Discuss Revelation 2 Page 8

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One of Jesus's names is the tree of life.

Eden was protected by an Angel after Adam and Eve were driven out of it.

If they had eaten of the Tree of Life, they would have lived eternally in their fallen state.

Search the Book of Revelation. The Tree of Life was moved from earth to Heaven.

GENESIS 3:22

And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:

REVELATION 22:2

In the midst of the street of it (heaven)and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

GENESIS 3:24

So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

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.

Mishael

"This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears" Luke 4:21

"Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts" Hebrew 4:7

"Behold, now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation" 2 Corinthians 6:2

"How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation." Hebrews 2:3

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you" 2 Corinthians 9:8

"The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance" Romans 2:4

"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone" Ephesians 2:19-20

"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that these ye might be partakers of the divine nature" 2Peter 1:4

"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works" Titus 2:11-14

"the spirit of grace and supplications" Zechariah 12:10

"For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing" Romans 7:18

"But by the grace of God I am what I am" 1 Corinthians 15:10

"This is the true grace of God wherein ye stand" 1Peter 5:12

"Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life" Revelation 2:10

"He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved" Matthew 24:13

"See that ye abound in this grace" 2 Corinthians 8:7

"Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" 2Peter 3:18

"For God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5

( 1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

Psalms 7:9 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.

Proverbs 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.

Revelation 2:22-23 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am He which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

John 5:23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

Philippians 2:5-11 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name:

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Matthew 11:15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

S Spencer, may the Spirit grace us with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding.

Isaiah 9:6 ..... HIS NAME shall be called

Christ bears the NAME of his Father just as we bear the name of our earthly father; but the Father (through Jesus) gives us a new name. We will bear the name of our true Father.

Revelation 2:17 .... To him that overcometh .......I (the Father) will give him (the overcomer) a white stone (the cornerstone, Christ) and in the (new) stone (us) A NEW NAME written, which no man knoweth SAVING HE THAT RECEIVED IT.

I Know HIS wisdom and HIS understanding will grace you with the answer.

Romans 8:29

Revelation 22:13

Ephesians 2:15

Lezbeth, may the Spirit grace you with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding.

Revelation 22:16 I JESUS have sent my angel to testify unto you (you are the church) these things (that are revealed; by Revelation) in the CHURCHES....

Revelation 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to him (Christ), to show unto his servants (Christ's inheritance; Psalms 2:8) things which much SHORTLY (during your lifetime) come to pass......

1 Peter 1:21 WHO (YOU) by HIM (CHRIST) do BELIEVE....

Galatians 2:16 KNOWING that a man is not justified by the works of the law, BUT BY THE FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST, even we have BELIEVED (by HIM) in Jesus Christ, that we might be JUSTIFIED by THE FAITH OF Jesus Christ......

Christ has given you HIS FAITH

Revelation 2:26 And he (you; the church) that overcomes and keeps MY WORKS (remember he gives us HIS faith, His truth, His wisdom, His understanding, His council, everything that is HIS he gives to us as our inheritance; we are his children) unto the END (when you leave this body of flesh at it's death; now he is going to give you HIS BODY; HIS incorruptible and immortal self ( 1 Timothy 6:16)......

Revelation 20:5-6 .... This is the FIRST resurrection.

(vs 6) Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the FIRST resurrection....

Remember he gives us what is HIS; he gives us HIS RESURRECTION. ( John 11:25)

Isaiah 26:19 Thy dead men shall LIVE, together with MY DEAD BODY SHALL THEY ARISE...

This is the rapture of the church (you) individually not collectively.

Isaiah 27:12 ...ye shall be gathered ONE BY ONE....

Mathew 24:40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken and the other left.

1 Corinthians 12:27 Now we are THE BODY OF CHRIST.....

1 Corinthians 3:21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours (THROUGH THE WORKS OF CHRIST)

Lizbeth, May the Spirit grace you with His wisdom and His understanding.

Revelations 22:16 I JESUS SENT mine angel to testify unto you (you are the CHURCH) these things in the CHURCHES......

There might be a reason there is no mention of the rapture.

Do you think the un-called study God's word.

1 Peter 1:21 WHO (YOU) by HIM (CHRIST) do BELIEVE.........

Galatians 2:16 KNOWING that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by THE FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST, even we have BELIEVED (by HIM) in Jesus Christ, that we might be JUSTIFIED (not by the law) but by THE FAITH OF CHRIST (by him), and not the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Jesus GIVES you HIS FAITH

Revelation 2:26 And he (the church) that overcometh, and keepeth MY WORKS (remember it's his faith, his wisdom, his truth, his understanding, EVERYTHING HE IS becomes yours through inheritance, you are his child) unto the end (when you depart this body of flesh and are given HIS BODY; (HIS) incorruptible and immortality self becomes yours....

This is the rapture of the church (you) each one individually not collectively.

Isaiah 27:12 And it shall come to pass in that day...... ye shall be gathered ONE BY ONE...

Matthew 24:40 There shall be two in the field; the one shall be taken and the other left.

Revelation 20:5-6 .... this is the first resurrection.

(vs 5) Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection.....

Remember he gives you what is his; therefore he gives us his resurrection.

Isaiah 26:19 Thy dead men shall LIVE together with MY DEAD BODY SHALL THEY ARISE....

Revelation 2:11-16 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.

And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

Revelation 2:18-23 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;

I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.

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.

And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

Hello Andrew,

Thank you for conversing with me on these couple subjects. Please let this be the end of our discussion with all respect.

About The Word of God not being Jesus Christ is your own belief. It is not from the pits of hell. Hebrews 1:1-4, Revelation 1:17-18, Revelation 2:26-27, Revelation 3:20-21, Revelation 19:11-16. We are to honor the Son the same way we honor the Father, John 5:21-23. The Messiah/Christ being the anointed one of God. ( 1 John 2:23-24.

Just to straighten up a little with reply about receiving the Holy Ghost. I never said my experience, or experiences, was "feeling peace". Me stating most people in the world would not believe my experiences is because they are supernatural things. It was not me who chose God, He chose me. I know not why. All glory be to Jesus Christ our Lord and our Father in Heaven.

I don't know of any Scripture of people receiving the Holy Ghost just by "feeling peace". Although I do know of one that doesn't state it was after a water baptism nor did they speak in tongues. Acts 11:11-18.

I hope our discussion shall keep you from discrediting other believers in the Lord just because they don't speak in unknown tongues. We should all try to help one another with our faith in the Lord. Hebrews 13:1-2.

Peace be with you.

Steve, May the Spirit grace you with HIS wisdom and His understanding.

John 9 1-3 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.

(vs 2) And his disciples ask him, saying, Master, WHO DID SIN, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?

(vs 3) Jesus answered, Neither has this man sinned, or his parents: but that THE WORKS OF GOD should be manifest in him.

None of us can completely understand why God does certain thing, but we can believe through the working of the Holy Spirit and stand on his word that the outcome will both bring us into the light and glorify God in the process.

2 Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy, whereunto you do well that you take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day (of the Lord)(CHRIST IN YOU) dawn, and the day star arise in you hearts.

Revelation 2:28 And I will give him the morning star.

Revelation 22:16 ...... I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

Job 38:7 When the morning stars sang together; and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice (the holy Spirit) saying in heaven (you, where Christ

dwells), Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of God (Christ in you), and the power of his Christ: for the ACCUSER of our brethern is cast down, which ACCUSED them (you) before our God day and night (they have no rest).

COME INTO MY REST AND CEASE FROM YOUR WORKS (your way of thinking)

May the SPIRIT grace you with ears to hear and eyes to see.

CHRIST IN YOU

Colossians 1:25-29 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is GIVEN TO ME FOR YOU, to fulfil the word of God;

(vs 26) Even the MYSTERY which hath been HID from the ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

(vs 27) To whom (the saints) God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this MYSTERY among the gentiles; which is CHRIST IN YOU, the hope of glory:

(vs 28) Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

(vs 29) Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his (CHRIST IN YOU) working, which (CHRIST IN YOU) worketh in me mightly.

Revelation 2:26-27 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my (CHRIST IN YOU) works unto the end, to him will I give him power over the nations:

1 Corinthians 15:28 And when ALL (creation) thing shall be subdued unto him (CHRIST), then shall the SON also himself be subject to him (FATHER) that put All (creation) things under him, that God (CHRIST) may be ALL (CHRIST IN YOU) in ALL (CHRIST IN YOU).

Romans 8:19-21 For the earnest expectation of the creature (creation) waiteth for the MANIFESTATION OF THE SONS OF GOD.

(vs 21) Because the creature (creation) itself shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption (the grave) into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Psalms 122:5 For there are set thrones of judgement, the thrones of the house of David.

Revelation 20:4 And I say thrones, and they that sat upon them, and judgement was given unto them.....

Luke 22:30 That you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and set on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

CHRIST IN YOU THE HOPE OF GLORY

REVELATION 13:17

May the Spirit grace us with his wisdom and his understanding.

Revelation 1:1-3 The Revelation of Jesus Christ .....things that must shortly come to pass.....and signified....

(vs 3) Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things that are written therein: FOR THE TIME IS AT HAND.

Most will study Revelation and never apply these verses to the truth of the rest of Revelation.

Signified: the nouns are symbols of something other than there definition as denoted by a dictionary. There definition can be found hidden in other scriptures in God's word.

Example:

Luke 8:5 ....and the fowls of the air devoured it.

Luke 8:11 Now the parable is this...

Luke 8:12 ....then cometh the DEVIL (fowls of the air)

Luke 13:19 (A PARABLE) It (kingdom of heaven) is like a grain of mustard seed....and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.

John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches (where the fowls of the air dwell)....WITHOUT ME YOU CAN DO NOTHING.

Revelation 2:13 ....Even where Satan's seat is...

Matthew 12:28 But if I CAST OUT DEVIL'S by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God (Christ in you) is come in unto you.

Revelation 12:7-10 And there was war in heaven (where is the kingdom of heaven; CHRIST IN YOU, heaven is YOU): Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,

(vs 8) And prevailed not, neither was THEIR place found anymore in heaven (in you)

(vs 9) And the great dragon was cast out......

(vs 10) and I heard a loud voice (Holy Spirit) saying, Now is salvation... strength..and the kingdom....

Must shortly come to pass: the revealing of Jesus Christ, he is the kingdom of heaven: CHRIST IN YOU has to happen in before your physical body dies.

The time is at hand: If you were alive 1800 years ago these words were would have declared the kingdom of heaven to you just as they are declaring the kingdom of heaven to the person reading them at the instance.

Darren, may the Spirit grace you with his wisdom and his understanding.

I'm not sure you understand the kingdom of heaven.

John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

Daniel 7:27 And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey them.

Luke 20: 35-36 But they who shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:

(vs 36) Neither can they die anymore: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.

Revelations symbolizes how you obtain that world and the judgement the saints will bring upon the earth.

1 Corinthians 6:2 Do you not know that the saints shall judge the world?

Psalms 149:9 To execute upon them the judgement written: this honour has all his saints.

Revelation 2:26-27 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works until the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

(vs 27) And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers, even as I received of my Father.

Revelation 3:9 Behold I will make of them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews (circumcised in the heart), and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

Those in the kingdom of heaven are those who are going to rule over the earth symbolized in Revelation and explained in the prophets.

How do I know which, English or Afrikaans, bible translations are true to the original transcripts, and which ones are not.

My comments wasn't meant to offend you but sometimes it's best to hear someone else point of view instead of taking offense to it. I don't argue the word of God. I pray the Holy Spirit brings revelation of the truth of God's word to you.

Be blessed.

Hello brother,

I'm glad to hear that. So at 200 denominations I really could not even grasp at all the differences. I totally agree with you in being followers of Christ and to help sharpen each other in the Word of God without strife or division. Also that there is only one truth. Have you ever had a conversation with someone who has different beliefs than you? I have and always try to be respectful. Sometimes it is better to just back off as others may not agree and have their own view. As even some of my dear brothers, probably most, on here do not agree with me on a thing or two. This does not bother me because I love them and as they are my brothers in Christ I could not ask for anything else.

God Bless you.

I was not offended by your words. I'm saying there are over 200 denominations in Christianity because of the many beliefs that people have and that causes the division in the body of Christ. As followers of Christ, we are to sharpen one another in the word of God without strife or division. 'Iron sharpers iron'. When you have some time, please read over the following scriptures: John 1:1-14, 1 Corinthians 2:6-16. Be blessed.

In Revelation 2:20 the letter to Thyatira the Lord commends them for what they do well,, Afterwards take a close look at something, Notice what the Lord have against them.

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.

He's not condemning them for fornication, (spiritual) and to eat things sacrificed to idols. He's condemning them for allowing Jezebel to teach and seduce his servants to commit fornication and to eat things sacrificed unto idols!!! We got to be careful who we provide a platform for!

This site is the closest thing some people is going to come into the Church, and there is some Great teachers on here, Please don't let this site be where heresies take root!! Where do you draw the line, Ww are providing a platform for false teaching under the name of Christ.

Here is God in us all,

Ephesians 4:4-6 . There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

One GOD AND FATHER OF ALL, WHO IS ABOVE ALL, AND THROUGH ALL, AND IN YOU ALL.,

"Now here is the Holyspirit and Christ in you and the Holyspirit is called the spirit of Christ"

Romans 8:9-10. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the

(((Spirit of God dwell in you)))

(((Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.)))

"Here is Christ in us"

(((And if Christ be in you))) the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

"Again God in you"

1 Corinthians 3:16. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

There is Lord and one Spirit, God is a spirit. What kind of spirit is God? "Holy"!!

Jesus was in the bosom of the Father and manifested in the flesh, How do a spirit have a bosom as we know a bosom? Revelation 1:8. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, (((the Almighty)))

Here is that in the Greek Greek:

Transliteration: pantokratr

Pronunciation: pan-tok-rat'-ore

Definition: From G3956 and G2904; the all ruling that is God (as absolute and universal sovereign): - Almighty Omnipotent.

KJV Usage: Almighty(9x), omnipotent(1x).

Occurs: 10

In verses: 10

Galatians 5:9. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump..

Thank you, it's just the waiting to see what will happen (the eleventh hour) and not knowing what to prepare for next.

If God gave me this purpose, why is man interfering. I truly do trust the Lord! It's like Hospice patients you wish they weren't dying but it's the natural path so you resolve that fact and you make them comfortable and wait.

In Revelation 22:11 I discern a definite reference to the closing of human probation upon the earth since the language spoken declares them forever after the character our Lord Jesus says they are. In chapters 15: verses 1, 7 and 8, then chapter 16, we have the time for the pouring out of God's wrath (without mixture according to Revelation 14:10). The reference of those who live in the very end of human probation will live through the time of trouble. while the holy righteous class have the promise of mercy and protection even from the holy cherubim (see Psalms 27 and 91) the rest who are unjust and filthy shall receive the full wrath of God and be slain afterwards by the brightness of our Lord's glorious appearing, when He comes to be glorified in His saints. Both 2 Thessalonians 1:6-8; 2:8; Revelation 19:21. These Scriptures help us also to understand how the Lord will be said to come as a thief in the night during the outpouring of His wrath. His wrath upon those who have been marked for wrath are in contrast to them that are sealed in their foreheads. I am saddened that many will be unprepared to meet Him in peace, either because the have failed to put off sins by repentance and faith in our Lord and Savior, Messiah Jesus. Also many will be lost because they have been given a delusional eschatology and told they will be removed before the time of God's wrath. Jesus is coming soon, may we all be ready.

Hi Georganna, Here's another scripture that go along with those you already have, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. God does answer, I think often we try to muster up faith for our request but we take our eyes off God's Attributes, God is Love, God is Mercy, God is Justice, ect. We can put our faith in him and who he is and he will do his will which is always the best thing for us. I hope that helps

Thank you for your reply. I found 1 Peter 5:6-7 during my studies today. and I'm reading a book on Romans 8:28 I just wish man would not blindside me or hint at unknown outcomes.

You have to trust in God ,just because a situation seems unfavourable to you doesnt mean that it is ,God knows all things from ever lasting to ever lasting ,whatever is going on in your life you must trust that God will put you where you are supposed to be according to his purpose for you ,pray for His mercy and for His will to be done in your life ,He always knows what and where is best for you better than you yourself do .

the dead in Christ will rise first means that those who where believers but that have fallen asleep (died) before Christ's return shall be raised up before those believers that are still alive. those who are still alive will be taken up into the air and transformed!!! pretty awesome to think about!!

It lasted about a 1/2 year (180 days). Look to Esther 1 starting at verse for.

Hi what does it mean in the book of revelation that the dead in christ will raise first?

your absolutely correct and I believe this would be some scripture to support this, just as Lot's wife looked backed so are we vulnerable to look back also, and we must be on guard from satan's influence at all times.

Genesis Chapter 19:24 Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven; 25 And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground. 26 But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.

Luke 17:32 "Remember Lot's wife."

And you're right Ronnie: there is an element in the Church who believe that sin no longer matters, since we're "once saved, always saved". But let's not assume that these are believers, who flout the Word of God & shame Christ with their lives.

I have yet to be convinced that those who have been cleansed by Christ's Blood, sealed with the Holy Spirit & brought into the family of God, can ever be lost, whether through an initiative by God or from oneself. I guess that my understanding of who a child of God is & to what another might consider him to be, is at variance here. I never take a wide view of what it means to be a Christian - I believe that the nature of our salvation is extremely narrow in its meaning & application ('many are called but few are chosen'): the Gospel may go out to all, but to express faith in the Cross as a result of the burden of great sin, is a place of healing for a very few.

And for a 'backslider': as one preacher I heard say, "Probably that such an one has never 'slid forward' in the first place". Can we have a backsliding Christian, if by that we mean, a Christian can revert back to his old life of sin, rather than slipping into a snare from which he finds recovery through repentance? That is a matter of personal opinion, I suppose.

And for "a blood-bought church that's unspotted and without sin": if you mean that Christ sees His Church that has been forgiven & restored into a right relationship with the Godhead, clothed in the righteousness of Christ, yet still earth-bound & sin-affected, then I agree. If however, the Church is seen as "not having spot or wrinkle..without blemish" as being sinless (free of sin), then I sense we do injustice to the Word ( Ephesians 5:27), where the reference is to 'Christ loving the Church, sanctifying & cleansing it by the washing by the Word'. And this Church returns back to Him as one which has been clothed in His Righteousness & Purity & with even the smell of sin finally eradicated from her.