be on Him not any other agenda. John 17:3 comes close to the Navigators motto to "know Him and make Him known".
I pray this helps some people see more clearly into who He is and His manifold ways.
The only way to be safe by the evil spirits, we need to read and pray continually everyday for God to speak to us . The devil will tempt our spirit and then we could sin in our flesh.
Galatians 5:18-21
18But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
It is easy for the devil to use man to deceive us with all the worldly things .
Colossians 2:8
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of theworld, and not after Christ.
A rich Christian can fall very easily.
1 Timothy 6:17
Charge them that are rich in thisworld, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
Apostle Paul said that Demas loved this world and departed , but still saved .
2 Timothy 4:10
For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this presentworld, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
Drinking alcohol can put us in a bad spirit of this world.
Titus 2:12
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness andworldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this presentworld;
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Apostle Paul is telling us that the Ten Commandments does not save us, It condemns us .
2 Corinthians 3:7
But if theministrationof death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:
The law brings us to death.
Romans 7:5
For when we were intheflesh,themotionsofsins, which were bythelaw, did work in our members to bring forthfruitunto death.
We are not saved by following the Ten Commandments, we are saved by believing the gospel of grace.
Galatians 2:16
Knowing that a man is not justified bytheworksofthelaw, but bythefaithofJesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified bythefaithofChrist, and not bytheworksofthelaw: for bytheworksofthelaw shall nofleshbe justified.
Apostle Paul is telling us not to sin in the flesh and is call out the sin in the flesh.
Galatians 5:19-23
19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
No man on earth can follow all of the Ten Commandments, that's why Jesus Christ nail it on the cross.
Colossians 2:14
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way,nailing it to his cross
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the Holy Spirit keeps us from sinning and the Word of God cleanses us from sin.
8Beware 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.
9For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
10And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
11In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
12Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
13And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
14Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
15And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
16Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
17Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
18Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
19And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
20Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
21(Touch not; taste not; handle not;
22Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
23Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfy of the flesh.
When we work, we earn a salary for what we did, if we are not a believer, then we are going to be judged by our salary of sins.
Romans 6:23
For thewagesofsinis death; but the giftofGod is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Apostle Paul was a Pharisee that was well educated in Hebrew and Greek. Apostle Paul was a blasphemer and had Jews killed for believing in Jesus, but he did it ignorantly.
1 Timothy 1:13
Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly inunbelief.
Jesus Christ died on the cross for all our sins , why are we praying repentance for our sins for Salvation , when He took all our sins and washed it with His own blood. We are calling God a lier if we repent of our sins for Salvation. Repentance is changing our minds in the direction of God.
Colossians 2:13
And you, being dead in yoursins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven youalltrespasses;
Jesus Christ died for all our sins for our Salvation by just believing.
1 Corinthians 15:3
For I delivered unto you first ofallthat which I also received, how that Christ died foroursinsaccording to the scriptures;
Jesus Christ didn't come to save the righteous, He came to save sinners.
1 Timothy 1:15
This is a faithful saying, and worthy ofallacceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to savesinners; of whom I am chief.
Now we need to know, what do we believe for Salvation for today ? ?
We have to believe the gospel that Jesus Christ gave to Apostle Paul in his Epistles. 1 Christian 15:1-4 gospel
Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed ofthegospelof Christ: for it isthepower of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; totheJew first, and also totheGreek.
May we all believe and put aside Unbelief ! !
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the gospel for today by just believing
Now that we are in Christ, let's not ever forget the blood of Jesus Christ .
Ephesians 2:13
But nowinChristJesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood ofChrist.
Jews and Gentiles in the same body in Christ.
Ephesians 3:6
That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promiseinChristby the gospel:
Bishops and Deacons are in Christ.
Philippians 1:1
Paul and Timotheus, the servants of JesusChrist, to all the saintsinChristJesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
We work for a prize in Christ.
Philippians 3:14
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of GodinChristJesus.
Our faith in Christ.
Colossians 2:5
For though I be absentinthe flesh, yet am I with youinthe spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faithinChrist.
We are in Christ and Christ is in God. God and Christ are one .
Colossians 3:3
For ye are dead, and your life is hid withChristinGod.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Philippians 3:5
Circumcisedtheeighthday, ofthestock of Israel, ofthetribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew oftheHebrews; as touchingthelaw, a Pharisee;
Finally, God separate us from the flesh. We are free from the bondage of sin, but not license to sin. And it doesn't make us a Jew inwardly or outwardly .
Colossians 2:11
In whom also ye arecircumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Apostle Paul is speaking to Jews.
Romans 2:28-29
28For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
29But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Ray , in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 keep the gospel of grace in your mind .
When you read this verse, Jesus Christ is the Word. The three are one and that means trinity.
1 John 5:7
For there arethreethat bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and thesethreeare one.
Jesus Christ is the Word and the Word is God.
John 1:1
In the beginning was theWord, and theWordwas with God, and theWordwas God.
Jesus Christ the Word became flesh on earth.
John 1:14
And theWordwas 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.
Remember that Jesus Christ is the Word of God.
Matthew 24:35
Heavenandearthshall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
Matthew 28:18
AndJesus cameandspake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me inheavenandinearth.
Jesus Christ said that He is God.
Matthew 22:32
IamtheGod of Abraham, andtheGod ofIsaac, andtheGod of Jacob? Godis nottheGod ofthedead, but oftheliving.
Jesus Christ said that the Father in Heaven is one with Him in the Trinity.
John 10:30
IandmyFatherareone.
Jesus Christ is our great God and Saviour.
Titus 2:13
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Jesus Christ is the Godhead.
Colossians 2:9
For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
Jesus Christ is God manifested in the flesh.
1 Timothy 3:16
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 God died for us on the cross.
Colossians 2:14 - Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
The word handwriting means a hand written certificate of debt. The bible says that every person, as soon as they sin, they are indebted to God for the payment for that sin, which no one can pay. But He blotted it out, which was contrary to us, and He took it out of the way, He removed it. He removed the debt, nailing it to his cross;
That's a very interesting statement. You'll remember in Matthew 27:37 when Jesus was nailed on the cross, and this is true for every criminal, is that they would put a plaque above the person on the cross which would list their crimes.
And so that's what this phrase is making reference to, that all my offences were nailed to the cross, on that plaque if you would, all of my sins, and that Jesus died for me. He nailed my handwriting certificate of debt to the cross for me.
Colossians 3:1 - If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
It starts out by saying, if you then be risen with Christ. The word "if" used here is a First-Class Condition Assumed to be True. It is literally translated since. Since you then are risen with Christ, seek those things (There's your command) which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God.
The verb tense is continually seek the things above, the things of heaven, and not the things on the earth. So, we have to ask the question, what am I seeking? Every morning when I get up, I'm seeking something. Most of the time it's in the human. We're told that we are citizens of the kingdom of heaven, and we're to seek the things of Christ, not the things of the earth.
Colossians 2:5 - For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
For though I am absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying, (more literally rejoicing) and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
Those are two military terms, "your order," and the word stedfastness. One means to be in an orderly arrangement or to be lined up properly like a military formation. And stedfastness is the solidity of the strength of that military force. And as far as the order goes, we see that in Chapter 3 Verse 18. He's going to set out the order of this life that we have in Christ.
Colossians 2:7 - Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
The King James says rooted. The word with the "ed" on the end is supposed to give you the sense that it's already happened. Of course that's the Perfect Tense, having been rooted. You have already been rooted in Christ. Once you've received Christ, He is deeply rooted.
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.
Beware lest any man spoil you, and that's the word for rob, like a robbery. This word for philosophy is the only place in the NT that it's found. PHILEO means love, and SOPHOS means wisdom. It's the love of wisdom. You study knowledge in order to get wisdom.
Don't let anyone spoil or rob you through philosophy, and empty deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments (elements) of the world, and not after Christ. Some are very good at presenting scientific facts that they hook together, and they take the logical and reasonable elements of the world and make the presentation sound acceptable. But if it's not according to Christ, it's to be rejected.
Colossians 1:29 - Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working. The word striving is an athletic term, AGONIDZO. It's our word agony but it was used to describe what the athlete goes through. Paul says I'm laboring to the point of exhaustion, agonizing according to His energy, which is energizing in me in power.
What a verse! Paul always gave the credit to Christ. Christ is the one who is energizing in me. And I labor according to His energy which is energizing in me. No human effort. He says it's all the moving and compelling of God's Spirit that makes me do what I do.
Colossians 2:1 - For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
Paul says for I would that you knew what great conflict I have for you. The word conflict is the word AGONA. It's where we get our English word agony from. And it is an athletic term. When an athlete is told to get involved in the Agona, they're told to strive, or to push.
Paul says I am in this conflict just like an athlete. I have great conflict for you. Paul is in Rome, and he heard what's happening there in Colossae, and he's involved in a great battle with his own self in his heart for these believers.
Apostle Paul repented for writing a strong letter that made the Corinthian Church sad. Apostle Paul is already saved, but he still repented .
2 Corinthians 7:8
For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do notrepent, though I didrepent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season
My point about repentance is, we don't repent of our sins for Salvation. Jesus Christ took all our sins and nailed on the cross.
Colossians 2:14
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way,nailing it to his cross;
Today we believe the gospel of grace and after we have been saved, we can repent or read the Bible for cleansing of the sins .
Ephesians 5:26
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with thewashingofwaterby the word,
May God Almighty in the third Heaven help us to repent more often if needed as a Christian.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 no repentance required for this gospel of grace
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
We do not become Jews, we will have the blood of God through the Spirit.
1. Let's start in Genesis, God said it will start with the seed of the woman.
Genesis 3:15
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thyseedand herseed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Galatians 4:4
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of awoman, made under the law,
Romans 1:3
Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of theseedofDavidaccording to the flesh;
2 Timothy 2:8
Remember that Jesus Christ of theseedofDavidwas raised from the dead according to my gospel:
2. Jesus Christ's father is God in Heaven. The Father carries the identity of the child. Marry carried the identity of Jesus Christ through the flesh by the seed of Daved in the woman in Genesis.
Matthew 1:18
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his motherMarywas espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
3. We get adopted the minute we believe the finished work of the cross that Apostle Paul calls my gospel. We are circumcised in the family of God.
Colossians 2:11
In whom also ye arecircumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Ephesians 1:5
Having predestinated us unto theadoptionof children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Romans 8:15
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit ofadoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Romans 8:23
And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for theadoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1CORINTHIANS 15:1-4 believe only