Hello Lbooth1955. You've received good replies, to which I also agree. However, in attempting to read deeper into your brief question and what prompted it, I wondered, 'were you referring to the actual time that Christ called them 'apostles' and other references to that name, or to the time post-resurrection and Pentecost, when these apostles were without their Lord present & began to do all that they were taught and commanded to do'?
So if your question was to the first part of my thoughts, then Scriptures such as Luke 6:13, Matthew 10:2, Mark 6:30, Luke 22:14, and others show to me that these disciples (Gk. learner, pupil) also named apostles (Gk. messenger, one sent out), though dear to the Heart of the Lord, were by no means a part of the Body of Christ (as we understand this Body that was later formed, Romans 12:5). While they remained & served under the Old Covenant they were simply a motley group of individuals, specially selected by Jesus to learn, to experience the Son of God first-hand, and to increase in faith and love, so that when they would be transformed & "endued with power from on high", they would be the very first 'founding members' upon which the Church (the Body of Christ) would be built upon ( Ephesians 2:20).
In summary, under the Old Covenant, though called 'apostles', these men were not "included in the Body of Christ". But when the New Covenant in Christ's Blood was ushered in and all who came in faith trusting in that Sacrifice wholly for salvation, those apostles were indeed the very first to be included into Christ's Body, the Church; and upon which we stand today, or ought to stand, without any reference to the Old Covenants, Laws, and ceremonial requirements, which ended at the Cross ( Romans 10:4,5). Thus apostolic teaching remains very relevant to us now and does our Lord's; when these are altered, as some 'churches' have done, devising their own doctrines, they declare that the apostles are irrelevant even denying their Lord. GBU.
In my understanding so far, the mind is the representative part, the leading part of our soul, which is the psyche.
Man has the body, which is the part of biological law, like eating, exercising, aging, etc. This is described in great detail in ( Genesis 3:18-20). I have some doubts about what a "living being" is, because until the coming of Jesus to earth, there were only living souls. But they also had a spirit, like David. Reading about the weight of the judgment that fell upon David afterward-the sword never departed from his descendants again-because the Creator loved David very much, even though he was a man after His own heart. And all the prophets who lived during the Old Testament wanted to please God.
But reading the Apostle Paul say this in ( Romans 7:19-22): even being regenerated, he lives in sin, unfortunately. Clearly, it's not iniquity, but it is, unfortunately, the tendency to sin.
In Romans 8, it talks about "thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord." Here, for me, he says how to free oneself from the ego of weaknesses and how to protect oneself from sin. To educate oneself according to it, but without diluting the blood of Christ or [repeating] "God is powerful"-because even the devil knows that God is powerful-like slogans or ready-made phrases that come out of my mouth. In verse 2: "Because the law of the Spirit of life, in Christ Jesus, has set me free from the law of sin and death." This reminds me of ( Ephesians 2:8-9: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast.") To understand His sovereignty, we must understand our own incapacity. And in ( Matthew 10:11-12), Jesus is speaking to his disciples.
Amen, brother, thank you. Obedience is the evidence of our faith; we cannot ignore all of the Scripture on enduring and overcoming. Matthew 10:22, Matthew 24:13, Mark 13:13, 1 Corinthians 13:7, Hebrews 12:7, James 1:12, 1 John 2:13-14, Revelation 2:7,11,17,22, Revelation 21:7. I could list more, but just these cannot be ignored, and if we do, we are deceived.
A question worth serious thought is this: if the twelve apostles were preaching the same gospel that Paul proclaimed, why was there a need for Paul at all? The Lord did not raise up Paul by accident or redundancy. Christ specifically chose him as "the apostle of the Gentiles" ( Romans 11:13), entrusted with "the dispensation of the grace of God" ( Ephesians 3:2), and revealed to him "the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began" ( Romans 16:25).
The twelve, under Christ's earthly ministry, were commissioned to preach the gospel of the kingdom to Israel, calling for repentance and faith in the promised Messiah, with baptism and law-keeping still in view ( Matthew 10:5-7; Acts 2:38). Their focus remained on the restoration of Israel's kingdom, as foretold by the prophets ( Acts 1:6). Paul's commission, however, centered on the Body of Christ, a new creation in which Jew and Gentile are united by grace through faith alone, apart from works of the law ( Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 3:28).
If their message had been identical, Paul's calling would be unnecessary. Instead, his ministry highlights God's progressive revelation-moving from Israel's prophetic hope to the hidden program of grace now revealed. The need for Paul demonstrates that God was unveiling something new: a gospel not rooted in Israel's covenants, but in Christ's finished work at the cross, freely offered to all.
One must believe in Christ's finished work on the cross alone for salvation-nothing you do, add, or contribute can save you.
Trust only His death, burial, and resurrection for eternal life.
The twelve apostles were sent to Israel under the kingdom program ( Matthew 10:5-7; Galatians 2:7-9). Their preaching emphasized repentance, water baptism, and works consistent with faith ( Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; James 2:17-24). For them, faith that did not produce works was considered dead. So, none of the twelve are recorded as preaching "faith without works."
The Apostle Paul
Paul, however, is unique. He is the only apostle who clearly taught justification by faith alone, without works of the law.
Examples:
"Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." ( Romans 3:28)
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works..." ( Ephesians 2:8-9)
"But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." ( Romans 4:5)
Paul preached a new revelation of grace ( Romans 16:25; Galatians 1:11-12), distinct from the kingdom message of the twelve. His gospel revealed that salvation is entirely a gift, apart from law-keeping or works.
The twelve never preached "faith without works." Their message tied faith with repentance and obedience under Israel's covenant program.
Paul alone preached faith without works-the gospel of the grace of God for Jew and Gentile alike.
Question...Should works follow after we are saved
Yes - but it's very important to keep the order straight.
Salvation Is by Grace Alone-Period!
Paul makes it absolutely clear: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." ( Ephesians 2:8-9). We are saved by faith alone in Christ's finished work, not by anything we do before or after.
Audience: Israel, under the covenants and promises.
Message: The long-promised kingdom, with Messiah reigning on David's throne, was "at hand."
Matthew 4:23 - "And Jesus went about preaching the gospel of the kingdom"
Matthew 10:5-7 - The Twelve were sent only to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" with this gospel.
Luke 22:29-30 - The apostles are promised to sit on twelve thrones judging Israel in that kingdom.
Acts 3:19-21 - Peter still offers the kingdom if Israel repents, showing this program was continuing post-cross.
This gospel was prophetic, rooted in promises made "since the world began" ( Luke 1:70; Acts 3:21).
2. The Gospel of the Grace of God (Paul's Gospel)
Audience: Jew and Gentile alike, apart from Israel's covenants.
Message: Christ's death, burial, and resurrection for sins, offering free justification by faith.
Acts 20:24 - Paul calls it "the gospel of the grace of God."
Romans 16:25 - This gospel was "according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began."
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 - The content: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again.
Galatians 1:11-12 - Paul received it by direct revelation from Christ, not from the Twelve.
This gospel creates the Body of Christ ( 1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 3:6), uniting Jew and Gentile in one new man.
3. Jews Responding to Both Programs
Some Jews believed Peter and the Eleven's message of the kingdom ( Acts 2:41; Acts 4:4). James writes to these scattered tribes ( James 1:1), exhorting them in kingdom-related works and endurance.
Other Jews believed Paul's gospel of grace and became part of the Body ( Rom. 11:13-14; 1 Cor. 9:20-22).
4. Dispensational Distinction
Kingdom Gospel = Israel's prophetic hope on earth.
Grace Gospel = Body of Christ's heavenly hope, revealed through Paul.
Both have Christ as center, but their scope and promises differ.
The world system and spiritual warfare for the believer
Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
Jeremiah 9:2 Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they be all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men.
The avid materialism of this nation in the last generation has now advanced to the point where all sorts of abominations are exalted; whether in items sold or those who suppport their cause. Our society also supports those who often are unwilling to support themselves and are encouraged to live immoral lives to get a payout.
I say this in the context of my own plans to add funds anonymously to the church's benevolent fund to help a sister who will soon be in need; as my other friend I am now supporting after the funds ran out largely due to assistance on his behalf. Of course the church is called to do what we can to feed people with not only the Gospel but literal food and clothes so we are doers of the Word not just saying be blessed and doing nothing to help when we can; as the Boook of James admonishes us.
Again; I often discuss the covenant of marriage; although I feel unworthy to do so as no doubt my own failings contributed to the demise of my marriage. Nonetheless; as I have stated before the breakdown of the family has no doubt had a domino affect since it began 2 generations ago leading us eventually to where we are at present.
To make a general point; the enemy uses weaknesses in character; and a dependent society to lull everyone to sleep and have conveniences to keep us fed (often too much so as we see record obesity today); as well as providing all our needs using modern technology to trap everyone and get them used to a cashless society; and we know what Revelation says is coming next. In the next posting I will attempt to get into more detail on the prophetic to come
A state of readiness: In light of the Rapture and His soon return
We are while on this earth subject to trials. I have gone into detail as to God chastising His own; and of course part of the testing of our faith is how we react with persecution and suffering. Remember the verse Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. IF we are walking in the Spirit He gives us strength and our souls are given peace as well. Our souls are subject to spiritual attacks so we need to be on guard. Our confidence is in Him; and His promises to save us from this world with eventual physical removal. This is also something the whole body of Christ can look forward to. We are therefore to encourage one another with these words ( 1 THessalonians 4:18) at the end of a chapter discussing the Rapture. How often we see this is unknown; I surely haven't heard much about it short of being pesky and constantly prompting a response.
When our lives are relatively comfortable we don't sense that we want to get out of here; but surely others in the fires of open persecution feel differently.
With all this obsession on the Rapture I don't honestly know how to feel. If I were a betting man I would say that most likely this month of September will come and go and the datesetters will for the most part chill out until next year and come up with some other prediction. No wonder the Philadelphia church is said to continue faithfully with little strength ( Revelation 3:8). These are the ones going through the open door at the Rapture and it seems the only church promised in general to make it.
It is better to focus on our strength in the Body of Christ as we are already seated in heavenly places; so if we are martyred or die before He comes to be absent from the body is present with the Lord ( 2 Cor. 5:8).
It seems He is coming soon but it is His decision.
I remain sufficiently vague here but the character limit here is sometimes not the most convenient way to conclude a thought (or perhaps we are to be our own zip drive). Ok enough said I'll zip my lip on that subject...
What I wanted to say in full on the final sentence in the last post was that the church needs not to be too focused on social issues but also not too removed from them either. There is no reason why we have to divorce the Gospel when focusing on issues; in light of Christ's clear emphasis of them on the Sermon on the Mount. The world needs to see us living out the truth of the Word and not just conveniently fitting the mold so that there is any justification to us being singled out as hypocrites or hateful people.
Maybe I should have titled this as one of Satan's strengths; as it seems we are all afraid to "offend" anyone. The Gospel is an offence as we read in 1 Peter 2:8 - "And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed." With this and other supporting scriptures let's dispel any lingering thoughts to the contrary. What offends people should NOT be abrasive speech; as that is not what brings us to the Lord but His love constrains us ( 2 Cor. 5:14). Love and concern for others can be associated with a certain moral compass even if few represent Him properly in this manner. So in one sense we should commit to going out of our way to help people with volunteer efforts; although impromptu ones or routine ones with our own personal contacts is likely to bear more fruit. But we can't let that be the end all. Being knowledgeable as to the agendas of a particular organization is best found in sites such as Charity Navigator. This situation takes wisdom as we can work with people in certain churches and organizations but not commit to membership; for instance.
The force of daily habits pulled me away from the fixed local church, and along with it came the loss of the desire to listen to sermons. This led me - and even forced me - to study on my own. Not that it is an effort that bores me, but the more I know the Word, the easier it becomes to see and understand how God never wanted religiosity.
The various theologies, which I briefly mentioned in my last post, are part of one of my studies this semester. In the verse (see Isaiah 57:21) "There is no peace," says my God, "for the wicked." Wouldn't this be what is happening nowadays? Or would it?
This chapter shows us the secret of fellowship with God and how to develop a deep fellowship with Him. In the previous chapters, one of the reasons for God's judgment upon His people, Israel and Jerusalem, was disobedience - the way they began to pervert justice and turn away from the truth the Lord had established in the covenant at Sinai, through the Law.
Moving on to ( Isaiah 57:1), we see that, even in that time, those who obeyed God were treated with hostility. How many times did the Lord Jesus Himself, in ( John 15:20), affirm that the righteous would be persecuted. ( Matthew 10:21) "You will be persecuted and handed over, even by your own relatives."
In ( Isaiah 57:2), we understand the reason. The righteous were taken away to be spared from evil.
Many times, the Lord allows the death of His saints precisely to deliver them from something worse.
All of Jesus's life was about fulfilling the law and prophecy; it is to the Jew first and then the rest of the world, Romans 1:16, Romans 2:9-10. Jesus clearly said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel, and He instructed His disciples to do the same, Matthew 10:6, Matthew 15:24. Jesus spoke to them in parables so they would not understand and hear, and be healed, Matthew 13:13-15.
You are correct that, as a nation, they would have been able to receive Jesus as the Messiah if they had repented, and then the kingdom could have been established at that time. However, God knew their hearts. They were expecting Jesus to set up the kingdom at that time, including the apostles. They asked Jesus if He was going to establish it then, Acts 1:6.
Their final rejection is shown when they cried out loudly and covered their ears, Acts 7:57. Though many disagree, this also fulfills the last seven years in the prophecy of Daniel 9, which many associate with the end times and the doctrine of the Rapture of the Church. This gospel of grace is offered to Jew or Greek, and unto the whole world.
There is no difference between the Jew and any other person of any nation, Romans 10:12. It took the apostles some time to understand this, as shown by Peter's reluctance and his dream. It may not be in our Bible, but I believe they all understood God's plan. This Kingdom will be established when Jesus returns, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in, Romans 11:25.
According to dispensationalism, especially Mid-Acts Dispensationalism, Peter and the 11 apostles baptized because they were operating under the prophetic kingdom program meant for the nation of Israel. Water baptism was an essential component of their ministry during the dispensation of law and the offer of the kingdom.
Here's why Peter and the 11 baptized:
1. They Were Continuing Jesus' Earthly Ministry to Israel
Peter and the other apostles were commissioned to preach the gospel of the kingdom ( Matthew 10:5-7; Matthew 28:19). Water baptism was part of that message, following the pattern of John the Baptist and Jesus Himself.
Mark 1:4 - John preached "the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins."
Matthew 28:19 - Jesus commanded them to "go... baptizing them..."
They were sent specifically to Israel (see Matthew 10:5-6 and Galatians 2:7-9).
2. Baptism Was a Sign of Repentance and Covenant Cleansing
For Israel, water baptism symbolized repentance, cleansing, and identification with the coming kingdom and Messiah. It was a requirement for entering the prophesied kingdom on earth.
Acts 2:38 - Peter said, "Repent and be baptized every one of you... for the remission of sins."
This was in direct response to Israel's rejection and crucifixion of Jesus.
3. They Were Operating Under the Law and Prophecy
Peter and the 11 were still under the Old Covenant framework, even after Jesus' resurrection. Their ministry was not based on the mystery revealed to Paul but on fulfilling what was already foretold in the Scriptures ( Acts 3:19-21).
The kingdom had been promised to Israel and was still being offered ( Acts 1:6; Acts 3:25-26).
Water baptism was a required sign of repentance and national obedience, there is no evidence of it being required for the body of Christ.
Open bible information had 100 verses on their site about the fear of the Lord; here are the first 5.
Proverbs 1:7 ESV / 1,746 helpful votes
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 8:13 ESV / 1,376 helpful votes
The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.
Job 28:28 ESV / 1,228 helpful votes
And he said to man, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.'"
Matthew 10:28 ESV / 1,175 helpful votes
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Psalm 111:10 ESV / 1,154 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
This is probably the biggest problem in today's characteristic lukewarm church a lack of the proper fear of God. As we know if we "spare the rod we spoil the child" ( Proverbs 13:24) in fact it indicates we HATE our child if we don't discipline. Case exhibit 1 is the state of society today with kids by and large running all around their parents and anyone that has legitimate authority.
To fear someone we love is what is lacking in today's mushy sentiments we hear so often about God.
If we see John the Revelator in Revelation 1 flat on his face; the man closest to Christ in His earthly mission of several years we understand in His fullness we ALL are on our faces. How things could change in sharing the Word if we tremble in His presence! That is true Holy Spirit filling not so much of today's nonsense because that doesn't do anything to bring the fear of the Lord in the streets; hence we don't see much evangelism but with a few from those congregations. Swishing around a suit jacket and making people fall on the street would show the circus that it is.
The Bible speaks for itself, no dictionary or man's concordance needed.
The apostle Paul is uniquely identified in Scripture as the chosen vessel through whom God revealed the mystery of the Body of Christ. In Romans 11:13, Paul declares, "I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office." Unlike the Twelve Apostles, who were sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel ( Matthew 10:5-6), Paul was sent by the risen, glorified Christ from heaven ( Acts 9:15; Galatians 1:11-12) to proclaim a new message-not the Gospel of the Kingdom, but the Gospel of the Grace of God ( Acts 20:24). Paul alone speaks of the "Church which is His Body" ( Ephesians 1:22-23), a new creation made up of both Jew and Gentile, united by faith and baptized by the Holy Spirit into one Body ( 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 2:14-16).
The Body of Christ was a mystery "kept secret since the world began" ( Romans 16:25) and not revealed until Paul. He was given this revelation by Christ directly ( Ephesians 3:1-9; Colossians 1:24-27) and is the only apostle who teaches its doctrines-such as salvation by grace through faith without works ( Ephesians 2:8-9), the heavenly position of believers ( Colossians 3:1-4), and the rapture of the Church ( 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Paul calls himself the "wise masterbuilder" who laid the foundation for this present dispensation of grace ( 1 Corinthians 3:10). The other apostles, including Peter, recognized Paul's distinct apostleship and agreed to confine their ministry to the circumcision, while Paul went to the Gentiles ( Galatians 2:7-9).
No other apostle is identified in Scripture as the apostle of the Body of Christ. Only Paul received the full revelation of the mystery, the doctrines, and the heavenly calling of the Church. Therefore, Paul stands alone as the God-appointed apostle to the Body of Christ.
Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
I am always afraid to pray this prayer; perhaps some bolder people out here can pray for me on that end.
We live today in 2025 in an undisciplined culture; where certain behaviors are crying out for parents to exercise discipline when they often prefer to shove the latest toy or video game their way that more often than not promotes visual stimuli for further rebellion. The other reaction is simply yelling without any desire or care for the soul of one's own offspring; and not showing as a parent the right way to act and stupidly thinking kid's can't see into such hypocrisy.
With such an appalling environment; it makes it all the more wonderful to see those who God has changed from their lifestyles of sin to being truly saved. It is a recurring frequent pattern of kids from Christian homes (whether in name only or truly with saved parents) who go from increasing lives of abandonment to sin to a point the Lord reaches them and they are radically transformed. Malachi 4:6 says And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. Perhaps that is indicative of the times we are living in. No doubt in the Tribulation we will see families coming to destroy one another. Matthew 10:21 states: And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.
We should recognize as parents that children are a heritage from God ( Psalm 127:3) and after doing the best we can to entrust God to work on them. This is a tough issue; but often He will use the enemy to put the fear of God in someone after his minions torment people after promising the world. Some have to be broken to call out to God; thankfully some remain close to home.
I concur with Brother Chris and what you were taught.
Once a person is born again ( Born of God's Spirit) he can never be unborn!
We're in the Father and the Son's hand!
Our salvation is in their hands!!
Jude 1:24 reads "Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
If salvation depends on you and I to present our righteousness we would lose our salvation every minute.
As for the verse you mentioned Matthew 10:22 I'm not sure the quote in question "but he that endureth to the end shall be saved" is talking about just salvation.
So saved from what?
Look at the previous verses.
5-7, "These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
10:17-18, "But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;
And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.
Look at verse 23 "But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the "CITIES OF ISRAEL", TILL THE SON OF MAN BE COME.
I believe this deals with their local present mission and on into the far future where it may have salvation implications.
It started out with the twelve apostles on their present commission and on into the future after the Rapture of the Church!
The Apostles made it alive through their mission as will those ministering post Church will make it in the tribulation.
Either way it's stating that they WILL ENDURE to the end!
Hello Forgiven forever. Even as your pen name correctly states, that those who have been forgiven & have received new birth in Christ, are truly saved & secured forever. There is, and always will be, different opinions on this subject, as you have shared Matthew 10:22. Without getting into the matter of whether a true believer in Christ is eternally saved or not, the verse you gave is to be read in context. Jesus was speaking to His disciples, and from verses 17-22, Jesus tells them what lay before them (i.e. arrests, beatings, trials in courts, family rebellion).
After these words to them, Jesus tells them, "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved." Now this sounds to us like Jesus was telling them that only if they put up with all this suffering in their ministries, then God would accept them & bring them into His Kingdom - if they don't they would be rejected. A brother on these pages recently gave the Greek rendering of this verse (as you know that Greek was the written language of the New Testament). The meaning is not as I have given above (i.e. what we think it means), but Jesus was telling His disciples, that 'having endured these trials', or 'after you have endured these things & your end has come, you will see God's Salvation'. And of course, these Words of Jesus were not just to warn them or cause fear of impending suffering, but to show them that when they (or even ourselves) are put to the test and by the help of God's Spirit we remain strong in suffering, we can be encouraged that we will conquer fear & pain, being received by God. So, "shall be saved" does not refer to what Jesus would do later by laying down His Life for our redemption and salvation, but refers to God's intervention by receiving that faithful servant of His into His Glory, when suffering, pains & trials will be over.
In Scripture, Jesus Christ initially sent His twelve disciples only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. In Matthew 10:5-6, Jesus commanded them, "Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." This directive limited their early ministry strictly to the circumcision, the Jewish people. Even after Christ's resurrection, Peter and the other apostles continued ministering primarily to the Jews in Jerusalem and surrounding regions ( Acts 1-7). Their ministry was rooted in the hope of Israel and the promised earthly kingdom.
Although the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 and Mark 16:15 includes the phrase "go ye into all the world," there is no biblical record of Peter, James, John, or the other original apostles ever launching widespread missions to the Gentile nations. Their continued presence in Jerusalem and their focus on the Jewish believers is affirmed in Galatians 2:7-9, where Paul writes that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed to him, while the gospel of the circumcision was committed to Peter. The Jerusalem apostles gave Paul and Barnabas the "right hands of fellowship," agreeing that Paul should go to the Gentiles while they remained with the circumcision.
Only Paul, the apostle of the Gentiles ( Romans 11:13), is recorded in Scripture as taking multiple missionary journeys to distant lands-Asia Minor, Macedonia, Greece, and Rome. These travels are thoroughly documented in the Book of Acts (chapters 13-28). Paul uniquely preached the gospel of the grace of God ( Acts 20:24), revealing the mystery of the Body of Christ and salvation by grace through faith alone ( Ephesians 3:1-9), distinct from the kingdom gospel preached to Israel.
Thus, Scripture consistently shows that the twelve apostles remained focused on Israel and never carried out global missionary work, while Paul alone fulfilled the calling to take the gospel to the nations.
The Kingdom Gospel preached by Peter and the Grace Gospel revealed through Paul represent two distinct programs in God's redemptive plan.
1. Peter's Kingdom Gospel (Faith + Works) - For Israel and the Little Flock
Peter's message centered on Israel's prophetic hope, the coming earthly kingdom, and the Messiahship of Jesus. This gospel required faith in Jesus as the Messiah, but it also included repentance, water baptism, and adherence to the law, as seen in Acts 2:38:
"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins..." ( Acts 2:38, KJV)
Key elements:
Audience: Jews (especially "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" - Matthew 10:5-6)
Content: Jesus is the promised Messiah; repent and be baptized.
Requirement: Faith plus works (baptism, continued obedience).
Goal: Entry into the earthly kingdom promised to Israel ( Luke 12:32 - "little flock").
James 2:24 supports this...
"Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only."
This shows that under the Kingdom Gospel, works confirmed faith for salvation, especially for the Jewish remnant.
2. Paul's Grace Gospel (Faith Alone) - For the Body of Christ
Paul preached a new, previously hidden "mystery" gospel revealed to him by Christ ( Galatians 1:11-12; Ephesians 3:1-9). This message was not based on Israel's covenants or prophecy, but on grace alone through faith alone in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ ( 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
Key elements:
Audience: All (Jew and Gentile alike), forming the Body of Christ.
Content: Christ died for our sins and rose again.
Requirement: Faith alone (no works, no law, no baptism required for salvation).
Thanks again for your feedback, however I must address the thought that Peter and Paul preached the same message.
That would be like trying to mix oil and water.
PETER'S MESSAGE: FAITH + WORKS UNDER THE LAW
Primarily to Israel ( Matthew 10:5-6; Galatians 2:7-9)
Before and during early Acts (esp. Acts 2-3)
Grounded in prophecy and covenant promises
Supporting Scriptures:
Acts 2:38 - "Repent, and be baptizedfor the remission of sins"
Acts 3:19 - "Repentthat your sins may be blotted outwhen the times of refreshing shall come"
Matthew 19:17 - "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
James 2:24 - "By works a man is justified, and not by faith only." (Written to the twelve tribes, James 1:1)
PAUL'S MESSAGE: SALVATION BY GRACE ALONE, WITHOUT WORKS
Sent to the Gentiles and all men ( Romans 11:13; Acts 26:17-18)
Begins mid-Acts ( Acts 9 conversion; commission in Acts 13)
Based on the revelation of the mystery ( Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:1-9)
Supporting Scriptures:
Ephesians 2:8-9 - "By grace are ye saved through faithnot of works"
Titus 3:5 - "Not by works of righteousness which we have done"
Romans 3:28 - "A man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law."
Galatians 2:16 - "A man is not justified by the works of the law"
Final Note (Rightly Dividing View):
Peter preached what God had revealed since the world began ( Acts 3:21), rooted in prophecy.
Paul preached what was kept secret since the world began ( Romans 16:25), revealed through the mystery.
Transition period in Acts explains overlapping elements, but Paul's gospel of grace fully replaces works-based requirements for salvation in the present dispensation.
Matthew 10:16 "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
This is my most quoted verse as there seems to be a number of applications. The passage in context is discussing going out and sharing the Gospel and no doubt has prophetic near term implications for the Apostles when they would go before those in authority and die for their faith eventually; but there is always the long term last days and Tribulation fulfillment when the whole world tries believers and puts them to death.
This passage has me thinking about the information we hear about in the news every day. I understand those who don't listen to anything as the narrative constantly being put into our heads is how terrible things are in the world around us; and that certainly is true; albeit any good news is conveniently absent (with the exception it seems of the local news about the sports team winning a game). Therefore; not only is the tone negative but what to pray is not clear as we are inundated with their narrative as to the root of a problem nested within whatever political skew the reporters are bent to. We see basically a cloning or carbon copy for the old schoolers of the same stories; and little if any original thinking or unbiased reporting. Therefore it is hard to handle the news and hard to know where to start praying for things going on; as those pulling the strings aren't going to show themselves; their true agenda; etc.
On the other hand; we want to be prepared; if not for our own sake whether financial; or storing supplies we want to be a blessing to others. A large part of that is through patiently praying and long term preparations for any possible outcome which certainly is wise. We dare not depend on help from others or the powers that be when crisis hits; although we need to heed to His calling whether in a crisis we do or don't accept that aid.
Let us try to be balanced in this matter and seek the truth.
Yes, when Christ returns and takes back total possession of what has always belonged to Him, when Satan is no longer, when sin is no longer, the fullness of our redemption will then be realized and we will rejoice and praise Him throughout eternity.
As far as being made ready to face persecution, or even face being put to death for not denying our Lord, I like to believe that if we have Christ in us, we have already been made ready.
I have thought about this myself. What would I do if I were faced with losing my life if I refused to deny Christ? In the fleshly human reaction, I'd probably be scared to death. But I know that He lives in me and I have to trust in Him. I like to revert back to the training of the twelve apostles Jesus gave in Matthew 10:16-42.
Well, I am calling it a night. Have a great rest of your evening.
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. ( Matthew 10:22).
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. ( Revelation 3:10). Also see the next verse Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
This first verse no doubt could have a primary reference to enduring until the end of the Tribulation; but it also means that we should continue steadfast until the end of our lives on this earth; or the Rapture.
My last posting mentioned those who would think they are doing God a favor by killing us ( John 16:2). We must keep in mind that the first seal of Revelation brings about a false peace; as tied in to the Daniel 9:27 covenant with many. Naturally; the mindset of unregenerate man considers those against peace as being warmongers or traitors to the cause of world unity thence their removal from the world helps to promote the onset of the utopian society envisioned by those of such a mindset. Naturally; there will not only be the concept of a cessation of hostilities by armies fighting one another but that which promotes sin; veiled as free love; PRO deviant lifestyle; and prosperity for all. For such things to come to pass; there must be recognition of all religions; cultures and nations no matter how appalling their dogmas and practices. The surface appeal to whatever god you choose is; as 2 Timothy 3:5 states is a form of godliness denying its power (loosely translated) which is warned will be the doctrine of false teachers in the last days. All the false religions will seemingly have their prophecy of a "savior" come to pass; whether the 12th Imam (Mahdi); Maitreya or whatever false version of Christ one maintains faith in other than the literal Son of God. There will be twisting of Bible scriptures to validate as well.
In Christianity, the belief in the immortality of the soul has been influenced by ancient Greek philosophy, especially the teachings of two notable philosophers, Socrates and Plato. This philosophy views death as the separation of the soul from the body. Plato described the body as a prison for the soul and saw death as a means of freeing the soul.
This philosophy of death started blending in the church in the second-third century, some saying the good souls go to heaven, but the bad souls go to hell. Augustine of Hippo, a theologian and philosopher who was made a saint, held this philosophy, strongly influencing the doctrines in the church in the fourth and early fifth centuries, and later John Calvin taught it.
Some interpret 2 Corinthians 5:6-9 to mean that when we die, we go to be present with the Lord. This interpretation is also linked to Ecclesiastes 12:6-7, this is not dependent on salvation, all human spirits, regardless if the person is saved or not, return to God because the spirit in man comes from God, Job 32:8, Zachariah 12:1.
The soul: The Bible does not teach that the soul is immortal, but in Ezekiel 18:20, all souls are God's, and the soul that sinneth shall die, in Matthew 10:28, hell is the Word Gehenna which refers to the Lake of Fire. As written in the Bible, in Genesis 2:7, when God formed Adam out of the dust of the ground and with the breath of life from God, Adam became a living soul, that is all of Adam, the complete identity of Adam, including consciousness, desires, and emotions.
When God breathed into Adam the breath of life, and he became a living soul/being. The Hebrew word for soul is nephesh, which means a breathing creature, not a spiritual entity. It can describe a person's soul, life, mind, will, and even our body, not one thing, but the whole of the person, the true self. 1 Peter 3:20, eight souls were saved. Acts 2:43, Romans 13:1
The Bible consistently indicates that souls can die and cease to exist. For example, Matthew 10:28, it mentions that the soul can be destroyed, implying it is not immortal. The Greek word translated as soul is psuche, which has several meanings, including the vital breath, the breath of life, the human soul, the soul as the seat of affections and will, consciousness, a human person. Essentially, it includes who we are, and is inseparable.
This does not happen until we are resurrected, when Jesus Christ returns, it is a gift of God, Romans 2:5-7. Immortality is not given until the resurrection from the dead, only then will we be absent from this flesh and blood body and present with the Lord, Revelation 19:11-21, Revelation 20:1-6. The Bible never describes the soul of man as immortal or eternal. We die and are buried mortal, dead in corruption, and we will be raised incorruptible, 1 Corinthians 15:42-44. Every part of us is mortal, and we must put on immortality, 1 Corinthians 15:52-54.
The spirit: The spirit is the breath of life given to us by God, in Luke 25:46 Jesus said to His Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit. In Acts 7:59, Stephen said Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. The spirit empowers us to experience God's profound love, it is through the spirit that we are empowered to live according to the ways of God, embracing righteousness and walking in His ways, in God's Spirit, the Holy Spirit, rather than walking in the ways of the world.
Our spirit is how we communicate with God, Job 32:8, Proverbs 20:27, John 4:24, 1 Corinthians 2:10-12. God inspires or motivates us by stirring up the spirit in a person, 1 Chronicles 5:25-26. God inspired King Cyrus to issue a decree, allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem, Ezra 1:1.
Can we loose our Salvation ? ? This is very scary for any Christians .
Jesus warns us about denying Him .
Matthew 10:33
But whosoever shalldenymebeforemen, him will I alsodenybefore my Father which is in heaven.
Jesus told Peter that he was going to deny Jesus.
Mark 14:30
And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before thecockcrowtwice, thou shalt deny me thrice.
Peter has deny Jesus . As we know, Peter became an Apostle and still followed Jesus after His death. Peter never lost his Salvation.
Mark 14:72
And the second time thecockcrew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before thecockcrowtwice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.
Jesus warns us of blasphemy.
Matthew 12:31
Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin andblasphemyshall be forgiven unto men: buttheblasphemyagainsttheHolyGhostshall not be forgiven unto men.
Apostle Paul, before he got saved, use to be a blasphemer. Apostle Paul never lost his Salvation. Apostle Paul wrote 13 books of the Bible.
1 Timothy 1:13
Who was before ablasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
The Gospel of the Kingdom is for the Jews and the Gospel of Grace is for the Gentiles.
We start with the Gospel of the Kingdom on earth for the Jews for the New Jerusalem.
Matthew 4:23
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching thegospelofthekingdom, and healing all mannerofsickness and all mannerofdisease among the people.
The gospel of the kingdom required
Matthew 24:14
And thisgospelofthekingdomshall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall repentance.
Jesus Christ told the Twelve Disiples not to go to the Gentiles with the gospel of the kingdom.
Matthew 10:5-7
5These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
6But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Jesus Christ job was to minister to the Jews for in the gospel of the kingdom.
Romans 15:8
Now I say that Jesus Christ was aministerofthecircumcisionforthetruth of God,toconfirmthepromises made untothefathers:
The Gospel of the Kingdom is for the Jews and the Gospel of Grace is for the Gentiles.
We start with the Gospel of the Kingdom on earth for the Jews for the New Jerusalem.
Matthew 4:23
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching thegospelofthekingdom, and healing all mannerofsickness and all mannerofdisease among the people.
The gospel of the kingdom required
Matthew 24:14
And thisgospelofthekingdomshall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall repentance.
Jesus Christ told the Twelve Disiples not to go to the Gentiles with the gospel of the kingdom.
Matthew 10:5-7
5These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
6But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Jesus Christ job was to minister to the Jews for in the gospel of the kingdom.
Romans 15:8
Now I say that Jesus Christ was aministerofthecircumcisionforthetruth of God,toconfirmthepromises made untothefathers:
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and isprofitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"
John 3:34
"For he whom God hath sent speaketh the
words of God: for God giveth not the
Spirit by measure unto him."
Matthew 10:20
"For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit
of your Father which speaketh in you."
2 Timothy 2:15
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth
Matthew 10:42
"And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you,
he shall in no wise lose his reward."
Matthew 10:41
"He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward;
and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a
righteous man's reward."
So if your question was to the first part of my thoughts, then Scriptures such as Luke 6:13, Matthew 10:2, Mark 6:30, Luke 22:14, and others show to me that these disciples (Gk. learner, pupil) also named apostles (Gk. messenger, one sent out), though dear to the Heart of the Lord, were by no means a part of the Body of Christ (as we understand this Body that was later formed, Romans 12:5). While they remained & served under the Old Covenant they were simply a motley group of individuals, specially selected by Jesus to learn, to experience the Son of God first-hand, and to increase in faith and love, so that when they would be transformed & "endued with power from on high", they would be the very first 'founding members' upon which the Church (the Body of Christ) would be built upon ( Ephesians 2:20).
In summary, under the Old Covenant, though called 'apostles', these men were not "included in the Body of Christ". But when the New Covenant in Christ's Blood was ushered in and all who came in faith trusting in that Sacrifice wholly for salvation, those apostles were indeed the very first to be included into Christ's Body, the Church; and upon which we stand today, or ought to stand, without any reference to the Old Covenants, Laws, and ceremonial requirements, which ended at the Cross ( Romans 10:4,5). Thus apostolic teaching remains very relevant to us now and does our Lord's; when these are altered, as some 'churches' have done, devising their own doctrines, they declare that the apostles are irrelevant even denying their Lord. GBU.
James 3:18
"And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace."
Jeremiah 8:11
"For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace."
1 Thessalonians 5:3
"For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape."
Matthew 10:34
"Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword."
Blessings
Man has the body, which is the part of biological law, like eating, exercising, aging, etc. This is described in great detail in ( Genesis 3:18-20). I have some doubts about what a "living being" is, because until the coming of Jesus to earth, there were only living souls. But they also had a spirit, like David. Reading about the weight of the judgment that fell upon David afterward-the sword never departed from his descendants again-because the Creator loved David very much, even though he was a man after His own heart. And all the prophets who lived during the Old Testament wanted to please God.
But reading the Apostle Paul say this in ( Romans 7:19-22): even being regenerated, he lives in sin, unfortunately. Clearly, it's not iniquity, but it is, unfortunately, the tendency to sin.
In Romans 8, it talks about "thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord." Here, for me, he says how to free oneself from the ego of weaknesses and how to protect oneself from sin. To educate oneself according to it, but without diluting the blood of Christ or [repeating] "God is powerful"-because even the devil knows that God is powerful-like slogans or ready-made phrases that come out of my mouth. In verse 2: "Because the law of the Spirit of life, in Christ Jesus, has set me free from the law of sin and death." This reminds me of ( Ephesians 2:8-9: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast.") To understand His sovereignty, we must understand our own incapacity. And in ( Matthew 10:11-12), Jesus is speaking to his disciples.
Amen, brother, thank you. Obedience is the evidence of our faith; we cannot ignore all of the Scripture on enduring and overcoming. Matthew 10:22, Matthew 24:13, Mark 13:13, 1 Corinthians 13:7, Hebrews 12:7, James 1:12, 1 John 2:13-14, Revelation 2:7,11,17,22, Revelation 21:7. I could list more, but just these cannot be ignored, and if we do, we are deceived.
God bless,
RLW
A question worth serious thought is this: if the twelve apostles were preaching the same gospel that Paul proclaimed, why was there a need for Paul at all? The Lord did not raise up Paul by accident or redundancy. Christ specifically chose him as "the apostle of the Gentiles" ( Romans 11:13), entrusted with "the dispensation of the grace of God" ( Ephesians 3:2), and revealed to him "the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began" ( Romans 16:25).
The twelve, under Christ's earthly ministry, were commissioned to preach the gospel of the kingdom to Israel, calling for repentance and faith in the promised Messiah, with baptism and law-keeping still in view ( Matthew 10:5-7; Acts 2:38). Their focus remained on the restoration of Israel's kingdom, as foretold by the prophets ( Acts 1:6). Paul's commission, however, centered on the Body of Christ, a new creation in which Jew and Gentile are united by grace through faith alone, apart from works of the law ( Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 3:28).
If their message had been identical, Paul's calling would be unnecessary. Instead, his ministry highlights God's progressive revelation-moving from Israel's prophetic hope to the hidden program of grace now revealed. The need for Paul demonstrates that God was unveiling something new: a gospel not rooted in Israel's covenants, but in Christ's finished work at the cross, freely offered to all.
One must believe in Christ's finished work on the cross alone for salvation-nothing you do, add, or contribute can save you.
Trust only His death, burial, and resurrection for eternal life.
G&P
The twelve apostles were sent to Israel under the kingdom program ( Matthew 10:5-7; Galatians 2:7-9). Their preaching emphasized repentance, water baptism, and works consistent with faith ( Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; James 2:17-24). For them, faith that did not produce works was considered dead. So, none of the twelve are recorded as preaching "faith without works."
The Apostle Paul
Paul, however, is unique. He is the only apostle who clearly taught justification by faith alone, without works of the law.
Examples:
"Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." ( Romans 3:28)
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works..." ( Ephesians 2:8-9)
"But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." ( Romans 4:5)
Paul preached a new revelation of grace ( Romans 16:25; Galatians 1:11-12), distinct from the kingdom message of the twelve. His gospel revealed that salvation is entirely a gift, apart from law-keeping or works.
The twelve never preached "faith without works." Their message tied faith with repentance and obedience under Israel's covenant program.
Paul alone preached faith without works-the gospel of the grace of God for Jew and Gentile alike.
Question...Should works follow after we are saved
Yes - but it's very important to keep the order straight.
Salvation Is by Grace Alone-Period!
Paul makes it absolutely clear: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." ( Ephesians 2:8-9). We are saved by faith alone in Christ's finished work, not by anything we do before or after.
see pg 2
Here's a more detailed breakdown for you.
. The Gospel of the Kingdom
Audience: Israel, under the covenants and promises.
Message: The long-promised kingdom, with Messiah reigning on David's throne, was "at hand."
Matthew 4:23 - "And Jesus went about preaching the gospel of the kingdom"
Matthew 10:5-7 - The Twelve were sent only to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" with this gospel.
Luke 22:29-30 - The apostles are promised to sit on twelve thrones judging Israel in that kingdom.
Acts 3:19-21 - Peter still offers the kingdom if Israel repents, showing this program was continuing post-cross.
This gospel was prophetic, rooted in promises made "since the world began" ( Luke 1:70; Acts 3:21).
2. The Gospel of the Grace of God (Paul's Gospel)
Audience: Jew and Gentile alike, apart from Israel's covenants.
Message: Christ's death, burial, and resurrection for sins, offering free justification by faith.
Acts 20:24 - Paul calls it "the gospel of the grace of God."
Romans 16:25 - This gospel was "according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began."
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 - The content: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again.
Galatians 1:11-12 - Paul received it by direct revelation from Christ, not from the Twelve.
This gospel creates the Body of Christ ( 1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 3:6), uniting Jew and Gentile in one new man.
3. Jews Responding to Both Programs
Some Jews believed Peter and the Eleven's message of the kingdom ( Acts 2:41; Acts 4:4). James writes to these scattered tribes ( James 1:1), exhorting them in kingdom-related works and endurance.
Other Jews believed Paul's gospel of grace and became part of the Body ( Rom. 11:13-14; 1 Cor. 9:20-22).
4. Dispensational Distinction
Kingdom Gospel = Israel's prophetic hope on earth.
Grace Gospel = Body of Christ's heavenly hope, revealed through Paul.
Both have Christ as center, but their scope and promises differ.
see pg2
Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
Jeremiah 9:2 Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they be all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men.
The avid materialism of this nation in the last generation has now advanced to the point where all sorts of abominations are exalted; whether in items sold or those who suppport their cause. Our society also supports those who often are unwilling to support themselves and are encouraged to live immoral lives to get a payout.
I say this in the context of my own plans to add funds anonymously to the church's benevolent fund to help a sister who will soon be in need; as my other friend I am now supporting after the funds ran out largely due to assistance on his behalf. Of course the church is called to do what we can to feed people with not only the Gospel but literal food and clothes so we are doers of the Word not just saying be blessed and doing nothing to help when we can; as the Boook of James admonishes us.
Again; I often discuss the covenant of marriage; although I feel unworthy to do so as no doubt my own failings contributed to the demise of my marriage. Nonetheless; as I have stated before the breakdown of the family has no doubt had a domino affect since it began 2 generations ago leading us eventually to where we are at present.
To make a general point; the enemy uses weaknesses in character; and a dependent society to lull everyone to sleep and have conveniences to keep us fed (often too much so as we see record obesity today); as well as providing all our needs using modern technology to trap everyone and get them used to a cashless society; and we know what Revelation says is coming next. In the next posting I will attempt to get into more detail on the prophetic to come
We are while on this earth subject to trials. I have gone into detail as to God chastising His own; and of course part of the testing of our faith is how we react with persecution and suffering. Remember the verse Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. IF we are walking in the Spirit He gives us strength and our souls are given peace as well. Our souls are subject to spiritual attacks so we need to be on guard. Our confidence is in Him; and His promises to save us from this world with eventual physical removal. This is also something the whole body of Christ can look forward to. We are therefore to encourage one another with these words ( 1 THessalonians 4:18) at the end of a chapter discussing the Rapture. How often we see this is unknown; I surely haven't heard much about it short of being pesky and constantly prompting a response.
When our lives are relatively comfortable we don't sense that we want to get out of here; but surely others in the fires of open persecution feel differently.
With all this obsession on the Rapture I don't honestly know how to feel. If I were a betting man I would say that most likely this month of September will come and go and the datesetters will for the most part chill out until next year and come up with some other prediction. No wonder the Philadelphia church is said to continue faithfully with little strength ( Revelation 3:8). These are the ones going through the open door at the Rapture and it seems the only church promised in general to make it.
It is better to focus on our strength in the Body of Christ as we are already seated in heavenly places; so if we are martyred or die before He comes to be absent from the body is present with the Lord ( 2 Cor. 5:8).
It seems He is coming soon but it is His decision.
Agape.
I remain sufficiently vague here but the character limit here is sometimes not the most convenient way to conclude a thought (or perhaps we are to be our own zip drive). Ok enough said I'll zip my lip on that subject...
What I wanted to say in full on the final sentence in the last post was that the church needs not to be too focused on social issues but also not too removed from them either. There is no reason why we have to divorce the Gospel when focusing on issues; in light of Christ's clear emphasis of them on the Sermon on the Mount. The world needs to see us living out the truth of the Word and not just conveniently fitting the mold so that there is any justification to us being singled out as hypocrites or hateful people.
Maybe I should have titled this as one of Satan's strengths; as it seems we are all afraid to "offend" anyone. The Gospel is an offence as we read in 1 Peter 2:8 - "And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed." With this and other supporting scriptures let's dispel any lingering thoughts to the contrary. What offends people should NOT be abrasive speech; as that is not what brings us to the Lord but His love constrains us ( 2 Cor. 5:14). Love and concern for others can be associated with a certain moral compass even if few represent Him properly in this manner. So in one sense we should commit to going out of our way to help people with volunteer efforts; although impromptu ones or routine ones with our own personal contacts is likely to bear more fruit. But we can't let that be the end all. Being knowledgeable as to the agendas of a particular organization is best found in sites such as Charity Navigator. This situation takes wisdom as we can work with people in certain churches and organizations but not commit to membership; for instance.
Again keep Matthew 10:16 in mind.
Part 1
The force of daily habits pulled me away from the fixed local church, and along with it came the loss of the desire to listen to sermons. This led me - and even forced me - to study on my own. Not that it is an effort that bores me, but the more I know the Word, the easier it becomes to see and understand how God never wanted religiosity.
The various theologies, which I briefly mentioned in my last post, are part of one of my studies this semester. In the verse (see Isaiah 57:21) "There is no peace," says my God, "for the wicked." Wouldn't this be what is happening nowadays? Or would it?
This chapter shows us the secret of fellowship with God and how to develop a deep fellowship with Him. In the previous chapters, one of the reasons for God's judgment upon His people, Israel and Jerusalem, was disobedience - the way they began to pervert justice and turn away from the truth the Lord had established in the covenant at Sinai, through the Law.
Moving on to ( Isaiah 57:1), we see that, even in that time, those who obeyed God were treated with hostility. How many times did the Lord Jesus Himself, in ( John 15:20), affirm that the righteous would be persecuted. ( Matthew 10:21) "You will be persecuted and handed over, even by your own relatives."
In ( Isaiah 57:2), we understand the reason. The righteous were taken away to be spared from evil.
Many times, the Lord allows the death of His saints precisely to deliver them from something worse.
All of Jesus's life was about fulfilling the law and prophecy; it is to the Jew first and then the rest of the world, Romans 1:16, Romans 2:9-10. Jesus clearly said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel, and He instructed His disciples to do the same, Matthew 10:6, Matthew 15:24. Jesus spoke to them in parables so they would not understand and hear, and be healed, Matthew 13:13-15.
You are correct that, as a nation, they would have been able to receive Jesus as the Messiah if they had repented, and then the kingdom could have been established at that time. However, God knew their hearts. They were expecting Jesus to set up the kingdom at that time, including the apostles. They asked Jesus if He was going to establish it then, Acts 1:6.
Their final rejection is shown when they cried out loudly and covered their ears, Acts 7:57. Though many disagree, this also fulfills the last seven years in the prophecy of Daniel 9, which many associate with the end times and the doctrine of the Rapture of the Church. This gospel of grace is offered to Jew or Greek, and unto the whole world.
There is no difference between the Jew and any other person of any nation, Romans 10:12. It took the apostles some time to understand this, as shown by Peter's reluctance and his dream. It may not be in our Bible, but I believe they all understood God's plan. This Kingdom will be established when Jesus returns, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in, Romans 11:25.
God bless,
RLW
According to dispensationalism, especially Mid-Acts Dispensationalism, Peter and the 11 apostles baptized because they were operating under the prophetic kingdom program meant for the nation of Israel. Water baptism was an essential component of their ministry during the dispensation of law and the offer of the kingdom.
Here's why Peter and the 11 baptized:
1. They Were Continuing Jesus' Earthly Ministry to Israel
Peter and the other apostles were commissioned to preach the gospel of the kingdom ( Matthew 10:5-7; Matthew 28:19). Water baptism was part of that message, following the pattern of John the Baptist and Jesus Himself.
Mark 1:4 - John preached "the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins."
Matthew 28:19 - Jesus commanded them to "go... baptizing them..."
They were sent specifically to Israel (see Matthew 10:5-6 and Galatians 2:7-9).
2. Baptism Was a Sign of Repentance and Covenant Cleansing
For Israel, water baptism symbolized repentance, cleansing, and identification with the coming kingdom and Messiah. It was a requirement for entering the prophesied kingdom on earth.
Acts 2:38 - Peter said, "Repent and be baptized every one of you... for the remission of sins."
This was in direct response to Israel's rejection and crucifixion of Jesus.
3. They Were Operating Under the Law and Prophecy
Peter and the 11 were still under the Old Covenant framework, even after Jesus' resurrection. Their ministry was not based on the mystery revealed to Paul but on fulfilling what was already foretold in the Scriptures ( Acts 3:19-21).
The kingdom had been promised to Israel and was still being offered ( Acts 1:6; Acts 3:25-26).
Water baptism was a required sign of repentance and national obedience, there is no evidence of it being required for the body of Christ.
page 2
Open bible information had 100 verses on their site about the fear of the Lord; here are the first 5.
Proverbs 1:7 ESV / 1,746 helpful votes
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 8:13 ESV / 1,376 helpful votes
The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.
Job 28:28 ESV / 1,228 helpful votes
And he said to man, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.'"
Matthew 10:28 ESV / 1,175 helpful votes
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Psalm 111:10 ESV / 1,154 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
This is probably the biggest problem in today's characteristic lukewarm church a lack of the proper fear of God. As we know if we "spare the rod we spoil the child" ( Proverbs 13:24) in fact it indicates we HATE our child if we don't discipline. Case exhibit 1 is the state of society today with kids by and large running all around their parents and anyone that has legitimate authority.
To fear someone we love is what is lacking in today's mushy sentiments we hear so often about God.
If we see John the Revelator in Revelation 1 flat on his face; the man closest to Christ in His earthly mission of several years we understand in His fullness we ALL are on our faces. How things could change in sharing the Word if we tremble in His presence! That is true Holy Spirit filling not so much of today's nonsense because that doesn't do anything to bring the fear of the Lord in the streets; hence we don't see much evangelism but with a few from those congregations. Swishing around a suit jacket and making people fall on the street would show the circus that it is.
The apostle Paul is uniquely identified in Scripture as the chosen vessel through whom God revealed the mystery of the Body of Christ. In Romans 11:13, Paul declares, "I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office." Unlike the Twelve Apostles, who were sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel ( Matthew 10:5-6), Paul was sent by the risen, glorified Christ from heaven ( Acts 9:15; Galatians 1:11-12) to proclaim a new message-not the Gospel of the Kingdom, but the Gospel of the Grace of God ( Acts 20:24). Paul alone speaks of the "Church which is His Body" ( Ephesians 1:22-23), a new creation made up of both Jew and Gentile, united by faith and baptized by the Holy Spirit into one Body ( 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 2:14-16).
The Body of Christ was a mystery "kept secret since the world began" ( Romans 16:25) and not revealed until Paul. He was given this revelation by Christ directly ( Ephesians 3:1-9; Colossians 1:24-27) and is the only apostle who teaches its doctrines-such as salvation by grace through faith without works ( Ephesians 2:8-9), the heavenly position of believers ( Colossians 3:1-4), and the rapture of the Church ( 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Paul calls himself the "wise masterbuilder" who laid the foundation for this present dispensation of grace ( 1 Corinthians 3:10). The other apostles, including Peter, recognized Paul's distinct apostleship and agreed to confine their ministry to the circumcision, while Paul went to the Gentiles ( Galatians 2:7-9).
No other apostle is identified in Scripture as the apostle of the Body of Christ. Only Paul received the full revelation of the mystery, the doctrines, and the heavenly calling of the Church. Therefore, Paul stands alone as the God-appointed apostle to the Body of Christ.
Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
I am always afraid to pray this prayer; perhaps some bolder people out here can pray for me on that end.
We live today in 2025 in an undisciplined culture; where certain behaviors are crying out for parents to exercise discipline when they often prefer to shove the latest toy or video game their way that more often than not promotes visual stimuli for further rebellion. The other reaction is simply yelling without any desire or care for the soul of one's own offspring; and not showing as a parent the right way to act and stupidly thinking kid's can't see into such hypocrisy.
With such an appalling environment; it makes it all the more wonderful to see those who God has changed from their lifestyles of sin to being truly saved. It is a recurring frequent pattern of kids from Christian homes (whether in name only or truly with saved parents) who go from increasing lives of abandonment to sin to a point the Lord reaches them and they are radically transformed. Malachi 4:6 says And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. Perhaps that is indicative of the times we are living in. No doubt in the Tribulation we will see families coming to destroy one another. Matthew 10:21 states: And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.
We should recognize as parents that children are a heritage from God ( Psalm 127:3) and after doing the best we can to entrust God to work on them. This is a tough issue; but often He will use the enemy to put the fear of God in someone after his minions torment people after promising the world. Some have to be broken to call out to God; thankfully some remain close to home.
Welcome to the site!
I concur with Brother Chris and what you were taught.
Once a person is born again ( Born of God's Spirit) he can never be unborn!
We're in the Father and the Son's hand!
Our salvation is in their hands!!
Jude 1:24 reads "Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
If salvation depends on you and I to present our righteousness we would lose our salvation every minute.
As for the verse you mentioned Matthew 10:22 I'm not sure the quote in question "but he that endureth to the end shall be saved" is talking about just salvation.
So saved from what?
Look at the previous verses.
5-7, "These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
10:17-18, "But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;
And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.
Look at verse 23 "But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the "CITIES OF ISRAEL", TILL THE SON OF MAN BE COME.
I believe this deals with their local present mission and on into the far future where it may have salvation implications.
It started out with the twelve apostles on their present commission and on into the future after the Rapture of the Church!
The Apostles made it alive through their mission as will those ministering post Church will make it in the tribulation.
Either way it's stating that they WILL ENDURE to the end!
God bless.
After these words to them, Jesus tells them, "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved." Now this sounds to us like Jesus was telling them that only if they put up with all this suffering in their ministries, then God would accept them & bring them into His Kingdom - if they don't they would be rejected. A brother on these pages recently gave the Greek rendering of this verse (as you know that Greek was the written language of the New Testament). The meaning is not as I have given above (i.e. what we think it means), but Jesus was telling His disciples, that 'having endured these trials', or 'after you have endured these things & your end has come, you will see God's Salvation'. And of course, these Words of Jesus were not just to warn them or cause fear of impending suffering, but to show them that when they (or even ourselves) are put to the test and by the help of God's Spirit we remain strong in suffering, we can be encouraged that we will conquer fear & pain, being received by God. So, "shall be saved" does not refer to what Jesus would do later by laying down His Life for our redemption and salvation, but refers to God's intervention by receiving that faithful servant of His into His Glory, when suffering, pains & trials will be over.
Although the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 and Mark 16:15 includes the phrase "go ye into all the world," there is no biblical record of Peter, James, John, or the other original apostles ever launching widespread missions to the Gentile nations. Their continued presence in Jerusalem and their focus on the Jewish believers is affirmed in Galatians 2:7-9, where Paul writes that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed to him, while the gospel of the circumcision was committed to Peter. The Jerusalem apostles gave Paul and Barnabas the "right hands of fellowship," agreeing that Paul should go to the Gentiles while they remained with the circumcision.
Only Paul, the apostle of the Gentiles ( Romans 11:13), is recorded in Scripture as taking multiple missionary journeys to distant lands-Asia Minor, Macedonia, Greece, and Rome. These travels are thoroughly documented in the Book of Acts (chapters 13-28). Paul uniquely preached the gospel of the grace of God ( Acts 20:24), revealing the mystery of the Body of Christ and salvation by grace through faith alone ( Ephesians 3:1-9), distinct from the kingdom gospel preached to Israel.
Thus, Scripture consistently shows that the twelve apostles remained focused on Israel and never carried out global missionary work, while Paul alone fulfilled the calling to take the gospel to the nations.
1. Peter's Kingdom Gospel (Faith + Works) - For Israel and the Little Flock
Peter's message centered on Israel's prophetic hope, the coming earthly kingdom, and the Messiahship of Jesus. This gospel required faith in Jesus as the Messiah, but it also included repentance, water baptism, and adherence to the law, as seen in Acts 2:38:
"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins..." ( Acts 2:38, KJV)
Key elements:
Audience: Jews (especially "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" - Matthew 10:5-6)
Content: Jesus is the promised Messiah; repent and be baptized.
Requirement: Faith plus works (baptism, continued obedience).
Goal: Entry into the earthly kingdom promised to Israel ( Luke 12:32 - "little flock").
James 2:24 supports this...
"Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only."
This shows that under the Kingdom Gospel, works confirmed faith for salvation, especially for the Jewish remnant.
2. Paul's Grace Gospel (Faith Alone) - For the Body of Christ
Paul preached a new, previously hidden "mystery" gospel revealed to him by Christ ( Galatians 1:11-12; Ephesians 3:1-9). This message was not based on Israel's covenants or prophecy, but on grace alone through faith alone in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ ( 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
Key elements:
Audience: All (Jew and Gentile alike), forming the Body of Christ.
Content: Christ died for our sins and rose again.
Requirement: Faith alone (no works, no law, no baptism required for salvation).
Goal: Salvation unto a heavenly inheritance ( Philippians 3:20; Ephesians 1:3).
Romans 4:5 is definitive:
"But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is
Did they both preach Jesus as Savior, of course, but the requirements for salvation changed with Paul.
Thanks again for your feedback, however I must address the thought that Peter and Paul preached the same message.
That would be like trying to mix oil and water.
PETER'S MESSAGE: FAITH + WORKS UNDER THE LAW
Primarily to Israel ( Matthew 10:5-6; Galatians 2:7-9)
Before and during early Acts (esp. Acts 2-3)
Grounded in prophecy and covenant promises
Supporting Scriptures:
Acts 2:38 - "Repent, and be baptizedfor the remission of sins"
Acts 3:19 - "Repentthat your sins may be blotted outwhen the times of refreshing shall come"
Matthew 19:17 - "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
James 2:24 - "By works a man is justified, and not by faith only." (Written to the twelve tribes, James 1:1)
PAUL'S MESSAGE: SALVATION BY GRACE ALONE, WITHOUT WORKS
Sent to the Gentiles and all men ( Romans 11:13; Acts 26:17-18)
Begins mid-Acts ( Acts 9 conversion; commission in Acts 13)
Based on the revelation of the mystery ( Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:1-9)
Supporting Scriptures:
Ephesians 2:8-9 - "By grace are ye saved through faithnot of works"
Titus 3:5 - "Not by works of righteousness which we have done"
Romans 3:28 - "A man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law."
Galatians 2:16 - "A man is not justified by the works of the law"
Final Note (Rightly Dividing View):
Peter preached what God had revealed since the world began ( Acts 3:21), rooted in prophecy.
Paul preached what was kept secret since the world began ( Romans 16:25), revealed through the mystery.
Transition period in Acts explains overlapping elements, but Paul's gospel of grace fully replaces works-based requirements for salvation in the present dispensation.
thanks again, God Bless!
This is my most quoted verse as there seems to be a number of applications. The passage in context is discussing going out and sharing the Gospel and no doubt has prophetic near term implications for the Apostles when they would go before those in authority and die for their faith eventually; but there is always the long term last days and Tribulation fulfillment when the whole world tries believers and puts them to death.
This passage has me thinking about the information we hear about in the news every day. I understand those who don't listen to anything as the narrative constantly being put into our heads is how terrible things are in the world around us; and that certainly is true; albeit any good news is conveniently absent (with the exception it seems of the local news about the sports team winning a game). Therefore; not only is the tone negative but what to pray is not clear as we are inundated with their narrative as to the root of a problem nested within whatever political skew the reporters are bent to. We see basically a cloning or carbon copy for the old schoolers of the same stories; and little if any original thinking or unbiased reporting. Therefore it is hard to handle the news and hard to know where to start praying for things going on; as those pulling the strings aren't going to show themselves; their true agenda; etc.
On the other hand; we want to be prepared; if not for our own sake whether financial; or storing supplies we want to be a blessing to others. A large part of that is through patiently praying and long term preparations for any possible outcome which certainly is wise. We dare not depend on help from others or the powers that be when crisis hits; although we need to heed to His calling whether in a crisis we do or don't accept that aid.
Let us try to be balanced in this matter and seek the truth.
Yes, when Christ returns and takes back total possession of what has always belonged to Him, when Satan is no longer, when sin is no longer, the fullness of our redemption will then be realized and we will rejoice and praise Him throughout eternity.
As far as being made ready to face persecution, or even face being put to death for not denying our Lord, I like to believe that if we have Christ in us, we have already been made ready.
I have thought about this myself. What would I do if I were faced with losing my life if I refused to deny Christ? In the fleshly human reaction, I'd probably be scared to death. But I know that He lives in me and I have to trust in Him. I like to revert back to the training of the twelve apostles Jesus gave in Matthew 10:16-42.
Well, I am calling it a night. Have a great rest of your evening.
God Bless!!!
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. ( Revelation 3:10). Also see the next verse Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
This first verse no doubt could have a primary reference to enduring until the end of the Tribulation; but it also means that we should continue steadfast until the end of our lives on this earth; or the Rapture.
My last posting mentioned those who would think they are doing God a favor by killing us ( John 16:2). We must keep in mind that the first seal of Revelation brings about a false peace; as tied in to the Daniel 9:27 covenant with many. Naturally; the mindset of unregenerate man considers those against peace as being warmongers or traitors to the cause of world unity thence their removal from the world helps to promote the onset of the utopian society envisioned by those of such a mindset. Naturally; there will not only be the concept of a cessation of hostilities by armies fighting one another but that which promotes sin; veiled as free love; PRO deviant lifestyle; and prosperity for all. For such things to come to pass; there must be recognition of all religions; cultures and nations no matter how appalling their dogmas and practices. The surface appeal to whatever god you choose is; as 2 Timothy 3:5 states is a form of godliness denying its power (loosely translated) which is warned will be the doctrine of false teachers in the last days. All the false religions will seemingly have their prophecy of a "savior" come to pass; whether the 12th Imam (Mahdi); Maitreya or whatever false version of Christ one maintains faith in other than the literal Son of God. There will be twisting of Bible scriptures to validate as well.
Part 1
In Christianity, the belief in the immortality of the soul has been influenced by ancient Greek philosophy, especially the teachings of two notable philosophers, Socrates and Plato. This philosophy views death as the separation of the soul from the body. Plato described the body as a prison for the soul and saw death as a means of freeing the soul.
This philosophy of death started blending in the church in the second-third century, some saying the good souls go to heaven, but the bad souls go to hell. Augustine of Hippo, a theologian and philosopher who was made a saint, held this philosophy, strongly influencing the doctrines in the church in the fourth and early fifth centuries, and later John Calvin taught it.
Some interpret 2 Corinthians 5:6-9 to mean that when we die, we go to be present with the Lord. This interpretation is also linked to Ecclesiastes 12:6-7, this is not dependent on salvation, all human spirits, regardless if the person is saved or not, return to God because the spirit in man comes from God, Job 32:8, Zachariah 12:1.
The soul: The Bible does not teach that the soul is immortal, but in Ezekiel 18:20, all souls are God's, and the soul that sinneth shall die, in Matthew 10:28, hell is the Word Gehenna which refers to the Lake of Fire. As written in the Bible, in Genesis 2:7, when God formed Adam out of the dust of the ground and with the breath of life from God, Adam became a living soul, that is all of Adam, the complete identity of Adam, including consciousness, desires, and emotions.
When God breathed into Adam the breath of life, and he became a living soul/being. The Hebrew word for soul is nephesh, which means a breathing creature, not a spiritual entity. It can describe a person's soul, life, mind, will, and even our body, not one thing, but the whole of the person, the true self. 1 Peter 3:20, eight souls were saved. Acts 2:43, Romans 13:1
See part 2
Part 2
The Bible consistently indicates that souls can die and cease to exist. For example, Matthew 10:28, it mentions that the soul can be destroyed, implying it is not immortal. The Greek word translated as soul is psuche, which has several meanings, including the vital breath, the breath of life, the human soul, the soul as the seat of affections and will, consciousness, a human person. Essentially, it includes who we are, and is inseparable.
This does not happen until we are resurrected, when Jesus Christ returns, it is a gift of God, Romans 2:5-7. Immortality is not given until the resurrection from the dead, only then will we be absent from this flesh and blood body and present with the Lord, Revelation 19:11-21, Revelation 20:1-6. The Bible never describes the soul of man as immortal or eternal. We die and are buried mortal, dead in corruption, and we will be raised incorruptible, 1 Corinthians 15:42-44. Every part of us is mortal, and we must put on immortality, 1 Corinthians 15:52-54.
The spirit: The spirit is the breath of life given to us by God, in Luke 25:46 Jesus said to His Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit. In Acts 7:59, Stephen said Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. The spirit empowers us to experience God's profound love, it is through the spirit that we are empowered to live according to the ways of God, embracing righteousness and walking in His ways, in God's Spirit, the Holy Spirit, rather than walking in the ways of the world.
Our spirit is how we communicate with God, Job 32:8, Proverbs 20:27, John 4:24, 1 Corinthians 2:10-12. God inspires or motivates us by stirring up the spirit in a person, 1 Chronicles 5:25-26. God inspired King Cyrus to issue a decree, allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem, Ezra 1:1.
See part 3
Can we loose our Salvation ? ? This is very scary for any Christians .
Jesus warns us about denying Him .
Matthew 10:33
But whosoever shalldenymebeforemen, him will I alsodenybefore my Father which is in heaven.
Jesus told Peter that he was going to deny Jesus.
Mark 14:30
And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before thecockcrowtwice, thou shalt deny me thrice.
Peter has deny Jesus . As we know, Peter became an Apostle and still followed Jesus after His death. Peter never lost his Salvation.
Mark 14:72
And the second time thecockcrew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before thecockcrowtwice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.
Jesus warns us of blasphemy.
Matthew 12:31
Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin andblasphemyshall be forgiven unto men: buttheblasphemyagainsttheHolyGhostshall not be forgiven unto men.
Apostle Paul, before he got saved, use to be a blasphemer. Apostle Paul never lost his Salvation. Apostle Paul wrote 13 books of the Bible.
1 Timothy 1:13
Who was before ablasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
The Gospel of the Kingdom is for the Jews and the Gospel of Grace is for the Gentiles.
We start with the Gospel of the Kingdom on earth for the Jews for the New Jerusalem.
Matthew 4:23
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching thegospelofthekingdom, and healing all mannerofsickness and all mannerofdisease among the people.
The gospel of the kingdom required
Matthew 24:14
And thisgospelofthekingdomshall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall repentance.
Jesus Christ told the Twelve Disiples not to go to the Gentiles with the gospel of the kingdom.
Matthew 10:5-7
5These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
6But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Jesus Christ job was to minister to the Jews for in the gospel of the kingdom.
Romans 15:8
Now I say that Jesus Christ was aministerofthecircumcisionforthetruth of God,toconfirmthepromises made untothefathers:
Ray. In Christ Jesus Corinthians 15:1-4
The Gospel of the Kingdom is for the Jews and the Gospel of Grace is for the Gentiles.
We start with the Gospel of the Kingdom on earth for the Jews for the New Jerusalem.
Matthew 4:23
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching thegospelofthekingdom, and healing all mannerofsickness and all mannerofdisease among the people.
The gospel of the kingdom required
Matthew 24:14
And thisgospelofthekingdomshall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall repentance.
Jesus Christ told the Twelve Disiples not to go to the Gentiles with the gospel of the kingdom.
Matthew 10:5-7
5These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
6But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Jesus Christ job was to minister to the Jews for in the gospel of the kingdom.
Romans 15:8
Now I say that Jesus Christ was aministerofthecircumcisionforthetruth of God,toconfirmthepromises made untothefathers:
Ray. In Christ Jesus Corinthians 15:1-4