Day 28 January 28, 2025 Matthew 18:19-20 KJV Unity in Prayer West Angeles Church Consecration Calendar
I Pray for unity in my prayers and done in my church and community
Matthew 18:19 KJV
My Interpetation REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
" When done and praying is showing God as holy to believe. Principle-Holy to all religions.Always performaning righteousness, holiness in actions "to do it" of God, to have faith, hope, love is unity"
Confirmation to all the world. Confirmation is of the Gospel performing of miracle. Trusting in Jesus intercession asking in prayer. A guaranteed result I have received being Christian is utterance of the spirtual man.Accord with Jesus Christ God the Father Romans 6:23 KJV." Quoted on prayers being done must be of God expedient, earnest, faithful, preserving.
Expedient definition- serves to promote or advance any means which may be employed to accomplish an end.
Matthew 18:20 KJV
My Interpetation REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY:
" Associated scripture Hebrews 10:25 KJV. Jesus in the midst is Psalm 19:4 KJV to be pleasing in his sight 1 John 3:22 KJV. Jesus Christ is omnipresence amd omniscience to all the world. Quoted on blessing on united, congregational prayer. Jesus want you to have the gift of the Holy Ghost-cordial and sincere. Receiving the blessings -When speaking to have the presence of Christ is true and mighty Psalms 21:6 KJV Communion with his church as real. Speaking in advancement of position Psalms 16:11 KJV
Quoted: Measure is in believing the holy bible-Jesus Christ is life to follow.
Hello again dear, there are a lot of mistakes in my writing, where even AI can make up and change words.I can some words and sentences.So here we go: Nice of you to say this, it is important for us when we pray. What we dealing with, you know it is different spirits who try and see your believe. You have for sure read Acts 19 15 Remember how Jesus walked in Israel, He drive out demons almoust everyday. (He may did all day, becouse we dont have all the text about Him, i belive).We people who belive in Him have no demones. But spirits who want us to come to Him and get some rest. From what where before. Whats thru here dear is that the moment you proklamed you belive in Jesus.When we all say Jesus name all people go from dead to life. Actually i read that today, loock here: John 3:36 This is a good example of Gods greace versus us.And here John 4:14
All this explanes that we are not to be afraid or hunted by bad conscience. So dont think about before anymore. Think about today and loock forward. We go on till tomorrow and further. Peronally i get a bit scared last time when you wrote that you dont have much responsibility. You have resposibility over you self. A advice from me dear sister. Be active, stay close and see what happening around you. There you have a responsibility.To do that is not a intervention, it is an active statement that things are as they should be. Becouse it is you and your husbands life together.Not one "king". Let me se if i could say this right. I dont say that you have it like that.I know you honour him in all thing. Only be active in your life so this dont happend.It is a saying, if u give a finger, the whole hand is soon taken. Then you will be scared, dont let that happend, dear. My mother let her husbond have all responsibility and when he, was no longer. She didnt know how to change a light bulb! That was the price to count only at him. Practical easy things was lost for her. And i know this is a big problem around all the world. Love u
Thank you so much for the study and work you are sharing with us on the assurance of salvation. I for one appreciate what you are sharing as this is probably the most important and crucial topic that leaves no room for error.
You bring up John 3:16, and if I may share this with you, not to discredit anything you have presented thus far, but something that may (or may not) be helpful to yourself and others, and also something we don't catch from our English translation. I hope that this might in some way fit in with the salvation topic you are sharing.
In John 3:16, where it says "whosoever believeth in Him should not perish," it is literally whosoever believeth (into) Him should not perish. This is something we don't catch from our English text, but the Greek text brings this out for us.
The Greek text uses the preposition EIS which means into. It reads, "Ho pisteuon eis auton" which translates to "the one believing INTO Him." Why is this important? It is important because believing in Jesus is not enough, and there are some that say all you need to do is believe in Him and you are saved. Some even use John 3:16 because it says whosoever believes in Him will have eternal life (Salvation).
However, a person can believe in Jesus and still never surrender their life to Him. So, belief alone in Him does not bring salvation. We are told in James 2:19 that even the demons believe and are trembling. A person must believe into Him. That's how the Greek text reads.
Anyway, thank you again for sharing this, and I look forward to reading more from you on this very important topic.
This no doubt will be a lengthy series of postings but it is essential. The first thing we need to determine is what exactly is salvation? We can start with John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Now this seems to be perfectly clear and I don't wish to complicate the basic principle here. Let us dissect this verse to look at all the components.
God so loved the world. Now God is perfectly righteous and just and man is completely without hope and all have gone astray according to numerous passages; there is none righteous no not even one ( Romans 3:10 but with many other passages in Psalms in particular in the O.T. supporting this-see Psalm 19). God created man therefore had compassion and a vested interest over every soul. For God to atone for men's sins the Son of God had to enter the picture to come to earth as a man as part of God's eternal counsel and foreknowledge to remedy this situation and put us into right standing anew after the fall of Adam and his race. God couldn't look on sin so He turned away for the moment Christ had to take on all of our sin and be the sacrificial atonement. Jesus only did and said the words of the Father and those who the Father chose or elected. This principal is covered in the book of John in which I did a lengthy study of this concept of Predestination a couple years back.
Sent His only begotten Son. That is covered in the above commentary so I will move on.
That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.
This involves more than just believing He was a good man. Mark 10:18 dispells any sentimenality we may have of Christ being a good man because it so understates His deity that it renders it more harmful than good. Believing in Him means believing the atonement was fully satisfying God's requirements to save man forever.
Hi Debby. In Greek, the word, 'ptochos', means 'one in poverty, destitute'. But in the sense that Jesus speaks in Matthew 5:3, He qualifies this poverty as being experienced, not of a lack in money or goods, but in one's spirit. So, as a beggar has nothing of worth in his possession, the one who is poor in spirit, is one whose spirit has been completely broken & impoverished; he has nothing to live for. Such a one, Jesus says, 'though he is broken and worthless through no fault of his own, he can look forward with joy to being blessed in God's future Kingdom.'
And this poverty also aligns with the account Jesus gave in Luke 16:19-31, where the (physically) poor man Lazarus who probably died a miserable, lonely death, enjoyed the comforts of Paradise, whereas the rich man who gave no thought for others, suffered in excruciating pain. How do these two accounts compare to what Jesus also speaks about: to the New Birth ( John 3:3), of the repenting broken publican and the self-righteous Pharisee ( Luke 18:10-14), or even the publican Zaccheus who under conviction, changed his sinful behavior ( Luke 19:1-10)? All these accounts, including Matthew 5:3, were given by Jesus to those of Israel still under the Old Covenant of the Law. And the Law required that people dealt righteously with one another, looking out for his brother in need ( Deuteronomy 15:7,8) and not to steal from another ( Leviticus 19:11). Jesus not only reminded them of the Law but that (in the case of Nicodemus, John 3:3), that man would need to be born again by the Holy Spirit. This could only happen after Jesus' Death and Resurrection and the giving of His Spirit to all who would believe on Him. Nicodemus should have known about this ( John 3:9,10, cf Ezekiel 11:19,20, Ezekiel 36:26,27).
So the 'poor in spirit' (as the other Beatitudes) are a reflection of this new nature, bringing out the qualities in a believer, that come from a new revived spirit in him, given by God's Spirit under the New Covenant.
If God only chose a few how can you be sure you're one of them being that it has nothing to do with faith or the foreknowledge of God?
Never mind those who reject God all together. We know their fate.
The bible has a lot to say about being deceived.
When examining Matthew 7:13-23 we see a call to enter in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Why are you told to follow the straight and narrow gate if you have not the ability to see it.
And how would you know you are not on the gate that leads to destruction?
Is it because your works?
Look at verses 21-23. "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
The scripture says "Ye shall know them by their fruits and God giving faith "The faith of Christ" is a fruit of the spirit and is given to believers by the Holyspirit being in them. This is baptism by the Holyspirit and it comes after one is saved.
John 7:37-39 sums it up. "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
We are chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world by the foreknowledge of God.
There is a lot to consider here in Romans 10:13-18 concerning the Gospel and the recipients.
Paul calls it the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Paul says "whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Paul says "their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world'.
Just in these 5 verses "13-18" you see there is an expectation to respond to a message you have heard that went throughout the world!
In 2 Peter 3:9 Peter says" is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Repentance here is turning to God!
When you do that, you have turned from something! In this case "for salvation" It is unbelief.
If repentance is required of everyone, the invitation and ability to receive is to everyone.
If God so love the world but only died for the elect and is going to cast the rest in hell that makes no sense and must be interpreted another way.
If Christ died for the whole world. And not just the chosen then opening the ears to a few to receive and leaving the rest blinded makes no sense and would also have to be interpreted another way.
Considering we have a Just God, and God is not a crooked Judge where he slips some out the back door to escape judgment and leave the rest of his creation behind to burn in the lake of fire forever goes against all that he is and against his word!
John 3:17 "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Also, let's not forget that John 3:16-17 is addressed to THE WORLD, NOT TO HIS CHURCH!! "The called out ones"
So too with Salvation: entirely from God and a Gift to those who would believe; but it is most appropriate to receive it with thanksgiving, which should never be considered as a work or effort to gain that salvation.
Moving on to John 3:16. I took note of how you interpret this verse and to focus on the words in that verse: "believe and world". I would agree that for one to truly believe in God's Son and the work of the Cross, that faith must come from God's Spirit, just as that same Spirit has drawn the sinner to see his heart condition & need of a Savior. And yes, it can never be an "Intellectual Belief", for there are many who do so to their own spiritual peril. So, the Spirit draws the sinner, gives him understanding of his condition, onto contrition and repentance, and then faith to believe & be born from above into a new life in Christ.
"For God so loved the WORLD". The 'World' is 'Kosmos' in Greek, which includes not only the world we live in but also the 'worlds' around us. You wrote that if this meant "every individual that has ever existed in the World..it would be a violation of God's Law as Christ did not pay the full penalty required by the Law". Can you see what you're writing here? That Christ's Sacrifice was not for all people but only for those He has saved or will save. Well, we need to then understand the Nature of God's Love for all people He has placed on His Earth. My understanding is that God's Love extends to all, no exceptions, for that is Who God is. If He cannot extend His Love to all, then He isn't a God of Love - for that is His very Nature. Because our sins have separated us from God, God in Mercy, finding nothing worthy of redemption within us & extended from us, stooped into humanity to offer Himself in His Son as our substitutionary payment. The religions of this world reject such a 'ridiculous' proposition & belief, requiring that each one make restitution for his own sins & hope for approval & acceptance. Onto Page 4
Calvinism relies on telling a few clever lies to convince their followers of their distorted teaching. The Bible itself refutes their ideology in the following examples:
Did Jesus die for all, yes or no?
1 John 2:2 says YES
John 3:16 says YES
1 Timothy 2:4-6 says YES
2 Corinthians 5:14 says YES
Romans 10:13 says YES
1 John 4:14 says YES
But Calvinists say NO
Scripture saying Jesus did NOT die for all:
[none]
The Word of God says Jesus died for "all" and the "whole world" and "everyone" in those verses above. All means all, and the whole world means the whole world, and everyone means everyone. But cult teachings will try to twist this and say all does NOT mean all, and the whole world does NOT mean the whole world, and everyone does NOT mean everyone. It's like the serpent in the Garden of Eden who said you shall NOT surely die. It's obvious who is on what side by how they either affirm or denounce the scripture.
Those who disobey and intentionally deceive others from the truth put themselves in grave danger of God's wrath.
The 2nd big lie told by some is that people don't have freewill to do anything whatsoever. Some contradict themselves by saying they still sin but isn't their fault, while others say they don't sin at all and are perfect like Jesus, an obvious lie that 1 John 1:8 makes clear. Verses like Joshua 24:15 that say for you to choose (Calvinists deny this means you're not choosing) or for you to open the door (Calvinists deny this means you're opening the door) Revelation 3:20 , John 7:17.
The biggest lie I hear many say about others- they claim others are trying to EARN their own salvation. That lie is straight from Satan. They know its a lie but will spread it anyway. They know that 99% of Christians believe in grace and believe it is a gift, not earned. But just because they believe God gave them a gift of choice like Joshua 24:15 says, they suddenly claim their motives are to "earn" heaven. So dishonest. Beware of wolves!
And we could also include Romans 9:17,18, concerning Pharaoh. As Moses was shown mercy by God for the revelation of Himself, so God had also raised up Pharaoh, hardening his heart against the children of Israel so as to declare to all God's Power. Again, we cannot use any of these examples to demonstrate that certain individuals are elected to salvation based on God's indiscriminate choosing, but these examples show that God alone, for His Own reasons, selected Israel to be His Elect, for Moses to see God's Glory, and for Pharaoh to be used of God to demonstrate that He alone was God and that none else, even the god-like Pharaoh, could ever be compared to Him.
May I give you a three verses, asking for your understanding? John 3:16, 1 Timothy 2:4 and 2 Peter 3:9. About whom are Jesus, Paul and Peter speaking in these verses? GBU.
"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."
Hebrews 10:16
"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;"
Romans 7:12
"Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good."
1 John 3:22
"And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."
For those who trust Paul's gospel - that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day ( 1 Cor. 15:1-4) - the Scriptures assure complete deliverance from God's wrath. Though all were once "children of wrath" by nature ( Eph. 2:3), in Christ we are made new creations and sealed by the Spirit ( Eph. 1:13; 4:30). God's wrath is real, revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness ( Rom. 1:18), yet believers stand justified by His blood and eternally secure.
Romans 5:9 proclaims, "Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." The penalty of wrath fell upon Christ at the cross, so that no condemnation remains for those in Him ( Rom. 8:1). While wrath abides on the unbeliever ( John 3:36), the believer has peace with God ( Rom. 5:1). Paul makes it plain that the Church, the Body of Christ, is not appointed to wrath but to obtain salvation ( 1 Thess. 5:9). Christ delivers us from "the wrath to come" ( 1 Thess. 1:10), meaning both eternal judgment and the prophesied outpouring during the Day of the Lord.
The "wrath of God" throughout Scripture falls upon the ungodly, rebellious nations, and those who reject the Son ( Col. 3:6; Rev. 6:16-17). But the Body of Christ is distinct; we are part of the mystery revealed to Paul ( Eph. 3:1-9). Wrath belongs to Israel's prophetic program and the unbelieving world, not to the saved in this dispensation of grace.
Key Truth:
In Christ, believers are forever secure. Wrath is past at the cross, present against the ungodly, and future upon unbelievers - but those who believe the gospel are delivered, sealed, and assured eternal peace with God.
Hello Lbooth1955. I'll share some Scriptures that show that a true believer, baptized with the Holy Spirit, has been fully redeemed and adopted into the family of God. He can never be un-adopted, nor will he ever desire to depart from his most Holy Faith - for it is not in him to ever to do so, having been forgiven from the weight of sin having no salvation in any other, than Jesus, the Son of God. Sure, there are also as many Scriptures that purportedly show that a believer can lose his salvation, so the matter comes down to: if a 'believer' can decide to shun Christ and His Salvation, he probably came to Christ under his own desire, without the drawing in of the Holy Spirit and the resulting conviction of sin. Anyone who comes to Jesus without a deep sense of being a filthy despicable sinner deserving of nothing but hell and not fleeing to the Cross for forgiveness, cleansing & redemption, has just been fooling himself and very likely attending Church and reading the Bible for reasons other than a deep love, devotion and commitment to living and serving His Lord. That being said, I submit the following few Scriptures as requested (with notes):
John 3:16: God's Promise to save all who come to Him, assuring them of everlasting life.
John 5:24: The one believing in Jesus has everlasting life, without any condemnation or hell.
John 6:37: God makes no mistakes about whom He gives to His Son, and Jesus promises to never let them go.
John 10:27-29: Christ's sheep always hear His Voice and follow Him. Nothing nor anyone can separate the sheep from the Shepherd. If they stray, the Shepherd will draw them back into the fold, for that is the job of the Shepherd.
Romans 8:38,39: if all these things cannot separate us from God's Love in & through His Son, then what is our strength or ability (or even any inclination) to do the job ourselves? To Page 2.
Israel is not just a generic "spiritual people." They are a chosen nation descended physically from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ( Gen 28:13; Ex 4:22). God gave them covenants, circumcision, and the law ( Rom 9:4). They were promised an inheritance-a land and kingdom over all nations ( Isa 2:2-3; Deut 7:6).
A true nation requires three elements: land (boundaries), laws (government and blessing), and lineage (birthright). Israel's national status is inseparable from the flesh ( Eph 2:11-12; 1 Pet 2:9). They were chosen to be priests to the world ( Isa 61:6) with access to both physical and spiritual blessings. To inherit this, they had to be born again ( John 3:3-8).
In contrast, believers today-Jews or Gentiles-receive blessings in Christ without Israel or their covenants ( Eph 3:6). The church is not tied to Israel's land, laws, or lineage; it is a new creature ( 2 Cor 5:17) formed by grace through faith.
Regarding the word "adoption" in the Bible. Please note the following: 1 John 3:2a Beloved, now are we the sons of God...
How do we become the sons of God according to the Scripture? Only by the New Birth - John 3:7b ...Ye must be born again. 1Peter 1:23a Being born again... Even in todays venacular there is certainly a major difference in being born, and being adopted.
Now in Romans 8:23b ... waiting for the adoption. It is clear according to Scripture that the moment we are born again that we are presently sons of God, so what is meant by our waiting to be adopted? Adoption in Bible times had a different application. The Jewish tradition, and other Middle East cultures of the day was that when your natural born son became of age, he would go through a celebrated ceremonial practice and be adopted by his own father. This was not to place the son into the family, but rather to bless the natural born son, with the recognition of now being mature. Now, this adopted son was blessed with full rights and had authority. The adopted (mature) son's word now had the same authority as the father. He was no longer under tutors and instructors. No longer could the servant(s) of the family have authority over the child, rather now the adopted (mature) son had full authority over the servant(s). Galatians 4:1,2, 5, 7 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord over all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. read v. 5&7. Being predestinated unto the adoption of sons refers to the fact that every born again child of God, is to become mature in the faith. No where in Scripture is it said that God predestinates people to hell or heaven. Every time the word "predestination" is used in any form, it always refers to us becoming like Christ.
August 21, 2024's Newsweek Article, line 1 Conservatives are raging over the arrival of a 90-foot tall statue of Hanuman, a Hindu deity that is half-human and half-monkey, in Texas.
This is not the first nor will it be the last idol to be erected. In this case; at least it is apparently on the private property of this religious group so technically not like the baphomet attepted to be placed in a library several years back.
There is supposed to be another huge 50 foot idol someplace in Canada unveiled recently. We can expect these things to continue to proliferate; and sadly scenes of people prostrating themselves before such statues are also recorded in recent days.
As I've said at least several times in the last few years on this post; there is a process involved between where men run from God's presence knowing that the judgments of God and Christ are coming; seen from Revelation 6 and the end of the seal judgments to where men openly fight against Christ; no doubt made a certainly once they recieve the mark of Satan and the demons drive them to head to Armageddon.
It is sobering to look at pictures of Hitler as a baby; for instance and to realize the monster that was to come. Man is estranged from the womb ( Psalm 58:3). We know; however that two people born in the same situation can be radically different once they grow up so circumstances can't be responsible for ultimate outcomes of the state of men's souls; it is choosing sin over the alternative as men love darkness rather than light as John 3:19 states. We need to remind ourselves of this reality; this is only 3 verses after the famous John 3:16 verse. If we truly repent then we let the light expose our deeds and we ADMIT our wretchedness; in order to turn around and away toward Christ who then remakes us into a new creation ( 2 Cor. 5:17).
In the case of Hitler we see a forerunner of Antichrist; a man worshipped as a god drawing in the masses. Such an event is overdue.
If we look to Psalm 119 we see the longest chapter in all scripture constantly referring to God's law and the author's love for it (I believe David). So the question is...(metronome sound and countdown music)
If we are in the Age of Grace what of the law if we no longer live under it; should we still love it?
This bears some thought; as we can glibly say well of course. We are reminded it is as our schoolmaster and seems harsh at the time ( Hebrews 12:11). Also the fact that no one can be saved by the law; on the contrary it is used to convict of sin; and of course if anyone breaks it even once is cursed ( Gal. 3:10 in KJV although other translations seem to try to dilute this concept it seems). How can we love His law then? The answer...(ditto metronome).
Of course it has to do with LOVE; and the verse I already stated that those who love Him keep His commandments. God doesn't accept alternate paths to Himself through our own self justification or righteousness. He doesn't accept clear defiance of commands that are part of the moral law that transcend to all generations. Obviously with grace abounding over sin we don't sin for more grace ( Romans 6:1-2).
Of course tied in with this idea man is basically good is the concept that we shouldn't offend anyone; or the scripture is twisted about not judging one another; despite Paul's clear teaching on the matter of judging within the body of Christ matters that ought not to be in the world's courts. We of course will also judge the world as corulers with Christ ( 1 Cor. 6:2); and angels ( 1 Cor. 6:3). Love therefore involves telling the truth. Telling a lie in a loving manner isn't really love of course; and neither is not warning someone when we can see they are headed for destruction.
God first loved us first ( 1 John 4:19); and of course we all should know John 3:16. His love had to come to us through imputed righteousness from Christ's atonament to be in His presence.
The Church, the Body of Christ, is distinct from the Bride of Christ-a truth revealed uniquely through the Apostle Paul under the dispensation of grace. While traditional teaching often blends Israel's prophetic promises with the Church's heavenly calling, a right division ( 2 Timothy 2:15) reveals that believers today, saved by grace through faith alone ( Ephesians 2:8-9), are part of a new creation: the Body of Christ ( 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Romans 12:5).
Paul never refers to the Church as the "Bride of Christ." Instead, he consistently identifies the Church as a body in which Christ is the Head ( Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18). This organism is spiritual, made up of both Jew and Gentile, reconciled into one new man ( Ephesians 2:15-16). This unity was a "mystery" kept hidden from ages past ( Colossians 1:26; Ephesians 3:1-6), never prophesied or associated with Israel's covenantal promises.
In contrast, the bride metaphor is rooted in prophecy and tied to Israel. Revelation 21:9-10 calls the New Jerusalem "the bride, the Lamb's wife," a city prepared for redeemed Israel ( Isaiah 62:4-5; Hosea 2:19-20). John the Baptist called himself a "friend of the bridegroom" ( John 3:29), which places him outside the bride. Paul, while using marriage as a metaphor in Ephesians 5, still emphasizes the Body-not a bride-saying, "We are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones" ( Ephesians 5:30). The analogy teaches love and unity, not identity.
Confusing the Bride with the Body blends Israel's earthly hope with the Church's heavenly calling ( Philippians 3:20). We are not awaiting a wedding ceremony, but rather a catching away ( 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) to appear with Christ in glory. As members of His Body, we are already spiritually one with Him ( 1 Corinthians 6:17). Understanding this distinction preserves the truth of God's separate programs for Israel and the Church.
John the Baptist describes himself as "the friend of the bridegroom" (Jesus). This kind of friendship is marked by joy in seeing the other shine. A true friend celebrates when Christ takes the spotlight.
John 11:11
Why is it important?
Jesus calls Lazarus "friend", showing that Christ's friendship includes empathy and compassionate action - He moves to restore the life of His friend.
John 19:12
Why is it important?
Even though it's in a negative context, it shows that "being a friend" meant public loyalty. This becomes a contrast: true loyalty must belong first to Christ, not to earthly power.
Verses 26-27 - (At the cross, Jesus entrusts Mary to "the disciple whom He loved".)
This shows mutual care among those who follow Him.
"Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you."
Matthew 28:19
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"
Acts 2:38
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
John 3:5
"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
Luke 6:46
"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"
The Father gives to Jesus as the incarnate Word of God all dominion, power, and authority Mt. 28:18) over creation before creation as it is through the Son that all things were created. The Son is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords over all creation. Jesus gives eternal life to all whom the Father brings to Him and He is given the right to judge all of created beings, humans and angelic. ( Heb 1:8, Jn. 17:2)
The Father wills that every knee shall bow and tongue confess that Jesus is Lord of all to the glory of God. The Father has commanded the angels to worship the Son ( Heb 1:6) and all the redeemed are to worship Jesus as well as shown in Rev. 5:6-13 acclaiming that Jesus was slain and redeemed for Himself by His shed blood His people who come from every tongue tribe and nation.
The Father has ordained that His Son will secure the victory over sin, death, hell, and the devil, destroying all the evil works and sins of Him who deceived Eve and enticed Adam to disobey God in the beginning. (1 john 3:8, 1 Cor. 15:55; Rev. 1:17-18; 1 Cor. 15:26; Rev. 20:1-10; 21:1-5)
The Father commands that the Son be given the same honor as the Father ( Jn. 5:23) and restores the glory to Jesus upon His resurrection ( Jn. 17:1, 4-5) that He always had before His incarnation.
The Father has the Son, Jesus, sitting on the Father's throne in heaven, at His right hand ( Acts 7:55; Jn. 12:41; Mk. 16:19) displaying that Jesus is equal in nature to the Father and worthy to receive all that the Father receives in worship.
Got to go for now. Making wings for dinner. I realized that I did not cite verses for thr other parts. Sorry, but in this section.
I'm not sure that we differ much in our understanding of the word HUPOMENO. Patience, endurance, and perseverance can be attached to this word. The word HUPO means under, and MENO means remain. So, we are to remain under our circumstances, and we are to endure hardships and whatever else is thrown at us. The word HUPOMENO expresses a remaining under or an endurance in circumstances.
As I mentioned previously, a person who is born of God's Spirit will endure to the end. God's Spirit gives us the ability to remain under and endure. His Spirit gives us the ability to persevere. Without His Spirit, we would never endure or persevere to the end because without His Spirit, all it leaves us with is this body of flesh which will never submit to Christ.
To your first question asking, "Is our salvation initiated by our choice to believe, John 3:16, free will?" Biblically speaking, the salvation process is initiated by God the Father. Jesus said, in John 6:44, "No one is able to come to me, unless the Father who has sent me should draw him; and I will raise him up in the last day."
Consequently, if the Father does not draw a person to Christ, that person cannot be saved. It is only after the Father draws a person to Christ, and they surrender their life to Him, that the Spirit of Christ enters into the spirit of that person and a spiritual birth takes place. So, it is God that initiates salvation, it is God that saves, and it is God that keeps a person saved. We can't keep ourselves saved.
Thanks. We are justified by faith in the sacrifice and blood of Jesus. By grace through faith, we are saved. We cannot earn salvation through good works, but we are transformed to do good works. I understand you see hupomeno differently than I do; you study Greek, I do not. What I see is that it means to endure and persevere. Also, in Rev. 2, Rev. 3, and Rev. 21, the word overcometh, Greek 3528 nikao, meaning to conquer, overcome, prevail, and get the victory.
Is our salvation initiated by our choice to believe, John 3:16, free will? When we hear the gospel, we decide to believe in God and His Son, Jesus, and receive salvation by the grace of God through faith. Just like Abraham, who chose to believe and depend on God instead of relying on himself, even when God asked him to sacrifice his son, his choice is rewarded. Do we decide to choose death over life, or are we predestined, chosen beforehand in God's plan?
In the falling away, I do not see a believer and a true believer as two different people; to me, you either believe or you don't. Falling away is apostasy; those who apostatized had previously held the Christian faith. You can't fall off a roof you are not on. My understanding is that this refers to people walking away from their faith.
Something similar happened around 250 AD when Emperor Decius required Christians to sacrifice to the gods and obtain a certificate; some apostatized, many were killed, which is just a small sample of what's to come. Nobody, including Satan, can take us out of our Father's hand. We are free moral agents capable of accepting or rejecting salvation.
If one decides to become unrepentant and disobedient and chooses to walk in the world and not the Spirit, and God turns them over to a reprobate mind, it will be far worse if they had never known Christ. Thank you, Jesse, for discussing this controversial subject. I hope you can make sense of what I wrote.
Chris has given you a good reply. However, if we examine the saying, "once saved, always saved," it can be true or false; we can use Scripture to support or refute it. So where does that leave us?
In John 3:16, it says that if we believe in Jesus, we will be saved. Jesus promises never to fail. Salvation is based on the grace of God, through faith, not by our efforts, Ephesians 2:8-9. Our salvation depends on the righteousness of Christ and God's mercy, Titus 3:5.
We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23-24. We are justified not by works of the law but by faith, Galatians 2:16. We are called not because of our works but because of God's purpose and grace given to us through Jesus, 2 Timothy 1:9.
Our salvation is founded on our faith in Jesus Christ. In John 10:27-29, we are His sheep, hear His voice, follow Him, and are granted eternal life, which no one can take from His hand. Our salvation is secure because it relies on Jesus' work. As Hebrews 10:23 states, we are to hold fast to our faith without wavering because He is faithful.
Conversely, there is the risk of apostasy or falling away. Luke 8:4-15 illustrates this. In verse 13, it describes someone who received the word with joy and believed for a while but fell away when tempted. This person was a believer who later turned away; individuals can walk away on their own.
We must live by faith and be led by the Spirit. Paul says in Colossians 1:23, "If ye continue in the faith." We also see in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 about the great falling away when the beast rises, along with many other verses too numerous to list that emphasize we must endure to the end, like Revelation 2:10, also we are told to hold fast. If we remain strong in our faith, nothing can take our salvation away.
I understand that some say those who fall away were never truly saved, but I do not see that supported by Scripture, and it may be false hope for one who is weak.
i prayed over you sister i know exactly what your feeling i think we all have been there at one point but one thing I've learned is that GOD will never leave us we cant forget we are just human so we still feel every feeling but there's a man , a son who came down here as human so he felt everything we could ever feel yes lord ! the bible says we need to walk like Jesus we need to be like Jesus and that being said , NO we cant be Jesus but as children of God we look back in the word and see what Jesus did when he felt like you feel and see what he did read the word for your self pray to our father tell him how you feel let it out to him there's no one who can love us like he can i love you and im here for you as well i just want you to know dont let your own feelings over come you sister 2 timothy 1: 7 for GOD has not given us the spirit of fear BUT the power of LOVE and A SOUND MIND heep his words in your heart and remind your self how much our FATHER loves us and how much we mean to him john 3:16 for GOD so loved the WORLD he GAVE his ONLY begotten SON and my Lord thats real love remember gosple music helps me the most i get in prayer and praise him and let him surround me plz try it right now that you feel like this , our Lord is closes to the weak hearted my love i love you i know your day will get better reading this while you feel the present of our lord he keep you on my heart since last night that i read your message so he wants you to know this
Hi again CrossTalker. Sorry for the late reply; I've had a busy day today. To this matter, which I can see you have raised again in this thread and brother Jesse has given you a very good answer.
It seems you need a Yes or No answer only, without any further explanation, whereas my previous response to you I thought was clear in this. Anyway, the sinful person you mentioned, according to the description you presented of him, appears to be carnal in the extreme and is no different from the unbeliever who rejects God, His Son & the Gospel. So Yes, this person (even a Church leader) in such a state is destined for the Lake of Fire. But if he should come to his senses and truly repents, the Cross still avails for him - but in this state, if he should die tomorrow, the Bible says that all who live a life of sin are children of the devil and not the children of God and as such will suffer in eternal punishment (1 John 3:5-9). I had more to write on this type of aberrant belief and practise that some 'Christians' have been taught, but will withhold for now. I trust I have been more direct in answering your question.
I Pray for unity in my prayers and done in my church and community
Matthew 18:19 KJV
My Interpetation REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
" When done and praying is showing God as holy to believe. Principle-Holy to all religions.Always performaning righteousness, holiness in actions "to do it" of God, to have faith, hope, love is unity"
Confirmation to all the world. Confirmation is of the Gospel performing of miracle. Trusting in Jesus intercession asking in prayer. A guaranteed result I have received being Christian is utterance of the spirtual man.Accord with Jesus Christ God the Father Romans 6:23 KJV." Quoted on prayers being done must be of God expedient, earnest, faithful, preserving.
Expedient definition- serves to promote or advance any means which may be employed to accomplish an end.
Matthew 18:20 KJV
My Interpetation REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY:
" Associated scripture Hebrews 10:25 KJV. Jesus in the midst is Psalm 19:4 KJV to be pleasing in his sight 1 John 3:22 KJV. Jesus Christ is omnipresence amd omniscience to all the world. Quoted on blessing on united, congregational prayer. Jesus want you to have the gift of the Holy Ghost-cordial and sincere. Receiving the blessings -When speaking to have the presence of Christ is true and mighty Psalms 21:6 KJV Communion with his church as real. Speaking in advancement of position Psalms 16:11 KJV
Quoted: Measure is in believing the holy bible-Jesus Christ is life to follow.
Word Spoken and Written by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
All this explanes that we are not to be afraid or hunted by bad conscience. So dont think about before anymore. Think about today and loock forward. We go on till tomorrow and further. Peronally i get a bit scared last time when you wrote that you dont have much responsibility. You have resposibility over you self. A advice from me dear sister. Be active, stay close and see what happening around you. There you have a responsibility.To do that is not a intervention, it is an active statement that things are as they should be. Becouse it is you and your husbands life together.Not one "king". Let me se if i could say this right. I dont say that you have it like that.I know you honour him in all thing. Only be active in your life so this dont happend.It is a saying, if u give a finger, the whole hand is soon taken. Then you will be scared, dont let that happend, dear. My mother let her husbond have all responsibility and when he, was no longer. She didnt know how to change a light bulb! That was the price to count only at him. Practical easy things was lost for her. And i know this is a big problem around all the world. Love u
Thank you so much for the study and work you are sharing with us on the assurance of salvation. I for one appreciate what you are sharing as this is probably the most important and crucial topic that leaves no room for error.
You bring up John 3:16, and if I may share this with you, not to discredit anything you have presented thus far, but something that may (or may not) be helpful to yourself and others, and also something we don't catch from our English translation. I hope that this might in some way fit in with the salvation topic you are sharing.
In John 3:16, where it says "whosoever believeth in Him should not perish," it is literally whosoever believeth (into) Him should not perish. This is something we don't catch from our English text, but the Greek text brings this out for us.
The Greek text uses the preposition EIS which means into. It reads, "Ho pisteuon eis auton" which translates to "the one believing INTO Him." Why is this important? It is important because believing in Jesus is not enough, and there are some that say all you need to do is believe in Him and you are saved. Some even use John 3:16 because it says whosoever believes in Him will have eternal life (Salvation).
However, a person can believe in Jesus and still never surrender their life to Him. So, belief alone in Him does not bring salvation. We are told in James 2:19 that even the demons believe and are trembling. A person must believe into Him. That's how the Greek text reads.
Anyway, thank you again for sharing this, and I look forward to reading more from you on this very important topic.
God Bless!!!
This no doubt will be a lengthy series of postings but it is essential. The first thing we need to determine is what exactly is salvation? We can start with John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Now this seems to be perfectly clear and I don't wish to complicate the basic principle here. Let us dissect this verse to look at all the components.
God so loved the world. Now God is perfectly righteous and just and man is completely without hope and all have gone astray according to numerous passages; there is none righteous no not even one ( Romans 3:10 but with many other passages in Psalms in particular in the O.T. supporting this-see Psalm 19). God created man therefore had compassion and a vested interest over every soul. For God to atone for men's sins the Son of God had to enter the picture to come to earth as a man as part of God's eternal counsel and foreknowledge to remedy this situation and put us into right standing anew after the fall of Adam and his race. God couldn't look on sin so He turned away for the moment Christ had to take on all of our sin and be the sacrificial atonement. Jesus only did and said the words of the Father and those who the Father chose or elected. This principal is covered in the book of John in which I did a lengthy study of this concept of Predestination a couple years back.
Sent His only begotten Son. That is covered in the above commentary so I will move on.
That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.
This involves more than just believing He was a good man. Mark 10:18 dispells any sentimenality we may have of Christ being a good man because it so understates His deity that it renders it more harmful than good. Believing in Him means believing the atonement was fully satisfying God's requirements to save man forever.
And this poverty also aligns with the account Jesus gave in Luke 16:19-31, where the (physically) poor man Lazarus who probably died a miserable, lonely death, enjoyed the comforts of Paradise, whereas the rich man who gave no thought for others, suffered in excruciating pain. How do these two accounts compare to what Jesus also speaks about: to the New Birth ( John 3:3), of the repenting broken publican and the self-righteous Pharisee ( Luke 18:10-14), or even the publican Zaccheus who under conviction, changed his sinful behavior ( Luke 19:1-10)? All these accounts, including Matthew 5:3, were given by Jesus to those of Israel still under the Old Covenant of the Law. And the Law required that people dealt righteously with one another, looking out for his brother in need ( Deuteronomy 15:7,8) and not to steal from another ( Leviticus 19:11). Jesus not only reminded them of the Law but that (in the case of Nicodemus, John 3:3), that man would need to be born again by the Holy Spirit. This could only happen after Jesus' Death and Resurrection and the giving of His Spirit to all who would believe on Him. Nicodemus should have known about this ( John 3:9,10, cf Ezekiel 11:19,20, Ezekiel 36:26,27).
So the 'poor in spirit' (as the other Beatitudes) are a reflection of this new nature, bringing out the qualities in a believer, that come from a new revived spirit in him, given by God's Spirit under the New Covenant.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Matthew 24:35
"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."
Blessings
Revised.
If God only chose a few how can you be sure you're one of them being that it has nothing to do with faith or the foreknowledge of God?
Never mind those who reject God all together. We know their fate.
The bible has a lot to say about being deceived.
When examining Matthew 7:13-23 we see a call to enter in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Why are you told to follow the straight and narrow gate if you have not the ability to see it.
And how would you know you are not on the gate that leads to destruction?
Is it because your works?
Look at verses 21-23. "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
The scripture says "Ye shall know them by their fruits and God giving faith "The faith of Christ" is a fruit of the spirit and is given to believers by the Holyspirit being in them. This is baptism by the Holyspirit and it comes after one is saved.
John 7:37-39 sums it up. "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
We are chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world by the foreknowledge of God.
John 3:16-21.
God bless.
There is a lot to consider here in Romans 10:13-18 concerning the Gospel and the recipients.
Paul calls it the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Paul says "whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Paul says "their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world'.
Just in these 5 verses "13-18" you see there is an expectation to respond to a message you have heard that went throughout the world!
In 2 Peter 3:9 Peter says" is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Repentance here is turning to God!
When you do that, you have turned from something! In this case "for salvation" It is unbelief.
If repentance is required of everyone, the invitation and ability to receive is to everyone.
If God so love the world but only died for the elect and is going to cast the rest in hell that makes no sense and must be interpreted another way.
If Christ died for the whole world. And not just the chosen then opening the ears to a few to receive and leaving the rest blinded makes no sense and would also have to be interpreted another way.
Considering we have a Just God, and God is not a crooked Judge where he slips some out the back door to escape judgment and leave the rest of his creation behind to burn in the lake of fire forever goes against all that he is and against his word!
John 3:17 "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Also, let's not forget that John 3:16-17 is addressed to THE WORLD, NOT TO HIS CHURCH!! "The called out ones"
See Part 3
Hebrews 2:18
"For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
1 John 3:24
"And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us."
Blessings
So too with Salvation: entirely from God and a Gift to those who would believe; but it is most appropriate to receive it with thanksgiving, which should never be considered as a work or effort to gain that salvation.
Moving on to John 3:16. I took note of how you interpret this verse and to focus on the words in that verse: "believe and world". I would agree that for one to truly believe in God's Son and the work of the Cross, that faith must come from God's Spirit, just as that same Spirit has drawn the sinner to see his heart condition & need of a Savior. And yes, it can never be an "Intellectual Belief", for there are many who do so to their own spiritual peril. So, the Spirit draws the sinner, gives him understanding of his condition, onto contrition and repentance, and then faith to believe & be born from above into a new life in Christ.
"For God so loved the WORLD". The 'World' is 'Kosmos' in Greek, which includes not only the world we live in but also the 'worlds' around us. You wrote that if this meant "every individual that has ever existed in the World..it would be a violation of God's Law as Christ did not pay the full penalty required by the Law". Can you see what you're writing here? That Christ's Sacrifice was not for all people but only for those He has saved or will save. Well, we need to then understand the Nature of God's Love for all people He has placed on His Earth. My understanding is that God's Love extends to all, no exceptions, for that is Who God is. If He cannot extend His Love to all, then He isn't a God of Love - for that is His very Nature. Because our sins have separated us from God, God in Mercy, finding nothing worthy of redemption within us & extended from us, stooped into humanity to offer Himself in His Son as our substitutionary payment. The religions of this world reject such a 'ridiculous' proposition & belief, requiring that each one make restitution for his own sins & hope for approval & acceptance. Onto Page 4
Did Jesus die for all, yes or no?
1 John 2:2 says YES
John 3:16 says YES
1 Timothy 2:4-6 says YES
2 Corinthians 5:14 says YES
Romans 10:13 says YES
1 John 4:14 says YES
But Calvinists say NO
Scripture saying Jesus did NOT die for all:
[none]
The Word of God says Jesus died for "all" and the "whole world" and "everyone" in those verses above. All means all, and the whole world means the whole world, and everyone means everyone. But cult teachings will try to twist this and say all does NOT mean all, and the whole world does NOT mean the whole world, and everyone does NOT mean everyone. It's like the serpent in the Garden of Eden who said you shall NOT surely die. It's obvious who is on what side by how they either affirm or denounce the scripture.
Those who disobey and intentionally deceive others from the truth put themselves in grave danger of God's wrath.
The 2nd big lie told by some is that people don't have freewill to do anything whatsoever. Some contradict themselves by saying they still sin but isn't their fault, while others say they don't sin at all and are perfect like Jesus, an obvious lie that 1 John 1:8 makes clear. Verses like Joshua 24:15 that say for you to choose (Calvinists deny this means you're not choosing) or for you to open the door (Calvinists deny this means you're opening the door) Revelation 3:20 , John 7:17.
The biggest lie I hear many say about others- they claim others are trying to EARN their own salvation. That lie is straight from Satan. They know its a lie but will spread it anyway. They know that 99% of Christians believe in grace and believe it is a gift, not earned. But just because they believe God gave them a gift of choice like Joshua 24:15 says, they suddenly claim their motives are to "earn" heaven. So dishonest. Beware of wolves!
And we could also include Romans 9:17,18, concerning Pharaoh. As Moses was shown mercy by God for the revelation of Himself, so God had also raised up Pharaoh, hardening his heart against the children of Israel so as to declare to all God's Power. Again, we cannot use any of these examples to demonstrate that certain individuals are elected to salvation based on God's indiscriminate choosing, but these examples show that God alone, for His Own reasons, selected Israel to be His Elect, for Moses to see God's Glory, and for Pharaoh to be used of God to demonstrate that He alone was God and that none else, even the god-like Pharaoh, could ever be compared to Him.
May I give you a three verses, asking for your understanding? John 3:16, 1 Timothy 2:4 and 2 Peter 3:9. About whom are Jesus, Paul and Peter speaking in these verses? GBU.
John 15:10
"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."
Hebrews 10:16
"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;"
Romans 7:12
"Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good."
1 John 3:22
"And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."
Blessings
Believers and the Wrath of God
For those who trust Paul's gospel - that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day ( 1 Cor. 15:1-4) - the Scriptures assure complete deliverance from God's wrath. Though all were once "children of wrath" by nature ( Eph. 2:3), in Christ we are made new creations and sealed by the Spirit ( Eph. 1:13; 4:30). God's wrath is real, revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness ( Rom. 1:18), yet believers stand justified by His blood and eternally secure.
Romans 5:9 proclaims, "Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." The penalty of wrath fell upon Christ at the cross, so that no condemnation remains for those in Him ( Rom. 8:1). While wrath abides on the unbeliever ( John 3:36), the believer has peace with God ( Rom. 5:1). Paul makes it plain that the Church, the Body of Christ, is not appointed to wrath but to obtain salvation ( 1 Thess. 5:9). Christ delivers us from "the wrath to come" ( 1 Thess. 1:10), meaning both eternal judgment and the prophesied outpouring during the Day of the Lord.
The "wrath of God" throughout Scripture falls upon the ungodly, rebellious nations, and those who reject the Son ( Col. 3:6; Rev. 6:16-17). But the Body of Christ is distinct; we are part of the mystery revealed to Paul ( Eph. 3:1-9). Wrath belongs to Israel's prophetic program and the unbelieving world, not to the saved in this dispensation of grace.
Key Truth:
In Christ, believers are forever secure. Wrath is past at the cross, present against the ungodly, and future upon unbelievers - but those who believe the gospel are delivered, sealed, and assured eternal peace with God.
Grace and Peace.
John 3:16: God's Promise to save all who come to Him, assuring them of everlasting life.
John 5:24: The one believing in Jesus has everlasting life, without any condemnation or hell.
John 6:37: God makes no mistakes about whom He gives to His Son, and Jesus promises to never let them go.
John 10:27-29: Christ's sheep always hear His Voice and follow Him. Nothing nor anyone can separate the sheep from the Shepherd. If they stray, the Shepherd will draw them back into the fold, for that is the job of the Shepherd.
Romans 8:38,39: if all these things cannot separate us from God's Love in & through His Son, then what is our strength or ability (or even any inclination) to do the job ourselves? To Page 2.
Page 2 - What Makes Israel?
Israel is not just a generic "spiritual people." They are a chosen nation descended physically from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ( Gen 28:13; Ex 4:22). God gave them covenants, circumcision, and the law ( Rom 9:4). They were promised an inheritance-a land and kingdom over all nations ( Isa 2:2-3; Deut 7:6).
A true nation requires three elements: land (boundaries), laws (government and blessing), and lineage (birthright). Israel's national status is inseparable from the flesh ( Eph 2:11-12; 1 Pet 2:9). They were chosen to be priests to the world ( Isa 61:6) with access to both physical and spiritual blessings. To inherit this, they had to be born again ( John 3:3-8).
In contrast, believers today-Jews or Gentiles-receive blessings in Christ without Israel or their covenants ( Eph 3:6). The church is not tied to Israel's land, laws, or lineage; it is a new creature ( 2 Cor 5:17) formed by grace through faith.
God Bless
How do we become the sons of God according to the Scripture? Only by the New Birth - John 3:7b ...Ye must be born again. 1Peter 1:23a Being born again... Even in todays venacular there is certainly a major difference in being born, and being adopted.
Now in Romans 8:23b ... waiting for the adoption. It is clear according to Scripture that the moment we are born again that we are presently sons of God, so what is meant by our waiting to be adopted? Adoption in Bible times had a different application. The Jewish tradition, and other Middle East cultures of the day was that when your natural born son became of age, he would go through a celebrated ceremonial practice and be adopted by his own father. This was not to place the son into the family, but rather to bless the natural born son, with the recognition of now being mature. Now, this adopted son was blessed with full rights and had authority. The adopted (mature) son's word now had the same authority as the father. He was no longer under tutors and instructors. No longer could the servant(s) of the family have authority over the child, rather now the adopted (mature) son had full authority over the servant(s). Galatians 4:1,2, 5, 7 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord over all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. read v. 5&7. Being predestinated unto the adoption of sons refers to the fact that every born again child of God, is to become mature in the faith. No where in Scripture is it said that God predestinates people to hell or heaven. Every time the word "predestination" is used in any form, it always refers to us becoming like Christ.
August 21, 2024's Newsweek Article, line 1 Conservatives are raging over the arrival of a 90-foot tall statue of Hanuman, a Hindu deity that is half-human and half-monkey, in Texas.
This is not the first nor will it be the last idol to be erected. In this case; at least it is apparently on the private property of this religious group so technically not like the baphomet attepted to be placed in a library several years back.
There is supposed to be another huge 50 foot idol someplace in Canada unveiled recently. We can expect these things to continue to proliferate; and sadly scenes of people prostrating themselves before such statues are also recorded in recent days.
As I've said at least several times in the last few years on this post; there is a process involved between where men run from God's presence knowing that the judgments of God and Christ are coming; seen from Revelation 6 and the end of the seal judgments to where men openly fight against Christ; no doubt made a certainly once they recieve the mark of Satan and the demons drive them to head to Armageddon.
It is sobering to look at pictures of Hitler as a baby; for instance and to realize the monster that was to come. Man is estranged from the womb ( Psalm 58:3). We know; however that two people born in the same situation can be radically different once they grow up so circumstances can't be responsible for ultimate outcomes of the state of men's souls; it is choosing sin over the alternative as men love darkness rather than light as John 3:19 states. We need to remind ourselves of this reality; this is only 3 verses after the famous John 3:16 verse. If we truly repent then we let the light expose our deeds and we ADMIT our wretchedness; in order to turn around and away toward Christ who then remakes us into a new creation ( 2 Cor. 5:17).
In the case of Hitler we see a forerunner of Antichrist; a man worshipped as a god drawing in the masses. Such an event is overdue.
James 4:17 "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."
1 John 1:6 "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:"
1 John 3:6 "Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him."
Blessings
If we look to Psalm 119 we see the longest chapter in all scripture constantly referring to God's law and the author's love for it (I believe David). So the question is...(metronome sound and countdown music)
If we are in the Age of Grace what of the law if we no longer live under it; should we still love it?
This bears some thought; as we can glibly say well of course. We are reminded it is as our schoolmaster and seems harsh at the time ( Hebrews 12:11). Also the fact that no one can be saved by the law; on the contrary it is used to convict of sin; and of course if anyone breaks it even once is cursed ( Gal. 3:10 in KJV although other translations seem to try to dilute this concept it seems). How can we love His law then? The answer...(ditto metronome).
Of course it has to do with LOVE; and the verse I already stated that those who love Him keep His commandments. God doesn't accept alternate paths to Himself through our own self justification or righteousness. He doesn't accept clear defiance of commands that are part of the moral law that transcend to all generations. Obviously with grace abounding over sin we don't sin for more grace ( Romans 6:1-2).
Of course tied in with this idea man is basically good is the concept that we shouldn't offend anyone; or the scripture is twisted about not judging one another; despite Paul's clear teaching on the matter of judging within the body of Christ matters that ought not to be in the world's courts. We of course will also judge the world as corulers with Christ ( 1 Cor. 6:2); and angels ( 1 Cor. 6:3). Love therefore involves telling the truth. Telling a lie in a loving manner isn't really love of course; and neither is not warning someone when we can see they are headed for destruction.
God first loved us first ( 1 John 4:19); and of course we all should know John 3:16. His love had to come to us through imputed righteousness from Christ's atonament to be in His presence.
Ephesians 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof
Matthew 15:11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.
Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Matthew 24:35 "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."
Any thoughts?
Right Division ( 2 Timothy 2:15)
The Church, the Body of Christ, is distinct from the Bride of Christ-a truth revealed uniquely through the Apostle Paul under the dispensation of grace. While traditional teaching often blends Israel's prophetic promises with the Church's heavenly calling, a right division ( 2 Timothy 2:15) reveals that believers today, saved by grace through faith alone ( Ephesians 2:8-9), are part of a new creation: the Body of Christ ( 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Romans 12:5).
Paul never refers to the Church as the "Bride of Christ." Instead, he consistently identifies the Church as a body in which Christ is the Head ( Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18). This organism is spiritual, made up of both Jew and Gentile, reconciled into one new man ( Ephesians 2:15-16). This unity was a "mystery" kept hidden from ages past ( Colossians 1:26; Ephesians 3:1-6), never prophesied or associated with Israel's covenantal promises.
In contrast, the bride metaphor is rooted in prophecy and tied to Israel. Revelation 21:9-10 calls the New Jerusalem "the bride, the Lamb's wife," a city prepared for redeemed Israel ( Isaiah 62:4-5; Hosea 2:19-20). John the Baptist called himself a "friend of the bridegroom" ( John 3:29), which places him outside the bride. Paul, while using marriage as a metaphor in Ephesians 5, still emphasizes the Body-not a bride-saying, "We are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones" ( Ephesians 5:30). The analogy teaches love and unity, not identity.
Confusing the Bride with the Body blends Israel's earthly hope with the Church's heavenly calling ( Philippians 3:20). We are not awaiting a wedding ceremony, but rather a catching away ( 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) to appear with Christ in glory. As members of His Body, we are already spiritually one with Him ( 1 Corinthians 6:17). Understanding this distinction preserves the truth of God's separate programs for Israel and the Church.
God Bless
John 3:29
"This joy is now mine, it is complete."
John the Baptist describes himself as "the friend of the bridegroom" (Jesus). This kind of friendship is marked by joy in seeing the other shine. A true friend celebrates when Christ takes the spotlight.
John 11:11
Why is it important?
Jesus calls Lazarus "friend", showing that Christ's friendship includes empathy and compassionate action - He moves to restore the life of His friend.
John 19:12
Why is it important?
Even though it's in a negative context, it shows that "being a friend" meant public loyalty. This becomes a contrast: true loyalty must belong first to Christ, not to earthly power.
Verses 26-27 - (At the cross, Jesus entrusts Mary to "the disciple whom He loved".)
This shows mutual care among those who follow Him.
"Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you."
Matthew 28:19
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"
Acts 2:38
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
John 3:5
"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
Luke 6:46
"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"
Blessings
Pt. 6
The Father gives to Jesus as the incarnate Word of God all dominion, power, and authority Mt. 28:18) over creation before creation as it is through the Son that all things were created. The Son is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords over all creation. Jesus gives eternal life to all whom the Father brings to Him and He is given the right to judge all of created beings, humans and angelic. ( Heb 1:8, Jn. 17:2)
The Father wills that every knee shall bow and tongue confess that Jesus is Lord of all to the glory of God. The Father has commanded the angels to worship the Son ( Heb 1:6) and all the redeemed are to worship Jesus as well as shown in Rev. 5:6-13 acclaiming that Jesus was slain and redeemed for Himself by His shed blood His people who come from every tongue tribe and nation.
The Father has ordained that His Son will secure the victory over sin, death, hell, and the devil, destroying all the evil works and sins of Him who deceived Eve and enticed Adam to disobey God in the beginning. (1 john 3:8, 1 Cor. 15:55; Rev. 1:17-18; 1 Cor. 15:26; Rev. 20:1-10; 21:1-5)
The Father commands that the Son be given the same honor as the Father ( Jn. 5:23) and restores the glory to Jesus upon His resurrection ( Jn. 17:1, 4-5) that He always had before His incarnation.
The Father has the Son, Jesus, sitting on the Father's throne in heaven, at His right hand ( Acts 7:55; Jn. 12:41; Mk. 16:19) displaying that Jesus is equal in nature to the Father and worthy to receive all that the Father receives in worship.
Got to go for now. Making wings for dinner. I realized that I did not cite verses for thr other parts. Sorry, but in this section.
See Pt. 7
(Part 1):
I'm not sure that we differ much in our understanding of the word HUPOMENO. Patience, endurance, and perseverance can be attached to this word. The word HUPO means under, and MENO means remain. So, we are to remain under our circumstances, and we are to endure hardships and whatever else is thrown at us. The word HUPOMENO expresses a remaining under or an endurance in circumstances.
As I mentioned previously, a person who is born of God's Spirit will endure to the end. God's Spirit gives us the ability to remain under and endure. His Spirit gives us the ability to persevere. Without His Spirit, we would never endure or persevere to the end because without His Spirit, all it leaves us with is this body of flesh which will never submit to Christ.
To your first question asking, "Is our salvation initiated by our choice to believe, John 3:16, free will?" Biblically speaking, the salvation process is initiated by God the Father. Jesus said, in John 6:44, "No one is able to come to me, unless the Father who has sent me should draw him; and I will raise him up in the last day."
Consequently, if the Father does not draw a person to Christ, that person cannot be saved. It is only after the Father draws a person to Christ, and they surrender their life to Him, that the Spirit of Christ enters into the spirit of that person and a spiritual birth takes place. So, it is God that initiates salvation, it is God that saves, and it is God that keeps a person saved. We can't keep ourselves saved.
Thanks. We are justified by faith in the sacrifice and blood of Jesus. By grace through faith, we are saved. We cannot earn salvation through good works, but we are transformed to do good works. I understand you see hupomeno differently than I do; you study Greek, I do not. What I see is that it means to endure and persevere. Also, in Rev. 2, Rev. 3, and Rev. 21, the word overcometh, Greek 3528 nikao, meaning to conquer, overcome, prevail, and get the victory.
Is our salvation initiated by our choice to believe, John 3:16, free will? When we hear the gospel, we decide to believe in God and His Son, Jesus, and receive salvation by the grace of God through faith. Just like Abraham, who chose to believe and depend on God instead of relying on himself, even when God asked him to sacrifice his son, his choice is rewarded. Do we decide to choose death over life, or are we predestined, chosen beforehand in God's plan?
In the falling away, I do not see a believer and a true believer as two different people; to me, you either believe or you don't. Falling away is apostasy; those who apostatized had previously held the Christian faith. You can't fall off a roof you are not on. My understanding is that this refers to people walking away from their faith.
Something similar happened around 250 AD when Emperor Decius required Christians to sacrifice to the gods and obtain a certificate; some apostatized, many were killed, which is just a small sample of what's to come. Nobody, including Satan, can take us out of our Father's hand. We are free moral agents capable of accepting or rejecting salvation.
If one decides to become unrepentant and disobedient and chooses to walk in the world and not the Spirit, and God turns them over to a reprobate mind, it will be far worse if they had never known Christ. Thank you, Jesse, for discussing this controversial subject. I hope you can make sense of what I wrote.
God bless,
RLW
Chris has given you a good reply. However, if we examine the saying, "once saved, always saved," it can be true or false; we can use Scripture to support or refute it. So where does that leave us?
In John 3:16, it says that if we believe in Jesus, we will be saved. Jesus promises never to fail. Salvation is based on the grace of God, through faith, not by our efforts, Ephesians 2:8-9. Our salvation depends on the righteousness of Christ and God's mercy, Titus 3:5.
We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23-24. We are justified not by works of the law but by faith, Galatians 2:16. We are called not because of our works but because of God's purpose and grace given to us through Jesus, 2 Timothy 1:9.
Our salvation is founded on our faith in Jesus Christ. In John 10:27-29, we are His sheep, hear His voice, follow Him, and are granted eternal life, which no one can take from His hand. Our salvation is secure because it relies on Jesus' work. As Hebrews 10:23 states, we are to hold fast to our faith without wavering because He is faithful.
Conversely, there is the risk of apostasy or falling away. Luke 8:4-15 illustrates this. In verse 13, it describes someone who received the word with joy and believed for a while but fell away when tempted. This person was a believer who later turned away; individuals can walk away on their own.
We must live by faith and be led by the Spirit. Paul says in Colossians 1:23, "If ye continue in the faith." We also see in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 about the great falling away when the beast rises, along with many other verses too numerous to list that emphasize we must endure to the end, like Revelation 2:10, also we are told to hold fast. If we remain strong in our faith, nothing can take our salvation away.
I understand that some say those who fall away were never truly saved, but I do not see that supported by Scripture, and it may be false hope for one who is weak.
God bless,
RLW
It seems you need a Yes or No answer only, without any further explanation, whereas my previous response to you I thought was clear in this. Anyway, the sinful person you mentioned, according to the description you presented of him, appears to be carnal in the extreme and is no different from the unbeliever who rejects God, His Son & the Gospel. So Yes, this person (even a Church leader) in such a state is destined for the Lake of Fire. But if he should come to his senses and truly repents, the Cross still avails for him - but in this state, if he should die tomorrow, the Bible says that all who live a life of sin are children of the devil and not the children of God and as such will suffer in eternal punishment (1 John 3:5-9). I had more to write on this type of aberrant belief and practise that some 'Christians' have been taught, but will withhold for now. I trust I have been more direct in answering your question.