That is something you will need to grow in the grace of our Lord and to come to understanding with faith "FROM God"
1 Peter 2:2.
You are right in that what you said.
"God does not reject anyone by outward appearance.
We are separated from God by our sin nature.
Our sin nature is inherited at birth, going all the way back to Adam. Romans 5:12.
It's the heart of mankind that God looks at.
1 Samuel 16:7.
Here is what the Bible say about the heart.
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
Jeremiah 17:9-10.
Psalms 53:1-3 gives a good description of the state of man at his best when he is separated from God and again this separation is at birth!
Here's the Good news!
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
That "WHOSOEVER" believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that "WHOSOEVER" believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
For the scripture saith, "WHOSOEVER" believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Thank you bro Giannis for those very precious thoughts and reminders about the God we worship and serve. Not a distant detached Divine, but a God that created us and longs for intimacy with all people, especially given to those who come to Him broken, repentant, seeking His Salvation and Love. As bro. S. Spencer shared beautiful verses from Ephesians 2:4-7, that which came to my mind is from Romans 5:7,8:
"For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
If man could think twice before sacrificing his life for another, shouldn't we expect the same of God Who should rightfully consign each one of us sinners to hell without mercy? But God's Love for every sinner is without equal, that He should send His Son to pay the price for our redemption - the great cost which we could never ever pay. And the excellence of the Love of God was that He took on our flesh for the suffering of death. To me, this is the clear demonstration of that Love - not by creating another human to pay the price for our sin, which to me, fails the test of understanding & appreciating Divine Love.
Also, great to see you back on these pages Giannis. GBU.
Great post and it is primarily what we are discussing in this thread.
I would even add the end of Romans 5 on through Romans 6, 7, and 8.
Romans 5:19- 21 reads, "For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
Onto Romans 6:1-4,
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
WE ALSO SHOULD WALK IN NEWNESS OF LIFE!
This statement is not a task! It's a statement of fact!
If a person have been baptized into Christ death and ressurection he's Identified with Christ and born of God's Spirit!
(Verses 8-11)Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin.) This is factual! It's telling us to "RECOGNIZE" ourselves to be dead indeed unto sin.
This doesn't mean we're perfect!
It means we're not longer slaves to sin.
Paul uses the analogy of a marriage in Romans 7 describing the flesh and it's infirmities.
Salvation is entirely the work of Christ and cannot be improved or added to. When Jesus died on the cross, He fully paid the penalty for sin, making complete atonement for all who believe. Romans 5:8-10 shows that Christ died for us while we were still sinners; nothing we do can make that sacrifice more sufficient. Galatians 2:21 warns that trying to gain righteousness through human effort nullifies the grace of God, because if we could earn salvation, Christ's death would be unnecessary. Salvation is a gift, received by faith alone ( Ephesians 2:8-9), not by works, rituals, or moral achievement. Adding anything implies Christ's work was incomplete, which Scripture directly contradicts. John 14:6 confirms that Jesus alone is the way; no human action supplements His finished work. When we trust Christ fully, our sins are forgiven, and we are counted righteous before God. Attempting to add to His work shifts the focus from God's provision to human effort, turning faith into a performance. True security and peace come only from relying completely on what Jesus accomplished, not on anything we can do. Salvation is therefore entirely by grace, fully sufficient in Christ, and nothing else is required.
Let me ask you, what work/thing did you add to the cross of Christ?
Forgiveness and salvation, while related, are not the same. Scripture shows that forgiveness was granted at the cross nearly 2,000 years ago when Christ bore the sins of the world ( 2 Cor. 5:19). That forgiveness, extended once for all, does not in itself give eternal life. Salvation unto justification comes only through believing the gospel. Romans 5:18 declares that justification unto eternal life is distinct from forgiveness, and it is received through faith.
The gospel Paul preached ( 1 Cor. 15:1-4) is clear: Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, He was buried, and He rose again the third day. In His death He bore our sins, in His burial He put them away, and in His resurrection He rose without them. Faith in this finished work is the only response God requires. Forgiveness already belongs to God; salvation is His gift, received when we believe.
Upon belief, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption ( Eph. 1:13-14). This seal guarantees eternal security-we cannot lose salvation because it is not ours to keep, but God's to preserve. Likewise, the forgiveness secured at Calvary cannot be undone. God does not revoke what He has freely given for Christ's sake.
2 Corinthians 5:14-21 explains that through Christ's substitutionary death, God reconciled the world to Himself, no longer imputing trespasses. Those who believe become new creatures in Christ, made righteous in Him. As ambassadors, we now proclaim this word of reconciliation. The call is urgent: "Now is the day of salvation" ( 2 Cor. 6:2).
Therefore, forgiveness was accomplished at the cross, but justification unto eternal life is only received when one believes the gospel of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Faith alone makes salvation certain, unshakable, and eternal.
(Justification) "No other subject is as important as this one"
Thank you. I agree, it is interesting, and some topics may never reveal the full truth. As Paul said, with milk and meat, we may not be ready to understand everything, 1 Corinthians 3:2. We share our understanding out of respect for each other, hoping to inspire prayer and study for the truth.
Can we understand Enoch being translated so he wouldn't see death? How does this fit with Romans 5:12, which says death passed upon all men because all have sinned; Romans 5:14, which states death reigned from Adam to Moses; and Hebrews 9:27, which says it is appointed unto men once to die?
Then there's Jesus saying in John 3:13, "And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven." I have my thoughts, but I keep them in my head. There are things God has not revealed, and we must accept this, as in Deuteronomy 29:29.
2 Corinthians 5:9, like Enoch, teaches us that it is by faith we must live, regardless of what we see. Paul confidently states that he would rather be absent from the body and present with the Lord. When are we absent from this body? Many believe it's when this body dies, but I feel this idea is influenced by Greek philosophy about the immortal soul.
To me, Scripture, 1 Corinthians 15:51-58, says we are raised, not descending; it says we are changed, not rejoined. It says we are mortal and will put on immortality, that's something we did not have before. When we are resurrected, we put on immortality. This is our victory over death and the grave, given to us through our Lord Jesus Christ.
I agree, we are to be overcomers. Revelation 3:5, Jesus said, "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment, and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels."
Satan's greatest debacles: Part 1-Promoting sin in order to keep people from coming to the Lord.
Thinking outside the box as I tend to like to do means I have to choose my words carefully here. In general I'd say that Romans 5:20 is where I am going with this:
Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
When we all came to faith in Christ; we were in fact sinners. Too often I think we focus on sin rather than the cause; our sin NATURE. I hate to capitalize and be obnoxious but some things warrant extra emphasis. Exploring this concept I'd actually add to it and say that in order to justify ourselves not only could this verse be taken out of context; but we indeed wish to retain our old nature as our main goal. Our actions may or many not be considered as to a particular sin but many would surprise themselves when asked months or years before a particular sin is made a habit or lifestyle if they were challenged as to just how wicked their heart is (again; focusing on Jeremiah 17:9). If we are truly His children He will either gently or severely buffet us. I don't know about anyone else here but I suspect we'd rather not get the roughshod treatment.
Anyway as to the original concept here those who are called by the Lord are reached above and beyond their own wickedness and the heart is pricked; the consciousness is stirred up. Jesus made atonement for all sin so that isn't an issue in Him reaching us. We should all consider this unique experience once we consider ourselves to be "seasoned veterans" in faith so we don't indeed lose salt and light and have our salvation experience be some dim past memory. I am convinced that our so called ordinary days are at least as much of importance as those when we are doing God's works such as evangelism or serving others in the Body. May we all put into the storehouse heavenly treasures more than earthly ones that fade away.
For those who trust Paul's gospel - that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day ( 1 Cor. 15:1-4) - the Scriptures assure complete deliverance from God's wrath. Though all were once "children of wrath" by nature ( Eph. 2:3), in Christ we are made new creations and sealed by the Spirit ( Eph. 1:13; 4:30). God's wrath is real, revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness ( Rom. 1:18), yet believers stand justified by His blood and eternally secure.
Romans 5:9 proclaims, "Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." The penalty of wrath fell upon Christ at the cross, so that no condemnation remains for those in Him ( Rom. 8:1). While wrath abides on the unbeliever ( John 3:36), the believer has peace with God ( Rom. 5:1). Paul makes it plain that the Church, the Body of Christ, is not appointed to wrath but to obtain salvation ( 1 Thess. 5:9). Christ delivers us from "the wrath to come" ( 1 Thess. 1:10), meaning both eternal judgment and the prophesied outpouring during the Day of the Lord.
The "wrath of God" throughout Scripture falls upon the ungodly, rebellious nations, and those who reject the Son ( Col. 3:6; Rev. 6:16-17). But the Body of Christ is distinct; we are part of the mystery revealed to Paul ( Eph. 3:1-9). Wrath belongs to Israel's prophetic program and the unbelieving world, not to the saved in this dispensation of grace.
Key Truth:
In Christ, believers are forever secure. Wrath is past at the cross, present against the ungodly, and future upon unbelievers - but those who believe the gospel are delivered, sealed, and assured eternal peace with God.
d) Luke 17:26-30. This passage is a clear warning to unbelievers not to be like those in Noah's day or those of Sodom and Gomorrah before it was destroyed. It also tells us that the righteous (Noah & Lot & those with them) were spared the wrathful judgments of God by being removed from location. In like manner, believers will also be kept from the Wrath of God during the tribulation, being taken away (removed from the place of God's destruction). If this wasn't God's Wrath on display, I could well believe that we too must brace ourselves for its coming.
Just a note on God's Wrath: as I understand it, His Wrath was justifiably to be poured out upon all sinners, but His Love constrained Him by providing His Son to bear our sin & His Father's Wrath on our behalf ( Romans 5:5-9). Those who have received it and born again of His Spirit no longer have to see that side of God. So when God pours out His Wrath again, it will be without constraint, for His Love shown in His Son has been spurned by all, but His Own must be removed from that outpouring, or else what sense does it make for believers to bear His Wrath when the Sacrifice was paid for them and they have been received as sons? Would God discipline His children for being unsaved sinners fit for destruction? These questions I ask myself. And as the Scripture says, "being now justified by his blood, we SHALL BE SAVED FROM WRATH through him".
e) Revelation 11:1-7. The Church, which should have been very prominent along with these two heavenly witnesses on the Earth during the Great Tribulation, is absent. Even an angel preaching from skies is sent ( Revelation 14:6,7). Once this period starts, the Church's commission to preach the Gospel ceases, for the simple reason: there is no Church on Earth. True, there will still be Church buildings on Earth & gatherings within their walls, but those who have been redeemed by Christ's Blood will be absent. To Page 4.
Justification is God's legal declaration that a sinner is righteous because of faith in Jesus Christ. It is the act where God credits Christ's righteousness to us, not because of our works, but by grace through faith. Romans 3:23-24 teaches that all have sinned but are justified freely by God's grace through Jesus. Romans 5:1 states that being justified brings peace with God and salvation. Justification secures our right standing with God and guarantees eternal life.
In summary: Reconciliation restores relationship, forgiveness removes sin's guilt, and justification legally declares us righteous and saves us through faith in Christ's work on the cross.
Believe in Jesus and the finished work of the cross, and all this belongs to you.
Dear God Father in Heaven, You who see and understand all things. Thank You that we can put all things on You, including our anxiety and mood disorders. We come to You in humility, Lord, and pray for "Bibelmann72". We place him before You Almighty. And we pray that You, Lord Jesus, will give him peace and quiet. As we pray that You strengthen him in Spirit, soul and body. We cast you anxiety out now into the deepest darkness for all time in Jesus Christ's Holy Name above all other Names, In Jesus Christ's Name we do not allow fear and have flow in "Bibelmann72" life. Never come back fear in Jesus Christ's Name, Amen
Remember and call upon the blood of Jesus that was offered on Calvary. In that we have cleansing. No one can ever destroy it! Titus 3 Keep up the Bible reading and calling. Remember Romans 5:1
My understanding of Reconciliation refers to God restoring the broken relationship between Himself and humanity caused by sin. Because of sin, humanity was separated from God ( Isaiah 59:2). Through Jesus' death, this barrier is removed, and peace is established. As 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 explains, God reconciled us to Himself through Christ, no longer counting our sins against us. This means the relationship is healed and restored.
Forgiveness at the cross is the specific act where God cancels the debt of our sins by Jesus' sacrifice. Forgiveness means our sins are wiped away and not held against us. Ephesians 1:7 says we have redemption and forgiveness through Jesus' blood. Colossians 2:13-14 shows that Jesus' death canceled the record of our sins. Forgiveness is a key part of reconciliation but focuses specifically on sin's penalty being removed.
Justification is God's legal declaration that a sinner is righteous because of faith in Jesus Christ. It is the act where God credits Christ's righteousness to us, not because of our works, but by grace through faith. Romans 3:23-24 teaches that all have sinned but are justified freely by God's grace through Jesus. Romans 5:1 states that being justified brings peace with God and salvation. Justification secures our right standing with God and guarantees eternal life.
In summary: Reconciliation restores relationship, forgiveness removes sin's guilt, and justification legally declares us righteous and saves us through faith in Christ's work on the cross.
Yes, thank you very much. These are some good words! Hallelujah, Amen. And reminds us that we must continue on the path that has been laid out. Do not linger and stop. But always seize every opportunity and practice God's Living Word! Amen
Be of good courage and even if we meet people who do not accept either the word or us. Because I believe that GOD is with us in all things if we allow it. He is there with His guidance no matter what, He is not the One who fails when we need Him. Imagine Jesus having to live with the fact that His mother probably did not believe completely in Him when He was there near and alive. But on the Cross she had to see it. There is grace in that too. Be blessed and strengthened in Jesus' name, Amen
Every single person born of Adams seed is doomed to spend eternity in hell. There is not one person ever born who did not deserve to do so .
Romans 5:12 reads, "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
You certainly have to recieve the universal offer of the free LOVE offering of God!!
"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
That WHOSOEVER believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:14-18.
I quote verses 17-18 again.
( For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; BUT THAT THE WORLD THROUGH HIM MIGHT BE SAVED.)
That's the Good news!
Here's the bad news for those reject him.
Verse 18-
He that believeth on him is not condemned: BUT HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT IS CONDEMNED ALREADY, BECAUSE HE HATH NOT BELIEVED IN THE NAME OF THE ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD.
BECAUSE HE HATH NOT BELIEVED IN THE NAME OF THE ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD!!
It's an invitation to WHOSOEVER will!
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come.
And let him that heareth say, Come.
And let him that is athirst come.
(AND WHOSOEVER WILL) let him take the water of life freely.
The unbeliever is Judged because he rejected the Son of God.
Some will be deceived because they couldn't receive the truth!
now that i "know" christ's love Ephesians 2:19 Corinthians 3:4-7 and the whole book of Colossians
Shall we analyse?
Remember the song
Christ is the portrait of God - Colossians 1:15
Before he was born
He did justice and in himself he died
Supremacy and thrones are
They are yours - Colossians 1: 16-17
And that thread that broke
From my soul to God - Colossians 1:21
The holy blood sewed
Christ and his lines of love - Colossians 1: 20
And now a man made I
Can in man see God
Have peace, live, walk and be
Made me a friend in his pouring out - John 15:15
When we were targets of God's wrath now we have Peace with God - Romans 5:1
I have a doubt that you probably theologians (formal or deep self-taught), show me if there is something I missed.
to go to church or not to go to church?
1 Thessalonians 5:11, 1 Peter 4:9, Psalms 133:1-3, Galatians 5:13. all these chapters do not speak of the church that is of my generation, Hebrews 10:24-25 this verse speaks of the mutual congregation.
continuing Romans 12:10, Ephesians 4:32, Acts 2:41-47, 1 John 1:6-7, 2 Corinthians 13:11, 1 Peter 1:22, Colossians 3:16, Philippians 2:1-2, John 13:34, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Psalm 55:14. I keep reading and re-reading Romans 12 and I wonder if it's in everyday life or gathered with the church.
Trust and dependence on the Son of God, believing in His sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection, Romans 5:8-10. Titus 1:2 states that God has promised eternal life to us from before creation, but it is our future hope in Jesus through faith, as seen in Romans 1:16. This hope has been established for us in Jesus before time; this hope is eternal life. It is not seen or enjoyed now; that is not hope, Romans 8:24-25.
Is Jesus praying for just the disciples or also future believers? This was determined before the foundation of the world, as we see in John 14:3, and Paul confirms it in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18. We will see the glory of Christ that the Father has given Him when He returns to establish the kingdom.
Ephesians 1:4 tells us that God chose us in Jesus Christ before the foundation of the world, and salvation was part of God's plan. The word " chose, " from the Greek word eklego, means to pick out for oneself, to choose, elect, or select. God's plan and purpose for humanity was for us to have eternal life in Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:19-20 explains that Jesus, through His obedience to the Father and His sinless life as a lamb without blemish and spot, shed His blood for us. This was foreordained before the foundation of the world. The word " foreordained " is derived from the Greek word proginosko, meaning to know beforehand, representing the foreknowledge of God, a plan manifested in the last times for us. Various verses refer to the foundation of the world, meaning from the creation of the earth and humanity.
Matthew 25:34 speaks of the glory in God's plan, in the mind of God, encompassing all things from beginning to end, something we as humans cannot fully comprehend. We see the culmination of this verse in Revelation 20:11-15.
I agree! I believe to present God as an angry God is misrepresenting God.
I would present God as Holy!
Nahum 1:3 reads "The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked (kjv).
However, "the wicked" is in italics. Perhaps it should read "The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit.
That means no one gets off!
Sin has to be paid for and the wages of sin is death!
And all have sinned and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:23.
Romans 6:23 reads "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
At this junction I would present God as a loving God pointing a lost soul to Romans 5:6-9 and " John 3:16-21" "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Romans 5:18 reads "Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
Adams sin has been imputed on to us. All human beings are counted as having sinned in Adam!
Jesus is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:2.
If you love me you will obey my commandments ( John 14:15).
In light of yesterday's comments that I posted; surely this verse shows the works that are done with the proper attitude. Ephesians 2:10 describes works prepared for us from the Lord. In short it is His works done THROUGH us and His love should constrain us ( 2 Corinthians 14; also read verse 15). This passage read to verse 21 shows how we then evangelize to reconcile others toward God as we were.
Going back to the moment of salvation; it is rare to hear someone preach the fact these days that we are enemies of God ( Romans 5:10; Colossians 1:21 and many like passages). Someone coming to true faith should have some realization of this; but preaching about only the love of God (and that far short of what "Agape" means much of the time) naturally makes people hearing that message assume that we would fall head over heals for Him; especially if there are no "strings" attached. Being a slave of righteousness certainly isn't too popular either; or frankly the concept that His Spirit "possesses" us. I have emphasized that TRUST has to be there in our walk with Christ for it to be real. That is a crucial link to obedience because to really believe we assent that His Word can be trusted; AND council where the Lord is present is often how He ministers to us through discipleship. That of course assumes we are in a Biblically sound fellowship to begin with; and doesn't mean we aren't Bereans or always trust what any man can say. Nonetheless God has a purpose for the structure of His church and we should trust Him to lead us to such a fellowship and give us opportunities for wise counsel for ourselves as well as us toward others.
Of course we are commanded to love one another ( John 13:34-35). In the fellowship of the saints in particular we should see that if we offend our brothers and sisters we are doing it to the Lord. Sometimes if we don't love fellow saints we need to ask God to give us Agape.
Because Adam sinned, we all inherit the body of sin. We sin because we are born sinners. As a saved person, we should be reading and praying for clean spiritual health.
Romans 5:12
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into theworld, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
And be not conformed to thisworld: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
The gospel of grace was hid from the world and was given to Apostle Paul.
Romans 16:25
Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since theworldbegan,
If Satan would of known the gospel of grace, they would of never kill Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:8
Which none of the princes of thisworldknew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
Our spirit in our bodies are being attacked constantly by the evil spirits of this world.
Ephesians 6:12
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of thisworld, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Life is a memory . The entire Bible is a memory and a future telling events that will happen.
Psalm 145:7
They shall abundantly utter thememoryof thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.
Some memories we have might not be good to remember.
Philippians 3:13
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting thosethingswhich arebehind, and reaching forth unto thosethingswhich are before,
The only memories we should have is our Salvation in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:2
By which also ye are saved, if ye keep inmemorywhat I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
Let's not forget the free gift that God gave us .
Romans 5:15
But not as the offence, so also is thefreegift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and thegiftby grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
Was Jesus in heaven before creation? My understanding is no. Many will say Jesus is part of a Triune God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three distinct persons, all co-equal, and co-eternal so that would put Him in heaven before creation.
God is a Spirit John 4:24, so if Jesus were in heaven His form would be Spirit. Are there verses on their own that would support the Trinity, yes. But we must keep a verse in context and compare it to other Scriptures about the same subject and not start with the answer, or a preconceived idea. We should let the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit give us the answer and meaning.
A few thoughts. In John 1:1 what beginning is John referring to, the beginning of creation or the beginning of Jesus's ministry, when He was anointed with the Holy Ghost becoming the Messiah, Matthew 4:16-17. We see the same introduction in 1 John 1:1 and others. In Revelation 19:13 Jesus's name is called the Word of God is that saying Jesus is God?
God was manifested in Jesus through the Holy Spirit, 1 John 1:1, Luke 4:18, John 14:10. The life eternal that was with God was manifested on earth through Jesus that we may fellowship with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ 1 John 1:2-7.
I will not go on and on but to me, there is one problem the Trinity doctrine creates I cannot find an answer.
God is perfect and cannot change, in the doctrine that would be the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The law was made for man and a man had to fulfill it. A man who could sin had to live a perfect life without sin to pay the penalty. Jesus did and paid the penalties for sin with His death. God cannot die and God cannot sin nor can He be tempted James 1:13, so He could not fulfill the law. Jesus was born without sin as the first Adam but could sin, the first Adam was not obedient and sinned. The last Adam, Jesus, was obedient to the Father and sinned not Romans 5:19. If God sacrificed Himself John 3:16 is not true.
True Believer if I may say. Great words you wrote. There is a Famous saying " we are not sinners because we sin, we are sinners because we are born sinners ".
Now we all know why we are sinners, it's one man's disobedience. " Adam "
Romans 5:19
For as by one man's disobedience many were madesinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
Blame it on Adam disobedience to God for our death, but God gives life .
1 Corinthians 15:22
For as inAdamall die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
We may all die in the flesh some day, but God give life through Jesus Christ .
Romans 6:23
For thewagesofsinis death; but the giftofGod is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Ray , in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the gospel that saves today in Apostle Paul's epistle.
The Bible's definition of sin is found in 1 John 3:4, which states, "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law".
The Hebrew word for sin is khata, which means "to fail" or "to miss the goal".
The Bible says that all people have sinned, and that sin leads to death.
Romans 5:6-10 reads "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
This shows that God loves sinners and died for them while they were still sinners.
Christ was lifted up on the cross "That WHOSOEVER believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, that WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life.
This is a display of God's Love in his redemptive plans of salvation to a lost world.
(For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.)
SO YES! This display of Love and INVITATION is to all sinners!!
HOWEVER, God doesn't pardon the sinner BY his Love!
HE PROVIDED A SAVIOR BY HIS LOVE!
Christ was lifted up, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish!
This statement, "all have sinned," is found in Romans 3:23 ("For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God") and in the last clause of Romans 5:12 ("because all sinned"). Basically, it means that we're all lawbreakers, because sin is the violation of God's law ( 1 John 3:4). Sinfulness is the general characteristic of all mankind; we are all guilty before God. We are sinners by nature and by our own acts of transgression.
and ends with this
"The Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God" ( Psalm 14:2). And what does the all-seeing God find? "All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one" (verse 3). In other words, all have sinned."
To continue with my thoughts:
Some of Arminian persuasion do agree that fallen man needs God's grace to turn to Jesus, but tend to avow that God gives just enough grace for one to be free to make a choice for or against Jesus and His salvation. But my studies, especially in Romans, Ephesians, and Galatians, convinced me that God gives grace in full measure to His elect, not to only be freed to make a choice for or against the gospel, rather He grants His grace that ensures that the elect will repent and believe unto salvation. I will discuss this more in the next section. But for now, I think that when I came understand and accept the truth about man's depravity and inability to come to God before regeneration I can become so gladdened and thankful for what God has done in my life as one of His elect. These truths to me have become glorious as I came to the conviction that God's will is so much better than my own and His saving nature is supreme over my sinful nature. Therefore, I came to trust God more and more and surrender more and more of my reliance, reasoning, logic, and trust in what I thought was man's strengths to God.
Another view is that the statement "all have sinned" refers only to personal sin arising from our sin nature. After clarifying in Romans 5:13-17 how personal sin is imputed and then spreads, Paul explains why "all die," even if they have not committed personal sin. The reason all receive this "death sentence" (5:18a) is that, through Adam's disobedience, all were "made sinful" (5:19a). The verb made means "constituted"; thus, the sin nature is an inherited condition that incurs a death sentence, even in those who are not yet guilty of personal sin (5:13-14). This inherited condition inevitably spawns personal sin when conscience matures and holds a person accountable as soon as he chooses to knowingly transgress the law (2:14-15; 3:20; 5:20a).
We are all sinners because Adam passed on his sinful condition that leads inevitably to our personal sin and death. All share Adam's death sentence as an inherited condition (the "sin nature") that is passed down to and through the human race and that every child brings into the world. Even before a child can be held accountable for personal sin, he or she is naturally prone to disobey, to tell lies, etc. Every child is born with a sin nature.
"The Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God" ( Psalm 14:2). And what does the all-seeing God find? "All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one" (verse 3). In other words, all have sinned."
You said you don't own a Bible.
That is something you will need to grow in the grace of our Lord and to come to understanding with faith "FROM God"
1 Peter 2:2.
You are right in that what you said.
"God does not reject anyone by outward appearance.
We are separated from God by our sin nature.
Our sin nature is inherited at birth, going all the way back to Adam. Romans 5:12.
It's the heart of mankind that God looks at.
1 Samuel 16:7.
Here is what the Bible say about the heart.
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
Jeremiah 17:9-10.
Psalms 53:1-3 gives a good description of the state of man at his best when he is separated from God and again this separation is at birth!
Here's the Good news!
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
That "WHOSOEVER" believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that "WHOSOEVER" believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
For the scripture saith, "WHOSOEVER" believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Romans 10:9-11
You noticed I emphasized WHOSOEVER?
That's an invitation to everyone!
That's what makes the Good news Good news!
Blessings!
Romans 5:1
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ
God Bless you.
"For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
If man could think twice before sacrificing his life for another, shouldn't we expect the same of God Who should rightfully consign each one of us sinners to hell without mercy? But God's Love for every sinner is without equal, that He should send His Son to pay the price for our redemption - the great cost which we could never ever pay. And the excellence of the Love of God was that He took on our flesh for the suffering of death. To me, this is the clear demonstration of that Love - not by creating another human to pay the price for our sin, which to me, fails the test of understanding & appreciating Divine Love.
Also, great to see you back on these pages Giannis. GBU.
Part 1
Great post and it is primarily what we are discussing in this thread.
I would even add the end of Romans 5 on through Romans 6, 7, and 8.
Romans 5:19- 21 reads, "For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
Onto Romans 6:1-4,
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
WE ALSO SHOULD WALK IN NEWNESS OF LIFE!
This statement is not a task! It's a statement of fact!
If a person have been baptized into Christ death and ressurection he's Identified with Christ and born of God's Spirit!
(Verses 8-11)Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin.) This is factual! It's telling us to "RECOGNIZE" ourselves to be dead indeed unto sin.
This doesn't mean we're perfect!
It means we're not longer slaves to sin.
Paul uses the analogy of a marriage in Romans 7 describing the flesh and it's infirmities.
See part 2.
Salvation is entirely the work of Christ and cannot be improved or added to. When Jesus died on the cross, He fully paid the penalty for sin, making complete atonement for all who believe. Romans 5:8-10 shows that Christ died for us while we were still sinners; nothing we do can make that sacrifice more sufficient. Galatians 2:21 warns that trying to gain righteousness through human effort nullifies the grace of God, because if we could earn salvation, Christ's death would be unnecessary. Salvation is a gift, received by faith alone ( Ephesians 2:8-9), not by works, rituals, or moral achievement. Adding anything implies Christ's work was incomplete, which Scripture directly contradicts. John 14:6 confirms that Jesus alone is the way; no human action supplements His finished work. When we trust Christ fully, our sins are forgiven, and we are counted righteous before God. Attempting to add to His work shifts the focus from God's provision to human effort, turning faith into a performance. True security and peace come only from relying completely on what Jesus accomplished, not on anything we can do. Salvation is therefore entirely by grace, fully sufficient in Christ, and nothing else is required.
Let me ask you, what work/thing did you add to the cross of Christ?
Forgiveness and salvation, while related, are not the same. Scripture shows that forgiveness was granted at the cross nearly 2,000 years ago when Christ bore the sins of the world ( 2 Cor. 5:19). That forgiveness, extended once for all, does not in itself give eternal life. Salvation unto justification comes only through believing the gospel. Romans 5:18 declares that justification unto eternal life is distinct from forgiveness, and it is received through faith.
The gospel Paul preached ( 1 Cor. 15:1-4) is clear: Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, He was buried, and He rose again the third day. In His death He bore our sins, in His burial He put them away, and in His resurrection He rose without them. Faith in this finished work is the only response God requires. Forgiveness already belongs to God; salvation is His gift, received when we believe.
Upon belief, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption ( Eph. 1:13-14). This seal guarantees eternal security-we cannot lose salvation because it is not ours to keep, but God's to preserve. Likewise, the forgiveness secured at Calvary cannot be undone. God does not revoke what He has freely given for Christ's sake.
2 Corinthians 5:14-21 explains that through Christ's substitutionary death, God reconciled the world to Himself, no longer imputing trespasses. Those who believe become new creatures in Christ, made righteous in Him. As ambassadors, we now proclaim this word of reconciliation. The call is urgent: "Now is the day of salvation" ( 2 Cor. 6:2).
Therefore, forgiveness was accomplished at the cross, but justification unto eternal life is only received when one believes the gospel of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Faith alone makes salvation certain, unshakable, and eternal.
(Justification) "No other subject is as important as this one"
Grace and Peace
Thank you. I agree, it is interesting, and some topics may never reveal the full truth. As Paul said, with milk and meat, we may not be ready to understand everything, 1 Corinthians 3:2. We share our understanding out of respect for each other, hoping to inspire prayer and study for the truth.
Can we understand Enoch being translated so he wouldn't see death? How does this fit with Romans 5:12, which says death passed upon all men because all have sinned; Romans 5:14, which states death reigned from Adam to Moses; and Hebrews 9:27, which says it is appointed unto men once to die?
Then there's Jesus saying in John 3:13, "And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven." I have my thoughts, but I keep them in my head. There are things God has not revealed, and we must accept this, as in Deuteronomy 29:29.
2 Corinthians 5:9, like Enoch, teaches us that it is by faith we must live, regardless of what we see. Paul confidently states that he would rather be absent from the body and present with the Lord. When are we absent from this body? Many believe it's when this body dies, but I feel this idea is influenced by Greek philosophy about the immortal soul.
To me, Scripture, 1 Corinthians 15:51-58, says we are raised, not descending; it says we are changed, not rejoined. It says we are mortal and will put on immortality, that's something we did not have before. When we are resurrected, we put on immortality. This is our victory over death and the grave, given to us through our Lord Jesus Christ.
I agree, we are to be overcomers. Revelation 3:5, Jesus said, "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment, and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels."
God bless,
RLW
a. Jesus Christ's perfect Sacrifice, once and for all people. 1 Peter 3:18, Hebrews 10:9,10.
b. We have been justified, declared not guilty, by that Sacrifice and faith in Him. Romans 5:1,2.
c. God has imputed Christ's Righteousness in us, making us holy. Romans 4:22-24, 2 Corinthians 5:21.
d. God has adopted us into His family, never to abandon us. Ephesians 1:5, Galatians 4:5,6.
Hope this helps.
I like to look at it this way.
The penalty is death.
Hebrews 9:22
Romans 6:23
The penalty wasn't forgiven it was pay for. Mark 10:45.
Also.
Romans 5:8-10 reads "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
When we recieved Christ as savior we were baptized into his death and justified by the resurrection of Christ.
Blessings.
Thinking outside the box as I tend to like to do means I have to choose my words carefully here. In general I'd say that Romans 5:20 is where I am going with this:
Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
When we all came to faith in Christ; we were in fact sinners. Too often I think we focus on sin rather than the cause; our sin NATURE. I hate to capitalize and be obnoxious but some things warrant extra emphasis. Exploring this concept I'd actually add to it and say that in order to justify ourselves not only could this verse be taken out of context; but we indeed wish to retain our old nature as our main goal. Our actions may or many not be considered as to a particular sin but many would surprise themselves when asked months or years before a particular sin is made a habit or lifestyle if they were challenged as to just how wicked their heart is (again; focusing on Jeremiah 17:9). If we are truly His children He will either gently or severely buffet us. I don't know about anyone else here but I suspect we'd rather not get the roughshod treatment.
Anyway as to the original concept here those who are called by the Lord are reached above and beyond their own wickedness and the heart is pricked; the consciousness is stirred up. Jesus made atonement for all sin so that isn't an issue in Him reaching us. We should all consider this unique experience once we consider ourselves to be "seasoned veterans" in faith so we don't indeed lose salt and light and have our salvation experience be some dim past memory. I am convinced that our so called ordinary days are at least as much of importance as those when we are doing God's works such as evangelism or serving others in the Body. May we all put into the storehouse heavenly treasures more than earthly ones that fade away.
Maranatha.
Believers and the Wrath of God
For those who trust Paul's gospel - that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day ( 1 Cor. 15:1-4) - the Scriptures assure complete deliverance from God's wrath. Though all were once "children of wrath" by nature ( Eph. 2:3), in Christ we are made new creations and sealed by the Spirit ( Eph. 1:13; 4:30). God's wrath is real, revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness ( Rom. 1:18), yet believers stand justified by His blood and eternally secure.
Romans 5:9 proclaims, "Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." The penalty of wrath fell upon Christ at the cross, so that no condemnation remains for those in Him ( Rom. 8:1). While wrath abides on the unbeliever ( John 3:36), the believer has peace with God ( Rom. 5:1). Paul makes it plain that the Church, the Body of Christ, is not appointed to wrath but to obtain salvation ( 1 Thess. 5:9). Christ delivers us from "the wrath to come" ( 1 Thess. 1:10), meaning both eternal judgment and the prophesied outpouring during the Day of the Lord.
The "wrath of God" throughout Scripture falls upon the ungodly, rebellious nations, and those who reject the Son ( Col. 3:6; Rev. 6:16-17). But the Body of Christ is distinct; we are part of the mystery revealed to Paul ( Eph. 3:1-9). Wrath belongs to Israel's prophetic program and the unbelieving world, not to the saved in this dispensation of grace.
Key Truth:
In Christ, believers are forever secure. Wrath is past at the cross, present against the ungodly, and future upon unbelievers - but those who believe the gospel are delivered, sealed, and assured eternal peace with God.
Grace and Peace.
d) Luke 17:26-30. This passage is a clear warning to unbelievers not to be like those in Noah's day or those of Sodom and Gomorrah before it was destroyed. It also tells us that the righteous (Noah & Lot & those with them) were spared the wrathful judgments of God by being removed from location. In like manner, believers will also be kept from the Wrath of God during the tribulation, being taken away (removed from the place of God's destruction). If this wasn't God's Wrath on display, I could well believe that we too must brace ourselves for its coming.
Just a note on God's Wrath: as I understand it, His Wrath was justifiably to be poured out upon all sinners, but His Love constrained Him by providing His Son to bear our sin & His Father's Wrath on our behalf ( Romans 5:5-9). Those who have received it and born again of His Spirit no longer have to see that side of God. So when God pours out His Wrath again, it will be without constraint, for His Love shown in His Son has been spurned by all, but His Own must be removed from that outpouring, or else what sense does it make for believers to bear His Wrath when the Sacrifice was paid for them and they have been received as sons? Would God discipline His children for being unsaved sinners fit for destruction? These questions I ask myself. And as the Scripture says, "being now justified by his blood, we SHALL BE SAVED FROM WRATH through him".
e) Revelation 11:1-7. The Church, which should have been very prominent along with these two heavenly witnesses on the Earth during the Great Tribulation, is absent. Even an angel preaching from skies is sent ( Revelation 14:6,7). Once this period starts, the Church's commission to preach the Gospel ceases, for the simple reason: there is no Church on Earth. True, there will still be Church buildings on Earth & gatherings within their walls, but those who have been redeemed by Christ's Blood will be absent. To Page 4.
Justification is God's legal declaration that a sinner is righteous because of faith in Jesus Christ. It is the act where God credits Christ's righteousness to us, not because of our works, but by grace through faith. Romans 3:23-24 teaches that all have sinned but are justified freely by God's grace through Jesus. Romans 5:1 states that being justified brings peace with God and salvation. Justification secures our right standing with God and guarantees eternal life.
In summary: Reconciliation restores relationship, forgiveness removes sin's guilt, and justification legally declares us righteous and saves us through faith in Christ's work on the cross.
Believe in Jesus and the finished work of the cross, and all this belongs to you.
It really is just that simple
Remember and call upon the blood of Jesus that was offered on Calvary. In that we have cleansing. No one can ever destroy it! Titus 3 Keep up the Bible reading and calling. Remember Romans 5:1
Love u in Christ Jesus
Forgiveness at the cross is the specific act where God cancels the debt of our sins by Jesus' sacrifice. Forgiveness means our sins are wiped away and not held against us. Ephesians 1:7 says we have redemption and forgiveness through Jesus' blood. Colossians 2:13-14 shows that Jesus' death canceled the record of our sins. Forgiveness is a key part of reconciliation but focuses specifically on sin's penalty being removed.
Justification is God's legal declaration that a sinner is righteous because of faith in Jesus Christ. It is the act where God credits Christ's righteousness to us, not because of our works, but by grace through faith. Romans 3:23-24 teaches that all have sinned but are justified freely by God's grace through Jesus. Romans 5:1 states that being justified brings peace with God and salvation. Justification secures our right standing with God and guarantees eternal life.
In summary: Reconciliation restores relationship, forgiveness removes sin's guilt, and justification legally declares us righteous and saves us through faith in Christ's work on the cross.
Be of good courage and even if we meet people who do not accept either the word or us. Because I believe that GOD is with us in all things if we allow it. He is there with His guidance no matter what, He is not the One who fails when we need Him. Imagine Jesus having to live with the fact that His mother probably did not believe completely in Him when He was there near and alive. But on the Cross she had to see it. There is grace in that too. Be blessed and strengthened in Jesus' name, Amen
Romans 5:1-5
I agree!
Every single person born of Adams seed is doomed to spend eternity in hell. There is not one person ever born who did not deserve to do so .
Romans 5:12 reads, "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
You certainly have to recieve the universal offer of the free LOVE offering of God!!
"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
That WHOSOEVER believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:14-18.
I quote verses 17-18 again.
( For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; BUT THAT THE WORLD THROUGH HIM MIGHT BE SAVED.)
That's the Good news!
Here's the bad news for those reject him.
Verse 18-
He that believeth on him is not condemned: BUT HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT IS CONDEMNED ALREADY, BECAUSE HE HATH NOT BELIEVED IN THE NAME OF THE ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD.
BECAUSE HE HATH NOT BELIEVED IN THE NAME OF THE ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD!!
It's an invitation to WHOSOEVER will!
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come.
And let him that heareth say, Come.
And let him that is athirst come.
(AND WHOSOEVER WILL) let him take the water of life freely.
The unbeliever is Judged because he rejected the Son of God.
Some will be deceived because they couldn't receive the truth!
Blessings.
Shall we analyse?
Remember the song
Christ is the portrait of God - Colossians 1:15
Before he was born
He did justice and in himself he died
Supremacy and thrones are
They are yours - Colossians 1: 16-17
And that thread that broke
From my soul to God - Colossians 1:21
The holy blood sewed
Christ and his lines of love - Colossians 1: 20
And now a man made I
Can in man see God
Have peace, live, walk and be
Made me a friend in his pouring out - John 15:15
When we were targets of God's wrath now we have Peace with God - Romans 5:1
I have a doubt that you probably theologians (formal or deep self-taught), show me if there is something I missed.
to go to church or not to go to church?
1 Thessalonians 5:11, 1 Peter 4:9, Psalms 133:1-3, Galatians 5:13. all these chapters do not speak of the church that is of my generation, Hebrews 10:24-25 this verse speaks of the mutual congregation.
continuing Romans 12:10, Ephesians 4:32, Acts 2:41-47, 1 John 1:6-7, 2 Corinthians 13:11, 1 Peter 1:22, Colossians 3:16, Philippians 2:1-2, John 13:34, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Psalm 55:14. I keep reading and re-reading Romans 12 and I wonder if it's in everyday life or gathered with the church.
Thank you very much!
Romans 5:8-11 kjv.
Thank You Jesus.
Part 6
Trust and dependence on the Son of God, believing in His sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection, Romans 5:8-10. Titus 1:2 states that God has promised eternal life to us from before creation, but it is our future hope in Jesus through faith, as seen in Romans 1:16. This hope has been established for us in Jesus before time; this hope is eternal life. It is not seen or enjoyed now; that is not hope, Romans 8:24-25.
Is Jesus praying for just the disciples or also future believers? This was determined before the foundation of the world, as we see in John 14:3, and Paul confirms it in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18. We will see the glory of Christ that the Father has given Him when He returns to establish the kingdom.
Ephesians 1:4 tells us that God chose us in Jesus Christ before the foundation of the world, and salvation was part of God's plan. The word " chose, " from the Greek word eklego, means to pick out for oneself, to choose, elect, or select. God's plan and purpose for humanity was for us to have eternal life in Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:19-20 explains that Jesus, through His obedience to the Father and His sinless life as a lamb without blemish and spot, shed His blood for us. This was foreordained before the foundation of the world. The word " foreordained " is derived from the Greek word proginosko, meaning to know beforehand, representing the foreknowledge of God, a plan manifested in the last times for us. Various verses refer to the foundation of the world, meaning from the creation of the earth and humanity.
Matthew 25:34 speaks of the glory in God's plan, in the mind of God, encompassing all things from beginning to end, something we as humans cannot fully comprehend. We see the culmination of this verse in Revelation 20:11-15.
See part 7.
I agree! I believe to present God as an angry God is misrepresenting God.
I would present God as Holy!
Nahum 1:3 reads "The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked (kjv).
However, "the wicked" is in italics. Perhaps it should read "The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit.
That means no one gets off!
Sin has to be paid for and the wages of sin is death!
And all have sinned and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:23.
Romans 6:23 reads "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
At this junction I would present God as a loving God pointing a lost soul to Romans 5:6-9 and " John 3:16-21" "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Romans 5:18 reads "Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
Adams sin has been imputed on to us. All human beings are counted as having sinned in Adam!
Jesus is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:2.
God is Holy, Just and Love.
God bless.
In light of yesterday's comments that I posted; surely this verse shows the works that are done with the proper attitude. Ephesians 2:10 describes works prepared for us from the Lord. In short it is His works done THROUGH us and His love should constrain us ( 2 Corinthians 14; also read verse 15). This passage read to verse 21 shows how we then evangelize to reconcile others toward God as we were.
Going back to the moment of salvation; it is rare to hear someone preach the fact these days that we are enemies of God ( Romans 5:10; Colossians 1:21 and many like passages). Someone coming to true faith should have some realization of this; but preaching about only the love of God (and that far short of what "Agape" means much of the time) naturally makes people hearing that message assume that we would fall head over heals for Him; especially if there are no "strings" attached. Being a slave of righteousness certainly isn't too popular either; or frankly the concept that His Spirit "possesses" us. I have emphasized that TRUST has to be there in our walk with Christ for it to be real. That is a crucial link to obedience because to really believe we assent that His Word can be trusted; AND council where the Lord is present is often how He ministers to us through discipleship. That of course assumes we are in a Biblically sound fellowship to begin with; and doesn't mean we aren't Bereans or always trust what any man can say. Nonetheless God has a purpose for the structure of His church and we should trust Him to lead us to such a fellowship and give us opportunities for wise counsel for ourselves as well as us toward others.
Of course we are commanded to love one another ( John 13:34-35). In the fellowship of the saints in particular we should see that if we offend our brothers and sisters we are doing it to the Lord. Sometimes if we don't love fellow saints we need to ask God to give us Agape.
Because Adam sinned, we all inherit the body of sin. We sin because we are born sinners. As a saved person, we should be reading and praying for clean spiritual health.
Romans 5:12
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into theworld, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
And be not conformed to thisworld: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
The gospel of grace was hid from the world and was given to Apostle Paul.
Romans 16:25
Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since theworldbegan,
If Satan would of known the gospel of grace, they would of never kill Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:8
Which none of the princes of thisworldknew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
Our spirit in our bodies are being attacked constantly by the evil spirits of this world.
Ephesians 6:12
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of thisworld, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Psalm 145:7
They shall abundantly utter thememoryof thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.
Some memories we have might not be good to remember.
Philippians 3:13
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting thosethingswhich arebehind, and reaching forth unto thosethingswhich are before,
The only memories we should have is our Salvation in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:2
By which also ye are saved, if ye keep inmemorywhat I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
Let's not forget the free gift that God gave us .
Romans 5:15
But not as the offence, so also is thefreegift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and thegiftby grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Was Jesus in heaven before creation? My understanding is no. Many will say Jesus is part of a Triune God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three distinct persons, all co-equal, and co-eternal so that would put Him in heaven before creation.
God is a Spirit John 4:24, so if Jesus were in heaven His form would be Spirit. Are there verses on their own that would support the Trinity, yes. But we must keep a verse in context and compare it to other Scriptures about the same subject and not start with the answer, or a preconceived idea. We should let the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit give us the answer and meaning.
A few thoughts. In John 1:1 what beginning is John referring to, the beginning of creation or the beginning of Jesus's ministry, when He was anointed with the Holy Ghost becoming the Messiah, Matthew 4:16-17. We see the same introduction in 1 John 1:1 and others. In Revelation 19:13 Jesus's name is called the Word of God is that saying Jesus is God?
God was manifested in Jesus through the Holy Spirit, 1 John 1:1, Luke 4:18, John 14:10. The life eternal that was with God was manifested on earth through Jesus that we may fellowship with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ 1 John 1:2-7.
I will not go on and on but to me, there is one problem the Trinity doctrine creates I cannot find an answer.
God is perfect and cannot change, in the doctrine that would be the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The law was made for man and a man had to fulfill it. A man who could sin had to live a perfect life without sin to pay the penalty. Jesus did and paid the penalties for sin with His death. God cannot die and God cannot sin nor can He be tempted James 1:13, so He could not fulfill the law. Jesus was born without sin as the first Adam but could sin, the first Adam was not obedient and sinned. The last Adam, Jesus, was obedient to the Father and sinned not Romans 5:19. If God sacrificed Himself John 3:16 is not true.
God bless,
RLW
Now we all know why we are sinners, it's one man's disobedience. " Adam "
Romans 5:19
For as by one man's disobedience many were madesinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
Blame it on Adam disobedience to God for our death, but God gives life .
1 Corinthians 15:22
For as inAdamall die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
We may all die in the flesh some day, but God give life through Jesus Christ .
Romans 6:23
For thewagesofsinis death; but the giftofGod is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Ray , in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the gospel that saves today in Apostle Paul's epistle.
The Bible's definition of sin is found in 1 John 3:4, which states, "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law".
The Hebrew word for sin is khata, which means "to fail" or "to miss the goal".
The Bible says that all people have sinned, and that sin leads to death.
Romans 5:6-10 reads "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
This shows that God loves sinners and died for them while they were still sinners.
Christ was lifted up on the cross "That WHOSOEVER believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, that WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life.
This is a display of God's Love in his redemptive plans of salvation to a lost world.
(For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.)
SO YES! This display of Love and INVITATION is to all sinners!!
HOWEVER, God doesn't pardon the sinner BY his Love!
HE PROVIDED A SAVIOR BY HIS LOVE!
Christ was lifted up, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish!
Blessings
Pt. 9
Note: the Got Questions excerpt begins with this:
This statement, "all have sinned," is found in Romans 3:23 ("For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God") and in the last clause of Romans 5:12 ("because all sinned"). Basically, it means that we're all lawbreakers, because sin is the violation of God's law ( 1 John 3:4). Sinfulness is the general characteristic of all mankind; we are all guilty before God. We are sinners by nature and by our own acts of transgression.
and ends with this
"The Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God" ( Psalm 14:2). And what does the all-seeing God find? "All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one" (verse 3). In other words, all have sinned."
To continue with my thoughts:
Some of Arminian persuasion do agree that fallen man needs God's grace to turn to Jesus, but tend to avow that God gives just enough grace for one to be free to make a choice for or against Jesus and His salvation. But my studies, especially in Romans, Ephesians, and Galatians, convinced me that God gives grace in full measure to His elect, not to only be freed to make a choice for or against the gospel, rather He grants His grace that ensures that the elect will repent and believe unto salvation. I will discuss this more in the next section. But for now, I think that when I came understand and accept the truth about man's depravity and inability to come to God before regeneration I can become so gladdened and thankful for what God has done in my life as one of His elect. These truths to me have become glorious as I came to the conviction that God's will is so much better than my own and His saving nature is supreme over my sinful nature. Therefore, I came to trust God more and more and surrender more and more of my reliance, reasoning, logic, and trust in what I thought was man's strengths to God.
See Pt. 10
Pt. 3
Another view is that the statement "all have sinned" refers only to personal sin arising from our sin nature. After clarifying in Romans 5:13-17 how personal sin is imputed and then spreads, Paul explains why "all die," even if they have not committed personal sin. The reason all receive this "death sentence" (5:18a) is that, through Adam's disobedience, all were "made sinful" (5:19a). The verb made means "constituted"; thus, the sin nature is an inherited condition that incurs a death sentence, even in those who are not yet guilty of personal sin (5:13-14). This inherited condition inevitably spawns personal sin when conscience matures and holds a person accountable as soon as he chooses to knowingly transgress the law (2:14-15; 3:20; 5:20a).
We are all sinners because Adam passed on his sinful condition that leads inevitably to our personal sin and death. All share Adam's death sentence as an inherited condition (the "sin nature") that is passed down to and through the human race and that every child brings into the world. Even before a child can be held accountable for personal sin, he or she is naturally prone to disobey, to tell lies, etc. Every child is born with a sin nature.
"The Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God" ( Psalm 14:2). And what does the all-seeing God find? "All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one" (verse 3). In other words, all have sinned."
See Pt. 4