Discuss Romans 8 Page 24

Romans 8:34, Romans 8:26,

Rebecca, our pastors take Malachi 3:8 out of context.

If you read the previous chapters you will see they were tithing, but they were bringing the sick and lame and spoiled grains unto the priest as their tithe. The priest had no land inheritance, therefore the tenth of the harvest, the VERY BEST OF THE HARVEST, was theirs.

Only products of the land were tithed, salaries and works of man's hands were not tithed.

All of this was done as a shadow of the TRUE.

Christ is calling out the tithe or first fruits of the harvest now, in this age.

Malachi 3:3 And he (Christ) shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he (Christ) shall purify the sons of Levi (the priest), and purge them as gold and silver, that they (the priest) may make offer into the Lord an offering of righteousness.

1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood .....

1 Corinthians 15:23 But every man in his (God's) own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterwards they that are Christ's at his coming (CHRIST IN YOU).

Romans 8:23 ....which have the firstfruits of the Spirit ....

Revelation 14:4 ....being the firstfruits unto God an to the Lamb.

GBU

Kay, is it your faith, or Christ faith: that has been given to you. If it's is his faith then it has to be HIS WORKS also.

Psalms 92:4 For thou Lord, has made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.

Psalms 92:3 O Lord, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.

Psalms 92:4 A brutish man knoweth not, nor doeth a fool understand this.

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

Revelation 2:27 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.

Kay, we died on the cross, the life now in us is Christ.

Colossians 1:27 .... this mystery.... CHRIST IN YOU....

Philippians 2:13 For it is God (CHRIST IN YOU) that WORKETH IN YOU both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.

We are the body of Christ.

Psalms 104:30 Thou (Father) sendeth forth thy Spirit (Christ in you), they are created, thou renewest the face of the earth (with son's of God).

Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature WAITETH for the manifestation of the Sons of God.

Romans 8:21 Because the creature itself shall be DELIVERED from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Rejoice is English translated, from Hebrew & Greek meanings research indicates= "cheer up, make glad", "make joy", "thrive", "to be well" "to gladden ",

It also means to "Hail" HIM meaning "to greet with enthusiastic approval", "salute", " acclimation of great success "

Understanding these meanings, we can take comfort & even joy in knowing HIS accomplishments, we can rejoice in all things. How would we react if HE arrives in the room? I imagine Jesus walking into a room in the flesh, wouldn't we "rejoice"? Wouldn't we salute Him, cheer or clap? Yes for sure!!! We would jump out of our seats rejoicing! Better than any sporting event, star etc.

We know there's power when Jesus was around & HE makes intercession for us. Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:27,

It says Matthew 18:20, HE is with us, John 16:23, John 14:14, Matthew 10:26-32,

When we look at the history of GOD's miracles, deliverances, love & provisions. We can "make glad" & salute HIM, rejoicing in THE LORD, what HE has done, what HE will do, Who HE is

Hopefully this is helpful & encouraging

Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Mark 13:11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.

Kay, is Christ saviour of the world or do you believe man has to save himself by not rejecting Christ.

1 Timothy 4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, that is the SAVIOUR OF ALL MEN, specially those that believe.

Philippians 1:29 For UNTO YOU IT IS GIVEN in behalf of Christ. not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.

Not all men are caused to believe, by Christ, in the age we are now in, but will do so after the next age.

Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of creation WAITETH for the MANIFESTATION OF THE SONS OF GOD,

Romans 8:20 For creation was MADE SUBJECT TO VANITY, not willingly, but by reason OF HIM who hath subjected the same IN HOPE,

Romans 8:21 For creation itself shall also BE DELIVERED from the bondage of corruption (the grave) into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Paul was rejecting the truth of God's word, but in a flash of light Paul fell to his knees.

God is perfectly capable of saving man.

And all UNBELIEVERS shall be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, which is the second death.

GBU

Deborah, no translation from one language to another is perfect. It matters not whether it is alway are always, we know from other scriptures through God's Word that thanksgiving and praise to God should be unending, in the fire or out of the fire.

Isaiah 24:15 Wherefore glorify ye the Lord in the fires ......

Romans 8:28 For we know that all things (even evil) work together for GOOD to them that love God, to them WHO ARE THE CALLED according to HIS PURPOSE.

GBU

Dear Denise, draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you. Read your Bible and pray. May the following verses be a comfort to you as they are to me.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Romans 8:38,39 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ps. 56:3 Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Dear Randall,

I checked in my NIV translation and it has this

"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit."

Hello Randall. More recent Bibles (e.g. NIV, NASB, RSV, etc.) do not show this last part of Romans 8:1 ("who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit"), as they take their translations from other Codices, such as Sinaiticus & Vaticanus. Whereas the KJV is translated from Textus Receptus (Received Text), which may not be as old as the others, but textually more accurate & reliable throughout. However, in Romans 8:4, we read those same words appearing here, & these are found in all the Manuscripts.

ROMANS 8

1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Ok, if you were a very bad anti-Christ spirit, would you add and delete things from the most used Bible in the world? Of course. You could be richer selling you're own version or brand.

Let us now memorize these next scriptures: REVELATION 22:18-21, Exodus 32:33, Deuteronomy 4:2 and 12:32

( good advise Deuteronomy 13:1-5 ), Gal. 1:8-9

I only buy Bibles that are published by THOMAS NELSON of Nashville.

You can find good Bibles on ABEbooks dot com. Read the description. You may want to upgrade to a KJV Bible Reference Bible. Preferably with center of each page, reference columns.

Matthew 6:9-13 and a slightly abridged version in Luke gives us Christ's instructions in HOW we ought to pray. We have the honor and praise to God (fulfilling the First Commandment); and an example of seeking His Kingdom first and His will to be done-then asking for our daily provisions; forgiveness of sins (commission/omission) as well as forgiving others; asking to not be led into temptation; and being delivered from evil; and once again acknowledging God's authority (yours is the Kingdom; power and glory). Our prayers therefore are encapsulated in us verbalizing and meditating on God's authority and Holiness.

This by no means should be a ritualistic prayer. When we look at it; there really isn't any miraculous manifestation asked for in terms of healing; casting out demons; etc. But it needs to be the foundation of our lives so that our testimonies are genuine and we are living not for ourselves but for God. Clearly; we are NOT to pray as James states to satisfy our lusts ( James 4:3). There are times when we need to say God help! and clearly in a crisis life and death moment that may be enough. Trust in God's provisions despite external circumstances AND that the works that He has for us from before the beginning of the world ( Ephesians 2:10) are two major factors in a good prayer life. Obviously; discipline to listening to His voice; spending quality frequent quiet times in prayer and the Word are helpful as well. It is helpful to understand His will and also to rest in the fact that we have a High priest ever interceding for us ( Hebrews 7:25); and Romans 8:33. We all see through a glass darkly; but should seek to grow in maturity and wisdom.

In Romans 8;1 Why is the second half of the verse missing which reads as follows? Who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit/ in new Bible versions?

Lord show us Your way Lord, the way that gives us fruits that do not go down into the earth. But bulging, lush Fruits that will forever be our witness that we love You O God. Night and day we cry out to You Lord. We can only do Your will. And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha. Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

Stay blessed in His Name Jesus Christ, love u all

Dear ones, I understand yours well "David", But do not understand how u answer? Marke - in Reply on Lamentations 3. So I answer with Romans Chapter 8 and 9. example: Romans 8:31-39 Amen

May the light shine in our hearts so that the heat flows it from our lives. In the Holy Name of Jesus Christ, Amen

Dear "Donya", in peace, try to understand my not perfect words and gramma.

Don't you think there can be a difference? And hang on a cross next to the Lord Jesus? For in a situation like crucifixion i would think that everyone has reached a stage where they fear for their life, soul and Spirit. I am sure God saves those people whom He has ordained. Anyway, but here we are not talking about being found worthy. We are predetermined. Romans 9:18-19 It is only thanksgiving and humility that we should show to the Almighty God, and wish all the best for all. He who intercedes for all His. Romans 8:27-30

Therefore, when people are baptized, they receive a promise that the whole family will be saved. Acts 16:31-34 Is not it worth baptizing for? :) Got some word from

Romans 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

29

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

30

Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

God bless us in Jesus Name, love u all

Originally I wrote a post saying that trying to show that "shall be made alive" in 1 Corinthians 15:22 is more than just physical resurrection may be trying to prove too much. But I was wrong.

The word translated "shall be made alive" zoopoiethesontai is derived from a word that is used in the New Testament for being resurrected or quickened to eternal life. Here are the other passages that use derivatives of this word:

John 5:21

John 6:63

Romans 4:17

Romans 8:11

1 Corinthians 15:36

1 Corinthians 15:45

2 Corinthians 3:6

Galatians 3:21

1 Peter 3:18

This word cannot mean life common to all men living and moving and having their being in Christ, nor can it mean simply resurrection to either eternal life or the second death. Under this meaning I am persuaded that the word "all" in 1 Corinthians cannot be an unlimited universal "all" and in both instances where it is used in this passage it is limited by the words "in Adam" and "in Christ". "In Christ" appears to be used in this passage by Paul in a similar way to the way he uses that phrase and the phrase "in Him" in Ephesians.

Ephesians 1:2-4,7,10,13,20

Ephesians 2:6-7,10,13,20-22

Ephesians 3:6,11-12

Ephesians 4:32

This also suggests that "all men" in Romans 5:18 is limited by the "one man" being referenced, either Adam or Christ.

The connection that Adam and Christ share in common with the "all" in 1 Corinthians 15:22 and Romans 5:8 has several different interpretations that have been offered. Personally I believe there is a federal headship connection. "Things done by one may be imputed unto others, propter relationem foederalem, because of a covenant relation between them." Hodge

I also believe Adam and Christ are uniquely qualified and appointed by God to be the first fruits of their respective seed. No other human beings can be presented before God in the way they can.

Dear "Tracy Hill", It was God who triumphed over death when He raised Jesus from the power of death, three days after Jesus died on the cross at Calvary. Jesus appeared to the Resurrection to many people. And the disciples had to wait in Jerusalem. After He ascended to heaven. Easter is about Jesus' death, 40 days later came Pentecost and then came the Holy Spirit. We know all this. Acts 2 In short.

But I think you're thinking about where in the end times we are now. Dear Friend, The apostles also believed that they were in the end times. So we are not confused, but looking ahead and knowing that we are now closer than ever. Repent, beloved, and be baptized of the Lord Jesus Christ, and you and all your house will be saved Amen.

My advice, Read Revelation dear. And get your own opinion, ask Jesus to open your mind to the kingdom of heaven and gain insight into the secrets that are from the very beginning of the Earth.

Romans 8:1-11 God bless us all in Jesus Name.

1Corinthians 4, understanding 1st pray & read: James 1:5,

1Corinthians 4:1 "Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of CHRIST, and the stewards of the mysteries of GOD." references: Mark 4:11, in context Mark 4:1-34, Romans 11:25, Romans 16:25-27, Ephesians 3, Revelation 10:7, some Old Testament references: Isaiah 53, Psalms 22, Zechariah 13:6, Leviticus 16:17, John 19,



Romans 14:12 : reference for several

1Corinthians 4:2, references: Titus 1:7,

1Corinthians 4:3-4, ref: Romans 8:33, Isaiah 50:8, Jude 1:24-25, Romans 14:13, Psalms 98:9,

1Corinthians 4:5, ref: Matthew 25:31-46, Hebrews 10:30, 2Thessalonians 2,

1Corinthians 4:6,7,8, ref: 1Corinthians 12, Deuteronomy 8:18, Psalms 75:6-7, John 19:11,

1Corinthians 4:9-14, Hebrews 11,

Hopefully these are helpful

Hi John.

The things you say you are lacking is listed in the fruit of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-25. It's not something we can manifest.

This may not come by motivational speakers or mere teachings although they're profitable as a seed already planted needing water for edification.

However it takes a belief in who all the scripture is written about. "Jesus". We have peace in his faithfulness, Not ours.

Hebrews 13:5-6.

Hebrews 12:1-2.

Romans 8:28-39.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Spiritual growth comes by feeding, hearing, believing. 1 Peter 2:2.

God bless

Hi Clay. There are several views on, what is referred to as the 'sign gifts'. Actually, the Gift from God is the Holy Spirit, & He indwells every believer who comes in repentance to the Cross, confessing their sins, & trusting in Jesus Christ for salvation ( Romans 8:9,16).

After the Holy Spirit indwells the believer, His manifestation comes in several ways; and we see this in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, by the 'grace-gifts' that are given "to profit withal", or 'for the benefit of all'. So, not every believer will receive the same or all of these 'graces'; some may receive one, others, more - as the Spirit gives, for the blessing of Christ's Church. In some circles, there is an emphasis on 'speaking in tongues' as the 'first sign gift' to show that the Spirit is present in the believer & working. But this is not correct in my understanding, as even the Apostle Paul asked some questions on this in 1 Corinthians 12:28-31; and of course, the answer to each of those questions is, 'No'. However, godly Love (Agape) is the chief manifestation of a Spirit-filled child of God (1 Corinthians chapter 13), above any 'grace-gift' bestowed upon us; without it, all other 'graces' will fall short of their full potential.

Hello Kay. Just in connection with Romans 8:20-22, the Greek word used is the same in all three instances, viz. 'ktisis', & this refers to 'creation'. Where 'creature' is written, parts of the creation are intended, which parts include all living creatures, flora, & anything else that has been affected by the fall & general corruption because of it.

All of creation awaits that glorious day of resurrection of the saints & the installation of Christ's Rule on the Earth; a time when Satan will be bound, sin will not abound, & all creation will have respite as Christ's Presence & Glory instigates much worldwide renewal. Though my understanding is that all will not be fully realized until the entrance of the new heavens & earth when all things will be manifest as per God's original Plan.

And I would agree with Rose; I don't believe that anything other than mankind are redeemable as God's creation of man is totally unique in every way, spirit, soul & body. Of the 'horses' we see in the Revelation, I understand that to be graphic imagery given to John (as in the beasts that rise out of the sea & earth), & do not depict actual animals or that there are stables & fields in Heaven. John was given much vision & information that would be too difficult to understand & relate, unless such 'pictures' were given him, but of course, these images were to clearly relate to their tasks & ensuing events. Of course, many will have their opinions from the reading of these passages, which makes no particular interpretation certain.

Dear Donna,

I stand in agreement with your prayers.

Lord Jesus we thank You for being with us as we join in prayer for Donna's sister.

May the powerful healing from our Lord Jesus Christ work to free Donna's sister from all sickness, all cancer, every infirmity in her flesh. By the stripes on His back, we are healed.

Matthew 18:18-20 says:

(18) Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth

(19) Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

(20) For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

We agree on earth in prayer and bind every cancer cell in Donna's body, in Your holy and blessed name, Lord Jesus. We also lift these prayers for every other person who may be experiencing this infirmity. The victory and the glory is Yours always Lord Jesus. Romans 8:28 says that 'all things work together for good to them that love God', and we thank You for this promise.

Please strengthen, encourage and comfort Donna and her family at this time, and every person in the earth that is facing this trial. Please allow them to witness Your powerful work in their lives during this difficult season. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

May the peace of our Lord be with you and your family Donna. You will remain in my prayers.

It should be noted that "accepting" Jesus is something the demons do according to James (and rather sarcastically at that). He is feared among them for His authority; but not worshipped as they gave up their rightful place through rebellion that they were created for. Christ is Lord over all creation; as all will bow down before Him. ( Isaiah 45:23). In terms of Savior; all those who are called are chosen. This is in a sense Him "accepting us" as He does into the beloved ( Ephesians 1:6). Even repentance is a gift according to other verses in Acts 11:18 for one example.

If we HAVE heard of Christ; then we can either worship Him and fall on our knees; or reject Him. This is how man understands God based on whether the Holy Spirit has truly done a work in him. Often; though we don't read John 3:16 as something beyond a one time act; it is worded that way though as a continual ongoing process. A true believer; according to Romans goes on to be glorified ( Romans 8:30). Time is infinite with God's perspective; as many things were decided before the foundation of the world. We can see this in Revelation; as well as all will worship the Beast not written in the Book of Life before the foundation of the world ( Rev. 13:8).

If we haven't heard of Him; then surely God will send a dream; vision or missionary as evidenced by many Muslims and others in the world today. Abraham was called and sent away from his pagan origins to the land of Promise by the Lord.

If we truly seek Him; there may be a process but we will find the truth. Romans 1 and Psalm 19 make man without excuse; as clearly in the Creation evidence of Him is seen. In all that we see how short we are of His glory; a tattered fallen Creation; and our need for rescue from inevitable physical death as well as begin to see a righteousness that we cannot obtain or reach in our fleshy nature. Ecclesiastes also states how God has put "eternity in their hearts." ( Ecclesiastes 3:11).

Dear Deborah Kuradal, You say you need God in your life right now...let me ask you this? Have you been born again? If you have, trust in Him. Here are some verses which have helped me.

1John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Romans 8:38,39 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ps. 56:3 Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord

Have you been born again? If not, here is the Way.

"As it is written, 'There is none righteous, no, not one.'" ( Romans 3:10)



"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." ( Romans 3:23)



"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." ( Romans 6:23)



"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." ( Romans 5:8)



"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." ( Romans 10:13)



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. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.- Romans 10:9-13

God bless you!

Ecclesiastes 3:21 indicates that the soul (or breath) of an animal descents downward to the earth; whereas of man it ascends upward (as man dies once and goes to judgment Heb. 9:27). This is; as far as I can see the only verse that indicates what happens after an animal dies.

One could infer that with "all creation travailing" ( Romans 8:22) that death has caused all of His creation; designed to live eternally to be interrupted from that purpose. There is no specific verse that would indicate a Resurrection of an animal; but with a new heaven and earth it certainly can't be ruled out.

Humans; as the scriptures show were created with "eternity in their hearts." ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). We also have some understanding of good and evil; hence unlike animals we are sinners (see Romans 1; Psalm 19). With Christ; we have His Spirit living in us; and praise God He will never leave nor forsake us. Without Christ; as the Psalms state we are as brute beasts; and we surely have no hope.

God did; however allow the serpent in the garden to be used as a conduit for Satan. This apparently caused the species to have to crawl in the dirt rather than stand upright after that event. It would seem somehow that the serpent itself was cursed as though it had some affinity for evil. That raises questions I can't fully answer. The case of Balaam and the talking donkey in Numbers 22 shows how an animal spoke; and surely showed proper reverence for God; as well as showing how an animal can see into the spiritual dimension when man is too dumb and blinded himself to do this. There is another example in Kings where a lion stood next to a donkey after mauling the disobedient prophet. There were also verses where lions were kept from mauling David; but afterwards God had them maul His enemies. God surely provides as He does for the birds in their great feast in Armageddon; even creatures in the burning fringes of hell in other verses. There is a master plan for all creation.

Romans 8:15-23

The purpose of this passage is to explore what is promised by the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba, Father. The promise goes far beyond our souls and the glorious redemption of our bodies. It encompasses all aspects of the creation God gave Adam and Eve dominion over.

Since Adam did possess a soul and was put over all creatures, the consequence of his fall and the curse placed on Eve, Adam and the Serpent has affected far more than humanity. The creatures remained subject to Adam and Eve have been subjected to the fall and curse with them.

Fortunately for them and us, Christ is the second Adam, and the redemption God will bring about through Him won't merely equal the fall and curse in it effects, it will far exceed them. As a result, the creatures also share in the reign of Christ and the fulfillment of the promised hope of His Spirit of adoption in us.

So do animals need a soul to benefit from Christ? No. Is there a future for them in God's plan in Christ? Yes.

Hello Roy,

Wonderful question and I would suspect that the majority of us have pondered this at some moment in our lives.

Over the years I have read(heard) many illogical and unbiblical answers. So what we all would like to know is how did Noah really live to be 950 years old!? Was the length of a year different? Did the Earth spin faster?(small joke)

I will offer what I believe to be a biblical view that coincides with many a scripture.

Romans 8:13-17

We know that the first man in creation, being Adam, was formed in God's image, His perfection. Man formed in perfection. The closer we get to the first generations of God's creation the more God-like I believe they must have been.

Galatians 3:13 Jeremiah 17:5-6

Once sin began to take course the following generations began to suffer. As time passed and we come to Moses, he only lived to be 120.

I believe that in the Garden of Eden God's creation of man had fallen due to the fall of man. In other words, had sin not infiltrated the generations of man we would still be having a conversation, today, with men of long ago. Imagine having children at 100, or serving our Lord for 900 years. I can't even fathom. Those first men must also have shared Much more in common with God than we do. Today we are "built cheap" because of sin.

Another thought if I may. During the fall in Eden God also cursed the ground. Imagine what our world would be today.

I hope that this helps to understand the question of time being different in the OT days vs modern day.

God Bless you brother

Numbers 1:49,

Hello Whitfield. It appears confusing & contradicting when we look at 2 Samuel 24:1 & then compare it with 1 Chronicles 21:1. The first Scripture suggests that it was God Who incited King David to conduct this census, whereas the second Scripture tells us that it was Satan who was involved. I see this matter with David as similar to the encounter that Satan had with Job ( Job 1:6-12), where Satan came before God desiring to test Job's mettle. God sometimes uses or allows Satan to have his way with people for a variety of reasons; in the case with Job, to test his love & faithfulness to the God he worshipped & served; & in the case of King David, to test his trust in the power & sovereignty of the God Who was his delight. Job passed - David failed.

If it weren't for the 2 Chronicles reference, one could easily accept that God instigated David to sin; but God's Spirit saw to it that we would be clear in understanding this: that God allowed David to fall under the testing of Satan. And by David hearkening to Satan's voice rather than trusting in the Power & Will of God for him & all Israel, we see that David failed & allowed his desire to know the strength of his forces against his enemies rather than trusting that God can deal with any enemy with only a few men or even none. 1 Samuel 14:6, reveals this Truth, when Jonathan declared to his armour-bearer, "for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few." And it was this faith by Jonathan in God, that got him the victory.

Even with Joab, David's army captain urging him to not take that path to conduct this ill-considered census, David even disregarded his advice, rather gave into his own fleshly lusts, inspired of Satan, to disregard the power of God & to elevate his own power & prestige. So, in 2 Samuel 24:1, God's Anger was "kindled against Israel" & "moved in David", but I believe it would be correct to give much regard to Satan's initial work of inspiration to bring folly to the people of God.