It's been 9 months now living in a hotel savings is almost up haven't been to the nursing home in 9 months if anybody's going nobody's calling me or texting me just let me know I thought I had to pay taxes but thank God I didn't I don't have to pay taxes I actually get a refund for 15 bucks please forgive me I know that I'm probably doing this incorrect like Billy Graham's son said the church is falling scripture talks about it nobody cares again I'm sorry please forgive me I do hang on to scripture Isaiah 55:6 Hebrew 13:2
There were several careers I was becoming very successful & in each one, something happened to completely demolish those. I realized recently if those 'paths' I had chosen were successful; I would have been thousands of miles away from my family & possibly "too busy" to help my family members, during hardship, including cancer & death that happened much faster than expected. Looking back now, I'm so grateful for the time I had with each of them & thankful for GOD's mercy of not letting those empty ventures succeed. We cannot get back the time & years on earth when a loved one is passed on. Sadly the time without them as we continue on will continue to accumulate. I ask you, prayerfully consider GOD's perfect plan, could it be the most vital thing is to be beside your Mother, holding her hand for eternal memory & peace & comfort to both your souls, to be strength as she is afraid?
This brief forum is clearly insufficient to cover any comprehensive study on this subject--at least without hogging this space with an inordinate amount of comments on my part. I will briefly list a couple points of caution as well as the general assurance which a proper dividing of the Word on this subject should give to those of us in the faith.
I will begin with the positive first. There are numerous voluminous studies on the subject which was originally postulated by Calvin and Luther and probably many other Reformers around the same time period. My focus has always been on the Word itself so I would recommend reading the book of John specifically for the words of Christ Himself on those who the Father chooses to be revealed through the Son; for example. God's choosing is by no means isolated to there; or in fact to the New Testament. He chose Jeremiah; for instance before he was born to be a Prophet; and much could be said the same in regard to John the Baptist and of course Christ Himself.
As believers; we can be assured that if we sow the seed of preaching the Word; there will be a harvest. (See Isaiah 55:11 in particular). He who "sows in tears shall reap in joy" ( Psalm 126:5-6). This should keep us from frustration when those who we share with for many years ultimately never respond. We can't perform what is known as "decisional regeneration". (James Adams a Reformer was said to come up with that term). In other words; we are responsible for sounding the trumpet and warning as the Watchman is supposed to do lest blood be on our hands. ( Ezekiel 33:1-5). That is a good segway to the cautionary part of the Doctrine of Election.
Based on the knowledge that we possess we are responsible for decisions made in our personal lives and for being faithful to fulfilling the Great Commission. In my experience normally this isn't the biggest weakness with those who are "Calvinist" in their doctrinal views.
We don't go to heaven by being good, nor in just believing in the existence of God. One would have to recognize his sinful and lost state and have faith in Gods plan of redemption.
God is Holy and there is nothing man can do to reconcile himself to God.
Romans 3:10-11 says "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
The wages of sin is death, we're all sinners and sin have to be paid for, so I don't like to say Christ done away with sin on the cross but rather "Christ paid the penalty for our sin on the cross". He was the sacrificial lamb, He died in our place. Jesus was sinless and when the Lord took upon our sin God the father didn't spare him.
There is no way to the father but through the son. John 14:6.
You asked "Is it right to put a good man into hell because he doesn't believe in God?
No one is good but God as shown here in Mark 10:18 "And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
In Psalm 30 we see a situation much like the story of Jonah chapter 2 where he was said to have descended to the lower parts of the earth and finally gave thanksgiving and was released in verse 9. I tend to hold with the minority position that he really died and went to Sheol taking a literal description of the passage. Here in Psalm 30; David clearly was near death either physically or in the state of constant pursuit by his enemies such as with Saul. Unlike Jonah; however there was dancing and praise that seemed to outlive the immediate time of this crisis.
(last 2 verses 11 and 12).
Verses 5 and 6 give us some clues as to David's attitude maintaining a proper perspective; he understood God's holiness (v 4) and the eternal perspective (v. 5). Verse 11 shows how David sought God with sackcloth; and recognized the strength and importance of God's favor (v. 7). This could have related to his experience after the sin with Bathsheeba and losing his son; or the time he foolishly took the census when Satan was allowed to tempt him.
These verses should lead us to seeking the Lord at all times; and not waiting until a life or death matter. If we are not of the faith; we need to seek Him while He can yet be found ( Isaiah 55:6). He may not give us time at our deathbed if it happens in an instant to repent if we are a nonbeliever; and as a believer we forfeit our rewards in heaven if we are not putting Him first and dying to self daily. We should also study Job carefully and not make the error he did not being aware of Satan's schemes; but not blaming the enemy of our souls for all our problems as sin is the means of entry for him to work. Praising God in all circumstances is in order; and in the flesh many times we don't feel like it. We need to be emptied of ourselves and consider His attributes as all other things in life are temporal and fleeting as verse 5 shows.
Fake gods come from rebellion against GOD ALMIGHTY. Acts 19:26, 2Kings 19:18,
1Timothy 2:5,
The imagination of man; to ignore the obvious all around: that the earth, our very being, molecules that aren't created, only slightly manipulated by man, asks an answer beyond some comprehension.
The question itself seems to derive from rebellion. Isaiah 55:8, Isaiah 29:15,16, Psalms 94:5-15, Psalms 139, Job 38:2-41, Job 40:7-13,
GOD gave some of us very deeply inquisitive minds, to invent witty things, Proverbs 8:12, some build imaginative creations, that in ourselves deep questions of consciousness & core beginnings arise at times. In these gifted minds of power & powerful thinking, faults sometimes into arrogance of belief to define The CREATOR & make a beginning. Because in limited understanding we have beginning & perceivable ending in flesh. Yet in our core perceive there is more in the supernatural, outside the flesh. 1Corinthians 1:27,
We as humans are like gods ourselves we can choose to do mighty evil or good in our days, we can cause other's to cry in distress or rejoice with gladness but in the end we will all answer to GOD ALMIGHTY the maker of heaven & earth. Psalms 82, Leviticus 25:17, Romans 14:12,
It's also amazing that a creator would care so much for what HE has created that HE would still have a plan of redemption even after rebellion: John 3:16
Thank you for your reply. I do believe that God can be hateful about things that are contrary to Him and loving about things that are in alignment with His perfections. I don't see that there is a conflict here in God.
I would note that we see these aspects of personality through a sinful lens, so, as is stated, God has said that
"My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than Your thoughts." (NIV)
Isaiah 55:8-9
We can not solve what seems to be opposites in the character of God. These are paradoxes, not contradictions. Though in God they seem to us to be conflicting ways, they are actually true. Blessings to you, One eighty.
You're right bro S. Spencer, we do tend to focus on that which causes us to wonder - where nothing more is said about what Jesus wrote on the ground. Yours is a good guess as also the many others who have their suggestions; but they can remain only in our thoughts.
Mine were directed to Isaiah 55:7, "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." Could Jesus have written along those lines, 'God is merciful to sinners - show mercy', as they readied themselves to hurl their stones. And then Jesus stood up & spoke to them, "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." With those words & whatever Jesus had written on the ground, they got the message, that mercy ought to prevail, even as Jesus put aside His authority to administer justice to her.
Yet the Law was still in force - but Jesus' coming brought in a transitional period, where the Law began to fade away, for the 'fulness of God's Grace & Glory' now stood before them ( John 1:14), culminating in the full expression of that Grace, at the Cross. Even if the religious leaders had the power to judge & penalize, Jesus was showing (even through this encounter with this woman), that mercy & forgiveness was now the order of the day, as this was to be seen in Jesus Himself present with them - that the harsh implications of the Law and entrance of God's abundant Grace in Christ, had absolutely no correlation, indeed, diametrically opposed to each other.
The Law revealed sin & only brought death & sin abounded by the Law for there was no mechanism within the Law to bring about a change in heart & life. Grace now came through Christ and was able to deal with that unbridled sin - that Grace might reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord." ( Romans 5:20,21). Those leaders might not have learned this, but at least seem convicted.
No one is going to change someones opinion, that's the Holy Ghost's job, we are just to preach truth.
Truth does not contradict God's words.
You don't go to heaven.
You (sinful flesh) DIED on the Cross, you, the (glorified) BODY of Christ, was raised back by the resurrection of Christ.
The Spirit (in a glorified body) goes back to God that gave it.
Christ, the glorified Body, (LIFE and TRUTH) is in man ( Colossians 1:27).
Philippians 2:13 For it is God (Christ in you) that worketh both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.
Those chosen in this age, WILL BE ONE with Christ: IN MAN bringing man to GOD ( John 1:51).
Ezekiel 14:9 And if the prophet (of man) be deceived when he has spoken such a thing, I the Lord HAVE DECEIVED that prophet .....
1 Thessalonians 2:11 For this cause GOD SHALL SEND them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
The whole world is DECEIVED, only the Holy Ghost can reveal truth.
1 Thessalonians 2:12 That they ALL (everyone of us) might be damned (JUDGED, now or later, by God's words) who believe not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
1 Corinthians 15:28 And when ALL THINGS (in the ages to come) SHALL BE subdued to him, the shall the Son also himself be subject to him who put all things under him, that God may be ALL in ALL.
We either come to truth now; and become ONE with the WORD, in this age, or latter, in the ages to come. God's CHOICE.
Psalms 22:27 And all the ends of the world SHALL REMEMBER (when they are resurrected back into bodies of flesh and judged by God's words) and turn unto the Lord: for all kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.
ALL God's WORDS will be fulfilled ( Isaiah 55:11).
Do we have life, in and of ourselves, NO? Most don't understand this.
1 Corinthians 4:11 For we which LIVE are always delivered unto death for Jesus sake, that the LIFE OF JESUS might be made manifest in our mortal bodies (as well as in our IMMORTAL bodies in the AGE TO COME).
To repent means to change our way of UNDERSTANDING.
To repent would be to agree with God's word.
John 14:6 I AM the way, the Truth, and the LIFE.
Colossians 1:27 ....this mystery ....Christ in you .....
Philippians 2:13 For it is GOD (in you) that worketh both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.
Christ (the first man) UNDERSTOOD this ....THOU in ME....the Father did EVERYTHING through Christ.
Man has to come to TRUTH (Christ in you): Man does EVERYTHING ....I in THEM .....through Christ.
This is the great DECEPTION: No KNOWLEDGE of the WORKS of God.
Hebrews 2:8 .....For now we see NOT YET all things put under him.
Man's time table IS NOT God's timetable.
Ephesians 2:7 That in the AGES TO COME .....
Isaiah 11:9 ....for the earth shall be full of the KNOWLEDGE of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I PLEASE, and it shall prosper in the things whereto I SENT IT.
1 Corinthians 15:28 And when all things (in the ages to come) have been subdued to him, then shall the Son also be subject unto him who put all things under him, that GOD may be ALL in ALL.
It's the LIVING WORD that teaches us by studying his written word: He wrote it; he will CAUSE you to understand, his word.
You have not, because you ASK NOT, and when you ask, you ask amiss; things to be consumed by the flesh.
To whom much is GIVEN ....The LIFE of Christ ....much more will be GIVEN .... the MIND (knowledge and wisdom) of Christ.
Stand firm in what the SPIRIT teaches YOU.
Psalms 82:6 I have SAID ( Isaiah 55:11) Ye are gods, the children of the most high.
John 10:35 If he (the written word) called them gods, unto whom (unto Francesco) the (living) WORD (Christ in you) came, the scripture CANNOT be broken.
God bless YOU, the body of CHRIST, and Christ is the body of GOD, OUR Father.
Jeremiah 30:6 Ask ye now, and see whether a MAN doth travail with a CHILD? wherefore I see EVERY MAN with his hands on his loins, as A WOMAN in travail, and all faces are turned to paleness.
Galatians 4:19 My little children, of whom I TRAVAIL IN BIRTH again, until CHRIST BE FORMED IN YOU (the Holy Ghost, GOD).
1 Timothy 2:14 .... but the WOMAN (all flesh and blood) being DECEIVED was in the transgression.
1 Timothy 2:15 ....the WOMAN shall be SAVED in CHILDBEARING ....a man child (CHRIST FORMED IN YOU) ...
Revelation 12:1 ... a WOMAN (all flesh and blood, in the AGES TO COME) clothed with GOD, and the CHRIST under her feet, and a crown of 12 stars (angels, ministering spirits) upon her head.
Ephesians 2:7 That in the AGES TO COME .....
WHO IS THE MAN CHILD?
Revelation 12:5 And the WOMAN brought forth a man child, that was to RULE ALL NATIONS with a rod of iron ... Psalms 2:8-9 .... Psalms 149:9
Revelation 2:27 And he (the MAN CHILD that overcomes DECEPTION) shall rule them with a rod of iron .....even as I received of MY FATHER.
Isaiah 60:22 A little one (Christ) shall become A THOUSAND, and a small one (Christ) a strong nation (TRUE ISRAEL) ....
Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I PLEASE, and it shall prosper in the things whereto I SENT IT.
Ephesians 2:7 That in the AGES TO COME ....all will be FULFILLED: GOD will be ALL in ALL .... 1 Corinthians 15:28.
the whole bible is the gospel of the king(dom) of god, the old just a shadow of the new.
what does it mean when god says i am? i am: who are what?
the gospel is: there is only the life of god and truth of god ...... there is only: i am.... the king(dom) in you, his body.
man was predestinated to become the image of christ: romans 8:29
not many believe this, because man has demeaned the gospel of the king(dom) of god.
ephesians 4:4 ....one spirit .......
john 14:6 ..... "i am" life ......"i am" truth ....."i am" the way .....
revelation 3:12 ....and i will write upon him (my body) the name of my god .... i am (put your name here).
so now truth: i am; jesus christ.
i am; chris: the king(dom) in you.
i am: the being of every body.
ephesians 4:4 ....one spirit (the life of god) ....one body (man, that holds the life of god)....
revelation 3:8 ...and has not denied my name. i am (the life of every body)
i am; abraham, i am; isaac, i am; jacob ...i am; the life of man ...all creation is in birth pains waiting to be delivered: the new creation born again of (i am) truth.
1 corinthians 15:28 and when all things (in the ages to come) shall be subdued unto him, then shall the son also be subject unto him who put all things under him, that god (i am) may be all ("i am" life) in all (bodies).
genesis 3:22 ...behold man (the body of "i am") has become like us ....."i am" truth. life and the way.
we have to eat (i am) the tree of knowledge ....it contains both evil and good.
proverbs 16:6 by (i am) truth and (i am) mercy iniquity (deception) is purged .....
god will be all in all: isaiah 55:11
everyone; his children, is going to be called by his name.
You are correct, there is no scriptures that says there is not a rapture; but there is scripture that says that rapture is not COLLECTIVE; but, ONE by ONE.
Isaiah 27:12 ....and ye shall be gather ONE by ONE, O ye children of Israel.
Whatever the Word says, will happen. Scripture CANNOT contradict scripture, It must be RIGHTLY DIVIDED to reveal truth.
Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
I also love the book of Revelation, but man's (anti-Christ) teachings have distilled it's TRUTH. It's the REVEALING of CHRIST the KINGDOM of GOD.
John 5:43 I (truth, Christ) come in my Father's name, and ye received me (truth) not: if another come in his OWN NAME, HIM (anti-truth, anti-Christ) will ye receive.
Hello Alan. Brother Richard has shared some wonderful accounts that should give you peace in your heart & hope that with God, nothing is impossible. You sound like a man who has spent much time in advising your children & in much prayer for them - efforts before God that won't go to waste.
When we think of the myriad of ways that the Lord can direct lives, order events, bring people or situations around for the fulfilment of His Purposes, we can indeed entrust our loved ones into His care & safekeeping. Just continue to love the Lord with all your heart, love your family with that same love that God has filled you with, and lay them continually before Him - no prayer goes unanswered - no cry unheard. Trust Him for the outcome - to Him Who does all things well. When we, as sinners, finally come to understand that the wrong things we have done are what greatly trouble our souls - there being no longer satisfaction from them - that an eternity of punishment awaits all who spurn God's Love, then the salvation from Jesus becomes far greater than the fickle satisfaction through sin. May your dear ones be exercised by God's Spirit, that the day will come when they cry out for His Mercy. We may not see it now, but God's Work is precise & unrelenting, especially to those we cry to Him for. 1 John 5:14,15; 2 Peter 3:9; Isaiah 55:10,11.
Jeremiah 20:1, Yeah, sad when someone of trusted positions act corrupt, cruel & evil, abusing their authority, especially in the house of The LORD our GOD! Proverbs 15:3, that's why GOD sent Jeremiah to prophecy to them. Jeremiah 1:4-19, Jeremiah 4:1-6, notice Jeremiah 20:1-6, Jeremiah 7,
But then: Jeremiah 3:12, Jeremiah 12:15, Isaiah 51:11, Isaiah 35:10, Isaiah 44:22, Isaiah 55:7, John 3:15-21,
Even today we see hypocrisy but Jesus already knew, lived it & gave us direction : Matthew 23, Matthew 25:31-46,
You're right on that point, "I do know that many of us will be surprised after life on earth how much we did not know about our Father's thoughts and wishes." There's is so, so much more to know about the Divinity, of eternity, even of life itself - all that is kept from our knowledge, and maybe for good reason. Even as Isaiah spoke of the LORD in Isaiah 55:8,9, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
But what the LORD has given us to know is found in His Word. He expects us to read, study & apply its blessed Truths to our lives, to the Church, & be able to discern truth from error. As I type this note to you, my wife is watching a program (a series) about those who found release from the Church of Scientology & their exposition of the evils therein. Is this wrong for such a program to go on air? Some might think so. But if it means giving out the warning to someone about to be seduced & made twice the candidate for hell, I say, 'proclaim it far & wide' & may the alert go out to stop many more in their tracks.
And if this is too close to home, consider the ministry of Jesus & His Apostles: their continued work of exposing the sin of mankind, the evils of the Jewish religious leaders, & then reaching out far beyond Jerusalem with the life-giving Gospel of Jesus Christ. Maybe they should have formed a small coterie, sheltered from all the evil around them, & saved themselves much hatred, persecution & violent deaths. But they would have disobeyed God's Call & burden on their hearts. Yes, they had to make judgement on people (religious or not), knowing that all men had to have the opportunity to hear the Truth - for only the Truth could set men free. Were they attacking another's religion, or were they sending out a warning & giving out God's Truth? We hate no man - but hate Satan's deceptions.
Praying For The Blessing on This Nation - 3 years ago
Amos 4:7
And also I have withholden the rain from you, when there were yet three months to the harvest: and I caused it to rain upon one city, and caused it not to rain upon another city: one piece was rained upon, and the piece whereupon it rained NOT WITHERED.
Isaiah 5:6
And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it.
Job 38:34
Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee? [Read whole chapter]
Psalms 105:32
He gave them hail for rain, and flaming fire in their land.
Proverbs 25:23
The north wind driveth away rain: so does an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
Job 24:19
Drought and heat consume the snow waters: so does the grave, those which have sinned.
Job 37:6
For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength.
Isaiah 55:10
For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but water the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
Proverbs 30:4
Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is HIS name, and what is his SON'S name, if thou canst tell?
2 Chronicles 7:14
IF MY PEOPLE, which are called by my name, SHALL HUMBLE themselves, and pray, and seek MY FACE (not my hand), and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
NOTE: our nation is in severe drought.
One rogue lightning storm can set dry forests on fire. Pray every day for refreshing to come again.
No rain, no harvests, less food, even higher food prices at the store.
PRAYER FOR FINANCIAL HELP AND STABILITY - In Reply - 3 years ago
Dear God, your word says that you will supply all of John's needs according to your riches in glory by Christ Jesus ( Philippians 4:19). I believe what you said. Your word does not return back void ( Isaiah 55:11), so if your word says it, you will do it.
God, if you care enough to know the number of hairs on our heads ( Luke 12:7), then you care for our finances too. So Lord, according to your word, give us our daily bread ( Matthew 6:11). Provide the financial resources to meet our earthly needs.
I thank you that the righteous are never forsaken, nor do their children beg for bread ( Psalm 37:25). You will not let us lack or go hungry. I thank you that every need is met and that there is no need among us ( Acts 4:34). You are Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides ( Genesis 22:14).
The prayers of a righteous man, availeth much. I ask in Jesus Name that You will provide for all of Johns needs throughout this crisis. Allow him to fellowship here until YOU return to Earth.
John, let your Church know you need to keep your phone. Target Stores have cheaper cell phones, which if you are a member of AARP, you get a discount with the service. Cricket which is of ATT, but is less expensive; why not Google them. Ask God for favor.
Another comment : Notice, Jesus was speaking to people who called themselves son's of Abraham, putting themselves as heirs to salvation. Genesis 22:18, Luke 16:14, in Luke 16:24-25, then Luke 16:27-31, there's many things Jesus is saying here. He's pointing out Salvation isn't sealed in birthright.
Nor those who think because they should be allowed in but live cruelly towards others: Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 7,
He's also pointing to his own resurrection. Luke 16:31, & prophecying their denial of him even after that prophecy is fulfilled.
I agree that our physical death ends any chance for our salvation and today is the accepted time for tomorrow we may be gone. When we die, what's inside will determine what we get, Isaiah 55:6. Revelation 22:11 along with verse 12 brings other scripture up to me, that you may not agree with.
Do you think it refers to the door being shut, at the end of the days of grace, the fulness of the Gentiles? I know it is not thought of much, but God does know when and who the last person will be saved. Those who have not accepted Jesus as their savior will no longer be able to find Him after he closes the door on salvation like God closed the door on the ark, Genesis 7:16Luke 17:27.
He has warned us. The door will close someday. Whether it is upon our death or that He allows one hardened heart to remain hard or that He allows those to accept the delusion, 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12, the door to salvation will close. Matthew 7:13 - 14Luke 13:24-25John 10:9Revelation 3:8.
[8]For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
[9]For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Trust in the Lord brother.
There were several careers I was becoming very successful & in each one, something happened to completely demolish those. I realized recently if those 'paths' I had chosen were successful; I would have been thousands of miles away from my family & possibly "too busy" to help my family members, during hardship, including cancer & death that happened much faster than expected. Looking back now, I'm so grateful for the time I had with each of them & thankful for GOD's mercy of not letting those empty ventures succeed. We cannot get back the time & years on earth when a loved one is passed on. Sadly the time without them as we continue on will continue to accumulate. I ask you, prayerfully consider GOD's perfect plan, could it be the most vital thing is to be beside your Mother, holding her hand for eternal memory & peace & comfort to both your souls, to be strength as she is afraid?
Matthew 25:31-46, Isaiah 40:1, 2Corinthians 1:4,
Hopefully helpful
This brief forum is clearly insufficient to cover any comprehensive study on this subject--at least without hogging this space with an inordinate amount of comments on my part. I will briefly list a couple points of caution as well as the general assurance which a proper dividing of the Word on this subject should give to those of us in the faith.
I will begin with the positive first. There are numerous voluminous studies on the subject which was originally postulated by Calvin and Luther and probably many other Reformers around the same time period. My focus has always been on the Word itself so I would recommend reading the book of John specifically for the words of Christ Himself on those who the Father chooses to be revealed through the Son; for example. God's choosing is by no means isolated to there; or in fact to the New Testament. He chose Jeremiah; for instance before he was born to be a Prophet; and much could be said the same in regard to John the Baptist and of course Christ Himself.
As believers; we can be assured that if we sow the seed of preaching the Word; there will be a harvest. (See Isaiah 55:11 in particular). He who "sows in tears shall reap in joy" ( Psalm 126:5-6). This should keep us from frustration when those who we share with for many years ultimately never respond. We can't perform what is known as "decisional regeneration". (James Adams a Reformer was said to come up with that term). In other words; we are responsible for sounding the trumpet and warning as the Watchman is supposed to do lest blood be on our hands. ( Ezekiel 33:1-5). That is a good segway to the cautionary part of the Doctrine of Election.
Based on the knowledge that we possess we are responsible for decisions made in our personal lives and for being faithful to fulfilling the Great Commission. In my experience normally this isn't the biggest weakness with those who are "Calvinist" in their doctrinal views.
We don't go to heaven by being good, nor in just believing in the existence of God. One would have to recognize his sinful and lost state and have faith in Gods plan of redemption.
God is Holy and there is nothing man can do to reconcile himself to God.
Romans 3:10-11 says "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
The wages of sin is death, we're all sinners and sin have to be paid for, so I don't like to say Christ done away with sin on the cross but rather "Christ paid the penalty for our sin on the cross". He was the sacrificial lamb, He died in our place. Jesus was sinless and when the Lord took upon our sin God the father didn't spare him.
There is no way to the father but through the son. John 14:6.
You asked "Is it right to put a good man into hell because he doesn't believe in God?
No one is good but God as shown here in Mark 10:18 "And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
God Holiness is above our comprehension.
Isaiah 55:6-9.
God bless.
(last 2 verses 11 and 12).
Verses 5 and 6 give us some clues as to David's attitude maintaining a proper perspective; he understood God's holiness (v 4) and the eternal perspective (v. 5). Verse 11 shows how David sought God with sackcloth; and recognized the strength and importance of God's favor (v. 7). This could have related to his experience after the sin with Bathsheeba and losing his son; or the time he foolishly took the census when Satan was allowed to tempt him.
These verses should lead us to seeking the Lord at all times; and not waiting until a life or death matter. If we are not of the faith; we need to seek Him while He can yet be found ( Isaiah 55:6). He may not give us time at our deathbed if it happens in an instant to repent if we are a nonbeliever; and as a believer we forfeit our rewards in heaven if we are not putting Him first and dying to self daily. We should also study Job carefully and not make the error he did not being aware of Satan's schemes; but not blaming the enemy of our souls for all our problems as sin is the means of entry for him to work. Praising God in all circumstances is in order; and in the flesh many times we don't feel like it. We need to be emptied of ourselves and consider His attributes as all other things in life are temporal and fleeting as verse 5 shows.
Interesting years don't seem as significant to GOD as they are to man. Isaiah 55:8-11
Events, seem to be the significant time table to GOD, Genesis 15:13-16, Revelation 6:9-11, 2Peter 3:8-11, Romans 16:25, Revelation 10:7,
It almost seems like you're asking because of a Biblical study question
1Timothy 2:5,
The imagination of man; to ignore the obvious all around: that the earth, our very being, molecules that aren't created, only slightly manipulated by man, asks an answer beyond some comprehension.
The question itself seems to derive from rebellion. Isaiah 55:8, Isaiah 29:15,16, Psalms 94:5-15, Psalms 139, Job 38:2-41, Job 40:7-13,
GOD gave some of us very deeply inquisitive minds, to invent witty things, Proverbs 8:12, some build imaginative creations, that in ourselves deep questions of consciousness & core beginnings arise at times. In these gifted minds of power & powerful thinking, faults sometimes into arrogance of belief to define The CREATOR & make a beginning. Because in limited understanding we have beginning & perceivable ending in flesh. Yet in our core perceive there is more in the supernatural, outside the flesh. 1Corinthians 1:27,
We as humans are like gods ourselves we can choose to do mighty evil or good in our days, we can cause other's to cry in distress or rejoice with gladness but in the end we will all answer to GOD ALMIGHTY the maker of heaven & earth. Psalms 82, Leviticus 25:17, Romans 14:12,
It's also amazing that a creator would care so much for what HE has created that HE would still have a plan of redemption even after rebellion: John 3:16
Thank you for your reply. I do believe that God can be hateful about things that are contrary to Him and loving about things that are in alignment with His perfections. I don't see that there is a conflict here in God.
I would note that we see these aspects of personality through a sinful lens, so, as is stated, God has said that
"My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than Your thoughts." (NIV)
Isaiah 55:8-9
We can not solve what seems to be opposites in the character of God. These are paradoxes, not contradictions. Though in God they seem to us to be conflicting ways, they are actually true. Blessings to you, One eighty.
Mine were directed to Isaiah 55:7, "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." Could Jesus have written along those lines, 'God is merciful to sinners - show mercy', as they readied themselves to hurl their stones. And then Jesus stood up & spoke to them, "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." With those words & whatever Jesus had written on the ground, they got the message, that mercy ought to prevail, even as Jesus put aside His authority to administer justice to her.
Yet the Law was still in force - but Jesus' coming brought in a transitional period, where the Law began to fade away, for the 'fulness of God's Grace & Glory' now stood before them ( John 1:14), culminating in the full expression of that Grace, at the Cross. Even if the religious leaders had the power to judge & penalize, Jesus was showing (even through this encounter with this woman), that mercy & forgiveness was now the order of the day, as this was to be seen in Jesus Himself present with them - that the harsh implications of the Law and entrance of God's abundant Grace in Christ, had absolutely no correlation, indeed, diametrically opposed to each other.
The Law revealed sin & only brought death & sin abounded by the Law for there was no mechanism within the Law to bring about a change in heart & life. Grace now came through Christ and was able to deal with that unbridled sin - that Grace might reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord." ( Romans 5:20,21). Those leaders might not have learned this, but at least seem convicted.
No one is going to change someones opinion, that's the Holy Ghost's job, we are just to preach truth.
Truth does not contradict God's words.
You don't go to heaven.
You (sinful flesh) DIED on the Cross, you, the (glorified) BODY of Christ, was raised back by the resurrection of Christ.
The Spirit (in a glorified body) goes back to God that gave it.
Christ, the glorified Body, (LIFE and TRUTH) is in man ( Colossians 1:27).
Philippians 2:13 For it is God (Christ in you) that worketh both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.
Those chosen in this age, WILL BE ONE with Christ: IN MAN bringing man to GOD ( John 1:51).
Ezekiel 14:9 And if the prophet (of man) be deceived when he has spoken such a thing, I the Lord HAVE DECEIVED that prophet .....
1 Thessalonians 2:11 For this cause GOD SHALL SEND them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
The whole world is DECEIVED, only the Holy Ghost can reveal truth.
1 Thessalonians 2:12 That they ALL (everyone of us) might be damned (JUDGED, now or later, by God's words) who believe not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
1 Corinthians 15:28 And when ALL THINGS (in the ages to come) SHALL BE subdued to him, the shall the Son also himself be subject to him who put all things under him, that God may be ALL in ALL.
We either come to truth now; and become ONE with the WORD, in this age, or latter, in the ages to come. God's CHOICE.
Psalms 22:27 And all the ends of the world SHALL REMEMBER (when they are resurrected back into bodies of flesh and judged by God's words) and turn unto the Lord: for all kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.
ALL God's WORDS will be fulfilled ( Isaiah 55:11).
God Bless You.
I agree with your comments.
We have to surrender (die) our life to Christ.
Do we have life, in and of ourselves, NO? Most don't understand this.
1 Corinthians 4:11 For we which LIVE are always delivered unto death for Jesus sake, that the LIFE OF JESUS might be made manifest in our mortal bodies (as well as in our IMMORTAL bodies in the AGE TO COME).
To repent means to change our way of UNDERSTANDING.
To repent would be to agree with God's word.
John 14:6 I AM the way, the Truth, and the LIFE.
Colossians 1:27 ....this mystery ....Christ in you .....
Philippians 2:13 For it is GOD (in you) that worketh both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.
Christ (the first man) UNDERSTOOD this ....THOU in ME....the Father did EVERYTHING through Christ.
Man has to come to TRUTH (Christ in you): Man does EVERYTHING ....I in THEM .....through Christ.
This is the great DECEPTION: No KNOWLEDGE of the WORKS of God.
Hebrews 2:8 .....For now we see NOT YET all things put under him.
Man's time table IS NOT God's timetable.
Ephesians 2:7 That in the AGES TO COME .....
Isaiah 11:9 ....for the earth shall be full of the KNOWLEDGE of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I PLEASE, and it shall prosper in the things whereto I SENT IT.
1 Corinthians 15:28 And when all things (in the ages to come) have been subdued to him, then shall the Son also be subject unto him who put all things under him, that GOD may be ALL in ALL.
God Bless ALL on our pilgrimage to TRUTH.
It's the LIVING WORD that teaches us by studying his written word: He wrote it; he will CAUSE you to understand, his word.
You have not, because you ASK NOT, and when you ask, you ask amiss; things to be consumed by the flesh.
To whom much is GIVEN ....The LIFE of Christ ....much more will be GIVEN .... the MIND (knowledge and wisdom) of Christ.
Stand firm in what the SPIRIT teaches YOU.
Psalms 82:6 I have SAID ( Isaiah 55:11) Ye are gods, the children of the most high.
John 10:35 If he (the written word) called them gods, unto whom (unto Francesco) the (living) WORD (Christ in you) came, the scripture CANNOT be broken.
God bless YOU, the body of CHRIST, and Christ is the body of GOD, OUR Father.
The WOMAN is all flesh and blood, Christ's bride.
Jeremiah 30:6 Ask ye now, and see whether a MAN doth travail with a CHILD? wherefore I see EVERY MAN with his hands on his loins, as A WOMAN in travail, and all faces are turned to paleness.
Galatians 4:19 My little children, of whom I TRAVAIL IN BIRTH again, until CHRIST BE FORMED IN YOU (the Holy Ghost, GOD).
1 Timothy 2:14 .... but the WOMAN (all flesh and blood) being DECEIVED was in the transgression.
1 Timothy 2:15 ....the WOMAN shall be SAVED in CHILDBEARING ....a man child (CHRIST FORMED IN YOU) ...
Revelation 12:1 ... a WOMAN (all flesh and blood, in the AGES TO COME) clothed with GOD, and the CHRIST under her feet, and a crown of 12 stars (angels, ministering spirits) upon her head.
Ephesians 2:7 That in the AGES TO COME .....
WHO IS THE MAN CHILD?
Revelation 12:5 And the WOMAN brought forth a man child, that was to RULE ALL NATIONS with a rod of iron ... Psalms 2:8-9 .... Psalms 149:9
Revelation 2:27 And he (the MAN CHILD that overcomes DECEPTION) shall rule them with a rod of iron .....even as I received of MY FATHER.
Isaiah 60:22 A little one (Christ) shall become A THOUSAND, and a small one (Christ) a strong nation (TRUE ISRAEL) ....
Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I PLEASE, and it shall prosper in the things whereto I SENT IT.
Ephesians 2:7 That in the AGES TO COME ....all will be FULFILLED: GOD will be ALL in ALL .... 1 Corinthians 15:28.
God Bless ALL.
and god replies at verse 14, i am that i am-i am
the whole bible is the gospel of the king(dom) of god, the old just a shadow of the new.
what does it mean when god says i am? i am: who are what?
the gospel is: there is only the life of god and truth of god ...... there is only: i am.... the king(dom) in you, his body.
man was predestinated to become the image of christ: romans 8:29
not many believe this, because man has demeaned the gospel of the king(dom) of god.
ephesians 4:4 ....one spirit .......
john 14:6 ..... "i am" life ......"i am" truth ....."i am" the way .....
revelation 3:12 ....and i will write upon him (my body) the name of my god .... i am (put your name here).
so now truth: i am; jesus christ.
i am; chris: the king(dom) in you.
i am: the being of every body.
ephesians 4:4 ....one spirit (the life of god) ....one body (man, that holds the life of god)....
revelation 3:8 ...and has not denied my name. i am (the life of every body)
i am; abraham, i am; isaac, i am; jacob ...i am; the life of man ...all creation is in birth pains waiting to be delivered: the new creation born again of (i am) truth.
1 corinthians 15:28 and when all things (in the ages to come) shall be subdued unto him, then shall the son also be subject unto him who put all things under him, that god (i am) may be all ("i am" life) in all (bodies).
genesis 3:22 ...behold man (the body of "i am") has become like us ....."i am" truth. life and the way.
we have to eat (i am) the tree of knowledge ....it contains both evil and good.
proverbs 16:6 by (i am) truth and (i am) mercy iniquity (deception) is purged .....
god will be all in all: isaiah 55:11
everyone; his children, is going to be called by his name.
god bless you.
You are correct, there is no scriptures that says there is not a rapture; but there is scripture that says that rapture is not COLLECTIVE; but, ONE by ONE.
Isaiah 27:12 ....and ye shall be gather ONE by ONE, O ye children of Israel.
Whatever the Word says, will happen. Scripture CANNOT contradict scripture, It must be RIGHTLY DIVIDED to reveal truth.
Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
I also love the book of Revelation, but man's (anti-Christ) teachings have distilled it's TRUTH. It's the REVEALING of CHRIST the KINGDOM of GOD.
John 5:43 I (truth, Christ) come in my Father's name, and ye received me (truth) not: if another come in his OWN NAME, HIM (anti-truth, anti-Christ) will ye receive.
God Bless ALL as we come to HIS TRUTH.
When we think of the myriad of ways that the Lord can direct lives, order events, bring people or situations around for the fulfilment of His Purposes, we can indeed entrust our loved ones into His care & safekeeping. Just continue to love the Lord with all your heart, love your family with that same love that God has filled you with, and lay them continually before Him - no prayer goes unanswered - no cry unheard. Trust Him for the outcome - to Him Who does all things well. When we, as sinners, finally come to understand that the wrong things we have done are what greatly trouble our souls - there being no longer satisfaction from them - that an eternity of punishment awaits all who spurn God's Love, then the salvation from Jesus becomes far greater than the fickle satisfaction through sin. May your dear ones be exercised by God's Spirit, that the day will come when they cry out for His Mercy. We may not see it now, but God's Work is precise & unrelenting, especially to those we cry to Him for. 1 John 5:14,15; 2 Peter 3:9; Isaiah 55:10,11.
But then: Jeremiah 3:12, Jeremiah 12:15, Isaiah 51:11, Isaiah 35:10, Isaiah 44:22, Isaiah 55:7, John 3:15-21,
Even today we see hypocrisy but Jesus already knew, lived it & gave us direction : Matthew 23, Matthew 25:31-46,
Hopefully these are helpful
But what the LORD has given us to know is found in His Word. He expects us to read, study & apply its blessed Truths to our lives, to the Church, & be able to discern truth from error. As I type this note to you, my wife is watching a program (a series) about those who found release from the Church of Scientology & their exposition of the evils therein. Is this wrong for such a program to go on air? Some might think so. But if it means giving out the warning to someone about to be seduced & made twice the candidate for hell, I say, 'proclaim it far & wide' & may the alert go out to stop many more in their tracks.
And if this is too close to home, consider the ministry of Jesus & His Apostles: their continued work of exposing the sin of mankind, the evils of the Jewish religious leaders, & then reaching out far beyond Jerusalem with the life-giving Gospel of Jesus Christ. Maybe they should have formed a small coterie, sheltered from all the evil around them, & saved themselves much hatred, persecution & violent deaths. But they would have disobeyed God's Call & burden on their hearts. Yes, they had to make judgement on people (religious or not), knowing that all men had to have the opportunity to hear the Truth - for only the Truth could set men free. Were they attacking another's religion, or were they sending out a warning & giving out God's Truth? We hate no man - but hate Satan's deceptions.
And also I have withholden the rain from you, when there were yet three months to the harvest: and I caused it to rain upon one city, and caused it not to rain upon another city: one piece was rained upon, and the piece whereupon it rained NOT WITHERED.
Isaiah 5:6
And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it.
Job 38:34
Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee? [Read whole chapter]
Psalms 105:32
He gave them hail for rain, and flaming fire in their land.
Proverbs 25:23
The north wind driveth away rain: so does an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
Job 24:19
Drought and heat consume the snow waters: so does the grave, those which have sinned.
Job 37:6
For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength.
Isaiah 55:10
For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but water the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
Proverbs 30:4
Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is HIS name, and what is his SON'S name, if thou canst tell?
2 Chronicles 7:14
IF MY PEOPLE, which are called by my name, SHALL HUMBLE themselves, and pray, and seek MY FACE (not my hand), and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
NOTE: our nation is in severe drought.
One rogue lightning storm can set dry forests on fire. Pray every day for refreshing to come again.
No rain, no harvests, less food, even higher food prices at the store.
Streetpreacher
God, if you care enough to know the number of hairs on our heads ( Luke 12:7), then you care for our finances too. So Lord, according to your word, give us our daily bread ( Matthew 6:11). Provide the financial resources to meet our earthly needs.
I thank you that the righteous are never forsaken, nor do their children beg for bread ( Psalm 37:25). You will not let us lack or go hungry. I thank you that every need is met and that there is no need among us ( Acts 4:34). You are Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides ( Genesis 22:14).
The prayers of a righteous man, availeth much. I ask in Jesus Name that You will provide for all of Johns needs throughout this crisis. Allow him to fellowship here until YOU return to Earth.
John, let your Church know you need to keep your phone. Target Stores have cheaper cell phones, which if you are a member of AARP, you get a discount with the service. Cricket which is of ATT, but is less expensive; why not Google them. Ask God for favor.
I love you in Jesus, Streetpreacher
Another comment : Notice, Jesus was speaking to people who called themselves son's of Abraham, putting themselves as heirs to salvation. Genesis 22:18, Luke 16:14, in Luke 16:24-25, then Luke 16:27-31, there's many things Jesus is saying here. He's pointing out Salvation isn't sealed in birthright.
Nor those who think because they should be allowed in but live cruelly towards others: Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 7,
He's also pointing to his own resurrection. Luke 16:31, & prophecying their denial of him even after that prophecy is fulfilled.
Notice also: John 3:12, Isaiah 55:9,
Hopefully these are also helpful
I agree that our physical death ends any chance for our salvation and today is the accepted time for tomorrow we may be gone. When we die, what's inside will determine what we get, Isaiah 55:6. Revelation 22:11 along with verse 12 brings other scripture up to me, that you may not agree with.
Do you think it refers to the door being shut, at the end of the days of grace, the fulness of the Gentiles? I know it is not thought of much, but God does know when and who the last person will be saved. Those who have not accepted Jesus as their savior will no longer be able to find Him after he closes the door on salvation like God closed the door on the ark, Genesis 7:16 Luke 17:27.
He has warned us. The door will close someday. Whether it is upon our death or that He allows one hardened heart to remain hard or that He allows those to accept the delusion, 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12, the door to salvation will close. Matthew 7:13 - 14 Luke 13:24-25 John 10:9 Revelation 3:8.
Thank you and God bless,
RLW
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto
me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the
thing whereto I sent it.
God bless. In Jesus name.
Isaiah 55:11 kjv: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth:
it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish
that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing
whereto I send it.