"What "heaven" is being referred to" should be considered
For thus saith the LORD that created the "HEAVENS"; (Plural) God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else. Isaiah 45:18.
The Heavenly realm represent the celestial abode of God and angels, the ultimate reward for the righteous, a spiritual realm separate from our physical universe.
I'm not sure if that's what's being made new in Revelation 21:1. I would need convincing scriptures.
Job 1:6 reads "Now there was a day when the sons of God CAME TO PRESENT THEMSELVES before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.
Where did the sons of God come from to present themselves to God?
Perhaps "to and fro in the earth?
We know that's true of Satan considering verse seven.
We know very little about the Heavenly realm of God.
So what were the fruits of the free love of the 1970's?
Broken marriages
Wayward children
Suicide
Violence
Anarchy
Etc.
Love was free in regard to Christ but cost Him everything. That was to save us from our sins; but even goes beyond that.
The quality of life for a believer in the Agape type relations with others within the church hopefully will be discovered but sadly seems to be ignored even where there is correct teaching; hence the warnings to the Ephesians in Revelation 2.
God is viewed as the party pooper I suppose; or against all fun. Junk food for the soul ain't soul food if you get my drift.
Jesus always ensured when He fed the masses that they were filled and satisfied; not merely presenting them with a crumb as would have been the case if the food weren't multiplied making Him disingenous at best. The crowds surely wouldn't keep hanging around if the former situation were the case.
We of course are said to be warriors; implied at least with Ephesians 6 and returning on white horses in Revelation 19 with the King of Kings; and Lord of Lords. Treading the winepress of the wrath of God ( Isaiah 63:3) and in Revelation is a graphic affair.
One can also close their eyes to the literal and undeniable evidence of the sulfur balls in Sodom; for instance but it is clear somehting inexplicable happened as no such purity exists naturally for 90 percent or so pure sulfer to exist; even at all in an area not prone to volcanic activity.
The idea in all this is that God can't be a God of love without being one of vengeance. Isaiah 45:7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.
God of course isn't evil in Himself but allows even Satan to fulfill His purposes. That of course ties in with my previous postings on why the Lord withdraws for a time to complete things prophesied and in His mysterious will. Next post will examine what to hate.
Hello everyone. Is something missing in the New Testament. Could it just be the work of salvation or is it deliberately avoiding the subject al together? Why do people go astray? We know that sin begins in the heart. Thinking that the head is involved in forming a sin. Mat 15:19 And remember, the mortal sin is not believing in Jesus. And Romans 6:14 There are indeed people who are believers but who avoid the scriptures because Heb 4:12
The Lord God created all things. All things..
Good and bad, joy and sorrow, Isaiah 45:7 So we see these days that people don't want to hear this. They preach a God who is just compliant, sensibly agreeing with all the inconveniences that people find it okay to live in. The narrow path does not exist and everything is permitted. This is where we as Christians have a responsibility ourselves. Words that Jesus mentions are washed away with dust on a porch. But the fact is that the word shall never pass away Mat 24:35 and Mark 13:31 Words that all believers should think carefully about. If you have something like this in your life.Then throw it away, throw it into the deepest darkness, never take it back. Mark 7:21 and Mat 15:19 These words are very important, because we know that God created all things. ALSO all the Spirits small and great. Remember He saw everything when He created everything. Look at the different creatures in the animal world. Only there do we see that there is no fault with the imagination of the Lord. And not least the inequalities we people have. That's why we have to be alert to all things that are jarring. For example: You see your neighbor rolling a big cabin cruiser up the driveway to his beautiful house. And you feel a hint of envy. Because you've never even had a small dinghy. Right there! You have to be careful. Throw away the thought, preferably before it comes or before you think it! Such small pricks become big problems in the end.And harder for us to reveal
I Guess you can call Titus a Prince in the human sense but so is Prince Charles.
Yes, he was Roman Emperor Titus.
But he was operating in a Dominion ruled by Satan.
Ephesians 2:2 describes Satan as the "prince of the power of the air," emphasizing his influence on the world's affairs and influence.
Also see John 14:30.
But throughout scripture these human vessels God often used them to carry out tasks whether to Chastening Israel or even to preserve them as a nation.
You see that with Nebuchadnezzar in the book of Daniel.
Also See Isaiah 44:28 on through Isaiah 45:1-7.
God called these Gentile kings his servants.
Titus also was carrying out a judgment pronounced by the Lord! Luke 19:41-44.
These are human vessels, "flesh and blood" but we wrestle with what's behind them.
There is no need for Gabriel the arch Angel for these kings of the world but he stands for Israel against the source and influence behind these kingdoms.
Hello T-rex. This verse, as all other portions of Scripture, are translated given which manuscript texts are used, the quality of the translators & their work, and the era in which the work was done (i.e. how original words were understood in the language of the day). It probably needs to be stated, that Isaiah 45:7 reference to "evil", is not a direct reference to the sin in the heart, rather to the effects of sin as we live in a fallen state & in a fallen world. The Hebrew word given for 'evil' is 'ra', which is variously interpreted as, 'evil, bad, wicked, harmful, unpleasant', which then gives rise to other Bible translations using words such as, 'disaster, calamity, sorrow, etc'. So when we understand that 'evil' here is not a reference to God creating sin or desiring mankind to be sinners & living under that state & always under condemnation, rather that sin & its effects upon His creation must be the result when mankind chooses to disobey God & live a life of estrangement from Him, desiring to fulfil their lusts.
So, when we re-look at Isaiah 45:7, we see that God has directed Isaiah to record that 'He (God) forms (or creates: another Hebrew word used for 'create') the light; and He (God) also creates darkness'. If He creates light (as we are told in Genesis 1:3-5), and He "divides the light from the darkness", then we understand that darkness was the default situation & God chose to shine light into that darkness to dispel it. If He takes away that light, we return back to darkness.
Likewise, since the fall in Eden, sin has become the default over mankind's condition, indeed affecting all of creation. We became enemies of God, yet the God of Love & Mercy has prevailed to bring about "peace through the blood of the cross" ( Colossians 1:20) & even before that, to instil peace by His Mercy & right living for Israel. But if that peace is taken away, in performance of His Will, what is left? Evil is created: sin's default - no peace with God or man.
Not all bibles use the same words but if a translation uses a different word than what we have in the KJB, that does not necessarily mean that the other translation is incorrect.
Taking Isaiah 45:7 as an example (as you have provided), we have to consider the original language used. We know that the OT was mostly written in Hebrew with very little Aramaic.
The Hebrew word used in Isaiah 45:7 is Ra' (pronounced rah) which can be translated into English as Evil, bad, wicked, harmful, or unpleasant. If you look up the Hebrew word Ra' in a Strongs Concordance, it lists evil, distress, misery, injury, calamity as definitions. In some English translations, you will see the word calamity used instead of evil.
So, if an English translation uses one of these words instead of the word evil, they would be correct. For instance, if someone is using the English Standard Version (ESV) Bible, and in Matthew 16:4, their translation says evil, but I'm using the KJB which says wicked, which translation would be correct? Some might say the KJB is correct because all other English translations are "evil" (pun intended).
If I say the King James is correct because I believe it is flawless, then what do I do with Matthew 12:39 (KJB) where Matthew is saying the same thing in Matthew 16:4 (KJB), except in one place he says a wicked and adulterous generation, and in another place, he says an evil an adulterous generation. Which one is correct, evil or wicked?
Isaiah 45:7 How do I explain to others why the KJV uses the word "evil" when other Bibles use different words? If you say its a bad translation then that goes against the KJV being flawless, but if you say this word is more accurate than the others then you make God out to look like a bad guy instead of loving?
Today as I speak there are 19 Tornado warnings and nearly as many severe thunderstorm warnings. Worse; this is supposed to be an unprecedented 5 day event. We have had in the last week or so a 7.0 earthquake in Tonga and the 7.7 in Myanmar.
The wars continue along with rumors of new conflicts that our country is likely to be involved with.
No doubt Christian persecution is still going on; we have seen in recent months the continuing problems in N.E. Nigeria and last month in Syria with martyrdom large scale.
Along with this there is the constant spiritual battle with the world; flesh and the Devil. We need to "buffet ourselves" ( 1 Cor. 9:27) to continue to stay in the fight and endure until the end. I have always said we can learn some things from our enemy: here is a quick review.
He never rests day or night; that is implied by 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Interesting the verses that talk about never sleeping day or night actually refer to God such as in Psalm 121:4 and Isaiah 40:28 but Proverbs 4:16 talks about how evil men cannot sleep without doing evil.
He along with all the other demons know who Christ is and His authority ( James 2:19). Satan obviously is aware of this through His heavenly councils with angels and God as seen in Job 1 and 2. He knows that Christ has the power to turn stones into bread; as well as calling angels to His help as Satan quoted Psalm 91:11:12.
He has His own heirarchy or Kingdom (see Luke 11:18; Ephesians 6:12).
His goal has been consistent since His fall and the beginning of human history ( John 8:44).
I am sure we could find other passages in this vein. Ultimately God causes all good and evil ( Isaiah 45:7). All things are according to His purposes; just as Christ was exalted after His suffering so we shall be and rewarded if we persevere.
FATHER You said that where two or more are gathered YOU shall be in their midst [ Matthew 18:20] We confess our sins and we know that you have forgiven us because it is not your will that any should perish [ 2 Peter 3:9]. FATHER, YOUR SON YESHUA/CHRIST says that anything we ask in HIS NAME YOU shall honor [ John 16:23] so in faith we ask that YOU go ahead of Christian and make the crooked places straight and break the gates of brass and the bars of iron [ Isaiah 45:2] . Still the tongue of the enemy and the avenger [ Psalms 8:2b] Stop, confound and turn back the wicked. Hide Christian under the shadow of your wings [ Psalm 91:1] Let your Word be a lamp unto his feet and light unto his path [ Psalms 119:105] Bridle his tongue when the wicked are around [ Psalms 39:1] Give him the peace which surpasseth all understanding [ Philippians 4:7] Bless the work of his hands [ Deuteronomy 28:12] Cause him to have favor with YOU and with man [ Proverbs 3:4]. Let all evil collaborators turn upon each other as they did when they came against Zerubbabel/ Gideon [ Judges 7:22] For as they come in as one they shall flee as seven [ Deuteronomy 28:7] Your Word said that those who dig a pit they shall fall into it [ Ecclesiastes 10:8] let the wicked whose only plans is to destroy [ Psalm 140:4] your children fall into their own pits and let their own arrows return back to them [] but keep Christian safe, and merited and in good standing that he may have the victory and let all this be applied by extension to his whole house that he may live and give YOU the Glory in YESHUA MIGHTY NAME . Amen!
The word of God is speaking to us, we are born again by coming to truth of THE WORD, the written WORD becoming the LIVING WORD.
Psalms 103:20 Bless the Lord, YE HIS ANGELS, who excel in strength (of the Lord), that do his commandment, harkening to the voice of the Lord.
Luke 29:36 Neither can they DIE any more (we died with Christ on his cross): for they are EQUAL unto the ANGELS; and are the children of God, being the CHILDREN OF THE RESURRECTION (joint heirs of his kingdom).
Genesis 1:2 .....and DARKNESS was upon the face of the earth (man) .......
Isaiah 45:7 I form the light, and CREATE DARKNESS .....
Job 19:22 A land of DARKNESS, as DARKNESS itself, and the shadow of DEATH, without any order, and where LIGHT is as DARKNESS.
2 Peter 2:4 But if God spared not the angels that sinned (blasphemed his name), but cast them down to the GRAVE, and delivered them into CHAINS OF DARKNESS (the wages of sin is death), to be reserved unto judgement,
Psalms 149:9 To execute upon the the judgement written, this HONOR hath all his SAINTS......
Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creation WAITETH (in the grave) for the MANIFESTATION of the SONS OF GOD.
Romans 8:21 Because the CREATION ITSELF shall be DELIVERED from the bondage of corruption (darkness) into the GLORIOUS LIBERTY OF THE CHILDREN OF GOD.
Man was created, by the resurrection of Christ, a new creation.
Man, by the resurrection of Christ, was created the GLORY of God.
Isaiah 4:5 And the Lord will CREATE upon every dwelling place on mount Zion (Christ IN YOU), and upon her assemblies, a cloud and a smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon ALL THE GLORY shall be a defence.
Isaiah 45:7 I form the light, I CREATE darkness:I make peace, and create evil, I the Lord DO ALL THESE THINGS.
Psalms 104:30 Thou sendest forth thy Spirit, and they are CREATED, thou renewest the face of the earth.
Christ, the GLORY OF GOD, was resurrected by the Spirit of his Father, and we were joint heirs of his resurrection also becoming the glory of OUR FATHER.
Concerning 'election' & salvation, there is obviously a clear connection, but if Israel was God's Elect, then all Israel should have been saved (whether the election of God for selecting Israel as His people: Romans 9:11,12; or, said of Israel herself: Isaiah 45:4; or, even of the Church: Colossians 3:12). We know that when the Church is spoken of as God's Elect, then those comprising His Church must all be saved through His Son's Blood & Faith. But of Israel, they are God's Elect by position, yet still requiring Faith & Obedience to God's Word to be heirs of salvation through their coming Redeemer. If they disobey God, their election is of no use at all ( Romans 9:6.7), because even though "in Isaac shall thy seed be called" (election), yet of the elect, they must also "attain righteousness, which is of faith" ( Romans 9:30-33).
And so we conclude here, since your example of Numbers 15:32-26 being "a statement by God denouncing a gospel that includes any work whatsoever on our part", is too far removed from my understanding of this passage, indeed the whole Word itself. You see a man gathering sticks on the Sabbath that comes to us as a warning to not introduce works into the Gospel. I see simply a man who violated the Commandment and had to face God's Judgement as a result - nothing to do with our works, rather, of his and our Disobedience to God. Please, I know you are digging into the Scriptures to find the gold therein, which is commendable, but we all need to make sure that what we find & interpret as a precious find, is not just iron pyrite. Thank you for your time David - consider my input closed here. GBU.
Re.6:2-And I saw,and behold a white horse:and he that sat on him had a BOW;and a CROWN was given unto him(He is a Prince of GOD):and he went forth conquering,and to conquer.
Thine ARROWS are sharp in the heart of the King's enemies (enemies of JESUS,anti-JESUS,Antichrist;whereby the people fall under thee- Psalm 45:5.
Isaiah 7:22-24
22...he shall eat butter:for butter and honey shall every one eat that is left in the land(the remnant-144K) Question:The rebel Israel was banned from their land and was spread around the whole world from year 70 AD until 1948,but from now on?being ruled by a false God,a false messiah?- Revelation 13:11-18).
23 And it shall come to pass in that day(the current seventh and last Day,seventh and last millennium)that every place shall be, where there were a thousand vines at a thousand silverlings,it shall even be for briers and thorns.(because are good for nothing)
24 With ARROWS and with BOWS shall men come thither; because all the land shall become briers and thorns.
Isaiah 45:2
2Thou art fairer than the children of men:grace is poured into thy lips:therefore GOD hath blessed thee for ever.
3Gird thy Sword upon thy thigh,O most MIGHTY, with thy glory and thy majesty.(He's a Prince of GOD)
4And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness;and thy right hand shall TEACH thee terrible things.
6Thy throne,O God(GOD the Father, GOD Son and(God of the earth- Revelation 11:4),is for ever and ever:the sceptre of thy kingdom is a RIGHT sceptre.
7Thou lovest righteousness,and hatest wickedness:therefore God(God the Father/God the Son),thy God,has ANNOINTED thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
Zech.4:11-14
What are these two olive trees upon the right and left side of the candlestick?
What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves?
Knowest thou not what these be?
These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth
Having set forth a few warnings on how NOT to read scripture I will continue with some further analysis but thought I would begin discussion on how we should read it.
1. First and foremost; we need to be DEAD serious as to the eternal ramifications of our spiritual condition which is a result of our sinful inheritance through Adam as well as the acting out of our sins through commission of acts or omission of things the Lord has made clear result in judgment. One can quibble as to details of the description of hell; but it's reality and eternal finality are not options to disregard. To put it in simple terms those that believe in the Biblical heaven never seem to debate as to whether it lasts forever; and rarely that it is a literal place. Given the same descriptions of the finality of hell we have no reason from the text alone to debate the fact that there is a place of eternal torment for the wicked. The only caveat is that the current "holding cell" status of hell ends at the Great White Throne judgment; where all wicked are cast into their eternal existance in the lake of fire to continue their suffering in an eternal physical body that cannot be extinguished. There is hardly anything we can read or ponder on that has anything remotely resembling the urgency of the Bible. Our temporal earthly existence and our faith or lack thereof determines our eternal destiny; as well as degrees of reward or punishment based on actions on earth. Our life therefore is either in ourselves on the throne or God. Either Satan or God is our master and as the usurper of all earthly riches it is no wonder that the Babylon the Great economic system makes the love of money the root of all evil. ( 1 Tim. 6:10). What we see with human eyes at best is a dim reflection in Creation of God's glory. What is unseen is what we must believe; as every knee shall bow before Him someday ( John 20:29; Phillipians 2:10-11; Isaiah 45:23).
Yes the Light is indeed the Light of the knowledge of God in the face of Jesus Christ. And upon careful study of the scriptures the darkness was already there, thus it was created because as you pointed out in Isaiah 45:7. I have revelation that that darkness was the Old Lucifer who turned the light God gave to him into that darkness and God knew he would,for it is All according to his eternal purpose. The Light of the knowledge of God excelleth that darkness. Thus something happened between Genesis 1:1-2. For everything was overturned and made a wilderness at the fierce anger of the Lord. I think it's in Jeremiah 4:23- (Paraphrase) got I'm speaking the truth from the heart. " I beheld and lo the earth was void and empty and darkness and it was overthrow by the fierce anger of the Lord. And Isaiah 14 says Lucifer made the world as a wilderness. And he calls the darkness - NIGHT. So it was overthrown in the night by The lord.- Job 34:25. And paraphrasing Jesus Christ. He said are their not 12 hours in a day? And John 9:4 I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is DAY: THE NIGHT COMETH, WHEN NO MAN CAN WORK JOHN 9:5- while I Am in the world,I am the Light of the world. He will come as a thief in the night. I am persuaded I have the testimony of Jesus which is the Spirit of prophecy. Not that I am anything or anyone. But Jesus Christ And Him loving My poor and needy self. Thank you so much for blessing me with an opportunity to share the deep things of God's unsearchable word. God bless you
I am not sure to whom you asked this question. If I may, I feel you have put on chest waders, I love it. I would love to hear your thoughts; may we all grow in the knowledge of our LORD. "What came first? Light or darkness? And where and when were they created or formed or made."
If we look at Genesis darkness was, and God said let there be light, and He divided them. Does that make darkness before light? God called the light day and the darkness night. What was this light since there was not a sun until day four?
Light has both physical and theological aspects. The "complete light" is that "true light that gives light to every man", the light of God which has come into the world in the person of Jesus Christ, John 1:9. Jesus said of himself "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world".
Or should we consider Isaiah 45:7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.
Does not all creation come from the only God, our Father?
Jesus the Messiah/Christ God's only begotten Son is the purpose, I do not know if I am reading your question correctly, may you and others have more or different understandings.
1 Corinthians 2:16 tells us we have the mind of Christ, but no one can know the mind of God. 2 Peter 3:18 tells us to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus. All began with Jesus; Jesus is the beginning of God's plan. Isaiah 45:18Isaiah 46:8-10 God and there is none like Him, He declared the end from the beginning His counsel (His purpose and plan by His will) shall stand and God will do all His pleasure, Psalms 33:11.
God is not in our time the end of His plan is as the beginning God's plan was completed when He made it, we have the Bible, and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit His plan is made known to us as our time comes to be, as in Ephesians 1:10-12 to be the praise and glory to God.
God declared from the very beginnings of history, Acts 17:24-26 there is but one human race, we all are of the same blood, and in Jesus Christ we become brothers and sisters. In God's plan, it is finished, nothing will change. In God, it is finished already to Him who is from everlasting to everlasting, Psalms 90:2 and how He can "calleth those things which be not as though they were." Romans 4:17-18.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Did Jesus exist before creation? Did the Holy Spirit exist before creation?
Jesus existed in God's plan, Jesus is the beginning of creation Rev. 3:14 and by Him were all things created Col. 1:16 my understanding is Jesus, was the first in God's plan of creation and everything was created by God, in and through the plan and purpose of Jesus. My understanding Jesus did not physically exist until the fullness of time. Ephesians 1:10 He was born of Mary the Son of God. the seed of woman. Genesis 3:15Matthew 1:20
My understanding is the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, not a person, Genesis 1:2. We see all the greetings are from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1:71 Corinthians 1:32 Corinthians 1:2Galatians 1:3Ephesians 1:2Ephesians 6:23Philippians 1:2Colossians 1:2 and 6 more. The Holy Spirit not being included is a good clue the Holy Spirit was not considered a person by Paul and others at that time.
If so, who were they in relation to the Father?
I believe the above answers this.
How did the Father, the Son, and the Spirit all create all that is, seen or unseen?
My understanding is God the Father created all, Genesis 1:1Genesis 1:31Proverbs 16:4Isaiah 45:18Nehemiah 9:6.
Does Scripture teach that God is only one person who manifests in three forms, but all these manifestations are only one person?
Scripture does not support Modalism I have never considered this and do not know anything about it.
I know you are an author and your vocabulary is greater than mine I will try to respond but to be truthful you are hard to follow. First MOU my understanding is a nonbinding agreement between parties stating their intentions. How can that be a covenant a covenant is a relationship between partners either conditional or unconditional and this covenant is between God the Father and God the Son. Would not the Holy Spirit be a part of this covenant and the will of God that the Son completes? John 6:38 It is God's will not Jesus's like He said in Luke 22:42.
If God is a triune God, would it not be the will of all three with no difference in authority or knowledge? Why the need for a covenant between them since all three are God and all three are equal?
At the beginning of each day, God said what was to be, the spoken word of God, and it was so. Other than speculation how can we say the Son was in agreement? Isaiah 45:18 In Genesis 1:28 would be an unconditional covenant, more of a blessing, God placed man above all that was created on earth and man was given dominion over it. God delegated the rule of man over His creation and no consequences were stated, we see how that turned out.
I agree Jesus did not need to be water baptized for remittance of sin, but He did need the anointing of the Holy Ghost/Spirit to become the Messiah/Christ. The word of God was in Jesus and by the Holy Ghost/Spirit Jesus did the works of His Father therefore Jesus was the tabernacle of God, the image of God for every word Jesus said was not His but the word of God the Father. John 4:34John 5:30John 12:44-45
Philip was the first to bring the gospel to the Samaritans.
Hello Adam. I consider your question through two separate perspectives: one, before the incarnation of the Word of God and the other, after it. From my readings of the whole Word of God, I don't believe that the writers of the OT nor their hearers would have understood any other concept or acceptance of the God's Nature other than 'He is One & there is none beside Him' (e.g. Isaiah 45:5.6).
Even the "Shema Yisrael" ( Deuteronomy 6:4,5) is Israel's central belief & affirmation on the singularity of God's Person, & any suggestion of a 'compound' Nature of God would be anathema. Also Isaiah 53:1-12 and Isaiah 9:6,7 references to a coming Messiah, which should clearly reveal the Divine Nature of a Coming One, is discarded by them, then & now. So, anything of a Triune God must be rejected by the Jew, & only the operation of God by His Spirit (i.e. God revealing Himself & working before them) should be acceptable to them (e.g. Psalm 51:10,11; Isaiah 11:2; & many others). As believers though, we can see the Triune God in operation in the whole Bible, but Israel is blinded to this Truth & their hearts hardened.
When Jesus came & spoke (e.g. John 16:27,28; John 17:5), He declared His Divine Nature, that which was not revealed before. So your reference ( Matthew 22:32), speaks primarily of the One Nature of God; but to those who believe, having received salvation through Jesus Christ, know that the God of Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob was always the Triune God, Who would one day manifest Himself fully to a needy world: God's Word first by the prophets, now given through His Word made flesh ( Hebrews 1:1-3) . What Israel knew of the One God then, should have revealed the full Nature of a Triune God at the appearance of their Messiah. But their eyes were blinded & hearts hardened. Therefore, as Christians, I believe that we should see God (in the OT & NT) as a Triune God, manifesting Himself also as His Word and His Spirit going forth to accomplish His Will over His creation.
Isaiah 45:9 Woe unto him that striveth with his maker! Let the potsherds strive with the potsherds of the earth ....
Ezekiel 38:21 And I will call for a sword (the word of God) against him (the WORD) throughout all my mountains (peoples): saith the LORD: every man's sword (word) shall be against his brother(s) (word).
Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a PERFECT MAN, unto the measure and the stature and FULLNESS of Christ:
God's plan is for us to strive against each other, Joseph's brother DID NOT like the word their brother Joseph spoken, and sold him into slavery.
But look what Joseph said, by the spirit of Christ:
Genesis 50:20 But as for you, ye thought EVIL against me, but God meant it unto GOOD, to SAVE much people alive.
Just walk in the truth of the WORD, his ways are not our ways.
by angelic hosts, saints, and believers along with the Father, we have to conclude that God is a unity of Persons as One Being or else God would have lied about being the only God and there is no others beside Him. Yet, just as Isaiah 45:23 says that every knee shall bow and every tongue swear" and in Philippians 2:10-11 says that every knee shall bow and tongue confess that Jesus is LORD to the glory of God."
Isaiah 45:25" In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified.." so in Jesus, the promised Seed of Abraham, are all the seed of Abraham justified. Gal. 3:8;14 that is , those who believe in Jesus, whether Jew or Gentile.
Adam, thank you again for holding firm on this doctrine. We need to continue to speak forth what the Scriptures say concerning Who Jesus truly is, by the words He spoke, the inspired words of the apostles, and the works of Jesus that only God could do (forgive sins, heal the sick, give sight to the blind, control the weather, cast out demons, and be the only perfect sacrifice to atone for our sins.
I appreciate you and your reply. I drove 200 miles today; a bit weary. Thus my reply to yours will be shorter than I prefer at this time. And oh, no need to be sorry.
Although I've read Job, I don't remember Job 28:28. When I read Isaiah 45:7 along with it, it's somewhat confusing. I must now conclude that in order to gain understanding, I must depart from God to do so. Now I'm sorry, because I have to accept that God is evil because God is the Source of "Evil".
Evil makes evil just as fear makes fear and Love creates Itself. Could you please explain which quality you attribute to Satan; evil or love? Perhaps neither? Or maybe just one of these characteristics; if so, then I must assume God and Satan have something in common, and thus share a common purpose.
The New Testament claims if Satan opposes himself and is divided he cannot stand and his end has come. Actually, this principle applies to everything, including God. Personally, I don't believe God is divided. I do believe He is One.
The Bible also states in James that things produce what they are, not what they are not; and furthermore, both fresh water and its OPPOSITE, salt water, cannot flow from the same spring. Thus OPPOSITES cannot flow from the Mind of God. As I've suggested in the past, this would indicate that faith in Love AND fear is the result of a double-minded entity. If someone has faith in God Who is Love, then he MUST ALSO have faith in evil if God is Evil.
Quoting me Scripture is fine, of course. But, I'm fairly familiar with it, and can also read fairly well. What would be helpful is reconciling what appears as irreconcilable, i.e. opposing; with something unambiguous, leading to an obvious conclusion. This would be helpful also, because obviousness IS the essential characteristic of reality, i.e. truth. And I'm quite certain the ego is afraid of the obvious.
God's Blessings on you, TODAY, this day of our Lord.
You ask what I SEE (by the GRACE of our Lord) concerning God's kingdom, now on EARTH, and forever to be on EARTH.
Isaiah 45:18 For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens, God himself that formed the earth and made it, he hath establish it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be INHABITED: I am the Lord, and none else.
Daniel 12:4 But thou, Oh Daniel, seal up the words, even unto the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, AND KNOWLEDGE (of the POWER of God) SHALL BE INCREASED.
The POWER of the WORKS of CHRIST'S CROSS has been lost to the doctrines of man.
Paul said: when I am gone grievious wolves shall come in and destroy the flock.
For about 2000 years now God's people (a remnant) have been isolated in small flocks, each being GIVEN small amounts of truth.
God uses evil for GOOD, and I do BELIEVE the world wide web is EVIL, BUT by the increase of knowledge to have world wide communication, God's remnant is being brought together to CONFESS THEIR SINS TO EACH OTHER.
Not the SINS of the FLESH, they DIED on the CROSS, OUR SIN OF UNBELIEF, the POWER given us by the RESURRECTION of Christ. The POWER of JUDGEMENT, to first judge ourselves, then the WORLD.
Our beggerally little flock HAS NOT been eating enough FOOD, only the CRUMBS from a table that is all YOURS.
There is NOTHING to be ADDED, nor can anything be TAKEN AWAY, WE are a FINISHED CREATION, all by the RESURRECTION of CHRIST.
Jesus said in ( Rev 22:13) I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
The first verse and the last verse in the Bible are ( Gen 1:1) and ( Rev 22:21)
The first and last words in the first and last verses are
( Gen 1:1) (In) and (earth)
And in ( Rev 22:21) (The) and (Amen)
These four words (In) (earth) (The) and (Amen) show up in the KJB 77777 times! And the KJB ONLY!
( Isaiah 45:23) "I have (sworn) by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness" The word (sworn) is #7650; it means to be complete, to seven oneself, (as if by repeating a declaration seven times) ( Ps 12:6-7)
I ended my last post briefly discussing the Persian; Greek and Roman empires which would all have a part of history when they affected Israel. In the Persian empire Cyrus the Great (see Ezra) would allow the Temple to be rebuilt even though he didn't know the Lord he showed favor to Israel. ( Isaiah 45:4-6). Later Antiochus Epiphanes as a type of Antichrist would during the intertestamental period take over the Temple (actually part of the Syrian empire but also spread Greek cultural ideas). God through the Macabees fought back and eventually they were defeated. Finally; of course the Roman empire would have a tenuous existance with the Jewish nation; and be a part of Christ's crucifixion. They also; (until today's modern version still forming) would be defeated.
We see examples of God working with Nebuchadnezzar to bring about true conversion. We also see examples such as Naaman the Syrian in 2 Kings 5 who God healed; as well as the story of Jonah with the Ninevites who repented and God spared for a time of judgment; but in the book of Nahum God's patience ran out and they were destroyed. We also see examples such as Ruth who was a Gentile that came to believe and became part of the royal lineage and even Rahab in the same light. In general though God winked at certain things in the past but ( Acts 17:30-31) but now in New Testament times there were stricter standards.
Christ would also begin with only ministering to the "lost sheep of Israel". ( Matthew 15:24 but mentioned earlier when the 70 were sent out). In this case a Gentile woman showed great faith and Christ healed her daughter. The plan now was to fulfill the prophecies in Isaiah 42:1-9 about being a light to the Gentiles. This began with Christ spending much time with the Samaritan woman and others possessed by demons which added to crowds from surrounding nations; and showed the lack of faith in his own hometown as a contrast ( Mark 6:4).
Ok, so I see I stirred up a "hornet's nest", and that's a good thing! Like acid, deadly by itself yet when it's used in the right mixture it becomes a catalyst, a necessary agent for change.
Universalism! It's TRUTH. I'll do a quick overview to try to explain it. God will one day SAVE all His creatures, even the demons. Why you ask, actually why is easy because He is God and God is GOOD! How, is the more pertinent question. I'll start off by using the same scripture God opened my eyes with, Isaiah 45:23, and confirmed again in Romans 14:11. God has NEVER said a frivolous thing, ever! And if a person came up to us and said,"I have bowed my knee to God and confessed to Christ!" We, as messengers of truth would have to say, "Amen, welcome brother/sister!" The Key is Truthfulness, if this is done in Truth then it is done and has been done since The Cross of Christ. Therefore, we Understand that God said that He will bring it about, thus, if He brings it about then we can be SURE that it was done in TRUTH.
I'll try to answer as many questions as possible, the first was from Bro Dan and an astute point was made, namely, " Most will be to late, as it will be after they are dead, and standing before Jesus on Judgement Day." To this I point to, Psalms 139:7-12 and Romans 8:35-39. Proof that Nothing can stand in the way of God Almighty! I'll reveal another revelation that refutes the doctrine of demons, hell is NOT Eternal! Revelation 20:13-14 confirms this and we can see that those in hell will be Called before The White Throne of Judgment. This is important because we go there to see if our name is in The Lamb's Book of Life, the FACT that people that were in hell are there is Awesome because do you know who won't be there? Revelation 20:10-13. Notice how these are cast into the lake of fire BEFORE we are go to The Great White Throne. Can you see who else will not be there because they are Already judged? Revelation 19:20, them that receive the mark of the beast.
Good morning all, morning meditations regarding king Cyrus a gentile king.
Isaiah 44:28 "That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the Temple, Thy foundation shall be laid."
Isaiah 45:1-2 "Thus saith the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;
I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:"
Ezra 5:13 "But in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon the same king Cyrus made a decree to build this house of God."
God knew Cyrus would be king and His shepherd for a great purpose. It was all part of the ushering in of the time for the Messiah, Christ to come where regenerated gentiles could be kings in Christ in the house of God. The decree was the beginning of this time that would be detailed to Daniel and supported again in Revelation by Christ.
You might want to take a look at Isaiah 45:18 which reads "For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord; and there is none else."
With reference to Isaiah 45:7 and your concerns regarding:
1. "I form the light, and create darkness"
2. "I make peace, and create evil" - my response is this.
The Bible reveals many 'opposites' (or contrasts) that exist in scripture, such as:
- Being HOLY or UNHOLY ( 1 Peter 1:16; Heb 12:14)
- Being SAVED or UNSAVED (or 'lost' - Romans 10:9-10; Matt 18:11)
- Walking in the SPIRIT or walking in the FLESH ( Rom 8:1; 2 Peter 2:10)
It is in this context that God created DARKNESS so that the LIGHT that He dwells in ( 1 Tim 6:15-1) has some comparison. It is the same principle regarding "peace" (a good life and the pursuit of happiness) and "evil" (meaning war, death and destruction) that God creates these things.
However, on a spiritual basis, LIGHT represents absolute TRUTH, whereas DARKNESS represents lies, deception, misinformation, etc.
"And this is the condemnation, that LIGHT [via the words of Christ and the Apostles] is come into the world, and [religious-based] men LOVED DARKNESS rather than LIGHT [or Bible-based truth], because their deeds [of corrupting God's word - 2 Cor 2:17] were EVIL." ( John 3:19).
As for God creating "EVIL" the same principle applies:
- Being GOOD or being EVIL ( Matt 19:17; John 3:20)
- Doing GOOD or doing EVIL ( Matt 5:44; 1 Peter 3:12)
The principles in Isa 45:7 therefore regulate what people attract on Earth from God according to this statement:
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth [by his actions - meaning, 'good' or 'evil' in this life], that shall he also reap [in the next life]. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh [or lusts in this life] shall of the flesh reap corruption [in Hell throughout eternity]; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap LIFE EVERLASTING [with God - IF all the conditions associated with Salvation are met]." ( Galatians 6:6-8)
Welcome to the site!
"What "heaven" is being referred to" should be considered
For thus saith the LORD that created the "HEAVENS"; (Plural) God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else. Isaiah 45:18.
The Heavenly realm represent the celestial abode of God and angels, the ultimate reward for the righteous, a spiritual realm separate from our physical universe.
I'm not sure if that's what's being made new in Revelation 21:1. I would need convincing scriptures.
Job 1:6 reads "Now there was a day when the sons of God CAME TO PRESENT THEMSELVES before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.
Where did the sons of God come from to present themselves to God?
Perhaps "to and fro in the earth?
We know that's true of Satan considering verse seven.
We know very little about the Heavenly realm of God.
Blessings.
So what were the fruits of the free love of the 1970's?
Broken marriages
Wayward children
Suicide
Violence
Anarchy
Etc.
Love was free in regard to Christ but cost Him everything. That was to save us from our sins; but even goes beyond that.
The quality of life for a believer in the Agape type relations with others within the church hopefully will be discovered but sadly seems to be ignored even where there is correct teaching; hence the warnings to the Ephesians in Revelation 2.
God is viewed as the party pooper I suppose; or against all fun. Junk food for the soul ain't soul food if you get my drift.
Jesus always ensured when He fed the masses that they were filled and satisfied; not merely presenting them with a crumb as would have been the case if the food weren't multiplied making Him disingenous at best. The crowds surely wouldn't keep hanging around if the former situation were the case.
We of course are said to be warriors; implied at least with Ephesians 6 and returning on white horses in Revelation 19 with the King of Kings; and Lord of Lords. Treading the winepress of the wrath of God ( Isaiah 63:3) and in Revelation is a graphic affair.
One can also close their eyes to the literal and undeniable evidence of the sulfur balls in Sodom; for instance but it is clear somehting inexplicable happened as no such purity exists naturally for 90 percent or so pure sulfer to exist; even at all in an area not prone to volcanic activity.
The idea in all this is that God can't be a God of love without being one of vengeance. Isaiah 45:7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.
God of course isn't evil in Himself but allows even Satan to fulfill His purposes. That of course ties in with my previous postings on why the Lord withdraws for a time to complete things prophesied and in His mysterious will. Next post will examine what to hate.
The Lord God created all things. All things..
Good and bad, joy and sorrow, Isaiah 45:7 So we see these days that people don't want to hear this. They preach a God who is just compliant, sensibly agreeing with all the inconveniences that people find it okay to live in. The narrow path does not exist and everything is permitted. This is where we as Christians have a responsibility ourselves. Words that Jesus mentions are washed away with dust on a porch. But the fact is that the word shall never pass away Mat 24:35 and Mark 13:31 Words that all believers should think carefully about. If you have something like this in your life.Then throw it away, throw it into the deepest darkness, never take it back. Mark 7:21 and Mat 15:19 These words are very important, because we know that God created all things. ALSO all the Spirits small and great. Remember He saw everything when He created everything. Look at the different creatures in the animal world. Only there do we see that there is no fault with the imagination of the Lord. And not least the inequalities we people have. That's why we have to be alert to all things that are jarring. For example: You see your neighbor rolling a big cabin cruiser up the driveway to his beautiful house. And you feel a hint of envy. Because you've never even had a small dinghy. Right there! You have to be careful. Throw away the thought, preferably before it comes or before you think it! Such small pricks become big problems in the end.And harder for us to reveal
The Lord God created all things. All things..
Hi Brother Carleton.
I Guess you can call Titus a Prince in the human sense but so is Prince Charles.
Yes, he was Roman Emperor Titus.
But he was operating in a Dominion ruled by Satan.
Ephesians 2:2 describes Satan as the "prince of the power of the air," emphasizing his influence on the world's affairs and influence.
Also see John 14:30.
But throughout scripture these human vessels God often used them to carry out tasks whether to Chastening Israel or even to preserve them as a nation.
You see that with Nebuchadnezzar in the book of Daniel.
Also See Isaiah 44:28 on through Isaiah 45:1-7.
God called these Gentile kings his servants.
Titus also was carrying out a judgment pronounced by the Lord! Luke 19:41-44.
These are human vessels, "flesh and blood" but we wrestle with what's behind them.
There is no need for Gabriel the arch Angel for these kings of the world but he stands for Israel against the source and influence behind these kingdoms.
Daniel 10:13.
Daniel 10:21.
Daniel 12:1.
God bless."
So, when we re-look at Isaiah 45:7, we see that God has directed Isaiah to record that 'He (God) forms (or creates: another Hebrew word used for 'create') the light; and He (God) also creates darkness'. If He creates light (as we are told in Genesis 1:3-5), and He "divides the light from the darkness", then we understand that darkness was the default situation & God chose to shine light into that darkness to dispel it. If He takes away that light, we return back to darkness.
Likewise, since the fall in Eden, sin has become the default over mankind's condition, indeed affecting all of creation. We became enemies of God, yet the God of Love & Mercy has prevailed to bring about "peace through the blood of the cross" ( Colossians 1:20) & even before that, to instil peace by His Mercy & right living for Israel. But if that peace is taken away, in performance of His Will, what is left? Evil is created: sin's default - no peace with God or man.
(Part 1):
Not all bibles use the same words but if a translation uses a different word than what we have in the KJB, that does not necessarily mean that the other translation is incorrect.
Taking Isaiah 45:7 as an example (as you have provided), we have to consider the original language used. We know that the OT was mostly written in Hebrew with very little Aramaic.
The Hebrew word used in Isaiah 45:7 is Ra' (pronounced rah) which can be translated into English as Evil, bad, wicked, harmful, or unpleasant. If you look up the Hebrew word Ra' in a Strongs Concordance, it lists evil, distress, misery, injury, calamity as definitions. In some English translations, you will see the word calamity used instead of evil.
So, if an English translation uses one of these words instead of the word evil, they would be correct. For instance, if someone is using the English Standard Version (ESV) Bible, and in Matthew 16:4, their translation says evil, but I'm using the KJB which says wicked, which translation would be correct? Some might say the KJB is correct because all other English translations are "evil" (pun intended).
If I say the King James is correct because I believe it is flawless, then what do I do with Matthew 12:39 (KJB) where Matthew is saying the same thing in Matthew 16:4 (KJB), except in one place he says a wicked and adulterous generation, and in another place, he says an evil an adulterous generation. Which one is correct, evil or wicked?
Today as I speak there are 19 Tornado warnings and nearly as many severe thunderstorm warnings. Worse; this is supposed to be an unprecedented 5 day event. We have had in the last week or so a 7.0 earthquake in Tonga and the 7.7 in Myanmar.
The wars continue along with rumors of new conflicts that our country is likely to be involved with.
No doubt Christian persecution is still going on; we have seen in recent months the continuing problems in N.E. Nigeria and last month in Syria with martyrdom large scale.
Along with this there is the constant spiritual battle with the world; flesh and the Devil. We need to "buffet ourselves" ( 1 Cor. 9:27) to continue to stay in the fight and endure until the end. I have always said we can learn some things from our enemy: here is a quick review.
He never rests day or night; that is implied by 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Interesting the verses that talk about never sleeping day or night actually refer to God such as in Psalm 121:4 and Isaiah 40:28 but Proverbs 4:16 talks about how evil men cannot sleep without doing evil.
He along with all the other demons know who Christ is and His authority ( James 2:19). Satan obviously is aware of this through His heavenly councils with angels and God as seen in Job 1 and 2. He knows that Christ has the power to turn stones into bread; as well as calling angels to His help as Satan quoted Psalm 91:11:12.
He has His own heirarchy or Kingdom (see Luke 11:18; Ephesians 6:12).
His goal has been consistent since His fall and the beginning of human history ( John 8:44).
I am sure we could find other passages in this vein. Ultimately God causes all good and evil ( Isaiah 45:7). All things are according to His purposes; just as Christ was exalted after His suffering so we shall be and rewarded if we persevere.
(see Hebrews 11:6).
Fight the good fight.
The word of God is speaking to us, we are born again by coming to truth of THE WORD, the written WORD becoming the LIVING WORD.
Psalms 103:20 Bless the Lord, YE HIS ANGELS, who excel in strength (of the Lord), that do his commandment, harkening to the voice of the Lord.
Luke 29:36 Neither can they DIE any more (we died with Christ on his cross): for they are EQUAL unto the ANGELS; and are the children of God, being the CHILDREN OF THE RESURRECTION (joint heirs of his kingdom).
Genesis 1:2 .....and DARKNESS was upon the face of the earth (man) .......
Isaiah 45:7 I form the light, and CREATE DARKNESS .....
Job 19:22 A land of DARKNESS, as DARKNESS itself, and the shadow of DEATH, without any order, and where LIGHT is as DARKNESS.
2 Peter 2:4 But if God spared not the angels that sinned (blasphemed his name), but cast them down to the GRAVE, and delivered them into CHAINS OF DARKNESS (the wages of sin is death), to be reserved unto judgement,
Psalms 149:9 To execute upon the the judgement written, this HONOR hath all his SAINTS......
Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creation WAITETH (in the grave) for the MANIFESTATION of the SONS OF GOD.
Romans 8:21 Because the CREATION ITSELF shall be DELIVERED from the bondage of corruption (darkness) into the GLORIOUS LIBERTY OF THE CHILDREN OF GOD.
God Bless You
Man was created, by the resurrection of Christ, a new creation.
Man, by the resurrection of Christ, was created the GLORY of God.
Isaiah 4:5 And the Lord will CREATE upon every dwelling place on mount Zion (Christ IN YOU), and upon her assemblies, a cloud and a smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon ALL THE GLORY shall be a defence.
Isaiah 45:7 I form the light, I CREATE darkness:I make peace, and create evil, I the Lord DO ALL THESE THINGS.
Psalms 104:30 Thou sendest forth thy Spirit, and they are CREATED, thou renewest the face of the earth.
Christ, the GLORY OF GOD, was resurrected by the Spirit of his Father, and we were joint heirs of his resurrection also becoming the glory of OUR FATHER.
God Bless You
Concerning 'election' & salvation, there is obviously a clear connection, but if Israel was God's Elect, then all Israel should have been saved (whether the election of God for selecting Israel as His people: Romans 9:11,12; or, said of Israel herself: Isaiah 45:4; or, even of the Church: Colossians 3:12). We know that when the Church is spoken of as God's Elect, then those comprising His Church must all be saved through His Son's Blood & Faith. But of Israel, they are God's Elect by position, yet still requiring Faith & Obedience to God's Word to be heirs of salvation through their coming Redeemer. If they disobey God, their election is of no use at all ( Romans 9:6.7), because even though "in Isaac shall thy seed be called" (election), yet of the elect, they must also "attain righteousness, which is of faith" ( Romans 9:30-33).
And so we conclude here, since your example of Numbers 15:32-26 being "a statement by God denouncing a gospel that includes any work whatsoever on our part", is too far removed from my understanding of this passage, indeed the whole Word itself. You see a man gathering sticks on the Sabbath that comes to us as a warning to not introduce works into the Gospel. I see simply a man who violated the Commandment and had to face God's Judgement as a result - nothing to do with our works, rather, of his and our Disobedience to God. Please, I know you are digging into the Scriptures to find the gold therein, which is commendable, but we all need to make sure that what we find & interpret as a precious find, is not just iron pyrite. Thank you for your time David - consider my input closed here. GBU.
Thine ARROWS are sharp in the heart of the King's enemies (enemies of JESUS,anti-JESUS,Antichrist;whereby the people fall under thee- Psalm 45:5.
Isaiah 7:22-24
22...he shall eat butter:for butter and honey shall every one eat that is left in the land(the remnant-144K) Question:The rebel Israel was banned from their land and was spread around the whole world from year 70 AD until 1948,but from now on?being ruled by a false God,a false messiah?- Revelation 13:11-18).
23 And it shall come to pass in that day(the current seventh and last Day,seventh and last millennium)that every place shall be, where there were a thousand vines at a thousand silverlings,it shall even be for briers and thorns.(because are good for nothing)
24 With ARROWS and with BOWS shall men come thither; because all the land shall become briers and thorns.
Isaiah 45:2
2Thou art fairer than the children of men:grace is poured into thy lips:therefore GOD hath blessed thee for ever.
3Gird thy Sword upon thy thigh,O most MIGHTY, with thy glory and thy majesty.(He's a Prince of GOD)
4And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness;and thy right hand shall TEACH thee terrible things.
6Thy throne,O God(GOD the Father, GOD Son and(God of the earth- Revelation 11:4),is for ever and ever:the sceptre of thy kingdom is a RIGHT sceptre.
7Thou lovest righteousness,and hatest wickedness:therefore God(God the Father/God the Son),thy God,has ANNOINTED thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
Zech.4:11-14
What are these two olive trees upon the right and left side of the candlestick?
What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves?
Knowest thou not what these be?
These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth
Having set forth a few warnings on how NOT to read scripture I will continue with some further analysis but thought I would begin discussion on how we should read it.
1. First and foremost; we need to be DEAD serious as to the eternal ramifications of our spiritual condition which is a result of our sinful inheritance through Adam as well as the acting out of our sins through commission of acts or omission of things the Lord has made clear result in judgment. One can quibble as to details of the description of hell; but it's reality and eternal finality are not options to disregard. To put it in simple terms those that believe in the Biblical heaven never seem to debate as to whether it lasts forever; and rarely that it is a literal place. Given the same descriptions of the finality of hell we have no reason from the text alone to debate the fact that there is a place of eternal torment for the wicked. The only caveat is that the current "holding cell" status of hell ends at the Great White Throne judgment; where all wicked are cast into their eternal existance in the lake of fire to continue their suffering in an eternal physical body that cannot be extinguished. There is hardly anything we can read or ponder on that has anything remotely resembling the urgency of the Bible. Our temporal earthly existence and our faith or lack thereof determines our eternal destiny; as well as degrees of reward or punishment based on actions on earth. Our life therefore is either in ourselves on the throne or God. Either Satan or God is our master and as the usurper of all earthly riches it is no wonder that the Babylon the Great economic system makes the love of money the root of all evil. ( 1 Tim. 6:10). What we see with human eyes at best is a dim reflection in Creation of God's glory. What is unseen is what we must believe; as every knee shall bow before Him someday ( John 20:29; Phillipians 2:10-11; Isaiah 45:23).
I am not sure to whom you asked this question. If I may, I feel you have put on chest waders, I love it. I would love to hear your thoughts; may we all grow in the knowledge of our LORD. "What came first? Light or darkness? And where and when were they created or formed or made."
If we look at Genesis darkness was, and God said let there be light, and He divided them. Does that make darkness before light? God called the light day and the darkness night. What was this light since there was not a sun until day four?
Light has both physical and theological aspects. The "complete light" is that "true light that gives light to every man", the light of God which has come into the world in the person of Jesus Christ, John 1:9. Jesus said of himself "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world".
Or should we consider Isaiah 45:7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.
Does not all creation come from the only God, our Father?
God bless,
RLW
God's eternal purpose
Jesus the Messiah/Christ God's only begotten Son is the purpose, I do not know if I am reading your question correctly, may you and others have more or different understandings.
1 Corinthians 2:16 tells us we have the mind of Christ, but no one can know the mind of God. 2 Peter 3:18 tells us to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus. All began with Jesus; Jesus is the beginning of God's plan. Isaiah 45:18 Isaiah 46:8-10 God and there is none like Him, He declared the end from the beginning His counsel (His purpose and plan by His will) shall stand and God will do all His pleasure, Psalms 33:11.
God is not in our time the end of His plan is as the beginning God's plan was completed when He made it, we have the Bible, and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit His plan is made known to us as our time comes to be, as in Ephesians 1:10-12 to be the praise and glory to God.
God declared from the very beginnings of history, Acts 17:24-26 there is but one human race, we all are of the same blood, and in Jesus Christ we become brothers and sisters. In God's plan, it is finished, nothing will change. In God, it is finished already to Him who is from everlasting to everlasting, Psalms 90:2 and how He can "calleth those things which be not as though they were." Romans 4:17-18.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
God bless,
RLW
Part 2 Trinity discussion
Did Jesus exist before creation? Did the Holy Spirit exist before creation?
Jesus existed in God's plan, Jesus is the beginning of creation Rev. 3:14 and by Him were all things created Col. 1:16 my understanding is Jesus, was the first in God's plan of creation and everything was created by God, in and through the plan and purpose of Jesus. My understanding Jesus did not physically exist until the fullness of time. Ephesians 1:10 He was born of Mary the Son of God. the seed of woman. Genesis 3:15 Matthew 1:20
My understanding is the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, not a person, Genesis 1:2. We see all the greetings are from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1:7 1 Corinthians 1:3 2 Corinthians 1:2 Galatians 1:3 Ephesians 1:2 Ephesians 6:23 Philippians 1:2 Colossians 1:2 and 6 more. The Holy Spirit not being included is a good clue the Holy Spirit was not considered a person by Paul and others at that time.
If so, who were they in relation to the Father?
I believe the above answers this.
How did the Father, the Son, and the Spirit all create all that is, seen or unseen?
My understanding is God the Father created all, Genesis 1:1 Genesis 1:31 Proverbs 16:4 Isaiah 45:18 Nehemiah 9:6.
Does Scripture teach that God is only one person who manifests in three forms, but all these manifestations are only one person?
Scripture does not support Modalism I have never considered this and do not know anything about it.
See part 3.
I know you are an author and your vocabulary is greater than mine I will try to respond but to be truthful you are hard to follow. First MOU my understanding is a nonbinding agreement between parties stating their intentions. How can that be a covenant a covenant is a relationship between partners either conditional or unconditional and this covenant is between God the Father and God the Son. Would not the Holy Spirit be a part of this covenant and the will of God that the Son completes? John 6:38 It is God's will not Jesus's like He said in Luke 22:42.
If God is a triune God, would it not be the will of all three with no difference in authority or knowledge? Why the need for a covenant between them since all three are God and all three are equal?
At the beginning of each day, God said what was to be, the spoken word of God, and it was so. Other than speculation how can we say the Son was in agreement? Isaiah 45:18 In Genesis 1:28 would be an unconditional covenant, more of a blessing, God placed man above all that was created on earth and man was given dominion over it. God delegated the rule of man over His creation and no consequences were stated, we see how that turned out.
I agree Jesus did not need to be water baptized for remittance of sin, but He did need the anointing of the Holy Ghost/Spirit to become the Messiah/Christ. The word of God was in Jesus and by the Holy Ghost/Spirit Jesus did the works of His Father therefore Jesus was the tabernacle of God, the image of God for every word Jesus said was not His but the word of God the Father. John 4:34 John 5:30 John 12:44-45
Philip was the first to bring the gospel to the Samaritans.
I hope you can make sense of this.
God bless,
RLW
Even the "Shema Yisrael" ( Deuteronomy 6:4,5) is Israel's central belief & affirmation on the singularity of God's Person, & any suggestion of a 'compound' Nature of God would be anathema. Also Isaiah 53:1-12 and Isaiah 9:6,7 references to a coming Messiah, which should clearly reveal the Divine Nature of a Coming One, is discarded by them, then & now. So, anything of a Triune God must be rejected by the Jew, & only the operation of God by His Spirit (i.e. God revealing Himself & working before them) should be acceptable to them (e.g. Psalm 51:10,11; Isaiah 11:2; & many others). As believers though, we can see the Triune God in operation in the whole Bible, but Israel is blinded to this Truth & their hearts hardened.
When Jesus came & spoke (e.g. John 16:27,28; John 17:5), He declared His Divine Nature, that which was not revealed before. So your reference ( Matthew 22:32), speaks primarily of the One Nature of God; but to those who believe, having received salvation through Jesus Christ, know that the God of Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob was always the Triune God, Who would one day manifest Himself fully to a needy world: God's Word first by the prophets, now given through His Word made flesh ( Hebrews 1:1-3) . What Israel knew of the One God then, should have revealed the full Nature of a Triune God at the appearance of their Messiah. But their eyes were blinded & hearts hardened. Therefore, as Christians, I believe that we should see God (in the OT & NT) as a Triune God, manifesting Himself also as His Word and His Spirit going forth to accomplish His Will over His creation.
Isaiah 45:9 Woe unto him that striveth with his maker! Let the potsherds strive with the potsherds of the earth ....
Ezekiel 38:21 And I will call for a sword (the word of God) against him (the WORD) throughout all my mountains (peoples): saith the LORD: every man's sword (word) shall be against his brother(s) (word).
Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a PERFECT MAN, unto the measure and the stature and FULLNESS of Christ:
God's plan is for us to strive against each other, Joseph's brother DID NOT like the word their brother Joseph spoken, and sold him into slavery.
But look what Joseph said, by the spirit of Christ:
Genesis 50:20 But as for you, ye thought EVIL against me, but God meant it unto GOOD, to SAVE much people alive.
Just walk in the truth of the WORD, his ways are not our ways.
God Bless YOU!
by angelic hosts, saints, and believers along with the Father, we have to conclude that God is a unity of Persons as One Being or else God would have lied about being the only God and there is no others beside Him. Yet, just as Isaiah 45:23 says that every knee shall bow and every tongue swear" and in Philippians 2:10-11 says that every knee shall bow and tongue confess that Jesus is LORD to the glory of God."
Isaiah 45:25" In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified.." so in Jesus, the promised Seed of Abraham, are all the seed of Abraham justified. Gal. 3:8;14 that is , those who believe in Jesus, whether Jew or Gentile.
Adam, thank you again for holding firm on this doctrine. We need to continue to speak forth what the Scriptures say concerning Who Jesus truly is, by the words He spoke, the inspired words of the apostles, and the works of Jesus that only God could do (forgive sins, heal the sick, give sight to the blind, control the weather, cast out demons, and be the only perfect sacrifice to atone for our sins.
I appreciate you and your reply. I drove 200 miles today; a bit weary. Thus my reply to yours will be shorter than I prefer at this time. And oh, no need to be sorry.
Although I've read Job, I don't remember Job 28:28. When I read Isaiah 45:7 along with it, it's somewhat confusing. I must now conclude that in order to gain understanding, I must depart from God to do so. Now I'm sorry, because I have to accept that God is evil because God is the Source of "Evil".
Evil makes evil just as fear makes fear and Love creates Itself. Could you please explain which quality you attribute to Satan; evil or love? Perhaps neither? Or maybe just one of these characteristics; if so, then I must assume God and Satan have something in common, and thus share a common purpose.
The New Testament claims if Satan opposes himself and is divided he cannot stand and his end has come. Actually, this principle applies to everything, including God. Personally, I don't believe God is divided. I do believe He is One.
The Bible also states in James that things produce what they are, not what they are not; and furthermore, both fresh water and its OPPOSITE, salt water, cannot flow from the same spring. Thus OPPOSITES cannot flow from the Mind of God. As I've suggested in the past, this would indicate that faith in Love AND fear is the result of a double-minded entity. If someone has faith in God Who is Love, then he MUST ALSO have faith in evil if God is Evil.
Quoting me Scripture is fine, of course. But, I'm fairly familiar with it, and can also read fairly well. What would be helpful is reconciling what appears as irreconcilable, i.e. opposing; with something unambiguous, leading to an obvious conclusion. This would be helpful also, because obviousness IS the essential characteristic of reality, i.e. truth. And I'm quite certain the ego is afraid of the obvious.
Peace
God's Blessings on you, TODAY, this day of our Lord.
You ask what I SEE (by the GRACE of our Lord) concerning God's kingdom, now on EARTH, and forever to be on EARTH.
Isaiah 45:18 For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens, God himself that formed the earth and made it, he hath establish it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be INHABITED: I am the Lord, and none else.
Daniel 12:4 But thou, Oh Daniel, seal up the words, even unto the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, AND KNOWLEDGE (of the POWER of God) SHALL BE INCREASED.
The POWER of the WORKS of CHRIST'S CROSS has been lost to the doctrines of man.
Paul said: when I am gone grievious wolves shall come in and destroy the flock.
For about 2000 years now God's people (a remnant) have been isolated in small flocks, each being GIVEN small amounts of truth.
God uses evil for GOOD, and I do BELIEVE the world wide web is EVIL, BUT by the increase of knowledge to have world wide communication, God's remnant is being brought together to CONFESS THEIR SINS TO EACH OTHER.
Not the SINS of the FLESH, they DIED on the CROSS, OUR SIN OF UNBELIEF, the POWER given us by the RESURRECTION of Christ. The POWER of JUDGEMENT, to first judge ourselves, then the WORLD.
Our beggerally little flock HAS NOT been eating enough FOOD, only the CRUMBS from a table that is all YOURS.
There is NOTHING to be ADDED, nor can anything be TAKEN AWAY, WE are a FINISHED CREATION, all by the RESURRECTION of CHRIST.
God BLESS YOU!
The first verse and the last verse in the Bible are ( Gen 1:1) and ( Rev 22:21)
The first and last words in the first and last verses are
( Gen 1:1) (In) and (earth)
And in ( Rev 22:21) (The) and (Amen)
These four words (In) (earth) (The) and (Amen) show up in the KJB 77777 times! And the KJB ONLY!
( Isaiah 45:23) "I have (sworn) by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness" The word (sworn) is #7650; it means to be complete, to seven oneself, (as if by repeating a declaration seven times) ( Ps 12:6-7)
The KJB is the pure preserved Word of God!
( Titus 1:9-16)
Truth matters.
Blessings to all who seek His Truth.
I ended my last post briefly discussing the Persian; Greek and Roman empires which would all have a part of history when they affected Israel. In the Persian empire Cyrus the Great (see Ezra) would allow the Temple to be rebuilt even though he didn't know the Lord he showed favor to Israel. ( Isaiah 45:4-6). Later Antiochus Epiphanes as a type of Antichrist would during the intertestamental period take over the Temple (actually part of the Syrian empire but also spread Greek cultural ideas). God through the Macabees fought back and eventually they were defeated. Finally; of course the Roman empire would have a tenuous existance with the Jewish nation; and be a part of Christ's crucifixion. They also; (until today's modern version still forming) would be defeated.
We see examples of God working with Nebuchadnezzar to bring about true conversion. We also see examples such as Naaman the Syrian in 2 Kings 5 who God healed; as well as the story of Jonah with the Ninevites who repented and God spared for a time of judgment; but in the book of Nahum God's patience ran out and they were destroyed. We also see examples such as Ruth who was a Gentile that came to believe and became part of the royal lineage and even Rahab in the same light. In general though God winked at certain things in the past but ( Acts 17:30-31) but now in New Testament times there were stricter standards.
Christ would also begin with only ministering to the "lost sheep of Israel". ( Matthew 15:24 but mentioned earlier when the 70 were sent out). In this case a Gentile woman showed great faith and Christ healed her daughter. The plan now was to fulfill the prophecies in Isaiah 42:1-9 about being a light to the Gentiles. This began with Christ spending much time with the Samaritan woman and others possessed by demons which added to crowds from surrounding nations; and showed the lack of faith in his own hometown as a contrast ( Mark 6:4).
Universalism! It's TRUTH. I'll do a quick overview to try to explain it. God will one day SAVE all His creatures, even the demons. Why you ask, actually why is easy because He is God and God is GOOD! How, is the more pertinent question. I'll start off by using the same scripture God opened my eyes with, Isaiah 45:23, and confirmed again in Romans 14:11. God has NEVER said a frivolous thing, ever! And if a person came up to us and said,"I have bowed my knee to God and confessed to Christ!" We, as messengers of truth would have to say, "Amen, welcome brother/sister!" The Key is Truthfulness, if this is done in Truth then it is done and has been done since The Cross of Christ. Therefore, we Understand that God said that He will bring it about, thus, if He brings it about then we can be SURE that it was done in TRUTH.
I'll try to answer as many questions as possible, the first was from Bro Dan and an astute point was made, namely, " Most will be to late, as it will be after they are dead, and standing before Jesus on Judgement Day." To this I point to, Psalms 139:7-12 and Romans 8:35-39. Proof that Nothing can stand in the way of God Almighty! I'll reveal another revelation that refutes the doctrine of demons, hell is NOT Eternal! Revelation 20:13-14 confirms this and we can see that those in hell will be Called before The White Throne of Judgment. This is important because we go there to see if our name is in The Lamb's Book of Life, the FACT that people that were in hell are there is Awesome because do you know who won't be there? Revelation 20:10-13. Notice how these are cast into the lake of fire BEFORE we are go to The Great White Throne. Can you see who else will not be there because they are Already judged? Revelation 19:20, them that receive the mark of the beast.
Isaiah 44:28 "That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the Temple, Thy foundation shall be laid."
Isaiah 45:1-2 "Thus saith the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;
I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:"
Ezra 5:13 "But in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon the same king Cyrus made a decree to build this house of God."
God knew Cyrus would be king and His shepherd for a great purpose. It was all part of the ushering in of the time for the Messiah, Christ to come where regenerated gentiles could be kings in Christ in the house of God. The decree was the beginning of this time that would be detailed to Daniel and supported again in Revelation by Christ.
You might want to take a look at Isaiah 45:18 which reads "For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord; and there is none else."
Not sure if this is what you're looking for?
1. "I form the light, and create darkness"
2. "I make peace, and create evil" - my response is this.
The Bible reveals many 'opposites' (or contrasts) that exist in scripture, such as:
- Being HOLY or UNHOLY ( 1 Peter 1:16; Heb 12:14)
- Being SAVED or UNSAVED (or 'lost' - Romans 10:9-10; Matt 18:11)
- Walking in the SPIRIT or walking in the FLESH ( Rom 8:1; 2 Peter 2:10)
It is in this context that God created DARKNESS so that the LIGHT that He dwells in ( 1 Tim 6:15-1) has some comparison. It is the same principle regarding "peace" (a good life and the pursuit of happiness) and "evil" (meaning war, death and destruction) that God creates these things.
However, on a spiritual basis, LIGHT represents absolute TRUTH, whereas DARKNESS represents lies, deception, misinformation, etc.
"And this is the condemnation, that LIGHT [via the words of Christ and the Apostles] is come into the world, and [religious-based] men LOVED DARKNESS rather than LIGHT [or Bible-based truth], because their deeds [of corrupting God's word - 2 Cor 2:17] were EVIL." ( John 3:19).
As for God creating "EVIL" the same principle applies:
- Being GOOD or being EVIL ( Matt 19:17; John 3:20)
- Doing GOOD or doing EVIL ( Matt 5:44; 1 Peter 3:12)
The principles in Isa 45:7 therefore regulate what people attract on Earth from God according to this statement:
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth [by his actions - meaning, 'good' or 'evil' in this life], that shall he also reap [in the next life]. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh [or lusts in this life] shall of the flesh reap corruption [in Hell throughout eternity]; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap LIFE EVERLASTING [with God - IF all the conditions associated with Salvation are met]." ( Galatians 6:6-8)
I hope this answers your questions, One eighty.