Discuss Revelation 2 Page 5

Based on this chapter Paul was in a trance. "Paradise" is mentioned 3X in the Bible. Jesus Christ said this particular word in Luke 23:43.

Then in Galatians 1:15-17 and Galatians 4:25 Paul went to Arabia where My. Sinai. Does that cross your mind it is just like Moses did. Paul must have seen God and gave Paul the revelation of The Gospel of Jesus Christ 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. That was a very different level of understanding (How Jesus died for our sins) VS what the 11 apostles are telling people who Jesus Christ whom the Jews crucified). That is why Pauls's epistles emphasized on trusting the blood as a propitiation as he wrote more about the grace, justification, wisdom, faith, sanctification, redemption, atonement, Charity, mysteries that God may have revealed to him. I am so happy that God gave me the ability and I think it applies to all of us to think and be serious in understanding Jesus Gospel to the Gentiles.

I am not a Jew, so some messages only applies to the Jewish people in the last days. 2 Timothy 2:15

Although there are some Jewish people who can be saved today, but God loves Israel who knows already and will know the King of Heaven and earth Jesus Christ today and/or later. They will be saved if they understand the message of God from their fathers when Moses brought them out of the land of Egypt until today. That is why we Gentiles need to be United to help them all.

Some of you may not understand yet, but most already are on the same page. There is no religion, nor denominations can compete to the people who has the power of God. You know who you are.

We continue to pray because we want as many people to attend the wedding ceremony in Heaven.

The only thing I do not like about this site was there are pagan books in it.

Revelation 2:7

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

I did a thorough study on when Jesus died. It was very interesting that men follows the traditions of men. Paul already warned us in Colossians 2:8

I personally confirmed that Jesus died on Wednesday. Just as the pattern of a wonderful God has created a day, so understanding that a day starts in the evening and the morning Genesis 1:5. Then next a great God gave the Jews a great and only sign of Jonah 1:17 and Matthew 12:40 a prophetic sign of when Jesus will die, buried and resurrected for 3 days and 3 nights. Our God is such a great Intelligent Designer so that the true believers will not be deceived tossed to and fro ( Ephesians 4:14) by any so-called Religious Christian Deceivers. So by knowing this you will know who is lying to you and to stay away from this cult. Revelation 18:4

It was also a perfect match on the day of Passover and the Sabbath. Noticed the day Mary went to the tomb and her preparation of her spices. I will leave a room for you to study.

So anybody says Jesus died on Friday, it is fake news they are making you a merchandised 2 Peter 2:3; Revelation 18:11; Revelation 18:12 Stay away immediately if they do not listen to the truth. The truth will set you free. John 14:6. The greatest and intelligent thing God said is that there is no other interpretation in the word of God. So if you do not get it you must be a lost person and not saved or just not reading your Bible enough. I do want ALL to be saved 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. I just hate the Nicolaitans (2X) Revelations 2:6; Revelation 2:15. Beware of many modern Pharisees.

Main thing is that we true believers 1 John4:2-3; 2 John 1:7 should not be divided 1 Corinthians 1:10; Luke 11:17. We need each other Romans 12:4; 1 Corinthians 12:12 & 20

We are truly in the last days. Psalms 2:1-12. God wants everybody to understand The Word of God. Many of you will not believe. It is expected. Many will meet Jesus in the cloud 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:50-58. See you soon.

In Revelation 2:20, Jesus says: "Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols."

The author(s) of 1st Corinthians 8 are teaching that Christians are at liberty to sit at meat in the temple of an idol.

In Acts Chapter 15 the Holy Ghost, the Apostles, the elders, and all the brethren (including Paul) were in agreement that even Gentile Christians should abstain from eating meats offered to idols.

Acts 16:4-5 says the churches were established among the Gentiles based on the decree that Paul and his companions preached (that Gentile Christians must abstain from pollutions of idols).

Revelation 2 continued

The next church is the church of Smyrna. This is one of only two churches without rebuke. They are told of the persecution to come; and to remain faithful unto death. Related to this is in verse 11 which is stated later in Revelation; where overcomers are said not to suffer from the second death ( Rev. 20:6 etal). It is notable that they are humbled but shall be exalted (i.e. are rich verse 9). This is the opposite of the Laodicean church at the end of Revelation 3 where they are in reality poor; blind; naked etc. instead of having no needs with many material riches.

Verses 12 to 16 talk of Pergamos. This church; sadly had idolotry (verse 14) and LITERALLY was where (in part of Turkey) where Satan's seat; and pagan worship was located.d Unlike Ephesus the Nicolaitans were tolerated (they are said to be the follower of someone with that name and/or saw nothing wrong with the flesh involved in sins of sensuality if the spirit wasn't involved; a sort of Gnosticism. Jesus warns that He will fight against "them" if they don't repent. This shows that those promulgating false teachings should be purged out among them by the rest of the church.

The last part of the chapter discusses Thyatira. There is much commendation; with the one issue being this woman Jezebel; teaching and seducing with fornication and idolotry. Those who wouldn't repent would be cast into "great tribulation" (v. 22). As to killing her children that could be symbolic; as well as the fornication. There is certainly a warning to us today if it truly means that we will be left behind in the Tribulation for such activities; although the context would seem to indicate the body being destroyed so the soul could be saved much as seen in 1 Cor. 5:5. In any case it certainly wakes us up to the fact once again that blatant sins and practices can still crop up in otherwise Biblically sound churches. Satan probably tries to incur maximum damage by such tactics.

Hi Richard

I hope you don't get offended by my regular interventions in your posts. My aim is not to argue but to give a slight different view to some points

In Rev 2-3 Jesus is not addressed generally to the people of those churches but specifically to the angels (the pastors) of them. The pastors are the ones who are held responsible for the spiritual condition of the church they serve. So Jesus gives warnings to them about doing their ministry properly or not

Jesus says to the pastor of Ephesus that he has fallen from his first love. Love to whom? The obvious answer is to God. But 1 John 4:20-21 says "If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also"

So a pastor that has not so much love for God, then he has not so much love for the members of the church he serves either. And how is that shown outwardly? By his works. He has non. And what love is? A fruit of the Holly Spirit. And if we lack in love it means that we have come to a stop in our spiritual life and we actually go backwards

So Jesus warns that pastor that He will remove his candlestick, that is Jesus is going to take away that church from that pastor. (And then what? He will give it to somebody else who is going to serve the sheep properly)

And that is a warning to all pastors. They are held responsible for the condition of their flock of sheep given to them by Jesus. Are they going to be like the good shepherd that Jesus is or not? Do they work the 10,5,1 talent given to them?

Will they be like Saul the first king or like David? It is the same with all the other pastors in those 7 churches

Rev 3:3 " Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee"

GBU

It is noteworthy that the first church of Ephesus; which also was the only church that had an Epistle written about it was the only one that was threatened to have "its candlestick removed"(verse 5) since they ha LEFT their first love. ALL other things were done correctly; and some things even commendable still. There are two conclusions to be made here. First; that having Agape love toward God and no doubt the brethren is always a top priority and command and renders a church useless more than any other transgressions; provided a remnant of faithful people still exist. The second conclusion is that the later churches could signify either going into the seven year Tribulation itself (for those not walking right with God or not true believers such as in 3:22); or as in the case of Smyrna; a major test or tribulation before that (verse 10). It appears that in some of these other churches that persecution was able to test their faith and endurance; strengthening their growth. Such an option didn't appear as a remedy for the Ephesians; perhaps because they would act like those Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 13:3. We need to take pause here that we don't make any work; even in obeying His will somehow separate from our love of God; or first love (verse 4). Again; the exhortation in verse 7 is much like the other addresses to churches; there is an individual call (whoever overcomes); as individual remnant believers of the visible church are truly of the invisible church; and there is some idea here that we may be called away from corporate fellowship if indeed serious issues develop which dissolve or destroy a church.

For one reason or another ALL of these original churches in Asia Minor (Turkey area) are long gone there; although their story as all scripture is applicable to us today.

Dear "Abigail Watts" i see that you have not received a reply for several days. It is correct to understand that only adultery can justify remarriage. If it is important to a person. Now this applies to the husband.

Join me on a little journey in God's word. Jesus says several times that He is one with the Father, example John 17. Actually, you get your answer there. We are also one with Jesus through the Holy Spirit.

We have a Father God, (and a husband Jesus). So when we are unmarried, for example, when we meet Jesus we become one with Him as a spouse would become. And we become one with Him if we are married too.

Now it is the case that Jesus knows all our thoughts and needs of various kinds. Because He Himself has experienced things by being here on earth as a human, right? But the gifts we get by believing in Jesus, i.e. the Holy Spirit, will guide us to the whole truth. John 16:13 and mm. The Holy Spirit should be able to make us strong to stand against all evil, including carnal desire.

But to cut a long story short. Shall we say that the day we made the choice to follow Jesus we were married to Him. On that day we put away all sin, for sin shall have no more dominion over us. Romans 6:1-11

Because we have been born again into a sinless human being. Became a lover with Divine love and got to meet the Truth Himself, and receive all the good gifts Lord Jesus gives.

Now the question is? Are you standing in this first love. Yes, you will be because nothing should be able to separate us from God's love. Romans 8:35-39

We will always long for Him, have fellowship with Him whom we love, right? Revelation 2:1-7

I read the word that you refer to as adultery on all sides. The only one who can do right is the one who has become a simpleton. Or the person who has never married, he does not get carnal desire either. And that is good. In marriages of true love, there are never questions or accusations. Jesus will also be there He loves us, i loves u in Christ. John 19

Hi Renee,

This is a common question and that's even one of the FAQs: Link

My question is if it was impossible for Christians to lose salvation, then why did Jesus warn His followers so many times to avoid sin? They were literal Christians in that they literally followed Christ around and remember all the challenges and parables He spoke? Most involved being separate from those thrown into the fire. Jesus never said to relax and don't worry, and enjoy the world, including sin, because there's no consequences anymore. One would think that satan would say that. That doesn't mean people earn heaven by works, as it's only grace, but being allowed into heaven is conditional on being a legit follower of Christ, meaning actually doing what He says! James 1:22. And sadly most people won't make it, and probably many of them think they're 'good' and entitled to get in, and some may even call themselves Christians. Matthew 7:21-23

Also, if all you have to do to get to heaven is just believe, then why does the Bible say this? James 2:19. The fact is that satan is roaming to deceive people, even among Christians. Is he deceiving people into being 'gooder' than they need to be or is it more likely he is deceiving people into assuming rationalizing evil and assuming they're saved when they are actually disrespecting and spitting on Jesus? Hebrews 10:26. This should deeply scare some people and they should feel it in their heart if this applies to them.

Instead Jesus kept warning Christians and everyone over and over and challenging them. Paul also was frustrated with some of the Christians who were going astray and read what he wrote in his letters to them. Paul said to run the race to get the prize. He didn't say the race is already won, so go sin as much as you want. There's lots of scripture echoing this, but these are easy to find and there's lists in that page above too. Also the idea of being able to commit horrible sins as a Christian and still go to heaven contradicts scripture in blasphemy of the holy ghost, because it clearly says no one will be forgiven of that.

Revelation 2:10 "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."

2 Corinthians 5:10 - all will be judged, including Christians. Some like to assume they get to skip that as if they have a free pass . It clearly says ALL, not some, and not just non-Christians.

Hebrews 10:26

Amen, "Grae":

The Holy Spirit has given you great insight to his word.

Our knowledge of God never ceases to grow as we spend time in his word.

1 Corinthians 2:9 ...eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath entered into the heart of man, the things God hath prepare for them that love him.

Job 38:7 When the MORNING STARS .....sang together ....

Revelation 22:16 ...I am .....the bright and MORNING STAR .....

Revelation 2:28 and I will give him the MORNING STAR ....

Psalms 82: ....ye are gods, the children of the most high .....

John 17:22 And the glory which thou hast given me, I have given them, that they may be one, as we are one.

God Bless YOU, his body!

REVELATION 12: WHO IS THE WOMAN?

The WOMAN is all flesh and blood, Christ's bride.

Jeremiah 30:6 Ask ye now, and see whether a MAN doth travail with a CHILD? wherefore I see EVERY MAN with his hands on his loins, as A WOMAN in travail, and all faces are turned to paleness.

Galatians 4:19 My little children, of whom I TRAVAIL IN BIRTH again, until CHRIST BE FORMED IN YOU (the Holy Ghost, GOD).

1 Timothy 2:14 .... but the WOMAN (all flesh and blood) being DECEIVED was in the transgression.

1 Timothy 2:15 ....the WOMAN shall be SAVED in CHILDBEARING ....a man child (CHRIST FORMED IN YOU) ...

Revelation 12:1 ... a WOMAN (all flesh and blood, in the AGES TO COME) clothed with GOD, and the CHRIST under her feet, and a crown of 12 stars (angels, ministering spirits) upon her head.

Ephesians 2:7 That in the AGES TO COME .....

WHO IS THE MAN CHILD?

Revelation 12:5 And the WOMAN brought forth a man child, that was to RULE ALL NATIONS with a rod of iron ... Psalms 2:8-9 .... Psalms 149:9

Revelation 2:27 And he (the MAN CHILD that overcomes DECEPTION) shall rule them with a rod of iron .....even as I received of MY FATHER.

Isaiah 60:22 A little one (Christ) shall become A THOUSAND, and a small one (Christ) a strong nation (TRUE ISRAEL) ....

Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I PLEASE, and it shall prosper in the things whereto I SENT IT.

Ephesians 2:7 That in the AGES TO COME ....all will be FULFILLED: GOD will be ALL in ALL .... 1 Corinthians 15:28.

God Bless ALL.

Amen. Brother S Spencer:

Psalms 2:8 Ask of me, and I will give you the heathen for an INHERITANCE, and the uttermost parts of the world for thy POSSESSION.

Psalms 2:9 And thou shall BREAK THEM with a ROD of IRON (the word of God); thou shall DASH THEM IN PIECES (destroy their carnal mind) like a potters vessel.

Jeremiah 18 .....And RECREATE THEM .....

Psalms 104:30 Thou sendest forth thy Spirit (Pentecost), THEY ARE CREATED, thou renewest the face of the earth .... Revelation 21:1

Is not this the judgement written: BREAK and RECREATE.

Psalms 149:9 To execute UPON THEM the judgement written, THIS HONOUR hath all his Saints.

1 Corinthians 6:2 Know ye not the saints shall JUDGE the world .... Isaiah 26:9 When thy judgements are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

Revelation 2:26 And he (my BODY) that overcometh and keeps MY WORKS (Christ, the LIFE of the Body) until the end, to HIM (my Body) will I give POWER OVER THE NATIONS:

Revelation 2:27 And HE (my BODY) shall rule them with rod of iron (the word of God) and as vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers; even as I RECEIVED OF MY FATHER .... Psalms 2:8-9

Revelation 12:5 And SHE (the bride of Christ) brought FORTH A MAN CHILD (the Image of Christ) that was to RULE ALL NATIONS with a rod of iron .... this honour hath all his saints.

God Bless You.

Isaiah 9:6

Thank you for this king james bible online i love it too much.

Thank you for your input.

To be saved by grace would mean God decides our salvation, not us.

For we can't save ourselves but we must try believing grace will abound.

And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: ( Revelation 2:26)

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ( James 4:7)

To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, ( Revelation 2:7)

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. ( James 1:12)

The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us ( 1 Peter 3:19-21)

Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. ( Galatians 6:2)

Matthew 24:13 "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."

Hebrews 10:36 "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."

2 Corinthians 5:10 - For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Revelation 2:10 "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."

Matthew 12:32 "...but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come."

Matthew 7:21-23

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."

Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"

James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."

James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."

1 Peter 1:13 "...hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"

John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

1 Peter 1:5 - "...salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

1 Cor 9:24-27 run the race

Matthew 12:31-32

Romans 14:12

2 Peter 3:17

Luke 8:5-18

1 Timothy 4:1

2 Peter 2:20-22

Hebrews 3:12

Galatians 5:4

1 Corinthians 15:2-8

2 Peter 2:20-21

Romans 11

Hebrews 6:4-6

Important to read all scripture in its full context, not just cherry pick. When reading in context its obvious from countless passages, parables, teachings that God wants us to obey him! Satan deceives believers into assuming doing evil is ok; it's not.

OLD AND NEW COVENANT

These two covenants are as far apart as the east is from the west.

Revelation 21:5 ......I make ALL THINGS NEW ........

In the Old Covenant, LIFE was in the BLOOD.

Flesh and Blood CANNOT inherit the NEXT AGE.

Christ came as a BODY of Flesh and Blood.

John 3:7 .....ye must be BORN AGAIN.

We CANNOT inherit the next age, because we are still flesh and blood.

When this BODY of flesh and blood DIES, it goes back to dust from whence it came.

The LIFE goes back to GOD that gave the BODY LIFE.

1 Corinthians 15:49 ....we SHALL bear the image of the heavenly ....

1 Corinthians 15:53 ...this mortal SHALL PUT ON IMMORTALITY (Christ) ...

1 Timothy 6:16 Who (CHRIST) ONLY hath immortality ....

1 Corinthians 15:38 God giveth it (the NEW COVENANT IN CHRIST) a BODY as it hath pleased, and to ever SEED HIS (Christ's) own BODY (I AM the RESURRECTION John 11:25)

YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN.

John 3:16 Whosoever BELIEVES SHALL (at the DEATH of this flesh and blood body) BE SAVED .....Delivered.

Revelation 12:1 ...A WOMAN (Christ bride) .....

Revelation 12:2 An she (Christ's bride) being with CHILD cried, travailing in BIRTH, and pained to be DELIVERED (given a BODY to exist in the NEW COVENANT.

Revelation 12:5 And she brought forth a man Child, who was to RULE ALL NATIONS with a rod of iron .....

Revelation 2:26 And he that overcometh (the deception of this age, free will) and keepeth MY WORKS ( Philippians 2:13 For it is GOD that WORKETH IN YOU both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure), to him will I give power over the nation.

Revelation 2:27 And he shall RULE THEM with a red of iron, even as I received of MY FATHER ( Psalms 2:8-9) ...

Ephesians 4:6 One God and Father OF ALL .....

Christ pour out his blood, and the flesh and blood BODY, DIED.

The Father RAISED Christ's BODY from the GRAVE and gave him a NEW BODY.

A Flesh and Bone BODY, the blood no longer the LIFE; but, the LIFE was SPIRIT.

John 4:24 God is SPIRIT (LIFE) ....

God Bless ALL.

Hi Dennis , I'm not exactly sure what you are talking about but I think I agree . Anyone who tries to use notes from someone else or cheat sheets as you call them is only cheating themselves out of reading the most awesome book written by our Lord God Himself ! How foolish would that be ! Very !

It would be better to not use "Bible Cheat Sheets", but to change the name to something more Christian.

Golden candlestick: Zechariah 4:2-6, Proverbs 20:27,

Exodus 25:31,32, placement, Exodus 26:35, Leviticus 24:4, Hebrews 9:1-28,

Jeremiah 52:19,

Matthew 5:14-16,

Revelation 1:12-20, Revelation 2:1-5, Revelation 11:3-4, Revelation 22,

Hopefully these are helpful in your study

Dear "Shaa Rei" u wrote: He that KNOWETH My name shall be saved. Is it a confusion with lowercase and uppercase letters here? And u wrote: So also, in trials and tribulations , we too must seek our new name. ???

If i am going to search and find my new name, a new rule? Can you please elaborate on this a bit more. It was a bit of a long search for me at least.

On righteous works yes and Revelation 2:17 and Revelation 3:12

God bless u, love u in Christ. Hebrew 10:7 Isaiah 43:7 Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.

Everything is for Jesus. We stand in the radiance of Jesus Christ.

Amen Shaa Rei:

Do you KNOW YOUR NEW NAME?

Isaiah 62:2 And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory; and thou shall be called by a NEW NAME, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.

Revelation 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what he saith to the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a NEW NAME written, which no man KNOWETH SAVING he that receiveth it.

Revelation 3:12 And he that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall no more go out, and I will WRITE UPON HIM THE NAME OF MY GOD, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him MY new NAME.

You are baptised into THE NAME OF JESUS.

You are the BODY OF CHRIST.

Ephesians 4:4 ONE BODY and ONE SPIRIT .....

God Bless You.

GRACE_ambassador {ChrisE}

Revelation 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: (8) Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Revelation 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: (be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.)

Revelation 3:21 To him that (overcometh) will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

Hi Lynne,

There have been many discussions about this. People differ in opinion. James 1:5, I ask you pray for wisdom & discernment of truth.

Why do you ask, this question like this?

1st we have Luke 16,

Then we have Paradise mentioned 3 times, in: Luke 23:39-46, 2Corinthians 12:2-4, Revelation 2:7,

Out of the Grave: Ezekiel 37:12,13, Matthew 27:52,53, John 5:28,

Judgement : Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 7, Romans 14:12, 1Peter 4:1-5, Matthew 12:36,

Jesus being the 1st born: Romans 8:29-39,

Hopefully these are helpful

"Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols." Revelation 2:20

Many scriptures show that those who have been saved must still endure faithfully to the end. ( Matthew 24:13; Hebrews 10:36; 12:2, 3; Revelation 2:10)

First-century Christians expressed joy when they learned that fellow believers were enduring in their faith. ( 1 Thessalonians 1:2, 3; 3 John 3, 4)

Does it seem reasonable that the Bible would stress faithful endurance if those who did not endure would be saved anyway?

Hi John.

Here's the verse you mentioned in context. Picking it up from the previous verse. John 11:25-26. Jesus said unto her, I AM THE RESURRECTION, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

I believe the Lord is talking about the second death as seen here in Revelation.

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. Revelation 2:11.

Also Revelation 20:6.

When we are born again we are Identified with Christ death. "Baptism. Romans 6:2-6.

Christ is the first fruit.

"But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming."

1 Corinthians 15:20-23.

It means we won't face judgment.

God bless.

Brother Mark:

I have a question?

Is the best you can do, good enough?

Maybe it's not our doing, but Christ's doing.

Colossians 1:27 ....this mystery .... Christ in you .....

Philippians 2:13 For it is GOD (Christ in you) working in you (his body) both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.

Hebrews 4:10 For he that is entered into HIS (Christ's) REST, he has ceased from his WORKS .....

We are the BODY, Christ is the LIFE.

Revelation 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keeps MY WORKS unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations ....

God Bless You!

But we can't have grace without faith.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ( Ephesians 2:8)

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. ( James 2:26)

Therefore, to believe the entire Bible and not just parts of the Bible we would need to say we are saved by both grace and works.

And many Biblical passages confirm this:

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ( James 4:7)

Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. ( Hebrews 4:11)

And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; ( Hebrews 5:9)

and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. ( Revelation 2:23)

And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: ( Revelation 2:26)

I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. ( 1 John 2:13)

To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, ( Revelation 2:7)

He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. ( Revelation 21:7)

Sister Kay:

You are exactly right WE DIE daily.

Our mind of flesh being renewed to the mind of Christ.

We can only come to the TRUTH of the NEW BIRTH, it happens at the death of this body.

There is ONLY ONE LIFE, CHRIST, and Christ is God.

Our body of flesh dies, LIFE (God) continues, we switch BODIES.

1 Corinthians 15:38 ...and to every SEED; HIS (Christ is the SEED) own body. Seed always begats the same seed.

It is beyond our mind of flesh to comprehend that Christ can live in us, yet can also appear as a man walking in flesh.

This is what we can look forward to.

Christ said that where he is we will be also; Christ is IN CREATION bringing creation to TRUTH and LIFE.

We as priest (with the body of Christ) in HIS Kingdom, the likeness of Christ, will be IN CREATION bringing creation to TRUTH and LIFE.

Revelation 10:11 ....thou must prophesy again (in your new body) before many peoples and nations, and tongues, and kings.

Go ye into all the world teaching and preaching the gospel of the kingdom. This is only possibly in the next AGE (world).

Read and study: Isaiah 66:18-24 and Jeremiah 51:19-33 and Revelation 2:26-27

These are prophecy about the Sons of God, we not a perfect Son of God till we leave this AGE (world).

Hebrews 12:23 ...... and to the spirits of just men made PERFECT.

God Bless YOU!

You write, "Are you aware of the practice of writing something and attributing it to someone postumously?" Yes, I'm well aware. But one would have a hard time trying to disprove Paul's authorship of the Corinthian Epistles. If that can happen there, then where else in God's Word? Does then the authenticity of any biblical writing depend on what we believe is correct or on what those more informed than us have studied, verified & canonized? Thus far, I've found Paul's writings on par, repeat, on par with all of Christ's teachings.

That aside, I would introduce you to 1 Corinthians 10:18-33 which may further lend support to what I've shared earlier. Again, Paul iterates that the meat offered to idols is nothing. This is not a Christian going to a temple, being offered the sacrificed meat to eat & then partakes of it there. Paul speaks of eating of meat as sold in the marketplace ('shambles'), whether sacrificed meat or not, is perfectly appropriate to eat by the Christian as the idol is nothing (a lump of wood or stone). But he would refuse to eat this 'retail' meat if it meant that a brother's conscience is affected by it. Paul had freedom to eat anything, but love & concern of the other person constrained him.

In Revelation 2:18-20, Jezebel (whoever she was or represented), promoted fornication & eating of meats offered to idols. These are specific acts of wickedness, as of 'free love & partaking of temple offerings'. Does Paul ever advocate this? Rather, he denounces any form of fornication ( 1 Corinthians 6:18-20) & partaking in the "table of devils" ( 1 Corinthians 10:20-21). But he does allow eating of meats that may have been offered to idols, but sold in the shambles, because that is still only meat untainted with any devilish impurities. But not all have a clear conscience about that, & so they don't eat the meat & Paul abstains also for their sakes.

If you believe this is still all speculation, then that's your choice, as also the choice of other readers.

Not only does 1st Corinthians teach things in opposition to the instruction of our Lord in the Gospel of John and the instruction of the Holy Ghost in Acts 15, consider what Jesus is reported to have said in Revelation 2:20 "Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols." 1st Corinthians Chapter 8 is the only instruction I'm aware of that teaches Jesus' servants it's okay to eat things sacrificed unto idols. Jesus and the Holy Ghost and the Apostles and Elders and Paul and I say it's not okay to eat things sacrificed unto idols.