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Something to watch for is Jude 1:4. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
This was going on in Jude's day and have certainly excelled in our day. " For there are certain men crept in unawares".
How do they creep in? craftiness? PERHAPS MULTIPLE NAME CHANGES. What is their purpose? Hender the spiritual growth of the believer by their false doctrine?
They seem to agree with you on topics such as the trinity and other topics "even though they give an unorthodox description of it once examined closely".
They come in all shapes form and fashions.
Let's deal with those who Spiritualizes ALL the scripture and in doing so these particular views devalue the blood shed on the cross and the love God displayed in offering his beloved son. ( John 3:16.)
Also, John 15:13. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
This means nothing if there are no consequences to "NOT' receiving Christ, if there is no hell and everyone goes to heaven no matter what you have done in this lifetime! "This is according to their doctrine"
HOW IS THE LOVE OF GOD DISPLAYED ON THE CROSS IF IT WAS UNNECESSARY? Judas, Hitler, Putin, Murderers, Thieves, etc., etc. gets in Heaven anyway!
This particular person also holds the view that we all become as Gods with their incorrect spiritualizing of the text.
WHY IS THIS MESSAGE SO IMPORTANT TO THEM IF THERE IS NO HELL AND THE CROSS DOSENT MATTER?
WHY EVEN BOTHER?
WHERE IS THE VALUE IN FAITH, LOVE, ECT. WORKS, BELIEVING, OBEYING, IN THIS DOCTRINE?
WHATS THE POINT IN SHARING SCRIPTURE?
It's also interesting to see some support a view without understanding it or holding the same viewpoints. The only thing they have in common is multiple name changes.
GB
That is the view I hold as well.
I believe the water here is the word of God.
John 15:3. Now ye are clean through the WORD which I have spoken unto you.
Ephesians 5:26. That he might sanctify and cleanse it WITH THE WASHING OF WATER BY THE WORD,
1 Peter 1:23. Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, BY THE WORD OF GOD, which liveth and abideth for ever.
God bless.
Chris gave a good answer, I'd like to add to the discussion. Please note the verse right before, Jeremiah 29:11, Jeremiah 29:10, sometimes we want GOD to change our situations "right now", sometimes HE does, but I believe this promise, is for GOD's people when we need the encouragement for the troubled times & endurance in longer seasons. Notice in Daniel, he & his companions had went through many difficult moments but GOD in miraculous ways delivered them, protected them & even encouraged them. I believe it was after Daniel was thrown in the lions den that he fasted & humbly prayed about the promise made in Jeremiah 29:10,11, Daniel 9:1,2,3, still waiting on that promise of 70 years,
note Daniel 6:1,2,3, (for why I place the timing, seemingly after lions den) the noted scriptures referring to about Daniel's encouragement, & companions, some say "the greater the trial the greater the miraculous": Daniel 1:8,9,17, Daniel 2:12,13,17,23 Daniel 3:12-27, Daniel 4:19,24,25, Daniel 5, Daniel 6:7,10,16,22,28, Daniel 9:23, Daniel 10:11,12,18, Daniel 11:1,
Luke 10:19, there are moments that are painful but when we look at Salvation, the pruning, witness to strengthen the Body of Believers, then we realize it didn't "hurt us".
I hope these scriptures give you strength & hope= 1Peter 4:12,13, 2Corinthians 1:3-7, John 15:1-2, 1Corinthians 4:5, 2Corinthians 3:2, Zechariah 13:9, Malachi 3:3, 2Timothy 2:10, Psalms 30:5,
In correction= Isaiah 48:10,11, Malachi 3:2, Proverbs 3:11-35, Hebrews 12:7, 2Thessalonians 1:4,
Endure even undue trials= 2Timothy 2:3, 2Timothy 4:5, remember Timothy was with Paul in ministry during persecution. 1Peter 2:19, Mark 13:13, James 5:10,11,
James 5:13-18, 2Chronicles 7:14,
Hopefully these are helpful & encouraging
If we wish to separate those "would be" believers who desire to go to heaven but have no compulsion to serve God from those who already are His bondservants and just would be continuing what they started to practice here on earth we can evaluate their love for God and obedience to obey His commandments ( John 14:15). There are many shallow; foolhardy and at times downright blasphemous concepts of "love" today which permeate much of Christendom; particularly in the "music industry". The concept of obedience because of love seems a foreign concept today; especially in our nation. How many social issues could be deflected if that were the case of more children in their family upbringing for their parents today? Surely; there is more to His love than us being bondservants; as He calls us "friends." ( John 15:15 in the very next verse!) To serve to the length of our own hurt is surely seen in Christ's ministry; not the least of which of course was the crucifixion and all the sufferings beforehand. We often neglect the extent of the rest of His public ministry; where He wasn't even able to mourn the death of John the Baptist; despite making a deliberate attempt at retreat to be alone in a desert place with His chosen few. ( Matthew 14:13). While the Son of Man came to serve and not be served ( Mark 10:45) while on earth; He is certainly worthy to serve and exalt for all eternity for what He did for us. For Him to lift Himself up is not sinful like with the rest of His Creation.
True; there are "pleasures for evermore at His right hand" ( Psalm 16:11). This has to be balanced with the rest of our reverent service toward Him. The shallow; sentimental emotional "love" is at best a tepid version of the Spirit; at worst just a hyped up emotional mindset which is of the world; or comes from occult persuasion. Our emotions; mind; and soul must be incorporated into worship of God ( Mark 12:30).
John 15:19,
Hopefully these are helpful
Sorry for such a delay, I'm not getting my notices to my email. I think I have som updating to do.
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, This is to be present in a believers life for the ministry. If a person have this in his life he will be more effectual in his ministry.
John 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
This Joy spoken of here is not what you can manifest on your own.
This comes to a believer abiding in Christ.
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. John 15:4.
The Psalmist says in Psalms 20:4-5
we are to have joy in thy salvation.
This reminds me of Romans 8:28-35
This a lot to be joyful about.
However sometimes we will encounter sadness but even in sadness we have joy in Christ!
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5.
I hope this helps.
God bless.
So true, the wonderful works of God. What Jesus said in John 15:12-14, many things were going on in 1971, there was a song that came out, I'm sure Jesus was not the focus, but it hits a button, you may know it, if not it is You've got a friend by Carol King.
Thanks, and God bless,
RLW
When we come out of it, as the children of Israel did come out of Egypt, we will be numerous and "spiritually" wealthy in then LORD JESUS CHRIST. I am encouraged to watch my LORD work on our behalf, as we carry out HIS commission. Matthew 28: 18-20; John 15:7,8; 1 John 5:14
May our leaders find mercy, grace and faith in GOD'S salvation and lean on HIS wisdom and direction. Proverbs 3: 3-13
Let us stand together in CHRIST our LORD and pray diligently for the peace of Jerusalem as well our own nation. Ps 122:6; 1 Timothy 2:1-4
GOD to shine HIS face on all who worship and praise HIS Holy Name.
September 13, 2022
My comment is that salvation is conditional whether people believe it or not, because its what the Bible says. It's full of calls to action and challenging us to change our behavior. Most people will not be saved Matthew 7:13. Salvation is with grace but is only for believers/followers- a choice that each person must make. One way to summarize this action appears to be genuine belief and faith in Jesus Christ. John 3:16. That is an action and choice.
So, if someone does not believe, one can presume the unbeliever will not be saved. This already "offends" a lot of people, because some want to justify themselves in their own mind while doing the bare minimum they assume God wants. Some have been deceived into believing obeying God is "bad." But believing is only one of many action verbs the Bible challenges us to do. Other actions fall under this category of genuine active belief and following Jesus too. All these verses in the Bible are true and are equally important. Some like to cherry pick one, but ignore others and assume they don't apply, but they all apply and are true and are God's word.
believe:
John 3:16
follow Jesus:
John 8:12
deny himself:
Luke 9:23
confess:
Romans 10:9
faith:
Ephesians 2:8
hearing:
Romans 10:17
repent and be baptized:
Acts 2:38
keep commandments:
John 15:10
love:
Matthew 22:37-40
There are many more. Some falsely assume by obeying God they are doing 'works' and that is 'bad', therefore, obeying God is 'bad'. No, that's not what the Bible says, and obeying doesn't mean you're saved by works or that people who obey believe that.
My last comment is that James and Paul are consistent. Some assume Paul was anti-works, but only if you cherry pick a few verses and ignore large parts of his book can that conclusion be drawn. Paul was very much pro-obedience as the following verses demonstrate:
Romans 2:9-10
1 Peter 1:5
1 Cor 9:24-27
Hebrews 6:4-6
Galatians 5:1-4
2 Timothy 2:10
Hebrews 10:26
2 Corinthians 5:10
....... Rev. 21:22- 28....And i saw NO temple there in for the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY AND THE LAMB ARE THE TEMPLE OF IT.
......When Jesus cleaned out the Temple he was just trying to show us what his BLOOD OF THAT NEW COVENANT IS GONNA DO TO MANS HEARTS MINDS....Abide in me and i in you....And you are made Clean by the WORD i have spoken unto you...( that New Covenant ) That Book he wrote with his own blood...At Calvary.
......Outta of the mouths of babes and suckling thou has perfected praise...Which is the H.G. the Child of Promise that has to be born in us via the seed of the Sower....The living words of God....The contents of the BOOK....Untill you birth the H.G. a free gift....That Child OF Promise you will continue to defile the Temple....The Child is the living word the H.G...The multiplication of Jesus in you....Remember even in the O.T. God wanted the Child Samuel to do the Ministering not old Eli and his sons ....k
Let's talk about grace and works
What do we mean that we are saved by God's grace? We mean that salvation was offered to us through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. When is this salvation received by people? When we repent for the sins we have done and ask for God's forgiveness. If there is no repentance, is salvation still granted to people? No it is not. Again, in a condition of unrepentance is God's grace available to people? The answer is again no.
About water baptism. Is it a command from God? Yes it is. There are many verses throughout the Bible about that, I can not go through them but if you look to past discussions about water baptism you will find a lot of stuff, it has been discussed a lot lately. So if one does not want to be water baptized, is it considered disobedience to God's will? Is disobedience a sin? Is this sin forgiven if one doesn't repent and corrects himself? Is grace still available to him as long as one is in disobedience and unrepentance? We can agree, I think, that the answer is always no.
Is it considered as a man's work when obeying to God's commandments?
John 6:28-29 "Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent"
So Jesus calls it a work to believe in Him, so what do you think of that, is it necessary for salvaion (to do the work of believing)? Yes it is, also obeying God's rules is necessary for salvation, whether one calls it a work or not.
John 15:9-10 "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. if ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love"
And I would like you to analyze to me the following verses:
Romans 2:6-7"Who will render to every man according to his deeds:To them who by patient continuance in well doing (good works) seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life"
I've been unable to keep up with the site over the last few days. However I just read a few comments and replies, It's one thing to disagree and rebuke and then there's is those who expose themselves.
We all understand that all of us is not brothern and this brotherhood is not defined on how well we teach or preach or agreeing with someone.
WE SHALL KNOW THEM BY THEIR FRUITS!! Matthew 7:15-16.
You can be well doctrined and be as fruitless as a broom stick.
When someone holds the truth and share it, if your ears have been opened you will RECEIVE it! This is a work of the Holyspirit.
But if someone of the world who happens to be amongst us hears that same truth and don't have the spirit don't be surprised if they hate you. John 15:18-19.
They're not hating you because they disagree with you. They're hating you because they have a different spirit than you.
HOWEVER!! Agreeing on doctrine doesn't confirm anything but truth should produce fruit and that fruit should be displayed in our lives.
1 John 4:8. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
1 John 4:13. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
1 John 4:7. Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
1 John 4:12. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
1 John 4:16-17. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
1 John 4:21. And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
This is for one to examine himself!
1 John 4:13.
This is uniquely written to and for the brethren.
God bless.
I can say with complete confidence that the answer is yes, a murderer can be forgiven. Jesus says all manner of sin can be forgiven, and since murder is sin, it would be included in "all manner." The only sin that a person can never receive forgiveness for is when God sends His Spirit to testify to that person, showing them their sinful state, and their need to be redeemed, their need to surrender their life to Christ, if a person rejects that testimony, they will never be forgiven for that.
In Luke 23:34, when Jesus was on the cross, He said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." The fulfillment of that prophecy is from Psalm 22:18. But Jesus is saying Father forgive them for they don't know what they're doing. We know in Ephesians 6:12, Paul said that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against evil spiritual forces in the spirit realm. It is not people. It is Satan using people.
In John 15:18, Jesus said the world hated me so you know the world is going to hate you. And this prayer of Jesus "Father forgive them for they know not what they are doing" was actually answered in Acts Chapter 2, the very first sermon given by Peter after the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Peter said this Jesus (whom you crucified). He is talking to the very people that were there when Jesus was crucified. Were they forgiven? I would say yes because we are told that several thousand souls were saved. The Lord's prayer "Father forgive them for they know not what they do" was answered!
And on Pentecost the gospel was preached and they received the very one that they crucified as their Savior.
So the 'axe that is laid to the root of the trees': this signifies that this will be God's Judgement of cutting down & discarding even those who have been blessed as are called the children of God, since these very ones are not trusting God for their position & redemption, but trusting in their heritage & not living out lives that are worthy & fruitful. These 'trees' God will cut down with His Axe of Judgement, right at the root so that nothing can grow from it again; and John the Baptist's coming (and as a forerunner to Jesus Christ), was to do exactly that: to separate those in God's flock from those who aren't - as also those abiding in the Vine & those who want to be for their own reason - but these will be soon plucked from the branch for lack of fruit (i.e no evidence of faith & no fruit from being nourished by God through Jesus ( John 15:1-8)).
As Brother Chris mentioned the eagle represented a wonderful metaphor just like here in John you see a whole chapter of metaphors.
John 15:1-5 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
These metaphors throughout the bible gives us a clear picture of the intent.
God bless.
Lord willing; this commentary will be helpful for those who really haven't seen the repeated themes of the unity of the Godhead; and the predetermined "elect" group who are chosen for Christ to be revealed; and who therefore will respond to show saving faith. A major point that I tried to bring up in earlier chapters was that there is always a corresponding interaction going both ways; so that confession of faith and all of man's actions prompted by the Spirit are simultaneous actions. KNOWING us according to Matthew 7:23 is part of saving faith; hence the absence indicates we are tares. Our soul testifies with His Spirit ( Romans 8:16) that we are God's children.
None of the contradicts the necessity of confessing with our mouths and believing in our hearts that Christ is Lord ( Romans 10:9). We are asked to repent; but it is He who grants the gift of repentance ( Romans 2:4) and this also has a group of people in mind (the Jews as a whole who come to faith) in Acts 5:31 and the Gentiles in Acts 11:18. We still our to test ourselves to see if we are in the faith ( 2 Cor. 13:5-6). All good fruits therefore come from the source of God; and are evidences of saving faith ( Matt. 7:17). We need to remember that God chastises all He loves ( Hebrews 12:6 etal); and therefore He prunes back so even more fruit is produced ( John 15:1-2). He is doing the work therefore; our WORKS are merely the external evidence that indeed He is working from the inside out. These have been prepared for us from before the foundation of the world ( Eph. 2:10).
The other doctrines such as God's sovereignty; our totally depraved nature; and perseverance of the saints are covered in many scriptures and can be covered in other studies. As far as free will is concerned; God accomplishes His purposes through the vicissitudes of man; and the wiles of Satan and all his minions. To not submit to our Creator is folly ( Psalm 14:1; Psalm 2:2; Rev. 19)
John 15:2 is a frightening verse; in that on the surface it would seem that someone could be saved but end up being lost. Romans 11:21-22 seems to reflect the same sort of picture. Since scripture can't contradict itself; this can't mean salvation can be lost. It does reflect that there are some who would gain prominence, reputations or financial gain from association with the church but whose hearts were never in it. Continuation is a theme here in verse 9 (perseverance of the saints in a way). Verse 16 makes it clear once again that God chose us for these good fruits; i.e. good works.
Going back to verse 2; the second part shows how God is doing the purging (or chastisement; and testing through trials) to gain MORE fruit for those truly in Him. The parable of the sower and the seeds ( Matthew 13:3-9 and in Luke) illustrates how those in Him must get to the point of producing fruit. This fruit comes from Him; therefore He is gaining a return for His investment or redemption achieved through the Atonement.
The concept of being called friends is once again attached to the idea of producing LASTING fruit as WELL as seeing answered prayers. This should give us pause to reflect on our own spiritual growth as well as being selective in WHO prays for us; looking for those that show evidence of these things.
Finally; we have verse 17 about the COMMAND to love one another; followed by the fact that men will HATE us because of Christ in us. This theme goes on to verse 26 where the Comforter is promised to do the talking; as well as the Disciples own eyewitness testimony in the following verse as part of their unique ministry. In light of this; we have to question churches that the world readily accepts in light of whether the TRUE and whole Gospel is being preached.
As we continue here and the following chapter; we see how Christ gave comfort and assurance immediately before the trial at Gethsemene which He knew was imminent. Heaven itself is mentioned right off the bat in verse 3. This; of course leads to confusion and further questions.
The answer in verse 6 is that no one comes to the Father but by me (Christ). So; the access to heaven is the priority; and that essentially is showing them how the Father makes Himself known. Previously; the emphasis was on understanding who Christ was and that no one could know HIM unless the Father had elected them. Thomas was told that he was soon to understand in verse 7; followed by Phillip's request to see the Father (obviously he still didn't get things completely). He then explains the Godhead and how the Holy Spirit would come soon at Pentacost to remain with them (verse 18-21) and continues to show how prayers are answered in understanding these concepts. He promises peace despite the remorse over His upcoming death; and comfort as the Holy Spirit will remind them of these things; with further reminders of these things just spoken as well.
Before we do a V-8 moment as to the apparent dullness of mind these 12 Disciples appeared to demonstrate; we should all be reminded that without the Holy Spirit we are toast; and if it weren't for restraint being enacted by God Satan would have destroyed all of us and the whole earth by now. We should see at least occasionally as Christ saw; that we are indeed seated at heavenly places and perceive the spiritual world and the unseen and not focus in on what our five senses and the devil are constantly promoting. We need to take on the milk of the Word as babes before we can mature and discipline helps; nonetheless we can do nothing without Him ( John 15:5).
As we continue here and the following chapter; we see how Christ gave comfort and assurance immediately before the trial at Gethsemene which He knew was imminent. Heaven itself is mentioned right off the bat in verse 3. This; of course leads to confusion and further questions.
The answer in verse 6 is that no one comes to the Father but by me (Christ). So; the access to heaven is the priority; and that essentially is showing them how the Father makes Himself known. Previously; the emphasis was on understanding who Christ was and that no one could know HIM unless the Father had elected them. Thomas was told that he was soon to understand in verse 7; followed by Phillip's request to see the Father (obviously he still didn't get things completely). He then explains the Godhead and how the Holy Spirit would come soon at Pentacost to remain with them (verse 18-21) and continues to show how prayers are answered in understanding these concepts. He promises peace despite the remorse over His upcoming death; and comfort as the Holy Spirit will remind them of these things; with further reminders of these things just spoken as well.
Before we do a V-8 moment as to the apparent dullness of mind these 12 Disciples appeared to demonstrate; we should all be reminded that without the Holy Spirit we are toast; and if it weren't for restraint being enacted by God Satan would have destroyed all of us and the whole earth by now. We should see at least occasionally as Christ saw; that we are indeed seated at heavenly places and perceive the spiritual world and the unseen and not focus in on what our five senses and the devil are constantly promoting. We need to take on the milk of the Word as babes before we can mature and discipline helps; nonetheless we can do nothing without Him ( John 15:5).
About the people that have not heard of Jesus you quote Romans 1:20. OK but in those verses people will not have an excuse for not believing in the existence of God. But God who? Muslims believe in God, but in another God. So for the muslims that in the past never heard of Jesus but still believed in a God (the one they knew), how is God going to judge them? This is where, I think, verses in Romans 1:11-16 come in. In my understanding they will be judged according to their life, according to what they know it is right, according to what their consience says to them, and we all know that there is not a single man in the world who doesn't know what is right or wrong. How strict is God going to be to them? One cannot know really.
But even for the other religions today who have heard of Jesus, is it enough that they have heard of Jesus? Is that considered that Jesus was preached to them? Ans if Jesus was actually preached to them, without any proof, say by those denominations like Catholics etc, is this enough? In verse John 15:24 it says "If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father." Which means, if I get it right, that if the one who preaches about Jesus is unable to bring forth a proof that God exists people do not sin if not believing. See what Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."
Paul's preaching was not just words but with proof of God's power. Paul Himself wouldn't believe in Jesus if Jesus didn't appear to him. Same with Sergius Paulus in Cyprus, same with the guard in Philippii. So we see that Gospel was preach with proof
Now let's go to us nowadays. Is it enough that we preach the Gospel without the power that God showed in the early times?
GBU
The Bible is full of metaphors to explain things like our relationship to God. I see T. Levis shared scriptures for "sons", so I'll share different ones:
Be like children:
Matthew 18:3
Romans 8:17
Galatians 4:6
Be people and sheep:
Psalms 100:3
John 10:11
Jeremiah 50:6
We're clay:
Isaiah 64:8
We're branches:
John 15:5
We're salt:
Matthew 5:13
I'm sure there's more.
Even if I say Giannis has explained it very well, if you not "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:20-1. I can only perceived by reading "Nats if Jesus is God" you are still searching if Jesus Christ is God. I would be happy to show you how to be saved and obtain the Holy Spirit. Only then the verses you have inquired about will make sense to you because the Holy Spirit will guide you to the truth.
In John 10:36 Jesus Christ himself said He is the Son of God. If you read the entire conversation between the unbelieving Jews and Jesus Christ they will not believe no matter how anybody explained it to them. It is already prophesied in Isaiah 6:9-10, Isaiah 42:20; Jeremiah 5:21; Acts 28:27; Roman's 11.8
In John 14:28 the situation was that Jesus was about to fulfill another prophesy and that was to die on the cross for the sins of the world 1 John 2:2. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Colossians 2:2-3. When Jesus was buried and rose again the third day according to the scriptures, Jesus fulfilled what God the Father sent Jesus to do on earth. The mystery is that God the Father is greater than Jesus the Son of God. Remember Jesus came to Virgin Mary from God the Father. Then Jesus has to go unto the Father after Jesus rose the third day so the Comforter (i.e. Holy Spirit) will be fulfilled. John 14:16; John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:7. There is only one God. Romans 3:30; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:6; 1 Timothy 2:5; James 2:19. Hope this helps and that you be saved soon. Good question.
All those on earth can see Romans 1 and Psalm 19 written in their consciousnesses as they see the creation and how God made things to be. Many today have heard of Christ; but it is as the Parable of the seed and the sower. To proceed to salvation; there must be the Word that takes root; and continues PAST trials and temptations to the point of producing fruit and is continually purged to produce MORE fruit. ( John 15:2). All men fear God and will bow down to worship Him someday. ( Isaiah 45:23; Philippians 2:10-11). Unregenerate man needs a heart change though; he only fears the consequences; not how He has offended a Holy God. An unsaved man can not love Christ or God for that matter. John exposes these things.
If we are truly seeking understanding; I believe He will show us that we are vile sinners and on the way to hell. Those who are not saved or cannot hear His voice (again John describes those people) we have no desire to see who we really are; and find things in this world to our satisfaction. That has much to do with the god of this world; again who IS our God before salvation ( Eph. 2:2). Try to tell someone they are a sinner; that is hard but to say that they are truly following Satan is a whole other matter. Nonetheless; we see again in John Christ speaking this to the Pharisees. This is a fair warning to those who hold onto religious practices apart from a Spirit filled life. It is also sobering to think of those sins that we find outwardly appalling (fornication for instance) when we ignore pride; greed and even gossip because we are so accustomed to behaving this way in our society.
It needs to be said (which should be left unsaid) that since we don't understand fully the hidden counsel of God ( Deut 29:29) that we have no place to be arrogant about understanding these doctrines; and we must acknowledge the grievous sins that Calvin and Luther did while correctly expounding on these principles.
As Paul travelled to Damascus he had not intentions of being saved, but it was his will that he was to kill Christ's children.
God FORCED Paul; to cause Paul's will, to BECOME GOD's WILL.
Paul is our EXAMPLE.
God's WILL, will be done.
What ever God has purposed for you, WILL BE DONE, and you have no say.
Did Jacob and Esau have a choice?
Did King Cyrus have a choice?
Did the King of Assyria have a choice?
Did Pharaoh have a choice?
No, the words were spoken of the path thy would take before the foundations of the world were laid.
John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, I have CHOSEN YOU ....
Romans 9:21 Hath not the potter POWER OVER the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel of HONOUR, and another unto DISHONOUR.
MAN teaches FREE WILL, God is the KING of the Kingdom, and the KING'S WILL RULES ALL.
God Bless You.
Job is a PROPHECY of Christ.
Job 2:3 And the LORD (God the Father) said unto Satan ( John 8:44 and his children, all flesh and blood), Hast thou considered my servant Job (a metaphor for Christ) that there is none like him (Christ) in the earth, a perfect and upright man (Christ), one (Christ) that feareth God (the Father), and escheweth evil? and he (Christ) still holdest fast his integrity, although thou (Satan and his children, flesh and blood)) movest ME (God the Father) AGAINST HIM (Christ), to DESTROY HIM (Christ) WITHOUT A CAUSE.
Psalms 119:161 Princes ( 1 Corinthians 2:6-8 of this world, Children of Satan) have persecuted me (Christ) WITHOUT A CAUSE, but I (Christ) stand in awe of the (Father's) word.
John 15:25 But THIS (Christ death and resurrection) COMETH TO PASS, that the WORD might be FULFILLED that is written in their law, They hated me WITHOUT A CAUSE.
God Bless You.
Of course; this all fits in with the fear of the Lord ( Prov. 1:7 etal). It seems like backward logic; at least to the world; who consider themselves free but in reality are slaves to sin ( Romans 6:20 and many other like verses). If we love Him; we obey His commandments. ( 1 John 5:2-3). Love and obedience are NOT mutually exclusive concepts; nor can either survive on their own. Now His saints are free to choose to serve God or to sin; a concept many who correctly believe what's known as the "Grace Gospel" seem to have trouble with. Before we are saved; we are only able to sin. The truth is hidden; as it were like the Parables are to the lost. This ties into His Diety as God in the flesh; hence no earthly saints are to be given special titles such as "Father" ( Matt. 23:9). Let us strive therefore so that we can avoid unnecessary discipline through sins. The way the world views punishment now; His chastisements may seem unduly harsh. It is better than ultimate judgment in hell; and for our own good.
Agape.
Numbers 16:5,
Matthew 20:16, Matthew 22:14,
John 6:70, John 13:18, Acts 1:2,
Hopefully these are helpful
Verses of Jesus accepting worship:
John 20:28
Matthew 28:8-9
Mark 16:1
Matthew 2:11
Matthew 21:9
John 12:13
We are also to obey Jesus:
John 8:31
John 14:15
John 14:21-24
John 15:10-14
1 John 2:3